ADR Scripting/Adapting
Anime isn’t all about the acting! It takes a whole team to bring the titles to the US, and then get the script ready for production. Come find out about script writing and adaptation from Jeremy Inman, who has done that stuff a time or two.
Advanced Builds
Ready to make the plunge into using more difficult materials and methods? Come learn about resin casting, vacuum forming, pepakura and other advanced methods to making professional props and armors for cosplay
Becoming a YouTube Celebrity
Come follow KaiserNeko down the path from being a fan, making silly videos with his friends to SUPER INTERNET STARDOM! He doesn’t really understand it either, but he can certainly tell you how they got there!
Con Stories (18+)
Anyone that’s been to a convention before has a story or two to tell. They might be good, they might be not so good but they are all entertaining. Bring a story of your own, and if you don’t have one listen in on a con veteran’s many tales.
Cosplay 101
Do you want to cosplay? Here are the beginning steps if you are a complete novice to sewing/wig work and props. Anyone can cosplay and this panel will teach you the basics.
Cosplay Horror Stories (18+)
Sometimes cosplayers do some pretty stupid things all in the name of costuming. In this possibly informative panel a group of veteran cosplayers will regale you with tales of horror, from glue burns to blood, it’s not a finished costume until someone gets hurt. Feel free to bring your own stories as well as we all kick back and remember how dumb we were that one time.
Cosplay Makeup
We welcome people of all skill levels to participate in this live demonstrative panel. In this panel, the key factors of cosplay and crossplay makeup will be explained with live demonstrations on actual models. Reviews of makeup products use most often in cosplay will be discussed with their pros and cons and where to purchase these products.
Cosplay Modeling Tips and Tricks
Ever wanted to get into cosplay modeling or want to learn the tricks that professionals use? This panel will cover the tips and tricks of modeling for cosplay in photography, videography, and stage modeling while also explaining the key points in the relationship between you, your environment and your photographer.
Cosplay Skits
Do you want to learn how to create an awesome cosplay skit? Veteran skit master Count D is here to teach you all about the art of crafting the perfect skit.
Cosplay Wigs and You
“But I don’t have blue hair! How can I cosplay?” The answer is simple – with a fabulous wig! This panel will give you an overview of all things wig in the world of cosplay. I’ll cover how to choose a good wig for your costume, wearing a wig comfortably, and basic wig maintenance and styling. With 8 years of wig experience, I’ve made a lot of mistakes with cosplay wigs – learn from my mistakes and improve your own cosplay wig experience!
Crossplay
Cosplay is all about changing yourself to become the character, but what happens when your favorite character is the opposite gender? Crossplay is cosplaying a character opposite of your gender and in this panel you will learn tips and tricks on how to look and act more naturally.
Directing/Acting
Learn about the crafts of Acting and Directing from an industry veteran. Richard Epcar shares his experience and advice to fans and aspiring participants alike.
DIY Steampunk Modification and Building
The crew of the Airship Isabella will pull out her pretties and baubles and show you how they were made! This panel will cover from basic steampunk modification techniques to scratch-built construction of armor, weapons, costumes and gadgets. Learn tips, tricks, shortcuts and methods to build you own set of steampunk necessities you know that you can’t live without!
Enter Homestuck: A Q&A
If you’re a Homestuck cosplayer, fan, or just want to know what the heck it’s all about – this is the place for you! Come and learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Homestuck and then some!
Fursuit 101
Primer panel for general mascot construction. Will touch base on head construction and body construction.
Game Show Auditions
A mandatory, closed-door audition to participate in our main event, the Game Show! Contestants will be interviewed, challenged, and lucky ones will be chosen to go on stage to compete!
Go Board Game Training
Come and learn how to play the board game Go. This Chinese game is over 2,500 years old, but is still popular enough to be featured in several anime series, such as Hikari No Go. Come and learn how to play during this session, and decide if you’re good enough to enter the tournament.
Gregman Wonderland (An Hour with Greg Ayres)
Greg Ayres spent the better part of his summer screaming in Deadman Wonderland on Toonami. Come spend an hour with him as he talks about some of his new projects like, Hakuoki, No. 6, and Intrigue in the Bakumatsu. He’ll also be glad to talk about some of his older shows like Saiyuki, and Chrono Crusade. There may even be a hint or two on a few new things yet to be announced yet, so don’t miss it.
Hetalia – Ask A Nation
Come one, come all! Your favorite Hetalia countries will be happy to answer any and all questions in this mock press conference! All fans are welcome, or just those curious to know what all the hype is about!
How to Dress Loli on a Budget
Lolita fashion can be an expensive hobby. This panel will give you tips and tricks on how to build a lolita wardrobe on the cheap.
How to Spot Bootleg Merchandise
Does that Kenshin box set you just found online looks too good to be true? Is there a character you’ve never seen on your Evangelion DVD? Anime fans are ripped off every day by less than savory resellers, because in many cases they can’t tell the difference. In this panel we’ll tell you some easy steps you can follow, to ensure you are getting quality anime merchandise.
Intro to Pose Off
Ever wanted to enter our popular Pose Off event, but felt a little intimidated? This panel is for you. Instead of getting up on stage, expert posers will walk you through what makes a good pose, and what doesn’t, as well as show you several examples of poses to pull from for the competition. No prizes, no contests, just good old posing.
