BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:congregate2026
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com ConGregate 12//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T000000Z
DTEND:20260717T020000Z
SUMMARY:Informal Kickoff Party
DESCRIPTION:If you are staying on site on Thursday evening (or live in the area)\, come by the Due South Southern Kitchen & Bar (Marriott)\, hang out\, socialize\, get some food or a beverage\, and just relax before the convention gets started.\n\nFeel free to stop by earlier if you want dinner. We're sure the hotel will not mind.&nbsp\; \;)\n\nNOTE: This is not free. You will need to purchase anything you order.\n\n
CATEGORIES:SPECIAL EVENTS
LOCATION:Marriott Restaurant\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:99f0573bc550b03057446bee57b30e1d
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/99f0573bc550b03057446bee57b30e1d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T170000Z
DTEND:20260717T180000Z
SUMMARY:Costuming: Where to start
DESCRIPTION: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? &nbsp\;\n\nmoderator: Cheralyn Lambeth
CATEGORIES:COSTUMING/COSPLAY
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ff4c7857c788ec823c79cd1aa339e1e1
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/ff4c7857c788ec823c79cd1aa339e1e1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T170000Z
DTEND:20260717T180000Z
SUMMARY:Judging a Book By its Cover
DESCRIPTION: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?&nbsp\;&nbsp\;\n\nmoderator: Chris Oakley
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4a116429816ed961bd20c3be29a1bcb1
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/4a116429816ed961bd20c3be29a1bcb1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T170000Z
DTEND:20260717T183000Z
SUMMARY:Sound Checks
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cd8d0c7039fcacbf2a9eae3c48982ad0
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/cd8d0c7039fcacbf2a9eae3c48982ad0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T170000Z
DTEND:20260717T180000Z
SUMMARY:Designer Aliens
DESCRIPTION: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.\n\nModerator: Angela Giddings
CATEGORIES:SCIENCE
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5f234698e3c3a527a8f277b2d496aa13
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/5f234698e3c3a527a8f277b2d496aa13
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T170000Z
DTEND:20260717T180000Z
SUMMARY:YA Round Robin: Avatar and other Animated Shows
DESCRIPTION:From Avatar: The Last Airbender to Kpop Demon Hunters\, what animated TV is the current favorite for our teens & tweens?
CATEGORIES:YA ROUND ROBIN
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e53e2022b0bbca95c157f91e9d69c71a
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/e53e2022b0bbca95c157f91e9d69c71a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T180000Z
DTEND:20260718T003000Z
SUMMARY:ConSuite Open
DESCRIPTION:Come over to our ConSuite and enjoy a snack and (non-alcoholic) beverage. All refreshments are individually packaged for health and safety. &nbsp\;The fee is already covered in your registration.\n\nThe Suite is also a great place to relax and visit with your friends\, old or new.\n\nLocation: Room 210\n\nConSuite Hours\nFRI &nbsp\;2:00pm - 8:30pmSAT &nbsp\;9:00am - 8:30pmSUN &nbsp\;9:00am - 2:00pm
CATEGORIES:CONSUITE
LOCATION:ConSuite (Room 210)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:53eb1899179a72475c42eb54a1f82079
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/53eb1899179a72475c42eb54a1f82079
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T180000Z
DTEND:20260717T230000Z
SUMMARY:Dealer's Room Open
DESCRIPTION:Come and buy cool stuff!\n\nDealer Load-in\nFriday: 10:00am\n\nDealer Room Hours\nFriday: 2:00pm - 7:00pm\nSaturday: 10:00am - 6:00pm (dealers in at 9am)\nSunday: 10:00am - 2:00pm (dealers in at 9am)
CATEGORIES:DEALER'S ROOM
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:53847f45aa369fe9f90dbf7cbcff3b78
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/53847f45aa369fe9f90dbf7cbcff3b78
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T180000Z
DTEND:20260718T020000Z
SUMMARY:Open Gaming
DESCRIPTION:Check out a wide variety of new and exciting games including: Return to Dark Tower as well as Clarion Game's:\n\nHull 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.\n\nHenchman: 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.\n\nFour 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!
