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Friday, July 17
 

1:00pm EDT

Costuming: Where to start
Friday July 17, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
So you've seen Stormtroopers and Mandalorians, or uniforms from Star Trek and Star Gate, but where do you start if you want to build your first costume?  

moderator: Cheralyn Lambeth
Speakers
avatar for John Dondero

John Dondero

Costuming Guest
He is a certified Jack of All Trades. He started out as a filmmaker and special effects editor, building both digital and practical effects, and has won many awards for both filmmaking and editing. When COVID hit, he switched gears and became an affiliated Twitch streamer and podcaster... Read More →
avatar for Dave Fretz

Dave Fretz

Costuming Guest
I’ve been a part of science fiction and fantasy fandom for more than 50 years and grew up reading Andre Norton, Allan Dean Foster, and Edgar Rice Burroughs books. I even named my younger son Jason after the lead character in the Ray Harryhausen film Jason and the Argonauts. I was... Read More →
avatar for Cheralyn Lambeth

Cheralyn Lambeth

Film Guest
Cheralyn (Cher) Lambeth is a professional costume, prop, and puppet builder whose work includes feature films (The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Patriot, Evan Almighty, The Hunger Games, Are You There, God?  It's Me, Margaret), television shows (Dinosaurs!, Homeland, Outcast, The ... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
High Point Room (Panels)

1:00pm EDT

Judging a Book By its Cover
Friday July 17, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
So they tell us "Don't judge a book by it's cover" but with many mainstream books using the back for "blurbs"; is the cover the newest way to tell a reader what type of book it is?  

moderator: Chris Oakley
Speakers
avatar for Fraser Sherman

Fraser Sherman

Literary Guest
Born in England, Fraser Sherman wound up spending most of his life in Northwest Florida. He’d be there still if he hadn’t fallen in love and moved to Durham NC to marry his dream woman. They’re still together, with two dogs and two cats added to the family.Fraser has published... Read More →
avatar for Larry N. Martin

Larry N. Martin

Literary Guest
Larry N. Martin writes science fiction, steampunk, and urban fantasy. He is the author of the portal gaming fantasy: The Splintered Crown, and Salvage Rat, the first in his space opera series.Together with Gail Z. Martin, Larry co-authors the snarky monster hunter series Spells, Salt, & Steel, the post-apocalyptic series Wasteland Marshals, the Joe Mack Shadow Council Files series, and the steampunk series The Jake Desmet Adventures... Read More →
avatar for Chris Oakley

Chris Oakley

Fan Guest
Chris Oakley owned and operated Oakley’s Gently Used Books, a bricks & mortar used bookshop with a specialty in Sci Fi/Fantasy, for more than 20 years (1995-2016) in Charlottesville, VA. She has been a bookseller at Madicon, MarsCon, MystiCon, RavenCon, Libertycon DSC50, DSC60 and... Read More →
avatar for J. Matthew Saunders

J. Matthew Saunders

Literary Guest
J. Matthew Saunders is the author of the Daughters of Shadow and Blood trilogy inspired by the Brides of Dracula, the Dreadful Penny occult detective series, and numerous fantasy and horror short stories. He is a member of HWA and SFWA.He was born in the small Appalachian town of Clayton, Georgia and grew up in Greenville, South Carolina. He received a B.A. in history from Vanderbilt University and a master’s... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)

1:00pm EDT

Designer Aliens
Friday July 17, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
A panel discussing the scientific basis for life in all its shapes and sizes and the critical features needed to make realistic alien life in sci-fi.

Moderator: Angela Giddings
Speakers
avatar for Angela Giddings

Angela Giddings

Film Guest
A.M. Giddings is a writer, scientist, cellist, independent filmmaker and aspiring swamp hag from North Carolina.  She has a PhD in Microbiology and has authored multiple scientific articles in virology, cell line design, and gene therapy.  She enjoys writing stories that live within... Read More →
avatar for Dennis M. Myers

Dennis M. Myers

Literary Guest
Born and raised in central Minnesota, Dennis M. Myers developed a serious reading habit early in life due to the influence of his grandmother. In late high school he read one particularly "awful" book and, with all that teenage hubris, decided that he could do better.After spending... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Philip A. Kramer

Dr. Philip A. Kramer

Science Guest
Dr. Philip A. Kramer is a biomedical researcher who studies aging, oxidative stress, and metabolism. In addition to his academic works, he is a hard science fiction author with two published novels (under the name P. A. Kramer), and several award-winning short stories. His blog (... Read More →
avatar for Jim Beall

Jim Beall

Science Guest
Jim Beall (BS-Math, MBA, PE) has been a nuclear engineer for 50 years, beginning as a nuclear engineering officer in the US Navy. Civilian experience includes design, construction, inspection, enforcement, and assessment with a nuclear utility, an architect engineering firm, and the... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)

1:00pm EDT

YA Round Robin: Avatar and other Animated Shows
Friday July 17, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
From Avatar: The Last Airbender to Kpop Demon Hunters, what animated TV is the current favorite for our teens & tweens?
Speakers
avatar for Hannah Fulbright

Hannah Fulbright

Asst. Programming Director, ConGregate
Hannah Fulbright is a fan that has been in the local con circuit all her life. She enjoys consuming various media such as fantasy books and cartoons and helping run sci-fi events in the area. She has helped with registration, auction organization, and guest relations for many local... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Piedmont Salon 3

1:00pm EDT

Sound Checks
Friday July 17, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Friday July 17, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)

2:00pm EDT

Workshop: BottleCap Necklaces
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Bottlecap necklaces can symbolize everything from DIY creativity to your favorite pop-culture fandom! Join April as she shows you how to create this nostalgic, upcycled fashion accessory
Speakers
avatar for April Baker

April Baker

Artist Guest
Raised in Connecticut, April now lives in North Carolina, where she works as an artist and instructor. Her main mediums are paper, paint, and recycled items — with a particular fondness for pages from old and damaged books. When not creating, you can find her at various community... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Emerald (Workshops/LARP)

2:00pm EDT

Dealer's Room Open
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Come and buy cool stuff!

Dealer Load-in
Friday: 10:00am

Dealer Room Hours
Friday: 2:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 6:00pm (dealers in at 9am)
Sunday: 10:00am - 2:00pm (dealers in at 9am)
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)

2:00pm EDT

ConSuite Open
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Come over to our ConSuite and enjoy a snack and (non-alcoholic) beverage. All refreshments are individually packaged for health and safety.  The fee is already covered in your registration.

The Suite is also a great place to relax and visit with your friends, old or new.

Location: Room 210

ConSuite Hours
  • FRI  2:00pm - 8:30pm
  • SAT  9:00am - 8:30pm
  • SUN  9:00am - 2:00pm
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
ConSuite (Room 210)

2:00pm EDT

Open Gaming
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Check out a wide variety of new and exciting games including: Return to Dark Tower as well as Clarion Game's:

Hull Breach is a sci-fi cards-and-dice game featuring epic space combat between ships, firefights between Marine boarding parties, and plenty of clever tactics and galaxy-shaking events. You assume command of a space station belonging to one of our several in-game factions and fight it out with one or more other Commanders to achieve galactic domination! The object of the game is to protect your Station - your home in space - from other Commanders while trying to capture or destroy theirs. Be warned - they’re trying to do the same thing to you. It's a tough galaxy and at the end of the day only one Commander gets to remain standing.

Henchman: The Card Game is a light, fast-playing card game for 2-6 players featuring cooperative backstabbing and a healthy dose of humor. Players take on the role of a lowly Minion at Evil Overlord, Inc... but here at EOI, the Evil Overlord's right hand man, the Henchman, has moved on to (or is that under?) greener pastures. All the Minions want to be the next Henchman - after all, the Henchman gets not only Dental, but reserved parking at the office, AND the privilege of assisting His Evilness directly! Players take turns being the Minion in Charge (MIC). The MIC is responsible for doling out tasks to the other Minions, who then play cards to either help or hinder their abilities to complete the tasks. Completing a task rewards both the minion who undertook it, as well as the MIC—after all, one of the core responsibilities of any leader is delegation. However, failing to complete a task results in facing the wrath of the Evil Overlord and that wrath falls on the MIC as well as the failing Minion.

Four Horsemen: The Omega Wars
Based in the universe of the popular SF novel series from Chris Kennedy Publishing, it's your turn to "Kill Aliens - Get Paid!" In The Four Horsemen: Omega War, you assume command of an base belonging to one of our several in-game factions and fight it out with one or more other Commanders to achieve victory on the battlefield. The object of the game is to protect your base - your home away from home - from other Commanders while trying to capture or destroy theirs. Be warned - they’re trying to do the same thing to you. It's a tough galaxy and at the end of the day only one Commander will remain standing. Only through careful planning can the most daring gain command of the galaxy. Four Horsemen uses many of the same core mechanics that Hull Breach! perfected, but adds an entire new theater of ground combat to the mix!
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Greensboro Room (Gaming)

2:30pm EDT

Are Vikings the New Pirates
Friday July 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Pirates once ruled the Renn Festivals and Convention Corridors, but it seems lately that Vikings are taking over.  What is it about Vikings (and their costumes) that make them all the rage?

Moderator: Matt Penick
Speakers
avatar for Matthew Penick

Matthew Penick

Costuming Guest
Matthew Penick has been cosplaying since 2005 and took his passion for costuming to the professional level in 2009 with the creation of the theatrical design company Ribbons and Rivets. The self-taught designer began primarily working with leather, and while he still considers leatherwork... Read More →
avatar for Miriam

Miriam "Tinker Tank" Penick

Costuming Guest
The Tinker Tank is a life-long art kid with a Studio Art degree that fell into costuming and cosplay through her post-collegiate pursuit of replicating the outfit of her childhood hero— Xena. She has since fallen in love with bringing beloved characters to life and works full time... Read More →
avatar for Cheralyn Lambeth

Cheralyn Lambeth

Film Guest
Cheralyn (Cher) Lambeth is a professional costume, prop, and puppet builder whose work includes feature films (The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Patriot, Evan Almighty, The Hunger Games, Are You There, God?  It's Me, Margaret), television shows (Dinosaurs!, Homeland, Outcast, The ... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)

2:30pm EDT

First Con / First ConGregate
Friday July 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Let’s face it: conventions are a truly unique experience. In fact, there’s not really anything else you’ll ever do that’s
quite like it! Never been to a convention before? Maybe this is your first time at this con? Or maybe you’re a
veteran of dozens (if not hundreds) of cons? Either way, come join our roundtable discussion on how to best enjoy
the convention experience, including practical advice, tips and tricks, the UN-spoken rules, and ALL the dos and
don’ts of con survival.

Note: If you have only really been to the large "comic" type cons, this will be a different experience.

Moderator: Tom Hutchens
Speakers
avatar for Alexandra Higgins

Alexandra Higgins

Performance Guest
Alexandra Higgins (aka the Platypus Princess) is a self-taught singer/songwriter whose folk-indie sound evokes the spirit of Joan Baez (direct quote heard randomly and unprompted at every performance!). Her voice, often described as angelic, carries melodies that mix ethereal beauty... Read More →
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Fan Guest
Joey Starnes first claimed her inner geek in 2007 after visiting her first DragonCon.  In 2008, she moved to Charlotte, NC and started the Charlotte Geeks, home of the Guardians of the Geekery podcast, the Geekery Market, Two Woke Bonnets podcast and the Merry Mayhem. Her main geekdoms... Read More →
avatar for Tom Hutchens

Tom Hutchens

Costuming Guest
Founder of the Mando Mercs Costume Club, being a Mandalorian fan goes all the way back to 1983, a five-year-old sitting in the theater watching Boba Fett fall into the Sarlacc Pit in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

In 2007 Tom founded the Mando Mercs Costume Club (MMCC), becoming o

... Read More →
avatar for James Fulbright

James Fulbright

Con Chair / President, ConGregate
James Fulbright was introduced to AD&D by a friend in 1979. After joining his first gaming group, his friends convinced him to start attending conventions like StellarCon. It wasn’t long before attending cons led him to start helping out with those cons; which, in turn, led to running... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)

2:30pm EDT

After the Final Cut: Pathways for Indie Films
Friday July 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Join our panel of indie filmmakers as they discuss the ins and outs of what to do with your film once it is released, share helpful hints, and hopefully help you find the best life for your film after the final cut!

Moderator: Michelle Iannantuono
Speakers
avatar for Christine Parker

Christine Parker

Film Guest, SickChickFlicks
Christine Parker began her film career in Sanford, North Carolina in 2004 where she wrote and produced her first short film “Second Death” that led to her forming Adrenalin Productions and later Sick Chick Flicks which have produced dozens of short films as well as five feature... Read More →
avatar for Polly Schattel

Polly Schattel

Film Guest
A filmmaker and novelist from Birmingham, AL, Polly Schattel’s first feature was the self-produced “Sinkhole” (2005), which won Best Feature at the Indie Memphis Film Festival, and was distributed internationally by Shoreline Entertainment. Her next film was “Alison,” (2010... Read More →
avatar for Michelle Iannantuono

Michelle Iannantuono

Film Guest
Michelle Iannantuono is an award-winning queer filmmaker and 3D artist from Charleston, SC. Her features include 2018’s Livescream, which was nominated for a Rondo Award and won Best Director at Nightmares Film Festival; 2020’s Detroit Evolution, a queer transformative fan... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Piedmont Salon 3

2:30pm EDT

It's been 25 years Since WHAT Came Out?
Friday July 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
2001 saw a wide release of films in the genre - from the good (Planet of the Apes) to the bad (Donnie Darko) to the unusual (The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra).  Join our panelists as the discuss all things film from 2001.
(Knight's Tale!!)

Moderator: Gary Mitchel
Speakers
avatar for Alexandra Christian

Alexandra Christian

Literary Guest
Alexandra Christian is an author of romance and horror (two great tastes that taste great together). She began her career in 2010 writing paranormal romance and has since branched out into contemporary, fantasy, and dark romance with occasional forays into horror. She lives in a creepy... Read More →
avatar for Bill Mulligan

Bill Mulligan

Film Guest
A 25+ year veteran of high school science teaching, Bill Mulligan has parlayed his love of horror, science fiction, and fantasy films into podcasting, convention panels, indie filmmaking, and storytelling. With creative partners such as Christine Parker and Mark C. Lucas, he has worked... Read More →
avatar for Gary Mitchel

Gary Mitchel

Online Media Guest
Gary Mitchel is a writer, reviewer, gamer, podcaster, and general geek living near Atlanta.Gary is the Co-Director, with Joe Crowe, of the American Sci-Fi Classics Track at Dragon Con. Together, they plot panels on various geeky topics, from 80s vampires, to cats in space, to the... Read More →
avatar for Sammie Cassell

Sammie Cassell

Film Guest
Sammie Cassell is a North Carolina based filmmaker, actor, improv and sketch comedian, and all around busy guy. His film/tv credits include Halloween Kills, Eyes of Tammy Faye, Kill Giggles and upcoming appearances in Righteous Gemstones and Please Don’t Destroy. A life long comic book fan and collector along with being a lover of all things horror, wrestling and pop culture, he’s also known as Sammie the Comic Book Man. Sammie and his production partners, Dan Sellers, Jeff Cochran, and Chad Hunt with Wreak Havoc Productions also do the... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
High Point Room (Panels)

2:30pm EDT

Folklore and Fantasy
Friday July 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Folklore and Storytelling have long been a part of speculative fiction.  From retellings of classic fairytales and Arthurian Legends to new versions of old myths, how can authors incorporate the old (and respect the tradition) while still bringing something new to the story.

Moderator: Gail Martin
Speakers
avatar for Wayland Smith

Wayland Smith

Literary Guest
Wayland Smith is the pen name for a native Texan who has lived in Massachusetts, New York, Washington DC, and presently makes his home in Virginia. His rather unlikely list of jobs includes private investigator, comic book shop owner, ring crew for a circus (then he ran away from... Read More →
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Special Guest
Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford College with degrees in history. He is the author of Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry, Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands, Ghosts of the Pee Dee (all for The History Press) and Civil War Ghosts of Sou... Read More →
avatar for Steven S. Long

Steven S. Long

Literary Guest
Steven S. Long’s been involved in the gaming industry for over thirty years, during which time he’s written, co-written, edited, or developed over 200 books. He got his start as a freelancer for Hero Games, for whom he wrote several books in the mid-Nineties. He soon branched... Read More →
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Literary Guest
Gail Z. Martin writes urban fantasy, epic fantasy, steampunk and more for Solaris Books, Orbit Books, Falstaff Books, SOL Publishing and Darkwind Press. Urban fantasy series include Deadly Curiosities and the Night Vigil (Sons of Darkness). Epic fantasy series include Darkhurst... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)

3:00pm EDT

Signings:
Friday July 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Friday July 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)

3:00pm EDT

Chuck Parker - unplugged
Friday July 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Speakers
avatar for Chuck Parker

Chuck Parker

Performance Guest
A performer for more than 35 years, Chuck Parker has filled many musical roles: heavy metal guitarist, singer/songwriter, jazz sideman, open mic host, filk circle regular, session player, and World’s Okayest Bassist™.Chuck has been a regular on the con circuit for more than a... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salons A-B (Cantina)

3:30pm EDT

Workshop: Using Real-World Legends and Lore in Your Writing
Friday July 17, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT


Join Gail Z. Martin as she shows you how to mine real-world legends, lore, ghost stories, and locations for story material and how to make it your own.

Speakers
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Literary Guest
Gail Z. Martin writes urban fantasy, epic fantasy, steampunk and more for Solaris Books, Orbit Books, Falstaff Books, SOL Publishing and Darkwind Press. Urban fantasy series include Deadly Curiosities and the Night Vigil (Sons of Darkness). Epic fantasy series include Darkhurst... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Emerald (Workshops/LARP)

4:00pm EDT

Signings: John Scalzi
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Speakers
avatar for John Scalzi

John Scalzi

Guest of Honor
John Scalzi is the Hugo-winning and New York Times bestselling author of Old Man’s War, Redshirts, The Kaiju Preservation Society, and Starter Villain, among other novels. Some of his short work was featured in the Netflix animated series Love, Death + Robots.He was president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (now the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association), but he got better.He owns one dog, three cats, a six-necked guitar and a church. His burritos are internet infamous and possibly actual crimes. He lives... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)

4:00pm EDT

Geek Mental Health: Stories, Strategies, and Resources
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Think of this as a low-pressure campfire for the geek crowd: a warm, judgment-free roundtable where people trade honest stories about mental health, what actually helped them (and what didn’t), and how to spot the moments that call for extra support. We’ll swap practical, peer-tested tools—from morning rituals and work/life tweaks to recovery-friendly habits—so you leave with usable ideas, not just platitudes. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please contact emergency services or your local crisis hotline right away.

Moderator: Tally Johnson
Speakers
avatar for Dance Harden

Dance Harden

Fan Guest
Dance Harden is a 3rd generation SFF fan with a background in the performing arts. Their kink performance group was the featured local guest for Lollapalooza 1996 in Newport, TN. Later, they studied history and media studies at UTK. After moving to Charlotte, NC in 2008, they entered... Read More →
avatar for Chuck Parker

Chuck Parker

Performance Guest
A performer for more than 35 years, Chuck Parker has filled many musical roles: heavy metal guitarist, singer/songwriter, jazz sideman, open mic host, filk circle regular, session player, and World’s Okayest Bassist™.Chuck has been a regular on the con circuit for more than a... Read More →
avatar for Emily Jane Buehler

Emily Jane Buehler

Literary Guest
I write cozy fantasy romances where everyday people (and fairies) have adventures and fall in love. They are lighthearted stories with action and adventure, love and magic, where protagonists learn to believe in themselves and find their courage. And yes, they are kissing books. They... Read More →
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Special Guest
Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford College with degrees in history. He is the author of Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry, Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands, Ghosts of the Pee Dee (all for The History Press) and Civil War Ghosts of Sou... Read More →
avatar for Janet Carden

Janet Carden

Online Media Guest
Janet Carden aka The Halfling is one half of the husband/wife team of The Halfling and The Spaceman podcast.  She has been active in many aspects of fandom since her high school days.  She and her husband have created many fan projects together, including The Familiar Magazine... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)

4:00pm EDT

Submitting to Film Festivals: Worth it or not
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Our panelists of film guests discuss the pros and cons of submitting your film to film festivals.  Does it help?  Does it hurt?  What does it bring you?

Moderator: Bill Mulligan
Speakers
avatar for Christine Parker

Christine Parker

Film Guest, SickChickFlicks
Christine Parker began her film career in Sanford, North Carolina in 2004 where she wrote and produced her first short film “Second Death” that led to her forming Adrenalin Productions and later Sick Chick Flicks which have produced dozens of short films as well as five feature... Read More →
avatar for O Hai Mark

O Hai Mark

Online Media Guest
O. Hai Mark is a filmmaker, online content creator, and event host from southwest VA. His absolute love of poorly reviewed movies is legendary, and he has turned that into a weekly internet show called Terribke Movies with Wonderful People. O. Hai also has a production company that... Read More →
avatar for Bill Mulligan

Bill Mulligan

Film Guest
A 25+ year veteran of high school science teaching, Bill Mulligan has parlayed his love of horror, science fiction, and fantasy films into podcasting, convention panels, indie filmmaking, and storytelling. With creative partners such as Christine Parker and Mark C. Lucas, he has worked... Read More →
avatar for Polly Schattel

Polly Schattel

Film Guest
A filmmaker and novelist from Birmingham, AL, Polly Schattel’s first feature was the self-produced “Sinkhole” (2005), which won Best Feature at the Indie Memphis Film Festival, and was distributed internationally by Shoreline Entertainment. Her next film was “Alison,” (2010... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Piedmont Salon 3

4:00pm EDT

Candy Bullets: Humor in Action, Horror, and Dark Fantasy
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Candy Bullets feels like a funhouse mirror—playful on the surface but bending into darker, unexpected shapes. It pairs sugar-coated slapstick with threads of horror and dark fantasy, sweetening the joke before letting it take surprising, sometimes sharp turns so that lightness and danger bounce off each other. The characters are full of contrasts: a wry demon who quips like a late-night comic, a clownish avenger whose painted smile hides recent wounds, and an apparently innocent soul who treats looming trouble like recess. Our panelists discuss how to blend the "sweet" with the dark in their work.

Moderator: J. Matthew Saunders
Speakers
avatar for Richard Kadrey

Richard Kadrey

Guest of Honor
Richard Kadrey is the New York Times bestselling author of the Sandman Slim supernatural noir series. Sandman Slim was included in Amazon’s “100 Science Fiction & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime,” and is in development as a feature film.Some of Kadrey’s other books in... Read More →
avatar for Sherrilyn Kenyon

Sherrilyn Kenyon

Special Guest
Defying all odds is what #1 New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon does best. Since her first book debuted while she was still in college, she has placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats and genres, including manga and graphic novels, and has more than 70 million books in print worldwide.A pioneer in paranormal, fantasy, science fiction and romantasy, she has become one of the most popular and influential authors in the world (in adult, YA and... Read More →
avatar for Kevin A. Davis

Kevin A. Davis

Literary Guest
Kevin A Davis is a fantasy author with over twenty published novels, including the award-winning DRC Files, a paranormal procedural series where the Atlanta-based team hunts cryptids.He resides in north Florida and attends conventions throughout the year, including as staff as Director... Read More →
avatar for Alexandra Christian

Alexandra Christian

Literary Guest
Alexandra Christian is an author of romance and horror (two great tastes that taste great together). She began her career in 2010 writing paranormal romance and has since branched out into contemporary, fantasy, and dark romance with occasional forays into horror. She lives in a creepy... Read More →
avatar for J. Matthew Saunders

J. Matthew Saunders

Literary Guest
J. Matthew Saunders is the author of the Daughters of Shadow and Blood trilogy inspired by the Brides of Dracula, the Dreadful Penny occult detective series, and numerous fantasy and horror short stories. He is a member of HWA and SFWA.He was born in the small Appalachian town of Clayton, Georgia and grew up in Greenville, South Carolina. He received a B.A. in history from Vanderbilt University and a master’s... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
High Point Room (Panels)

4:00pm EDT

Alexandra Higgins in Concert
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Alexandra’s unique folk / indie / Americana silvery enchanting voice and clever, refreshing lyrics combine for a unique sound listeners find both soothing and captivating.  
Speakers
avatar for Alexandra Higgins

Alexandra Higgins

Performance Guest
Alexandra Higgins (aka the Platypus Princess) is a self-taught singer/songwriter whose folk-indie sound evokes the spirit of Joan Baez (direct quote heard randomly and unprompted at every performance!). Her voice, often described as angelic, carries melodies that mix ethereal beauty... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)

4:00pm EDT

Statistics: Truth or Lie
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
A discussion of well-known "statistics" and their associated fallacies. The panelists may bring up a statistic to other panelists and see if they can spot the problems with it (along with some discussion about why it's misleading).

Moderator: Brandon Whitworth
Speakers
avatar for Gray Rinehart

Gray Rinehart

Literary Guest
Gray Rinehart is an award-winning author, an editor, a singer/songwriter, and a retired Air Force officer. He is the only person to have commanded a USAF satellite tracking station, written speeches for Presidential appointees, devised a poetic form, and had music on The Dr. Demento... Read More →
avatar for Fraser Sherman

Fraser Sherman

Literary Guest
Born in England, Fraser Sherman wound up spending most of his life in Northwest Florida. He’d be there still if he hadn’t fallen in love and moved to Durham NC to marry his dream woman. They’re still together, with two dogs and two cats added to the family.Fraser has published... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Robert Hampson

Dr. Robert Hampson

Literary Guest
Professor, Neuroscientist, and Unofficial Penguin WhispererWhen not advancing the frontiers of neuroscience or constructing elaborate multiversal portals in his office, Dr. Rob can be found lecturing to an elite audience of penguins in lab coats. An advocate of hands-on learning... Read More →
avatar for Brandon Whitworth

Brandon Whitworth

Science Guest
Brandon Whitworth is a professional engineer with over 20 years of experience on a variety of projects with many interests inside and outside engineering. His professional career has spanned many projects, including the Space Shuttle program (where he was awarded a Silver Snoopy... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)

4:00pm EDT

Pathfinder 2E: Dragon's Plea
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
GM: James Musgrove
Max: 6 Players
Pre-generated characters available
Sign-up at Registration

Over a year ago trouble in the Verduran Forest drove a young horned dragon from their lair. Unable to oppose the forces of the Wildwood Lodge under its then-twisted leadership, they fled north. They desperately want to return to the forest but aren’t confident enough in their own capabilities to make the attempt themselves. They’ve heard of the Pathfinders, and how they’ve solved numerous issues and helped others.
Their pride as a dragon, though, won’t let them ask for help. Instead, they have come to the Woodsedge Lodge proposing an alliance. Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau has seen through the dragon’s story, but is sympathetic to their plight. She needs you to scout the northern Verduran, as she knows the troubles with the Wildwood lodge have passed. Should this work out, the Society will have one more draconic ally, even if this one is a bit young and naïve.

Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Greensboro Room (Gaming)

4:00pm EDT

Feature Film Block 1
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro
The Things We Keep
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Cardinal (Film)

5:00pm EDT

Signings: Richard Kadrey
Friday July 17, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT

Speakers
avatar for Richard Kadrey

Richard Kadrey

Guest of Honor
Richard Kadrey is the New York Times bestselling author of the Sandman Slim supernatural noir series. Sandman Slim was included in Amazon’s “100 Science Fiction & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime,” and is in development as a feature film.Some of Kadrey’s other books in... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)

5:00pm EDT

Gaming: Forbidden Island (with Wizards!)
Friday July 17, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Forbidden Island (with Wizards)
Players: Max 4
GM: Richard Jordan
Join a team of fearless adventurers on a do-or-die mission to capture four sacred treasures from the ruins of this perilous paradise. Your team will have to work together and make some pulse-pounding maneuvers, as the island will sink beneath every step!

Sign up at Registration!



Friday July 17, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Greensboro Room (Gaming)

5:30pm EDT

Geeky Trivia for Chocolate!
Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Do you have what it takes to overthrow your fellow geeks? Syrinx (and volunteers) brings his brand of bar trivia to the convention for some friendly single-elimination competition. The audience members will have a chance to be geek gurus as they answer questions spanning different fandoms and geek cultures.


Speakers
avatar for Carol Cowles

Carol Cowles

Online Media Guest
Carol has long been a fixture of Geek Culture in Charlotte, NC. She has served for several years as the Programming Director for ConCarolinas and worked the Carolina and Arizona Renaissance Festivals for 15 years. She also podcasts – she is Carol the Cat on Guardians of the Geekery... Read More →
avatar for Dance Harden

Dance Harden

Fan Guest
Dance Harden is a 3rd generation SFF fan with a background in the performing arts. Their kink performance group was the featured local guest for Lollapalooza 1996 in Newport, TN. Later, they studied history and media studies at UTK. After moving to Charlotte, NC in 2008, they entered... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)

5:30pm EDT

All Our Favorite "Stars"
Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Star Wars: Andor, Star Trek, StarGate, (Battlestar Galactica and Firefly) - Fandom has passionately followed the tv series that take us to the Stars...what is it about a series set in space that captures our attention so much so that fans have driven the "saving" of franchises, the never ending reboots and new versions of our favorite series.

Moderator: Tom Hutchens
Speakers
avatar for Sammie Cassell

Sammie Cassell

Film Guest
Sammie Cassell is a North Carolina based filmmaker, actor, improv and sketch comedian, and all around busy guy. His film/tv credits include Halloween Kills, Eyes of Tammy Faye, Kill Giggles and upcoming appearances in Righteous Gemstones and Please Don’t Destroy. A life long comic book fan and collector along with being a lover of all things horror, wrestling and pop culture, he’s also known as Sammie the Comic Book Man. Sammie and his production partners, Dan Sellers, Jeff Cochran, and Chad Hunt with Wreak Havoc Productions also do the... Read More →
avatar for Tom Hutchens

Tom Hutchens

Costuming Guest
Founder of the Mando Mercs Costume Club, being a Mandalorian fan goes all the way back to 1983, a five-year-old sitting in the theater watching Boba Fett fall into the Sarlacc Pit in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

In 2007 Tom founded the Mando Mercs Costume Club (MMCC), becoming o

... Read More →
avatar for EJ Isaacs

EJ Isaacs

Literary Guest
EJ Isaacs is at heart, a geek. As a child I grew up with classics in science fiction from Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clark and Robert Heinlein. A late comer to role playing, he enjoyed creating backgrounds to the characters he was playing. For a three-year period, he was involved with... Read More →
avatar for Kevin A. Davis

Kevin A. Davis

Literary Guest
Kevin A Davis is a fantasy author with over twenty published novels, including the award-winning DRC Files, a paranormal procedural series where the Atlanta-based team hunts cryptids.He resides in north Florida and attends conventions throughout the year, including as staff as Director... Read More →
avatar for Janet Carden

Janet Carden

Online Media Guest
Janet Carden aka The Halfling is one half of the husband/wife team of The Halfling and The Spaceman podcast.  She has been active in many aspects of fandom since her high school days.  She and her husband have created many fan projects together, including The Familiar Magazine... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)

5:30pm EDT

Talking about Women in Film
Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Women in film have often had a tough time getting the recognition they deserve, which means we miss out on a lot of valuable and diverse stories. The good news is that people are stepping up—through advocacy, inclusion initiatives, mentorship programs, festivals, and targeted funding—to help amplify women's work. By supporting these efforts, we can create a more welcoming, fair, and vibrant cinematic world that reflects a wider range of experiences and talents.  Our panelists discuss.

(Alternates: Fraser Sherman)
Speakers
avatar for Christine Parker

Christine Parker

Film Guest, SickChickFlicks
Christine Parker began her film career in Sanford, North Carolina in 2004 where she wrote and produced her first short film “Second Death” that led to her forming Adrenalin Productions and later Sick Chick Flicks which have produced dozens of short films as well as five feature... Read More →
avatar for Angela Giddings

Angela Giddings

Film Guest
A.M. Giddings is a writer, scientist, cellist, independent filmmaker and aspiring swamp hag from North Carolina.  She has a PhD in Microbiology and has authored multiple scientific articles in virology, cell line design, and gene therapy.  She enjoys writing stories that live within... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Piedmont Salon 3

5:30pm EDT

2026 Survey of North Carolina Science fiction and Fantasy
Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Join Sam and others as they discuss the longlist/shortlist/eligibility list titles for the Manly Wade Wellman Award at length before we announce the 2026 winner during Opening Ceremonies.  
Speakers
avatar for Sam Montgomery-Blinn

Sam Montgomery-Blinn

Literary Guest
Samuel Montgomery-Blinn grew up on a family farm in Indiana and now spends his days helping ensure the trustworthiness of artificial intelligences. Once upon a time he published Bull Spec, a print magazine of speculative fiction, and now he administers The Manly Wade Wellman Award for North Carolina Science Fiction and Fantasy, meaning yes, he’s read your book. He lives in Durham with his wife, two too-grown teenagers, two cats who are very good boys, and one dog who... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)

5:30pm EDT

Open Filking
Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT

Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salons A-B (Cantina)

5:30pm EDT

AI Inflection Point
Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
AI inflection point: Are we at an "inflection point" in human history where AI will usher in rapid change (or has it already)? Will the AI bubble burst? Is there really a bubble? What might the future look like?

