ConGregate 12: Full Schedule

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1:00pm EDT

Costuming: Where to start

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

High Point Room (Panels)

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

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 →

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 →

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)

Costuming/Cosplay

2:30pm EDT

Are Vikings the New Pirates

Friday July 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)

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

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 →

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 →

Cheralyn Lambeth

Film Guest

Friday July 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)

Costuming/Cosplay

Tech Needs sound system

5:30pm EDT

Workshop: Basic Leather Working 101 (fee)

Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT

Emerald (Workshops/LARP)

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

Matthew Penick

Costuming Guest

Miriam "Tinker Tank" Penick

Costuming Guest

Friday July 17, 2026 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT
Emerald (Workshops/LARP)

Costuming/Cosplay, Workshop

9:30pm EDT

Building Larger Than Life Costumes and Props: Challenges and Solutions

Friday July 17, 2026 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT

High Point Room (Panels)

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

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 →

John Dondero

Costuming Guest

Cheralyn Lambeth

Film Guest

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)

Costuming/Cosplay

1:00pm EDT

2:30pm EDT

5:30pm EDT

9:30pm EDT

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