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:260b8b683773583b48fb77aa9f958abb
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/260b8b683773583b48fb77aa9f958abb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T180000Z
DTEND:20260717T190000Z
SUMMARY:Workshop: BottleCap Necklaces
DESCRIPTION:Bottlecap necklaces can symbolize everything from DIY creativity to your favorite pop-culture fandom!&nbsp\;Join April as she shows you how to create this nostalgic\, upcycled fashion accessory.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6b9eecc36a14cbcd86f3c3eea11d209c
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/6b9eecc36a14cbcd86f3c3eea11d209c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T183000Z
DTEND:20260717T193000Z
SUMMARY:Are Vikings the New Pirates
DESCRIPTION:Pirates once ruled the Renn Festivals and Convention Corridors\, but it seems lately that Vikings are taking over.&nbsp\; What is it about Vikings (and their costumes) that make them all the rage?\n\nModerator: Matt Penick
CATEGORIES:COSTUMING/COSPLAY
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a060ff085d035eec77c877f8b1a6d15a
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/a060ff085d035eec77c877f8b1a6d15a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T183000Z
DTEND:20260717T193000Z
SUMMARY:First Con / First ConGregate
DESCRIPTION:Let’s face it: conventions are a truly unique experience. In fact\, there’s not really anything else you’ll ever do that’s\nquite like it! Never been to a convention before? Maybe this is your first time at this con? Or maybe you’re a\nveteran of dozens (if not hundreds) of cons? Either way\, come join our roundtable discussion on how to best enjoy\nthe convention experience\, including practical advice\, tips and tricks\, the UN-spoken rules\, and ALL the dos and\ndon’ts of con survival.\n\nNote: If you have only really been to the large "comic" type cons\, this will be a different experience.\n\nModerator: Tom Hutchens
CATEGORIES:FANDOM
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:40365dffd35dabe453e99ce4574aeb43
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/40365dffd35dabe453e99ce4574aeb43
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T183000Z
DTEND:20260717T193000Z
SUMMARY:After the Final Cut: Pathways for Indie Films
DESCRIPTION: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!\n\nModerator: Michelle Iannantuono
CATEGORIES:FILM/TV
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9248f4cc48963765abfa57a4e67b6fe6
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/9248f4cc48963765abfa57a4e67b6fe6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T183000Z
DTEND:20260717T193000Z
SUMMARY:It's been 25 years Since WHAT Came Out?
DESCRIPTION: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).&nbsp\; Join our panelists as the discuss all things film from 2001.\n(Knight's Tale!!)\n\nModerator: Gary Mitchel
CATEGORIES:FILM/TV
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:740725a35d9368d6799a6d300212fd99
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/740725a35d9368d6799a6d300212fd99
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T183000Z
DTEND:20260717T193000Z
SUMMARY:Folklore and Fantasy
DESCRIPTION:Folklore and Storytelling have long been a part of speculative fiction.&nbsp\; 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.\n\nModerator: Gail Martin
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c6e7ed7873d808b8544b04bd96bca258
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/c6e7ed7873d808b8544b04bd96bca258
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T190000Z
DTEND:20260717T200000Z
SUMMARY:Signings:
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:49868372721144f04fa517bb897c049c
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/49868372721144f04fa517bb897c049c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T190000Z
DTEND:20260717T200000Z
SUMMARY:Chuck Parker - unplugged
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons A-B (Cantina)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:64dd14b42121ae1d05bc0f37c244f748
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/64dd14b42121ae1d05bc0f37c244f748
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T193000Z
DTEND:20260717T210000Z
SUMMARY:Workshop: Using Real-World Legends and Lore in Your Writing
DESCRIPTION:\n\nJoin&nbsp\;Gail Z. Martin&nbsp\;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.\n\n
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:51905d25e405a0be7261638f4056e995
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/51905d25e405a0be7261638f4056e995
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T200000Z
DTEND:20260717T210000Z
SUMMARY:Signings: John Scalzi
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:04c643c67eb68a6050ca6a094ebd1942
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/04c643c67eb68a6050ca6a094ebd1942