Moderator: Chris Oakley
Speakers
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Fan Guest
Joey Starnes first claimed her inner geek in 2007 after visiting her first DragonCon.  In 2008, she moved to Charlotte, NC and started the Charlotte Geeks, home of the Guardians of the Geekery podcast, the Geekery Market, Two Woke Bonnets podcast and the Merry Mayhem. Her main geekdoms... Read More →
avatar for William C. Tracy

William C. Tracy

Literary Guest
William C. Tracy (he/him) writes and publishes queer science fiction and fantasy through his indie press Space Wizard Science Fantasy. His largest work is the Dissolutionverse: a space opera with music-based magic including nine books and a TTRPG. He’s also published Fruits of ... Read More →
avatar for Dennis M. Myers

Dennis M. Myers

Literary Guest
Born and raised in central Minnesota, Dennis M. Myers developed a serious reading habit early in life due to the influence of his grandmother. In late high school he read one particularly "awful" book and, with all that teenage hubris, decided that he could do better.After spending... Read More →
avatar for Chris Oakley

Chris Oakley

Fan Guest
Chris Oakley owned and operated Oakley’s Gently Used Books, a bricks & mortar used bookshop with a specialty in Sci Fi/Fantasy, for more than 20 years (1995-2016) in Charlottesville, VA. She has been a bookseller at Madicon, MarsCon, MystiCon, RavenCon, Libertycon DSC50, DSC60 and... Read More →
avatar for Brandon Whitworth

Brandon Whitworth

Science Guest
Brandon Whitworth is a professional engineer with over 20 years of experience on a variety of projects with many interests inside and outside engineering. His professional career has spanned many projects, including the Space Shuttle program (where he was awarded a Silver Snoopy... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
High Point Room (Panels)

5:30pm EDT

Workshop: Basic Leather Working 101 (fee)
Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT
In this introduction to the craft led by the designers at Ribbons and Rivets participants will be guided through the steps to make their own personalized wrist cuff. Many of these same steps can be applied to much larger and more complicated projects later on. All tools and materials will be provided for this workshop, just bring a pair of hands.

Participation fee is $20
Speakers
avatar for Matthew Penick

Matthew Penick

Costuming Guest
Matthew Penick has been cosplaying since 2005 and took his passion for costuming to the professional level in 2009 with the creation of the theatrical design company Ribbons and Rivets. The self-taught designer began primarily working with leather, and while he still considers leatherwork... Read More →
avatar for Miriam

Miriam "Tinker Tank" Penick

Costuming Guest
The Tinker Tank is a life-long art kid with a Studio Art degree that fell into costuming and cosplay through her post-collegiate pursuit of replicating the outfit of her childhood hero— Xena. She has since fallen in love with bringing beloved characters to life and works full time... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT
Emerald (Workshops/LARP)

6:00pm EDT

Signings:
Friday July 17, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT

Friday July 17, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)

7:00pm EDT

Gaming: Star Trek CCG (Rapid Variant, no deck needed)
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Star Trek: CCG
Players: Max 1(at a time)
GMs: Richard Jordan, Vanessa Salazar
Players play ships and crewmembers and attempt to "solve" or complete missions at discrete "locations" while preventing their opponent from completing them. First player to 100 points, or with the most points when one player's deck runs out, wins.

Sign up at Registration!



Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Greensboro Room (Gaming)

7:00pm EDT

Room Closed
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
High Point Room (Panels)

7:00pm EDT

Room Closed
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Cardinal (Film)

7:00pm EDT

Room Closed
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Emerald (Workshops/LARP)

7:00pm EDT

Room Closed
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Piedmont Salon 3

7:00pm EDT

Room Closed
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)

7:00pm EDT

Room Closed
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)

7:00pm EDT

Opening Ceremonies
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Grab your Hawaiian Shirt and join James Fulbright (Con Chair) and Mike Pederson as we introduce our guests and tell you about the special events happening this weekend!

Each year, ConGregate remembers contributors that we have lost from the science fiction and fantasy world. The tradition began in memory of Aaron Allston, who was well known for his love of Hawaiian shirts. We encourage everyone to wear a Hawaiian shirt on Friday, July 17.

This is also where the Manly Wade Wellman Award will be presented. The Manly Wade Wellman Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy was founded in December 2013 to recognize outstanding achievement in science fiction and fantasy novels written by North Carolina authors.
Speakers
avatar for Sherrilyn Kenyon

Sherrilyn Kenyon

Special Guest
Defying all odds is what #1 New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon does best. Since her first book debuted while she was still in college, she has placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats and genres, including manga and graphic novels, and has more than 70 million books in print worldwide.A pioneer in paranormal, fantasy, science fiction and romantasy, she has become one of the most popular and influential authors in the world (in adult, YA and... Read More →
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Special Guest
Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford College with degrees in history. He is the author of Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry, Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands, Ghosts of the Pee Dee (all for The History Press) and Civil War Ghosts of Sou... Read More →
avatar for Richard Kadrey

Richard Kadrey

Guest of Honor
Richard Kadrey is the New York Times bestselling author of the Sandman Slim supernatural noir series. Sandman Slim was included in Amazon’s “100 Science Fiction & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime,” and is in development as a feature film.Some of Kadrey’s other books in... Read More →
avatar for John Scalzi

John Scalzi

Guest of Honor
John Scalzi is the Hugo-winning and New York Times bestselling author of Old Man’s War, Redshirts, The Kaiju Preservation Society, and Starter Villain, among other novels. Some of his short work was featured in the Netflix animated series Love, Death + Robots.He was president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (now the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association), but he got better.He owns one dog, three cats, a six-necked guitar and a church. His burritos are internet infamous and possibly actual crimes. He lives... Read More →
avatar for Sam Montgomery-Blinn

Sam Montgomery-Blinn

Literary Guest
Samuel Montgomery-Blinn grew up on a family farm in Indiana and now spends his days helping ensure the trustworthiness of artificial intelligences. Once upon a time he published Bull Spec, a print magazine of speculative fiction, and now he administers The Manly Wade Wellman Award for North Carolina Science Fiction and Fantasy, meaning yes, he’s read your book. He lives in Durham with his wife, two too-grown teenagers, two cats who are very good boys, and one dog who... Read More →
avatar for James Fulbright

James Fulbright

Con Chair / President, ConGregate
James Fulbright was introduced to AD&D by a friend in 1979. After joining his first gaming group, his friends convinced him to start attending conventions like StellarCon. It wasn’t long before attending cons led him to start helping out with those cons; which, in turn, led to running... Read More →
avatar for Michael D. Pederson

Michael D. Pederson

Fan Guest
Way back in 2004, Mike came up with the crazy idea of hosting a convention in Richmond, VA. He’s been chairing RavenCon ever since.In addition to running RavenCon, Mike Pederson was the publisher/editor/graphic designer responsible for the fanzine Nth Degree (2002-2019). Mike b... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)

8:00pm EDT

Star Wars: After the Mando and Grogu
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
A cute little alien in a beskar armor and a silent but deadly bounty hunter have won the hearts of fans across the world.  Join our panelists as they discuss this new Star Wars story and where we hope it takes us in the future.

