STEM & Innovation
1:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
Replicators in the Making: A Beginner's Guide to 3D Printing
New to 3D printing? This panel covers the basics of the technology, from what's available to everyday consumers to the future possibilities of 3D-printed objects. Experts will walk you through the current options, provide insights on getting started, and explore the exciting developments just around the corner. Whether you're looking to print at home or learn about cutting-edge advances, this panel has you covered!
Moderator: Brian Russell
Panelists: Brian Russell, Chad Albee, Matthew Cavanaugh, Pete Dixon, Rachel Strouhal
2:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Reclaimed Fabrication: Turning Trash into Treasure
In the world of sci-fi, nothing is truly useless. This panel explores how unlikely, repurposed items are transformed into iconic props and set pieces, proving that in the future, trash can become treasure. From makeshift tech to salvaged spacecraft, we'll dive into the art of reclaiming and reimagining everyday objects to create the futuristic worlds we love. Join us as we celebrate creativity, resourcefulness, and the brilliance of sci-fi design.
Moderator: Collin Salmonowicz
Panelists: Collin Salmonowicz, Divine Creations Cosplay, Divine Creations Cosplay, Julie Barrett, Selina Rosen
2:00 PM | Location: Noble
The Static Field Workshop
Come make tinfoil hats with us and learn about Michael Faraday and Faraday cages and what they do. Be zany, be silly but let’s see who can make the silliest tinfoil hat! We might also learn a thing or 2 about Nikolai Tesla and how he and Faraday worked together.
Moderator: Elaina Hamilton
Panelists: Elaina Hamilton, Nicholas H.
3:00 PM | Location: Noble
Marshmallow Constellations
Ever stared at the stars and wondered what secrets they hold? Come hear epic legends—and craft your own marshmallow constellations!
Moderator: Madison
Panelists: Madison
3:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
The Future of Artificial Intelligence: Where Do We Draw the Line?
AI is advancing at a rapid pace, from art generation to decision-making systems. But where should we set ethical boundaries? Will AI ever achieve true consciousness, and if it does, what rights should it have? Join the discussion on how AI is shaping our future.
Moderator: David Rike
Panelists: David Rike, Kayla Argo, Robb Wetmore, Trey Nester
9:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Stellarium: Myths and Legends of the Night Sky
What do the stars say? Across cultures and religions, the night sky has inspired myths, legends, and spiritual beliefs. This panel will uncover the stories behind constellations and their significance in folklore, mythology, and history.
Moderator: Mel. White
Panelists: Joshua Caudill, Laura J. Underwood, Mel. White
12:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Aliens Among Us: How Sci-Fi Reflects Our Relationship with "The Other"
Aliens in science fiction often symbolize the unknown or "the other." This panel delves into how depictions of extraterrestrial life mirror real-world attitudes toward cultural differences, migration, and coexistence. What do our aliens say about us, and how can they challenge our perspectives?
Moderator: Cap’n Ed
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, Cap’n Ed, David Carrico, Gypsy Jess, Tim Frayser
3:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Rejected, Revived, Respected: The Life Cycle of Scientific Theories
Not all discredited science stays in the dustbin of history. Some theories are revived with new evidence, while others refuse to die despite being debunked. Join us for a discussion on the messy, evolving nature of scientific progress.
Moderator: Mel. White
Panelists: Major Bill Leaf, Mel. White, Pigeon, Tim Frayser, Trina Jacobs
3:00 PM | Location: Noble
Alien Slime
It came from outer space... and it’s squishy! In this hands-on activity, kids will mix up their very own batch of glowing, glittery, or even gooey alien slime to take home. Learn a little science, make a little mess, and have a whole lot of fun with this extraterrestrial experiment that’s part craft, part creature feature!
Moderator: Addie
Panelists: Addie, Nicholas H.
3:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 2 Boardroom
How To Design Your Own Starfighter - Sketch & Learn
Follow JEO Creations as he guides you through the creation process of your very own starfighter! This sketch and learn workshop is great for any skill level!
Click here to reserve your spot.
Limit: 14
Moderator: Eric Osborn/ JEO Creations
Panelists: Eric Osborn/ JEO Creations
4:00 PM | Location: Noble
Chromatography
Did you know black ink isn’t just black? Discover the science of chromatography—where kids become color detectives! Using markers, water, and other everyday items, we’ll reveal the secret rainbow hiding in everyday colors. It’s part science, part art, and all awesome!