It Gets Better: Anime Con Edition
The “It Gets Better” project is in response to a string of teen suicides by kids who were recently bullied. Sadly bullying is something that happens to one in four teens. In the past few years we’ve even seen an increase in bullying within fandom. Join us as we share our stories, and talk about ways we can all help and support each other and find the light at the end if the tunnel. It really does get better.
Jeremy Inman Is Awesome: Uncensored (18+)
Jeremy Inman is pretty awesome. Come get to know him in a very intimate setting, and ask him anything you’d like. He’s got plenty of stories to tell, and experiences to share. This panel is guaranteed to be 18+.
Let’s Go To Japan
Want to go to Japan but not sure what to bring? Get advice on how to prepare and what to do when you’re there from someone who’s visited just recently.
Live Action Rollplaying
This panel reviews the various forms of Live Action Role Playing commonly known as LARP. This includes traditional role playing games as well as convention cosplay and boffa weapon style role playing. The safe practices and proper planning of such is a central topic with a focus on educating new enthusiasts as to how to participate in and plan such activities for maximum enjoyment.
Lolita 101
Are you interested in Lolita fashion but have no idea where to start? Don’t worry, at Lolita 101 you will learn everything you need to know about the basics of the fashion, where to buy lolita items, what makes a lolita outfit and more.
Making Cosplay from a Pattern
Sewing patterns may look intimidating, but they can be extremely useful in making your own costumes (and regular clothes, too). This panel will teach you the basics of choosing and buying a pattern, determining your pattern size, knowing how much material you need, making a mockup, arrangement of pattern pieces, and deciphering all those little symbols on your pattern.
Mother’s Day Card Creation
Did you completely forget to get your mom a card? We’ve got you covered. We will be providing you with card stock, markers, glitter, glue, and stickers in order to create a personalized mother’s day card. If you are a parent, this is a perfect workshop to bring your kids and let them show Mom just how much they care.
Mother’s Day Tea Social
Has your mom been running around all weekend trying to keep up with you? Or are you a mom who is courageous enough to bring her kids along for the convention weekend? Well this panel lets you slow down, relax, and sip some tea. A few pitchers of various flavors will be available as selected by our Tea Tasting host, so the moms can relax and enjoy the day.
Origami Workshop
Anything is possible with paper and patience, come learn a few and open the door to endless possibilities.
Outtakes (18+)
This panel goes behind the scenes with Richard Epcar, as he brings us some hilarious out-takes from classic anime that we all know and love. The language can get pretty raw, so we ask that you be 18+ in order to attend.
Papercraft
This is one of our workshops included in the basic membership registration. Attendees will learn about the art of papercraft, and get a chance to make some paper sculptures themselves. There will be cutting and glue, and fun of course. A great workshop for our younger crowd, or anyone who loves being creative.
Pattern Construction Workshop
Join Captain Cedric Whittaker in a step by step workshop on how to make your own patterns for leather work. We will cover basic construction concepts, sizing, stylizing tips, and symmetry. Then join us for the leather workshop and make your pattern!
Pose-Off
Show off your best moves, and pit them against other posers! Be it a Kamen Rider pose, a Street Fighter pose, or a magical girl transformation, the best of the best will be rewarded with praise (and candy!)
Propmaking: An Introduction
Want to build cool props and armors for cosplay but not sure how to go about it? This panel explains how to get started, what materials to choose and various techniques and tips. Recommended for all skill levels.
Resin Casting
A in depth discussion on creating clear bubble less resin cast pieces for your cosplays and creating silicone molds appropriate for this use.
Steampunk 101
The crew of the Airship Isabella will be hosting a panel and round table discussion on the often contested topic, What is Steampunk? The panel will cover the origins of steampunk, types and styles of steampunk, and the philosophical underpinnings of the steampunk movement. Audience participation will be actively encouraged.
Steampunk 102
So You Want To Be An Airship Captain? – Forming and running a steampunk group/artist collective.
Join Captain Cedric Whittaker of the Airship Isabella in a panel discussing the ins and outs of forming an airship crew. The discussion will cover reasons to form a group, the principles of artist collectives, basic character development and rank structures.
TeamFourStar FAQ with KaiserNeko
Description: Are you a fan of DragonBall Z Abridged? Well, making his first solo con debut, KaiserNeko (co-founder, director, co-writer, editor, and voice for DragonBall Z Abridged) will field any questions you have!
The State of the Anime Industry, A New Perspective
Over the past few years we have watched the anime industry suffer loss after loss. In the last few years we have even seen a string of studios in both Japan and the states. While some people would point the finger at different talking points, there are a number of others who are working hard to change things. We’ll talk about the people, companies, and fans that are doing whatever it takes to make that change, and how you can too.
Up-Cycling; Costuming for the Thrifty
An informative panel on how to make use of old clothing or items found at thrift stores in costume building. An overview of what materials are worth buying and which aren’t is included as well as a Q&A session for participants.
Victorian Fashion, Mother of Steampunk
This panel discuses the History of Victorian Fashion both female and male clothing and accessories. Participants will be shown how these fashions helped influence the Steampunk genre.
Victorian Mythos
A review of the history and development of gothic and heroic myths that rose up in the literature and popular culture of the Victorian era including vampires, werewolves, and zombies. The influence of these Victorian era stories helped shape modern fantasy and science fiction particularly horror material.
Women In Anime
What’s it like to be a woman in the anime world? Come and find out with Ellyn Stern Epcar!
