Ted Pennella

Ted is an Oklahoma City-based architect, writer, gamer, and pithy observer of the human condition. As an architect, he's keenly aware of layout, design, and spatial relations, which also benefits him as a storyteller. With short stories and novels published, Ted fills his copious free time filled with woodworking, friends, family, and endeavoring to create the perfect cheesecake.

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12:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Hope vs. Despair: How Sci-Fi Imagines the Future

From Star Trek's utopian ideals to Cyberpunk's corporate dystopias, sf has always wrestled with our best and worst possible futures. Join us as we break down how these visions of tomorrow shape our present.

Moderator: David Rike

Panelists: Allison Stein, Ted Pennella, Charles Dane Clark, David Rike

4:00 PM | Location: Sooner A

Distinguishing Factors: How Society Shapes Who We Are

Is individuality a form of freedom, or do societal expectations define us? This discussion examines how culture, identity, and personal expression are shaped by the push and pull of norms and self-determination.

Moderator: Stephen Patrick

Panelists: A.C. Smart, Ted Pennella, Stephen Patrick, Selina Rosen, Andrew Scheffe

10:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+

LGBTQ+ in Anime: From Subtext to Spotlight (18+)

Anime has a rich (and sometimes messy) history of LGBTQ+ representation. Join us for an uncensored look at the best and worst examples of queer themes in anime, from progressive portrayals to questionable subtext, in this 18+ panel.

Moderator: Birdie

Panelists: Red Bard, Ted Pennella, Veronica Brodsky, Birdie

8:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+

Out of This World: Love, Lust, and Aliens (18+)

In the infinite expanse of the cosmos, where you might encounter intergalactic species with all kinds of exotic features -- and maybe even a sexy alien bug -- does gender or sexual orientation even matter? Join us for a saucy discussion where we dive deep into the diverse, ever-expanding world of space exploration, alien species, and the fluid nature of attraction in the universe. Get ready for a fun, 18+ conversation about how space might just be the ultimate playground for all kinds of love, lust, and curiosity.

Moderator: Vickey Malone Kennedy

Panelists: Chelsea Haldane, Trina Jacobs, Ted Pennella, Vickey Malone Kennedy, Diego Tezen

10:00 AM | Location: Oklahoma G

NIRATIAS: Nothing is Real and This Is a Simulation

Could we all be living in a simulated reality? Explore the scientific theory behind the idea that our universe may be a highly advanced simulation. From cutting-edge physics to the philosophical implications, we'll break down the evidence and ideas supporting this mind-bending hypothesis. Are we truly in control -- or is it all just an elaborate program? Join us for a deep dive into one of the most fascinating and unsettling questions of our time.

Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD

Panelists: Max Griffin, Dara Fogel, PhD, Ted Pennella, A.C. Smart, David Rike

1:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage