Missoula's Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention

Come on in to get in on the fun to be had at electronic gaming!

On Friday, this room is an open gaming room. You can grab a table and start up a game or jump into something with other people. Check out the gaming schedule at the Gaming HQ in Ballroom A to see all the gaming we've got going on.

Here's your first opportunity to meet and hang out with MisCon 36's artists. You can talk art, ask questions, have a cup of coffee (or something stronger), get things signed, whatever you want. Just come hang out.

From historical artifacts to back alley gambling, dice have played a vital part in mankind’s journey. “Shaking the Bones” has taken many forms throughout the years, from simple games of chance and pleasure to tools of divination and beyond. Come examine how dice and their uses have evolved over time. Discover the mystical, marvelous roles these seemingly simple objects play. Learn a bit of history and some fun tricks and games.

Let's discuss sidekicks and supporting casts in our stories. More details to come

Meet a few of our authors, get signatures, and see what they're up to these days.

Join electronic gaming for their all day/all weekend options. They have VR, Beatsaber, Open play, Game checkouts, Dance Dance Revolution, e-gaming challenges, Arcade cabinets, and Dragon Ball Fighter Z! Visit electronic gaming in Ball room A to sign up!

A look into the work of our super cool artists.

This panel is an overview of different applique techniques and which fabrics they work with including iron on vinyl, fabric paint and more.

A Q&A session with Author GoH Charlaine Harris. If time allows, we will take audience questions.

Join in a discussion with experienced campaign gamemasters on how to make your games memorable beyond the joy of rolling a critical hit. Easy yet vibrant NPCs, describing scenes of all sorts, and how to avoided the dreaded “take turns whacking each other until someone falls” trap of fight storytelling.

Meet a few of our authors, get signatures, and see what they're up to these days.

Have you ever played a character in an RPG who looks or acts nothing like you do every other day of the week? In doing so, have you ever found something familiar or true in the character that later, you'd see in yourself? Roleplay and identity are intermingled, and the experiences and stories we weave inform the lives we lead beyond the fourth wall. Come discuss that process with longtime storytellers Shan and Avery, who themselves are trans and have opinions on the subject.

Jones Family Magic will set up for their show for M36

Sometimes fanfiction is so baffling, so embarrassing, so badly written and ill-conceived that it becomes a work of unintentionally comic genius. Join us for an hour of reading hilariously awful fanfiction.

Store-bought costumes are okay, but maybe no store sells the one you want, or they don't fit right, or it would be SO much better with just a few tweaks. Come make your own costume & know that you won't see anyone else wearing the same thing!

A make and take demo where we will make dice bags and learn basic hand sewing skills. 2hr panel everything will be supplied by panel runner and audience gets to take their dice bag home!

Whether you’re traditionally or self published, chances are you’ll be responsible for the bulk of your marketing. How, as an author, do you develop this skill set? What are some basic things you can do to get started? What are some good resources?

Ladies and gentlemen, beings of all kinds, shapes and ages---this is your chance to see the spectacle of a lifetime! Stage illusions, mentalism, deeds of mystery and danger—and more! Watch Jones Family Magic combine traditional magic and sideshow performance into a mystic, marvelous and puzzling show you won’t forget. How do they do that? Why?? Wonders await! Come and enjoy!

Whether this is your first or fiftieth Con, join the conversation on how to get what you want from your Con experience without accidentally stepping on anyone's metaphorical toes.

Learn the basics of true magic. The earth has provided everything we need to live our best lives. We just need to tap into our inner fairy/healer/witch. With the fortifying nature of dōTERRA essential oils you will learn targeted wellness to restore:
HP (immunity)
Mana (emotional)
Dexterity (pain)
We will also discuss how to make potions for love, sleep, mental focus, and pretty much anything you can imagine. No cost and a free gift!

Meet a few of our authors, get signatures, and see what they're up to these days.

This is a survey of basic ways to alter, take in, expand, and shape garments. Participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring examples of items that have been altered to share, and to bring items in need of alteration for brainstorming. As this is a huge subject, this will partially be an audience-driven panel, with discussion of alteration challenges posed by attendees, as well as general techniques.

We'll discuss ways of shaping all types of metals from steel to copper to brass to adamantium and vibranium. We'll have some chasing and repoussee tools on hand and might even beat on some metal.

This is an interactive workshop where Frog, Esther, and the audience take a novel idea and convert it into something that makes sense on paper. Participants will plan a scifi/fantasy novel with the authors-from finding an opening hook, to pushing through the muddy middle, to delivering that final climatic punch.

We've all wondered at the many and diverse uses of tampons... Haven't we? Well, even if you haven't, come to this panel and learn the secret uses of tampons.

Watch artist Jeff Sturgeon work on a painting.

Watch the best of MisCon 36's International Film Festival's Horror film shorts submissions.

SageFenCon Presents a garden fairy workshop. More details to follow.

By the light of day, let's discuss things that go bump in the night. The mysterious. The unknown. Secretive things that lurk in the dark. Why are we fascinated with ghoulies and ghosties and other sneaky denizens of the night? Lets delve into the origins of fables, folk tale, and history to bring to the surface the theory of origins for various troupes and classic stories that have come to make up our modern day mythos of things that lurk just beyond the meniscus of light.

Meet a few of our authors and artists, get signatures, and see what they're up to these days.

From armor to props, craft foam is easy, versatile cosplay tool great for beginners and those wanting to level up their cosplay.

A new trend is starting to make its way into popular entertainment today. From escape rooms to pseudo LARP's and even more thematic tabletop games, immersion has become a driving factor in entertainment. Come hear some experts discuss how this applies to the gaming we do on a daily basis, what we see as the trends rise and fall, and where Immersive Storytelling is heading next!

Am I an imposter? Are you? How do we know? Let's discuss impostor syndrome, how to get past it, and how to realize you're not an impostor. Unless you are. Or I am... wait, what? Argh!

Your characters want things, right? They have goals. But conflict arises when something gets in the way. Let's discuss the different kinds of conflict in fiction and ways to bring it to the page in your own work.

Come in costume (or not) and join us for a brief stroll around downtown Missoula to ring in the start of MisCon and announce to the usual inhabitants of our fair city that we've arrived! We're going to walk down Higgins Street to Broadway, cross the street, then head back along Higgins and through Caras Park back to the hotel for opening ceremonies.

Join our GoHs at MisCon 36's Opening Ceremonies and find out what's going on throughout the weekend.

Come one come all to a Fellowship of Cosplay. Bring your favorite Costumes! Come Celebrate with us as we sing/dance/discuss all things Cosplay! We ask that you wear a Cosplay outfit. Please come and take pictures and post them.

Grab a drink and join a few of our artists in the hotel bar for a fun session of drinking and "drawing" a couple of MisCon's cosplayers. Now's your chance to hang out with our artists in a less formal situation. We're curious to see each artist's take on the subject.

Okay, really it's just karaoke, but you never know who you might impress unless you show up and sing your heart out!

Come paint your own cool mask!

What are tropes, how are they used, and how can we use them effectively as story-telling tools without falling back on the same old cliches?

Let's talk about the less fun side of being an artist: the business. What does it take to make a living through your art? What are the pitfalls? Downsides? How do you start?

A walk through of how to identify your props, budgeting, construction methods, tips and tricks and materials that may surprise you.

Let's talk about comics in their many forms. How do they work? Are there different categories of comics?

Join Dark Moon Fusion, a local Missoula belly dance troupe, and learn some basic belly dance movement. No experience necessary. Wear something easy to move in and bring some water so you're ready to sweat!

Come on in to get in on the fun to be had at electronic gaming!

Author GoH Charlaine Harris will sign books. You are limited to 3 items signed per trip through the signing line. This is a tightly controlled event, and you can line up early.

Come play with the Realm of Stygia fighters. They will demonstrate their weapons, armor, and combat techniques. If you come at the right time throughout the day, you'll get to jump in and try your hand at it.

Join electronic gaming for their all day/all weekend options. They have VR, Beatsaber, Open play, Game checkouts, Dance Dance Revolution, e-gaming challenges, Arcade cabinets, and Dragon Ball Fighter Z! Visit electronic gaming in Ball room A to sign up!

Make your own unicorn horn.

Hang out with some of MisCon's artists as they draw, paint, or play around with whatever catches their interest. Want to bring your own art materials and make your own stuff? Please do. Want to ask questions about anything art-related? Now is your chance. Just want to eat a sandwich and watch Rob Carlos draw some awesome dragons? Come have a seat. This is an informal hangout session--come and go as you like, or drop in for a few minutes between panels.

Bust, waist, hips, oh my! Everything with costumes starts with knowing your measurements and in this panel we’ll walk you through how to take them properly. You’ll get to walk away with a handy dandy sheet with the most important ones written down so you can start your shopping, commissioning, and sewing adventures!!

Meet Bozeman Paranormal and see what they're up to these days.

Stage combat, sparring, and actual fights all differ in technique so how do you make sure you are creating realistic yet interesting fight scenes for your characters in your games & stories?

Are sneaky bad guys following you around the carnival? If they are, come here and learn how to get rid of them.

If you have the perfect costume, perfect
hair, and perfect makeup, and need some help in capturing your perfect picture, we've got you covered. This panel will cover ways to put your
best foot forward to get irrefutable evidence of your magic cosplay moment. Learn how to get the perfect picture from experienced Cosplayers and Photographers.

Ever wanted to learn to throw an axe or knife and get that satisfying ‘thunk’ as it hits its target? Wonder if it’s like it’s shown in the movies? Come on out to the throwing range and learn to throw knives, axes, and maybe some other Fun Sharp Pointy Things! We’ll also talk about how TV & movies portray thrown weapons and how that squares up with reality.

Join us for MisCon's annual First Page Idol! Here's how it works: Hand in the FIRST PAGE of your story at the start of the panel. Pages will be randomly chosen and read aloud. Our panelists will indicate when, had the submission come across their desk, they'd stop reading and tell us why. Submissions will be anonymous and will not be returned. (All submissions may not be read).

In this Panel we will demonstrate how to take plain alcohol (such as cheap vodka) and turn it into delicious beverages fit for celebrations or gifts. This year we will show you how to make: Orange Liqueur, Vanilla extract, Bay Rum, and Drambuie. If you would like to learn an extraordinary craft, please come and spend an hour or two with us.

A fun, high energy dance class that uses sexy burlesque moves to raise your heart rate and get you moving. Combined with a lively soundtrack, you're sure to bump, grind and shimmy your way to a healthier you.

Let's discuss dialogue. No, this is not a snappy description.

What gamemaster hasn’t had the urge to just tinker with a game system just a little bit? What player hasn’t been delighted, or horrified, by house rules that change the dynamics of a game system? Come talk about game balance, problem solving, problem making, and how to pull it all together when creating a house rule. Bring some examples of the best and worst you’ve seen!

Werewolves & Bigfoots & Ghosts, oh my! Join the Bozeman Paranormal Group for a discussion on reported paranormal sightings in Montana. Attendees are encouraged to share their own experiences.

Meet a few of our authors, get signatures, and see what they're up to these days.

Dystopia Rising is the worlds largest networked LARP, with 22 chapters throughout the US and over 15,000 active members. Come learn about what it is we do, how we do it, and why it has risen to be one of the most recognizable LARP's in the world! (I'll even tell the story about how we were almost a TV show...)

So you want to make a pattern from scratch? This panel is a continuation of the measurements panel. We'll be taking the measurements sheet we made and demoing how it can be used to create a base shirt pattern that can use again and again!

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Join our authors as they read from their latest works! (25 minutes a piece)

Tools and tips for maintaining mental health and manage anxiety in the crowded and complicated environment of a convention setting.

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Staff will set up for IRON NOODLE! which begins at 2pm. If you want to participate in the contest, show up some time during this hour.

Come chill with us as we watch fun videos by some of our fellow fans, geeks, and outside-the-box creatives.

Cosplayers of all skill levels are encouraged to attend this informational panel about MisCon's Costume Contest. We'll review how to enter the contest, what to expect during judging, and how to present your costume to the adoring public. We'll then cover some basic advice for all cosplayers to help make the costume contest and presentation easy and fun.

Author Peter Wacks reads from his reference-packed story in the upcoming Cthulhu Fhcon anthology--and each reference marks off a bingo square. Get bingo, and eldritch prizes might be yours!

MisCon artist Rob Carlos can paint very fast when he wants to. Come watch him pour on the coal and zip out something amazing in 50 minutes.

Meet a few of our authors, get signatures, and see what they're up to these days.

What is most important for a good story: a fast moving, engaging plot, or characters you can identify with (or at least care about?) Can you have one without the other? When should you? And, does plot emerge from the character’s needs and desires, or is the character born to serve the plot?

Experience the arts of mentalism, magic and illusion at first hand. Watch Lord Alden mystify with magical manipulation of objects uncommon and arcane, while Sir James the Magnificent captivates your imagination with cards, creations, and changing wonders. Playing the odds or wondering what to do next? Join Madame Azira in the mysteries of dice, things that move with a mind of their own.

Come explore the work of the clown now and throughout history. Take a look at how these iconic entertainers reveal mankind’s deepest secrets and darkest fears, all within the context of memories we cannot forget. From the Big Top to high finance, from circus to church and royal court, the Clown lets us see our world of greasepaint, laughter sharp insight and mime. Investigate the types and roles of clowns and discover why they are so important throughout history and today.

Prepare to be entertained! Hollywood prop master Dragon Dronet will give en energetic presentation on many of the movies, games, and tv shows he's worked on.

Do you love ramen? How about an eating contest? Join us outside for some free lunch (for those who participate) and laughs for the crowd.

Tattoos are an essential element to give your fantasy charter depth, personality and originality. But there is an art to tattoos beyond their design. Placement and direction are key to achieving believability that will truly bring your characters to life. In this course we will cover placement, flow, and content for decorating your fantasy characters.

In this panel we will discuss how to get started in cosplay. We will show you how to turn everyday items into cosplay masterpieces. We'll talk about patterns (using and making them), and common materials like fabrics, EVA foam, Worbla, 3D printed plastic, leather, old stop signs, etc.

Meet a few of our authors, get signatures, and see what they're up to these days.

Let’s look at how authors insert their own personal beliefs into their fiction. Do authors have a duty to try to influence hearts and win over minds to their way of thinking? Or is it the opposite? Should they just try to entertain us? Let us escape into Mordor for a good time? Maybe we'll find some meaning in this panel.

Let's take a look at Jeff Sturgeon's art!

Let's discuss ways to organize story ideas. What do writers use? Software like Scrivener, One Note, Google Drive? Post-it notes? Notebooks?

Let talk about how to work with others professionally, networking, and working with customers, commissioners, and patrons. Professionalism never looked so charming.

Sometimes you’ve got a costume with huge wings, a helmet that restricts your vision, or a fursuit with a sweeping tail or more. Come learn about what a costume handler is, does, and when you should consider inviting a friend to be yours.

Come build your own Dungeons and Dragons character.

String theory isn't concerned with strings. Or is it? If you're not sure, come learn just exactly what it is.

Watch our artists play a vicious game of Pictionary against each other.

Learn the basics of true magic. The earth has provided everything we need to live our best lives. We just need to tap into our inner fairy/healer/witch. With the fortifying nature of dōTERRA essential oils you will learn targeted wellness to restore:
HP (immunity)
Mana (emotional)
Dexterity (pain)
We will also discuss how to make potions for love, sleep, mental focus, and pretty much anything you can imagine. No cost and a free gift!

Meet the Silverman Brothers, some Missoula kids who make and sell their own wooden swords.

Join our author Dan Solum as he reads from his latest works!

Ever wanted to learn how to play Magic: The Gathering? Now's your chance! Starter packs will be provided.

Learn how to grab your reader's attention and draw them in until they can't put down your story.

Comics, Storyboarding, and Animatics. Let's discuss how to tell stories through pictures.

Join Brian as he creates a vibrant campaign setting in real time using only audience inputs, his imagination, and the power of the internet. Over the course of an hour, Brian will show how to create compelling cultures, realistic geography, and effective adventure hooks, which will result in a campaign setting that can be used right away!

Corsets, panier, hoops, bustles and shapewear - learn about the history of underpinnings and how they can enhance your costume/cosplay.

Can you tie your shoes? Can you tell the difference between over and under? Yes? Then you can master the art of Victorian Tatting, a beautiful form of handmade lace that anyone can do. Create fancy embellishments or even jewelry. It’s portable, pretty and fun!
Equipment kits with shuttle, thread, bobbin and instruction will be available for use during the panel, with a cost of $5 if you would like to take the kit home. Panel will be limited to 15 people.

Meet a few of our authors, get signatures, and see what they're up to these days.

Join our authors as they read from their latest works!

Who doesn’t want to look like they just stepped out of a gorgeous historical painting? This panel will go over how to do research so you can live your Bridgerton dreams!

Learn how to use the Procreate app to create your own animation.

Children 12 and Under should meet here (with a parent or guardian) for the Kid's Costume Pageant.

So many kinds of mystery: amateur sleuths, professional sleuths, noir, cozies, country house, police procedurals, “setting” mysteries (Wyoming, Alaska, Iceland) et al. What makes a great mystery? How do we integrate these traditional sleuthing stories into our fantasy or science fiction milieus or do we have to look for something completely different? Who has done it well? Will devout mystery readers ever be persuaded to join us in the blend?

Introduction into bringing your persona off the page and into life! Join FAE Productions as we walk you through the basics of conceptualizing a character and then actually portraying it live. This is an interactive workshop, persona building sheets provided.

Watch the best of MisCon 36's International Film Festival's science fiction films submissions.

Meet a few of our authors, get signatures, and see what they're up to these days.

This is a general survey of visible mending techniques for clothing. Examples will be shown and suggestions made for future learning. Participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring their own examples of mending, and items they are planning to mend if in search of inspiration. There will be time left at the end of the panel for show and tell, and audience participation is encouraged!

Experience the arts of mentalism, magic and illusion at first hand. Watch Lord Alden mystify with magical manipulation of objects uncommon and arcane, while Sir James the Magnificent captivates your imagination with cards, creations, and changing wonders. Playing the odds or wondering what to do next? Join Madame Azira in the mysteries of dice, things that move with a mind of their own.

Q&A session with Hollywood Special Effects Artist Dragon Dronet and Actor Isaac Singleton Jr.

When Aegon the Conqueror first arrived in Westeros, everything changed drastically. Join us for some fun trivia that’s all about your favorite inbred, sometimes-psychotic, dragon-riding, rulers of Westeros! There will be prizes!

Most of us grew up with upcycling in the forms of turning paper towel tubes and macaroni into craft projects and mops and cardboard boxes into costumes. Let’s discuss how we continue to evolve and elevate upcycling and re-using materials for art, garments, and props. Let's get our ideas flowing and inspire each other! If there’s time, we may combine this with a tour of the art show toward the end of the panel.

Open and comfortable round table discussion about the psychology of creativity during dark times. Let's explore the escapism of Science Fiction while discussing the traumatic events which lead to some of Shelley, Vonnegut, MacFarlane, and HRGiger's impact on the genre, to name a few. Feel free to bring up other artists, authors, and thier stories. We will also discuss our own creative outlets during the pandemic and beyond.

Come join MisCon's Mead lover's club in their second annual Mead Tasting! We'll mostly sample local meads and perhaps a few non-mead honey drinks. Membership is $20 at the door.

MisCon is proud to be hosting another stellar performance by our friends the Cheeky Geeky Vaudeville! CGV is a collaboration of talent paying homage to fandom with skits, live music, belly dance, performance pieces and comedy, featuring new faces and some special guests from Missoula's Drag Community!
Be advised: some language and themes could be questionable for younger audiences.

Let's discuss ways to create an interesting and lively cast of characters for your creative project, whether it's a novel, an RPG, a comic, or whatever fun thing you do.

Come join in the fun & play Kidditch, a delightful take on Quidditch, the popular sport from the Harry Potter-verse! We'll start gathering at 10, & the fun begins at 10:30. We provide brooms.

Every culture and every time in history has its magicians. From soothsayers in the King’s
court, and ruffians in the streets to stage performers who make buildings disappear, the Magician shows us who we are and takes us beyond the merely possible into a world of wonder and awe. Follow the journey of magic down through the ages from Moses to Houdini and more. Learn of
the great names and mysterious unknowns of magic. How have they changed and how are they
changing our world today?

The Lolita subculture has been spreading across the globe & taking hold of hearts on every continent with doll-like charm & endless variation. Let's talk about how to start getting dolled up while respecting the history & culture surrounding this unique fashion trend

Join Valhalla's Workbench to learn about forge construction (both propane and solid fuel) and how to build your own blacksmithing tools.

1970's Japanese live-action Spider-man existed? You bet it did! Join us and watch an episode of this amazing show!

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Meet a few of our authors, get signatures, and see what they're up to these days.

Saturday evening onward, this room is used for open gaming. Check out the gaming schedule at the Gaming HQ in Ballroom A.

Come paint your own galaxy with MisCon artist Nikki Rossignol.

Special GoH Patricia Briggs will sign books. This is a tightly controlled event. You are limited to 3 items signed per trip through the signing line.

Join electronic gaming for their all day/all weekend options. They have VR, Beatsaber, Open play, Game checkouts, Dance Dance Revolution, e-gaming challenges, Arcade cabinets, and Dragon Ball Fighter Z! Visit electronic gaming in Ball room A to sign up!

Meet the Silverman Brothers, some Missoula kids who make and sell their own wooden swords.

Hang out with some of MisCon's artists as they draw, paint, or play around with whatever catches their interest. Want to bring your own art materials and make your own stuff? Please do. Want to ask questions about anything art-related? Now is your chance. Just want to eat a sandwich and watch Rob Carlos draw some awesome dragons? Come have a seat. This is an informal hangout session--come and go as you like, or drop in for a few minutes between panels.

Join our authors as they read from their latest works!

Learn the basics of true magic. The earth has provided everything we need to live our best lives. We just need to tap into our inner fairy/healer/witch. With the fortifying nature of dōTERRA essential oils you will learn targeted wellness to restore:
HP (immunity)
Mana (emotional)
Dexterity (pain)
We will also discuss how to make potions for love, sleep, mental focus, and pretty much anything you can imagine. No cost and a free gift!

What are the essential elements of a story? How do these elements change between genres, say from epic fantasy to mystery to western to urban fantasy.

Make your own fantasy map. Could it be a treasure map? A map of your own amazing world? You decide.

With the creation/success of streaming shows like the Mandalorian and Star Wars Visions, we've seen new possibilities open up for story telling in the Star Wars universe. Has streaming been good for SW? How could streaming affect it going forward? Join us and lets discuss it!

Cosplaimee of Sakura Rangers and Eekie of Eekie and Snow Cosplay teach you their tips and tricks to speed building! We will not only discuss ways to streamline the cosplay building process but strategies for keeping stress levels low during "con crunch"

Learn techniques and tools to help facilitate productive communication at your gaming table. Josh Pate-Terry is a licensed clinical social worker with training in grief, anxiety and motivational interviewing.

What mysteries can a simple playing card contain? Let's discuss the history, tragic stories and entertaining people who have made playing cards what they are today. From recreational devices to tools of international spy craft to mysterious mystic machinations of present and future, playing cards affect our lives and world history in ways you might not expect. We promise to play with a full deck. Who knows what a turn of the cards might bring!

Let's throw out your self-doubt and get the 101 basics on improv. Great for acting, writing, cosplay, and just about anything.

Come see how a portable forge works.

The Hero’s Journey is a metaphor for the human experience. In this presentation we will explore each stage of the Hero's Journey and examine its roots in Jungian archetype and the collective unconscious.

Dragon will cast some iconic Hollywood props from movie molds.

A gathering of military veterans. Come discuss whatever you want without judgement. Veterans (including foreign military vets) only, please. No children or spouses. No exceptions.

Come join Vandy Hall to learn the basics of needle felting and make your very own cute, fuzzy, little critter! There is a $15 materials fee to participate in this workshop. Participants will go home with their own felted Porg, felting needles, a foam backstop, and some extra fleece to play with.

Writing adventures is the heart of gamemastering, but it can also cause a complete system lock. Whether you are preparing a one shot for friends, an adventure for convention play, or you are finally ready to write that 2 year campaign of doom, this panel will hopefully be full of tips and techniques from both the panelists and attendees on how to have more fun and success with adventure writing.

Pick your mini - human, dwarf, elf, skeleton, or any number of creatures - or bring your own, then settle in & personalize to your heart's content.

Light up your cosplay! Anything from installing fairy lights to soldering your own gear and adding nifty programming, we are here to answer your questions and talk about building with electronics!

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Help our artists and authors create a world in 50 minutes.

Cosplay & Theatre share many things, & the five-foot rule is one of them. Learn how adjust your costume for stage distances, & then update your makeup routine so that even the back row can admire your skills.

There are as many ways to outline a book as there are books, but the structure of stories stays the same. In this panel we’ll cover the basic structure of stories, as well as offer resources to help you learn & perfect your own story’s structure. What are some books out there that will help you learn? What about other resources?

In this Panel I will be once again doing Riddles. These are rhyming riddles in a medieval style which I have created and written myself. They are written in such a way as to be very hard to find on the internet. They are riddles about trivia. Come pit your knowledge against mine. Can you solve one?? Maybe two? The record is nine.

Join our authors as they read from their latest works! (25 minutes a piece)

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Contestants in the Novice Category should report to the tent at this time for judging.

Folks, join in a game of puzzle solving. Puzzle out what 12 items are in 30 minutes. The person (or persons) who get the most answers correct will receive a prize! Simple, right? Maybe.

If you are writing anything for the world at large, sooner or later it will be in the hands of an editor. So, what do they do, and why should you listen to them? What is the difference between a developmental editor, a copy editor and a proofreader, and who hires them?

Do you have an SD card you want to hide? A miniature you don't want your cat to eat? A note from a secret admirer? Then you need a concealment device! Brian will walk you through some easy ways to hide small items in plain view, or leave them to be found by the right person.

Do you want a beautiful, easy to make embellishment for your costume or accessories? Use the art of embroidery---it’s easy and fun! Learn a set of basic stitched that can enhance gear and garments of most historical (and future) time periods. Equipment kits with cloth, thread hoops and directions will be available for use during this panel, with a cost of $3 if you want to take the kit home, Class size will be limited to 20 people.

Join our authors as they read from their latest works! (25 minutes a piece)

Creating believable and well-paced fight scenes can be learned. Do you need a black belt to construct a good karate scene? No, but you better know where to ask questions to get it done right. Details are critical, but too much of a good thing can spoil your work, too. Bring your questions for our experts as they walk you through the ins and outs of writing good violence.