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T200000Z
DTEND:20260717T210000Z
SUMMARY:Geek Mental Health: Stories\, Strategies\, and Resources
DESCRIPTION: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.\n\nModerator: Tally Johnson
CATEGORIES:FANDOM
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fe687c3f51db273b939aa80637d20c0b
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/fe687c3f51db273b939aa80637d20c0b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T200000Z
DTEND:20260717T230000Z
SUMMARY:Feature Film Block 1
DESCRIPTION:The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro\nThe Things We Keep
CATEGORIES:FILM FESTIVAL
LOCATION:Cardinal (Film)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0f803a514504b7596e43d29f19bf93a3
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/0f803a514504b7596e43d29f19bf93a3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T200000Z
DTEND:20260717T210000Z
SUMMARY:Submitting to Film Festivals: Worth it or not
DESCRIPTION:Our panelists of film guests discuss the pros and cons of submitting your film to film festivals.&nbsp\; Does it help?&nbsp\; Does it hurt?&nbsp\; What does it bring you?\n\nModerator: Bill Mulligan
CATEGORIES:FILM/TV
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c57c393ab9e92152008a28975181dc7f
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/c57c393ab9e92152008a28975181dc7f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T200000Z
DTEND:20260717T220000Z
SUMMARY:Pathfinder 2E: Dragon's Plea
DESCRIPTION:GM: James Musgrove\nMax: 6 Players\nPre-generated characters available\nSign-up at Registration\n\nOver a year ago trouble in the&nbsp\;Verduran Forest&nbsp\;drove a young horned dragon from their lair. Unable to oppose the forces of the&nbsp\;Wildwood Lodge&nbsp\;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.\nTheir pride as a dragon\, though\, won’t let them ask for help. Instead\, they have come to the&nbsp\;Woodsedge Lodge&nbsp\;proposing an alliance.&nbsp\;Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau&nbsp\;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.\n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6afef67858fa494381c19145ffca7088
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/6afef67858fa494381c19145ffca7088
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T200000Z
DTEND:20260717T210000Z
SUMMARY:Candy Bullets: Humor in Action\, Horror\, and Dark Fantasy
DESCRIPTION: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.\n\nModerator: J. Matthew Saunders
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f67d44b7a5c4379eb4945bed0e7def48
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/f67d44b7a5c4379eb4945bed0e7def48
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T200000Z
DTEND:20260717T210000Z
SUMMARY:Alexandra Higgins in Concert
DESCRIPTION:Alexandra’s unique folk / indie / Americana silvery enchanting voice and clever\, refreshing lyrics combine for a unique sound listeners find both soothing and captivating. &nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:389c09d8980514bd7c5d56fc914bdff6
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/389c09d8980514bd7c5d56fc914bdff6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T200000Z
DTEND:20260717T210000Z
SUMMARY:Statistics: Truth or Lie
DESCRIPTION: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).\n\nModerator: Brandon Whitworth
CATEGORIES:SCIENCE
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f7032f29b2aece47aa2da4230a743c8e
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/f7032f29b2aece47aa2da4230a743c8e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T210000Z
DTEND:20260717T220000Z
SUMMARY:Signings: Richard Kadrey
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fd8571982ea0e2bb7ada15b2e3ad09dc
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/fd8571982ea0e2bb7ada15b2e3ad09dc
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T210000Z
DTEND:20260717T220000Z
SUMMARY:Gaming: Forbidden Island (with Wizards!)
DESCRIPTION:Forbidden Island (with Wizards)\nPlayers: Max 4\nGM: Richard Jordan\nJoin 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!\n\nSign up at Registration!\n\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:21c1a183f75083c2dd7ff713e772a77d
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/21c1a183f75083c2dd7ff713e772a77d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T213000Z
DTEND:20260717T230000Z
SUMMARY:Workshop: Basic Leather Working 101 (fee)
DESCRIPTION: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. \n\nParticipation fee is $20
CATEGORIES:COSTUMING/COSPLAY
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0a2d68b038a897c9b15639829eb439c8
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/0a2d68b038a897c9b15639829eb439c8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T213000Z
DTEND:20260717T223000Z
SUMMARY:Geeky Trivia for Chocolate!