Moderator: Dance Harden
Speakers
avatar for Dance Harden

Dance Harden

Fan Guest
Dance Harden is a 3rd generation SFF fan with a background in the performing arts. Their kink performance group was the featured local guest for Lollapalooza 1996 in Newport, TN. Later, they studied history and media studies at UTK. After moving to Charlotte, NC in 2008, they entered... Read More →
avatar for Tom Hutchens

Tom Hutchens

Costuming Guest
Founder of the Mando Mercs Costume Club, being a Mandalorian fan goes all the way back to 1983, a five-year-old sitting in the theater watching Boba Fett fall into the Sarlacc Pit in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

In 2007 Tom founded the Mando Mercs Costume Club (MMCC), becoming o

... Read More →
avatar for Bryan Young

Bryan Young

Literary Guest
Bryan Young works in many different media. He's published thousands of essays and hundreds of short stories in publications like Marvel and Image Comics, Star Wars Insider, Huffington Post,  SYFY, /Film, Script Magazine, Weird Tales, the Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. Library Literary Magaz... Read More →
avatar for J. Matthew Saunders

J. Matthew Saunders

Literary Guest
J. Matthew Saunders is the author of the Daughters of Shadow and Blood trilogy inspired by the Brides of Dracula, the Dreadful Penny occult detective series, and numerous fantasy and horror short stories. He is a member of HWA and SFWA.He was born in the small Appalachian town of Clayton, Georgia and grew up in Greenville, South Carolina. He received a B.A. in history from Vanderbilt University and a master’s... Read More →
avatar for Carol Cowles

Carol Cowles

Online Media Guest
Carol has long been a fixture of Geek Culture in Charlotte, NC. She has served for several years as the Programming Director for ConCarolinas and worked the Carolina and Arizona Renaissance Festivals for 15 years. She also podcasts – she is Carol the Cat on Guardians of the Geekery... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
High Point Room (Panels)

8:00pm EDT

Room Closed
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT

Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Emerald (Workshops/LARP)

8:00pm EDT

Room Closed
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT

Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)

8:00pm EDT

Jim Beall Presents "Fusion"
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Where it "began," how we got "here," a run-down of the types of fusion, and then a round-up of most of the current fusion research paths and their relative promises.
Speakers
avatar for Jim Beall

Jim Beall

Science Guest
Jim Beall (BS-Math, MBA, PE) has been a nuclear engineer for 50 years, beginning as a nuclear engineering officer in the US Navy. Civilian experience includes design, construction, inspection, enforcement, and assessment with a nuclear utility, an architect engineering firm, and the... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)

8:00pm EDT

Congregate: Fully Improvised!
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Where Fandom Meets the Unscripted.

Prepare for a high-energy, side-splitting comedy experience as the Idiot Box Comedy Club takes the stage at Congregate! This isn’t your standard improv show—it’s a deep dive into the heart of the con.

Our players are ditching the script and plugging into the Congregate hive mind. We’re taking your suggestions and spinning them into instant comedy gold. Whether you’re a sci-fi stalwart, a fantasy fanatic, or just here for the vibes, come see your con culture reflected, refracted, and hilariously presented in real-time.

No Scripts. No Safety Nets. Just pure, unadulterated, improvised geekery.

Grab your badge and your sense of humor—we’ll see you there!

Speakers
avatar for Dave Dobson

Dave Dobson

Literary Guest
A native of Ames, Iowa, Dave loves writing, reading, boardgames, computer games, improv comedy, pizza, barbarian movies, and the cheaper end of the Taco Bell menu. Also, his wife and kids.Dave has written ten novels including fantasy, sci-fi, mysteries, and thrillers. In addition... Read More →
avatar for Sammie Cassell

Sammie Cassell

Film Guest
Sammie Cassell is a North Carolina based filmmaker, actor, improv and sketch comedian, and all around busy guy. His film/tv credits include Halloween Kills, Eyes of Tammy Faye, Kill Giggles and upcoming appearances in Righteous Gemstones and Please Don’t Destroy. A life long comic book fan and collector along with being a lover of all things horror, wrestling and pop culture, he’s also known as Sammie the Comic Book Man. Sammie and his production partners, Dan Sellers, Jeff Cochran, and Chad Hunt with Wreak Havoc Productions also do the... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)

8:00pm EDT

YA Round Robin: How Spicy is too Spicy
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Join Tweens & Teens, their parents and authors as we discuss how spicy is too spicy for younger readers?
Speakers
avatar for Hannah Fulbright

Hannah Fulbright

Asst. Programming Director, ConGregate
Hannah Fulbright is a fan that has been in the local con circuit all her life. She enjoys consuming various media such as fantasy books and cartoons and helping run sci-fi events in the area. She has helped with registration, auction organization, and guest relations for many local... Read More →
avatar for Bruce Buchanan

Bruce Buchanan

Literary Guest
Bruce Buchanan can pinpoint the moment he became a fan of heroic fiction. When he was six, he accompanied his parents to the Kmart in Shelby, N.C., Bruce’s hometown. On his way to scope out the toy aisle, something caught his eye: A Spider-Man comic book, bagged with two other... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Piedmont Salon 3

8:00pm EDT

Feature Film Block 2
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Tales from the Shiny Diner
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Cardinal (Film)

8:00pm EDT

Starfinder 2E: Songbird Rescue
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
GM: James Musgrove
Max: 6 Players
Pre-generated characters available
Sign-up at Registration

Among the hand-built shrines to forgotten and dead deities that cover the surface of the airless moon of Yashu-Indiri, a servant of a murderous god turns shrines into deathtraps and harnesses fell magic to drag down passing starships. When these engineered accidents cause a priestess of Shelyn—vanished goddess of art, love, and beauty—to go missing on a trip to Yashu-Indiri, a team of heroes is sent to locate and rescue her. If these heroes aren't careful, they'll be the next lives claimed in this grim harvest.

Friday July 17, 2026 8:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Greensboro Room (Gaming)

9:00pm EDT

Con Stories on The Rocks
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
So let's talk urban con legends - did someone really get tazed?  Did a program really have "fire drill" included? What other stories have you heard that seem impossible?
Speakers
avatar for Wayland Smith

Wayland Smith

Literary Guest
Wayland Smith is the pen name for a native Texan who has lived in Massachusetts, New York, Washington DC, and presently makes his home in Virginia. His rather unlikely list of jobs includes private investigator, comic book shop owner, ring crew for a circus (then he ran away from... Read More →
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Fan Guest
Joey Starnes first claimed her inner geek in 2007 after visiting her first DragonCon.  In 2008, she moved to Charlotte, NC and started the Charlotte Geeks, home of the Guardians of the Geekery podcast, the Geekery Market, Two Woke Bonnets podcast and the Merry Mayhem. Her main geekdoms... Read More →
avatar for Michael D. Pederson

Michael D. Pederson

Fan Guest
Way back in 2004, Mike came up with the crazy idea of hosting a convention in Richmond, VA. He’s been chairing RavenCon ever since.In addition to running RavenCon, Mike Pederson was the publisher/editor/graphic designer responsible for the fanzine Nth Degree (2002-2019). Mike b... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salons A-B (Cantina)

9:30pm EDT

Building Larger Than Life Costumes and Props: Challenges and Solutions
Friday July 17, 2026 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Whether you're building full-size Daleks, designing car add-ons, or crafting floor-length wings, creating a large costume or prop comes with its own unique challenges. Join our panelists as they share tips, techniques, and stories about how to bring a larger-than-life costume to life.