Stealing our hearts, and often igniting our anger, the rogues, scoundrels, and tricksters of our stories can be beloved one moment and despised the next.

How do we define these characters whose motives are as obscured as the lines of morality and social contracts they dance around? Why are we fascinated with these archetypes?

Anthologies are multiauthor collections of stories, usually organized around a theme or device. Interpretations may be broad or narrowly defined, and the stories may be solicited by invitation, or from an open call. What compels people to start a project like this? What are the pleasures and pain points? How are they paid for, and are they worth it?

Contestants in the Journeyman Category should report to the tent at this time for judging.

Do you think a Light Saber is the opposite of a Heavy Sword? Do you know why you shouldn't quibble with a Tribble? If you know the answers to those questions, come on down and try to win cash at Sci-Fi/Fantasy Jeopardy.

Many creative people are creative in more than one way, whether it be writing, art, music, drama, or so on. How do you balance your multiple creativities? Which creative process should take priority, or is doing more than one form simply diluting your energies?

Watch artist Jeff Sturgeon work on a painting.

The US military uses sand tables to sketch out upcoming operations, analyzing the terrain, enemy positions, and working out possible squad movements. Learn how to apply the principles from a sand table to your stories/games.

Come join us as we "shamble" our way into the field of battle as a horde of zombies! We will help give you a full zombie makeover... blood-covered white shirt, make up on your face and jaws, and a couple little "claw like" weapons so we can shamble towards the kids who are preparing to be wasteland heroes at 4pm in the Field of Wonder! Help make the zombie shuffle great!

Hear from two Speculative Poets Tod McCoy and Nikki Rossignol on how to write poetry inside the the science fiction and fantasy realm with an opportunity to read your own work and receive group feedback.

Contestants in the Master Category should report to the tent at this time for judging.

MisCon artist John Barba will demonstrate the old art form of repousee and chasing (beating sheets of metal into shapes and designs).

Hollywood professionals Dragon and Isaac will discuss what it's like to work in movies and tv.

Jones Family Magic will be setting up for their following show. Make sure to come and see the main event!

You know how to start a story, and how to write an exciting ending. But what about the middle? Let's talk about what to do with that mid-story slump.

Join our authors as they read from their latest works! (25 minutes a piece)

Have you ever wanted to try out tabletop role-playing games? Here's your chance! We'll take small groups on adventures through fantasy worlds, fighting monsters & saving villages from destruction!

Join author and professional wildlife photographer Michael Hodges for a discussion on the danger urban sprawl presents to Montana's wilderness. He might talk about his forthcoming documentary on the subject.

The cofounder of Paypal, Tesla and SpaceX has a bigger goal: Elon Musk wants to move Earthlings to a permanent Mars colony before we have time to screw up this planet too badly. And that’s just the first step toward getting us out of the solar system before the sun can go red giant.
He's done a lot along this path . . . where will it end? Will he succeed? Fail? Let's talk about it.

Come check out our combat demo for Dystopia Rising, the worlds Largest networked LARP with 22 locations throughout the US and growing. Come and hour earlier to get zombified for the traditional "shamble" while kids of all ages take down a horde of respawning zombies!

Let's talk about how to fight stage fright and win.

Learn about what's new in science this year.

Writers talk about story, but what is it really? Something with a beginning, middle, and end? A witch's brew of words and punctuation? Come discuss what separates a coherent narrative from a random series of events.

Ladies and gentlemen, beings of all kinds, shapes and ages---this is your chance to see the spectacle of a lifetime! Stage illusions, mentalism, deeds of mystery and danger—and more! Watch Jones Family Magic combine traditional magic and sideshow performance into a mystic, marvelous and puzzling show you won’t forget. How do they do that? Why?? Wonders await! Come and enjoy!

Come watch author Guest of Honor Charlaine Harris describe one of her characters to artist Rob Carlos. Rob will work up a portrait of the character right before your eyes.

What and who are the Fae? Real or story? Both? How about both! Join Fairy Princess Lolly, the Secretary of the Fairy Investigation Society (FIS) and H.F.I.C at FAE Productions for an exploration into the origins and evolution of those enchanted beings that we call Faeries.

Food is important in any culture and impacts every character in a good story. Come learn how to elevate your descriptions of food and develop ideas for how to include cuisine in your stories. Let's learn how to make our readers hungry!

MisCon's Costume Contest! Participants will show off their costumes and awards will be given for the best as well as the winners in each category. MisCon's own Lacy Zee will emcee the event, so get ready to have fun and be entertained!

Art Auction Preparation. The room is closed as the Art Show Director and volunteers prepare for the Art Auction.