DESCRIPTION: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. \n\n\n
CATEGORIES:FANDOM
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1659e60238dd6f43fb636a251033cebe
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/1659e60238dd6f43fb636a251033cebe
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T213000Z
DTEND:20260717T223000Z
SUMMARY:All Our Favorite "Stars"
DESCRIPTION: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.\n\nModerator: Tom Hutchens
CATEGORIES:FILM/TV
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:50ff174c186c893e09cef55be36946e7
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/50ff174c186c893e09cef55be36946e7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T213000Z
DTEND:20260717T223000Z
SUMMARY:Talking about Women in Film
DESCRIPTION: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.&nbsp\; Our panelists discuss.\n\n(Alternates: Fraser Sherman)
CATEGORIES:FILM/TV
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1c4069a0d9539b7135100496479dc805
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/1c4069a0d9539b7135100496479dc805
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T213000Z
DTEND:20260717T223000Z
SUMMARY:2026 Survey of North Carolina Science fiction and Fantasy
DESCRIPTION: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.&nbsp\;&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bd8e16f2a9b53d5d9961e7b1f4bd43e8
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/bd8e16f2a9b53d5d9961e7b1f4bd43e8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T213000Z
DTEND:20260717T223000Z
SUMMARY:Open Filking
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons A-B (Cantina)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:49deaed6d361caee88cd8bb8bd552479
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/49deaed6d361caee88cd8bb8bd552479
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T213000Z
DTEND:20260717T223000Z
SUMMARY:AI Inflection Point
DESCRIPTION: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?\n\nModerator: Chris Oakley
CATEGORIES:SCIENCE
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d377c9b5ae66b8089eaaa0a216dbe6cd
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/d377c9b5ae66b8089eaaa0a216dbe6cd
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T220000Z
DTEND:20260717T230000Z
SUMMARY:Signings:
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6710f89536728c4c05073c947d133f7d
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/6710f89536728c4c05073c947d133f7d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T230000Z
DTEND:20260718T000000Z
SUMMARY:Gaming: Star Trek CCG (Rapid Variant\, no deck needed)
DESCRIPTION:Star Trek: CCG\nPlayers: Max 1(at a time)\nGMs: Richard Jordan\, Vanessa Salazar\nPlayers 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.\n\nSign up at Registration!\n\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:765dc2f43012d3bbdaa6e96343d5feed
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/765dc2f43012d3bbdaa6e96343d5feed
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T230000Z
DTEND:20260718T000000Z
SUMMARY:Room Closed
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2c3cd53a318e0245898f0b6b0775d27c
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/2c3cd53a318e0245898f0b6b0775d27c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T230000Z
DTEND:20260718T000000Z
SUMMARY:Room Closed
DESCRIPTION:
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:Cardinal (Film)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:467a9d217c0dd34bf92f2cfd7d8a3bee
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/467a9d217c0dd34bf92f2cfd7d8a3bee
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T230000Z
DTEND:20260718T000000Z
SUMMARY:Room Closed
DESCRIPTION:
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4a4b22247293f8b0b833a43a3e8e012d
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/4a4b22247293f8b0b833a43a3e8e012d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T230000Z
DTEND:20260718T000000Z
SUMMARY:Room Closed
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c178836b27d2edacc88076e367aa1bbd
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/c178836b27d2edacc88076e367aa1bbd
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T230000Z
DTEND:20260718T000000Z
SUMMARY:Room Closed
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d0814e2fd1d23f7e1da24ffb519045b5
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/d0814e2fd1d23f7e1da24ffb519045b5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T230000Z
DTEND:20260718T000000Z
SUMMARY:Room Closed
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fdec7e02e4ae6dc0106dee760c6c73a6
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/fdec7e02e4ae6dc0106dee760c6c73a6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260717T230000Z
DTEND:20260718T000000Z
SUMMARY:Opening Ceremonies
DESCRIPTION: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!\n\nEach 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.\n\nThis is also where the Manly Wade Wellman Award will be presented. The Manly Wade Wellman Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy&nbsp\;was founded in December 2013 to recognize outstanding achievement in science fiction and fantasy novels written by North Carolina authors.
