It’s late August, the northeast US feels like the air is made of hot soup, and there’s a certain feeling… something’s approaching… It’s Dragon Con! We’re just one week away, and the schedule has been released. I will once again be headed to Atlanta and participating in or moderating several panels and events on multiple programming tracks. But that doesn’t mean I won’t have time to say hello! If you’ll be around Peachtree Center over Labor Day weekend, please stop me and introduce yourself. I might even have some of the leftover stickers from STLV.
As always, schedules are subject to change up to the last minute, but this is where I expect to be:
Dragon Con Newbies – Walking Tours
Thursday at 1pm
Main Programming (Marriott A601-602)
Want to get a ‘lay of the land’ and find your way around the hotels? Did you know there’s a food court? Meet others new to Dragon Con and get a tour with some veteran con-goers. Groups leave every 30 minutes. Last tours will leave approximately 4pm.
Dragon Con Newbies – Q&A
Thursday at 5:30pm
Main Programming (Marriot A601-602)
First Dragon Con? Confused or overwhelmed? Savvy con attendees will share tips and tricks.
Dragon Con Newbies – 101
Friday at 10:00am
Main Programming (Hyatt Regency V)
First Dragon Con? Confused or overwhelmed?Savvy con attendees will share their tip and tricks for making your experience an awesome one.
Fan History in the Media
Friday at 1:00pm
American Sci-Fi/Fantasy Media (Marriot M302-303)
Since the beginning fans have had an impact on the shows and movies we love. Through fanzines, campaigns, scripts, exhaustive references, podcasts, music videos and lots and lots of meta ideas. We’ll look back to the impact we’ve had and how we’ve helped shape genre media.
Pratchett and Gaiman: Lessons for Preventing an Apocalypse
Friday at 2:30pm
BritTrack (Hilton Galleria 5)
Apocalyptic themes in the works of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman are discussed, including the lasting impact of “Good Omens,” and Pratchett’s legacy.
British as a Second Language: A Panel Show
Friday at 5:30pm
BritTrack (Hilton Galleria 5)
The British and Americans are two peoples separated by a common language. Taking the format of a British comedy panel show we explore the bizarre and wonderful world of Britishisms.
Apocalypse Now? A Good Omens Fan Panel
Friday at 7:00pm
Urban Fantasy Track (Westin Chastain 1-2)
A moderated fan-panel discussion of the popular Amazon Prime series based on the beloved book by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
80s Movie Night: The Neverending Story
Friday at 11:30pm
American Sci-Fi Classics (Marriott M103-105)
Luck dragons welcome! See the movie that inspired the song that inspired the TV show to have two people sing the song.
Are Aliens included or excluded?
Saturday at 11:30am
X-Track (Sheraton Athens)
MIB, Paul, even Close Encounters showed us aliens on Earth being treated with “…unalienable Rights.” Is that what would really happen?
The Good Place: Mother Forking Shirtballs!
Saturday at 1:00pm
American Sci-Fi/Fantasy Media (Marriot M302-303)
Season 3 took us to the one place we did not expect, Earth! Chidi, Eleanor, Tahani and Jason are dropped back into humanity, leaving Janet and Michael scrambling. With the news of next season as the last, we will consider just what might happen with a revamp to the post-life system. *Season Review*
Women at Warp – Podcast
Saturday at 5:30pm
Trek Track (Hilton Galleria 2-3)
Women at Warp is a twice-monthly podcast where four women talk about Star Trek, its representations of women, contributions of women behind the scenes, and other fun Trek topics. (Moderator)
The Handmaid’s Tale: Mature Themes Fan Panel
Saturday at 10:00pm
Apocalypse Rising Track (Westin Chastain F-G)
Hulu’s acclaimed adaptation doesn’t shy away from difficult, often uncomfortable topics and neither do we. Our seasoned panelists will guide an open, no-holds-barred discussion in this 18+ plus panel about “The Handmaid’s Tale”. (Moderator)
Stranger Things Fandom Discussion
Sunday at 10:00am
X-Track (Hilton Grand East)
No guests but join in on a lively fandom discussion of Stranger Things. Bring your own Eggos and Scoops Ahoy ice cream. No Russian truth serum allowed! (Leave the American for later)
Diversity and Inclusion in MSFM
Sunday at 1:00pm
Military Sci-Fi Media (Westin Chastain D-E)
Science fiction frequently pushes the boundaries & comfort zones of present society by using a fictional, often future setting to show what the world could be like. What do diversity & inclusion mean in MSFM now vs. the past? Where should we be looking next for representation?
The Amazing Sci-Fi Worlds of Steven Spielberg
Sunday at 4:00pm
American Sci-Fi Classics (Marriott M103-105)
Our tribute to the creator who took us from sharks to dinosaurs to flying bikes to the Temple of Doom and back.
Lost and Fringe: Other Reality
Sunday at 7:00pm
X-Track (Sheraton Athens)
Parallel Universes, Otherworlds, Different Realities — all are different names for the world building for both Lost and Fringe. This fan discussion will explore how those different “universes” were used and how they impacted the shows. (Moderator)
BritTrack After Dark: LGBTQ+ Themes in Doctor Who
Sunday at 10:00pm
BritTrack (Hilton Galleria 5)
Davies, Moffat, and Chibnall differ in their approach to LGBTQ+ lifestyles. Here we discuss the infusion of LGBTQ+ themes into Doctor Who.
Russian Doll: Lives Relived
Monday at 11:30am
American Sci-Fi/Fantasy Media (Marriott M 301)
On the surface, its oddball comedy/mystery piece, where two people experience the same ‘death loops’ but find peace and their right paths. We’ll look back over this first season and consider Season 2 for Nadia and Charlie. (Moderator)
Gargoyles: Goliath-Sized 25th Anniversary Celebration
Monday at 1:00pm
American Sci-Fi Classics (Marriott M103-105)
Statues turn into superheroes in this 1994 cartoon that we still rave about today (specifically, at this panel).