Watch the best of MisCon 36's International Film Festival's fantasy submissions.

Let's examine the carnie life, its roots, why it ended up where it is, and how it has become a part of the zietgiest of our culture. Join in as we dig into "The Carnie Life" and examine where our modern day myths started!

Join our authors as they read from their latest works! (15 minutes a piece)

Help, I have a new crafting hobby! Let's explore the joy of finding a new craft, and ideas on how to make room for it in one's life and home.

Come bid on your favorite piece from the Art Show. Start bidding wars with your friends and support your favorite artists. Don't make them take their art home with them.

Come grab a pint and chat, listen, discuss, and laugh as we go through the career and thoughts of Miscon's GoH Issac Singleton Jr!

We all have a story about con where everything goes wrong… and then gets worse. From cosplay malfunctions to on stage embarrassment join us as we laugh about those memories that made us cringe.

Peaty, smoky, fruity, sweet: Scotch whiskey has different flavors depending on which region and river it comes from. Join MisCon's Scotch Lover's Club in the Presidential Suite, room 436, for the MisCon 36 Scotch Tasting! Membership is $30 at the door.

Come re-see the favorites from this year - and maybe some favorites from the past!

Are you ready for one of the best video game tournaments at Miscon 36?! The Mystery Game Tournament is back and better than ever with a new selection of games and challenges that will push your video game skills to the max!

You make it, we debate it! Join Cosplaimee, Eekie, Snow and friends as we discuss your controversial opinions.

We will have some ideas of our own, but will also be taking suggestions from the audience.

Come party with us and celebrate being alive.

Let's talk about weird tropes we love and how to recycle them in your own work!

It’s not just for kids---but kids can be magicians, too. Young and or old, there is magic in each of us and magic is fun to do.
Join the Jones Family Magic team in learning basic magical tricks and illusions you can perform using ordinary objects you might find around you every day. Get a start at mystifying your friends and families. Learn a new skill that can bring delight and wonder.
This panel is best suited for budding magicians ages 8 and up.

Let's talk about ways to make money from your creativity.

Join electronic gaming for their all day/all weekend options. They have VR, Beatsaber, Open play, Game checkouts, Dance Dance Revolution, e-gaming challenges, Arcade cabinets, and Dragon Ball Fighter Z! Visit electronic gaming in Ball room A to sign up!

Let's discuss the the history of super hero comics in America.

Wondering how to get started patterning your own costumes or clothing? Drafting from start to finish or even doing a bit of ‘frankenpatterning’ can be a feat in itself. Come learn some techniques and resources for getting starting in this wonderful world of costume patterning

This panel is intended to serve as a brief overview of firearms and their general function. It is not intended to replace good old fashioned personal research and better yet, actual hands on training with a firearm. This panel will give info and advice on how to present characters using firearms realistically, how that differs from Hollywood, basic techniques and practices, common errors in film and writing, and more.

Let's discuss how to create and use culture to bring your fiction to life. What are the necessary ingredients? What are some great examples of culture in SF/F/Horror?

Han Solo did it. So did Western gamblers and Roman Soldiers. Games of chance have always been twisted to give the advantage to the trickster. Let's examine how games of chance have been rigged for unauthorized profit, how such nefarious manipulation can be detected, and how to incorporate these advantages into the development of plot and characters for gaming and writing.

Let's discuss ways artists can use social media to their best advantage.

I would have written a description for this panel, but I just couldn't find the words. How do you guys deal with writer's block?

Zootown Tea has been blessed to have so many successful seasons because of our wonderful community! We wouldn’t exist without you and to express our love and admiration we’re throwing a small thank you party! There will be swag, thank you prizes, and a beautiful slide show of all our memories. If you’ve never been to a Zootown Tea this will also be a great time to learn about our season schedule, who we are, and what we're about!!

Almost three years of COVID have proven the old adage "Necessity is the Mother of Invention." Numerous online tools to play RPGs are now available, often for free! Brian will use his four years of experience running an online campaign to provide useful tools that will help you create an online game easily and quickly.

Come play a game with Dragon, Isaac, and Kyle. They'll take turns making simple (probably outlandish) statements, and the audience will vote on whether they're lies or not.

Learn how to get started with freehand drawing with tattoo artist Lacy Zee.

Pepakura, the art of making things out of paper, is a difficult and fun way to make cosplay props. In this panel, John will give an overview of how he creates cosplay props from files to finished pieces like his Iron Man helmet, Magneto helmet, and Jango Fett's jetpack.

Finish out MisCon 36 in style, and catch a sneak peek at what's in store for you next year at MisCon 37.