Moderator: Addie
Panelists: Addie
5:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
AI Art or Human Heart? Spotting the Difference
As AI-generated art becomes more common, discerning between human-made and machine-created pieces can be tricky. In this panel, experts will share tips and tricks for identifying AI-generated art, from subtle details in texture and style to the nuances of creative choices. We'll also discuss where to find and support authentic, human-made art, and how to make sure your purchases go to the artists who deserve it. Join us for a deep dive into the world of digital art and learn how to recognize the difference while still enjoying the creativity that both humans and machines bring to the table.
Moderator: Trey Nester
Panelists: Jerry Bennett, Kayla Argo, Max Griffin, Tim Chessmore, Trey Nester
5:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Flawless 3D Prints for Cosplay: Finishing & Smoothing Tips
Want to make your 3D prints look flawless? This panel covers the best techniques for smoothing, priming, and finishing your prints for cosplay and prop-making, so they look like they came straight from a pro workshop!
Moderator: Imouto Works
Panelists: Collin Salmonowicz, Imouto Works, Joshua Caudill, The Geeky Seamstress
6:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and You: DIY Robotics on a Budget
Think robotics is expensive? Think again! Hobbyists and tinkerers can build impressive projects using affordable microcontrollers like Arduino and Raspberry Pi. This panel will introduce you to low-cost robotics projects, essential programming tips, and how to turn your ideas into reality.
Moderator: Caleb Haldane
Panelists: Brian Russell, Caleb Haldane, Collin Salmonowicz, Julie Barrett
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer B
The Future of Work: Automation, AI, and Universal Basic Income
As automation and artificial intelligence continue to transform industries, what happens to the concept of work in the future? Could jobs as we know them become obsolete, and if so, what does that mean for the economy and social structures? This panel will explore the potential for a future society where robots handle the mundane and humans are freed to pursue creative, intellectual, or leisure-based endeavors. Will Universal Basic Income be the solution, or will society find itself in a new kind of class struggle?
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: Aislinn Burrows, Jeff Provine, Mel. White, Stephen Patrick, Tim Chessmore
11:00 AM | Location: Sooner B
LED Bowties
Bow Ties are cool, and they're even more cool when they light up! Learn how basic electrical circuits work as you build an LED bow tie. (45 minutes. Limit 16 participants, suitable for ages 8+. Bring an adult to assist.)
Moderator: Julie Barrett
Panelists: Julie Barrett
11:00 AM | Location: Oklahoma G
Retro Gaming: Style vs. Substance
What makes retro games so timeless? Is it the pixel-perfect art, the unforgettable chiptunes, or the way they were built to challenge (or punish) players? Have modern games lost something essential, or have they just evolved? Join us as we dive into the unique charm of classic games, explore whether their magic can be recaptured, and debate if today's developers can ever truly recreate that old-school feel.
Moderator: Caleb Haldane
Panelists: Caleb Haldane, J.H. Fleming, Neal Hallford, Nick Campbell
12:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Humanity Among the Stars: The Ethical Implications of Colonizing Other Planets
As humanity looks to the stars, the possibility of colonizing other planets becomes ever more plausible. But what ethical questions arise when we consider colonizing worlds beyond Earth? From terraforming to the displacement of potential alien life, this panel will explore the moral quandaries surrounding space colonization, examining how these issues are handled in speculative fiction and how they may play out in the real world.
Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Charles Dane Clark, Dara Fogel, PhD, Robb Wetmore
12:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
Intro to Sewing: Tips, Techniques, and Tools
Want to start sewing but don't know where to begin? This panel covers the basics of sewing, from essential tools and techniques to beginner-friendly projects. Perfect for cosplayers, DIYers, and anyone interested in fabric crafting!
Moderator: The Geeky Seamstress
Panelists: Brenna, GalaxyGh0st, The Geeky Seamstress, TKM Cosplay
1:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
From Tin Men to Terminators: Robots in Pop Culture
From loyal companions to existential threats, robots have fascinated us for decades. Explore their evolution in movies, TV, anime, and beyond, and how they reflect our hopes -- and fears -- for the future.
Moderator: David Rike
Panelists: David Rike, Magician Michael Corley, Mark Alfred, Peri Charlifu
2:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
Building Your First Robot: A Beginner's Guide
Ever wanted to build a robot but didn't know where to start? This panel covers the basics of robotics for beginners, from choosing the right microcontrollers and sensors to programming simple movements. Whether you're into BattleBots, humanoids, or automation, we'll help you take your first steps into the world of robotics.
Moderator: Collin Salmonowicz
Panelists: Chad Albee, Collin Salmonowicz, Elaina Hamilton, Joshua Caudill