Moderator: Cheralyn Lambeth
Speakers
avatar for Tom Hutchens

Tom Hutchens

Costuming Guest
Founder of the Mando Mercs Costume Club, being a Mandalorian fan goes all the way back to 1983, a five-year-old sitting in the theater watching Boba Fett fall into the Sarlacc Pit in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

In 2007 Tom founded the Mando Mercs Costume Club (MMCC), becoming o

... Read More →
avatar for John Dondero

John Dondero

Costuming Guest
He is a certified Jack of All Trades. He started out as a filmmaker and special effects editor, building both digital and practical effects, and has won many awards for both filmmaking and editing. When COVID hit, he switched gears and became an affiliated Twitch streamer and podcaster... Read More →
avatar for Cheralyn Lambeth

Cheralyn Lambeth

Film Guest
Cheralyn (Cher) Lambeth is a professional costume, prop, and puppet builder whose work includes feature films (The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Patriot, Evan Almighty, The Hunger Games, Are You There, God?  It's Me, Margaret), television shows (Dinosaurs!, Homeland, Outcast, The ... Read More →
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Old Dominion Daleks

Costuming Guest
Rick and family took their love of theater and science fiction and formed Luna-C Productions in 1997.  Rick is the director, one of the scriptwriters, and plays several roles in the Luna-C Productions comedy troupe in addition to producing, directing and acting in a number of their... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
High Point Room (Panels)

9:30pm EDT

The Forgotten Cryptids
Friday July 17, 2026 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
The Forgotten Cryptids - Giant Leeches? Giant Gila Monsters? Killer Shrews? - Lets talk about the lesser known B movies that kept the cryptid genre going all these years

Moderator: O Hai Mark
Speakers
avatar for O Hai Mark

O Hai Mark

Online Media Guest
O. Hai Mark is a filmmaker, online content creator, and event host from southwest VA. His absolute love of poorly reviewed movies is legendary, and he has turned that into a weekly internet show called Terribke Movies with Wonderful People. O. Hai also has a production company that... Read More →
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Bill Mulligan

Film Guest
A 25+ year veteran of high school science teaching, Bill Mulligan has parlayed his love of horror, science fiction, and fantasy films into podcasting, convention panels, indie filmmaking, and storytelling. With creative partners such as Christine Parker and Mark C. Lucas, he has worked... Read More →
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Fraser Sherman

Literary Guest
Born in England, Fraser Sherman wound up spending most of his life in Northwest Florida. He’d be there still if he hadn’t fallen in love and moved to Durham NC to marry his dream woman. They’re still together, with two dogs and two cats added to the family.Fraser has published... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)

9:30pm EDT

Readings Hour Fri
Friday July 17, 2026 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
A round robin selection of readings from our authors!

EJ Isaacs
Angela Giddings
Nancy Dunne
Eli Rainwater
Alexandra Christian
Speakers
avatar for Alexandra Christian

Alexandra Christian

Literary Guest
Alexandra Christian is an author of romance and horror (two great tastes that taste great together). She began her career in 2010 writing paranormal romance and has since branched out into contemporary, fantasy, and dark romance with occasional forays into horror. She lives in a creepy... Read More →
avatar for EJ Isaacs

EJ Isaacs

Literary Guest
EJ Isaacs is at heart, a geek. As a child I grew up with classics in science fiction from Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clark and Robert Heinlein. A late comer to role playing, he enjoyed creating backgrounds to the characters he was playing. For a three-year period, he was involved with... Read More →
avatar for Eli Rainwater

Eli Rainwater

Literary Guest
Eli’s love for reading started at an early age. She discovered the fantasy genre and fell hard for it when her brother let her sit in on his D&D sessions and lent her his collections of David Eddings and Dragonlance books while he was away at college. An Atlanta transplant, she... Read More →
avatar for Angela Giddings

Angela Giddings

Film Guest
A.M. Giddings is a writer, scientist, cellist, independent filmmaker and aspiring swamp hag from North Carolina.  She has a PhD in Microbiology and has authored multiple scientific articles in virology, cell line design, and gene therapy.  She enjoys writing stories that live within... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)

9:30pm EDT

DJ McGuire Presents "Make Britain Great Again" in Concert
Friday July 17, 2026 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
What if Arthur was a self-absorbed narcissist, Merlin's "wizardry" was in propaganda, and the Germanic communities were simply victims of hatred? DJ McGuire's new album Make Britain Great Again takes the Arthurian legend to a dark but all-too-conceivable place.
Speakers
avatar for DJ McGuire

DJ McGuire

Performance Guest
D.J. McGuire began his geek journey watching Star Trek Original Series on syndication. These days, he works in Defense IT and teaches economics at his local community college. He has been a musical performer (bass and vocals) for over eight years, starting with Dimensional Riffs in 2017. He has also played with the Nefarious Ferrets... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)

9:30pm EDT

What's New in the Future of Science & Engineering
Friday July 17, 2026 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Looking across fields from neuroscience to space exploration, how have science and engineering changed over time, and what exciting advances might we expect as the 21st century unfolds?

Moderator: Jason Graves
Speakers
avatar for Jason Graves

Jason Graves

Literary Guest
Jason is a writer of words, a doodler of drawings, and fixer of other peoples’ words and doodles. Many years ago, he founded Prospective Press. Before that, he slogged through University and earned a Master of Science degree in the Arcana of Genetics. Oh, and he was once punched—lightly—by... Read More →
avatar for Jennifer Whitworth

Jennifer Whitworth

Science Guest
Jennifer Whitworth is an engineer and writer from Huntsville AL. Currently working at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, she supports Artemis and Gateway Payload Integration working directly with the science teams to help them through the various processes to design, build, test... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Philip A. Kramer

Dr. Philip A. Kramer

Science Guest
Dr. Philip A. Kramer is a biomedical researcher who studies aging, oxidative stress, and metabolism. In addition to his academic works, he is a hard science fiction author with two published novels (under the name P. A. Kramer), and several award-winning short stories. His blog (... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Piedmont Salon 3

9:30pm EDT

Ghost Stories with Tally
Friday July 17, 2026 9:30pm - 11:00pm EDT
Join our Special Guest and Storyteller Extraordinaire, Tally Johnson as he regales the audience with spooky tales in a darkened room lit by the light of a fireplace.  (We hope.)
Speakers
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Special Guest
Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford College with degrees in history. He is the author of Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry, Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands, Ghosts of the Pee Dee (all for The History Press) and Civil War Ghosts of Sou... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:30pm - 11:00pm EDT
Emerald (Workshops/LARP)
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