CATEGORIES:SPECIAL EVENTS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:45a5382d422a8120c3df17374d33ecf5
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/45a5382d422a8120c3df17374d33ecf5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T000000Z
DTEND:20260718T020000Z
SUMMARY:Feature Film Block 2
DESCRIPTION:Tales from the Shiny Diner
CATEGORIES:FILM FESTIVAL
LOCATION:Cardinal (Film)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:29cc9021295d679c117f995f5b0553c8
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/29cc9021295d679c117f995f5b0553c8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T000000Z
DTEND:20260718T010000Z
SUMMARY:Star Wars: After the Mando and Grogu
DESCRIPTION:A cute little alien in a beskar armor and a silent but deadly bounty hunter have won the hearts of fans across the world.&nbsp\; Join our panelists as they discuss this new Star Wars story and where we hope it takes us in the future.\n\nModerator: Dance Harden
CATEGORIES:FILM/TV
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:918b348125d47df4f370139d0037ceea
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/918b348125d47df4f370139d0037ceea
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T000000Z
DTEND:20260718T020000Z
SUMMARY:Starfinder 2E: Songbird Rescue
DESCRIPTION:GM: James Musgrove\nMax: 6 Players\nPre-generated characters available\nSign-up at Registration\n\nAmong the hand-built shrines to forgotten and dead&nbsp\;deities&nbsp\;that cover the surface of the airless&nbsp\;moon&nbsp\;of&nbsp\;Yashu-Indiri\, a servant of a murderous god turns shrines into deathtraps and harnesses fell&nbsp\;magic&nbsp\;to drag down passing&nbsp\;starships. When these engineered accidents cause a priestess of&nbsp\;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. \n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b1f308ae326774ce383de2edf8d51c84
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/b1f308ae326774ce383de2edf8d51c84
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T000000Z
DTEND:20260718T010000Z
SUMMARY:Room Closed
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4af0a3865de5660976c943d8d939632a
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/4af0a3865de5660976c943d8d939632a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T000000Z
DTEND:20260718T010000Z
SUMMARY:Room Closed
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d6f9c1acb2f5ff901d54c37b683e26c9
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/d6f9c1acb2f5ff901d54c37b683e26c9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T000000Z
DTEND:20260718T010000Z
SUMMARY:Jim Beall Presents "Fusion"
DESCRIPTION: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.
CATEGORIES:SCIENCE
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b0597f0d860f723cb41ccde98dcc9259
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/b0597f0d860f723cb41ccde98dcc9259
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T000000Z
DTEND:20260718T010000Z
SUMMARY:Congregate: Fully Improvised!
DESCRIPTION:Where Fandom Meets the Unscripted.\nPrepare 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.\nOur 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.\nNo Scripts. No Safety Nets. Just pure\, unadulterated\, improvised geekery.\nGrab your badge and your sense of humor—we’ll see you there!\n\n
CATEGORIES:SPECIAL EVENTS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ad62c4693dffba5c06092008043835ba
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/ad62c4693dffba5c06092008043835ba
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T000000Z
DTEND:20260718T010000Z
SUMMARY:YA Round Robin: How Spicy is too Spicy
DESCRIPTION:Join Tweens & Teens\, their parents and authors as we discuss how spicy is too spicy for younger readers?
CATEGORIES:YA ROUND ROBIN
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c28dcb758cd838775134c00954c3b1b1
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/c28dcb758cd838775134c00954c3b1b1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T010000Z
DTEND:20260718T020000Z
SUMMARY:Con Stories on The Rocks
DESCRIPTION:So let's talk urban con legends - did someone really get tazed? &nbsp\;Did a program really have "fire drill" included? What other stories have you heard that seem impossible?
CATEGORIES:FANDOM
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons A-B (Cantina)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4412ab802dbe9354520f895270d69b52
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/4412ab802dbe9354520f895270d69b52
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T013000Z
DTEND:20260718T023000Z
SUMMARY:Building Larger Than Life Costumes and Props: Challenges and Solutions
DESCRIPTION: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.\n\nModerator: Cheralyn Lambeth
CATEGORIES:COSTUMING/COSPLAY
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:131f6075057bcde324f02c48c9cfe343
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/131f6075057bcde324f02c48c9cfe343
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T013000Z
DTEND:20260718T023000Z
SUMMARY:The Forgotten Cryptids
DESCRIPTION: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\n\nModerator: O Hai Mark
CATEGORIES:FANDOM
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5fcf0ef837a13f5004d81f135ffdbfb0
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/5fcf0ef837a13f5004d81f135ffdbfb0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T013000Z
DTEND:20260718T023000Z
SUMMARY:Readings Hour Fri
DESCRIPTION:A round robin selection of readings from our authors!\n\nEJ Isaacs\nAngela Giddings\nNancy Dunne\nEli Rainwater\nAlexandra Christian
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ad6ce695142f8d2a83a8d5accaee733d
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/ad6ce695142f8d2a83a8d5accaee733d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T013000Z
DTEND:20260718T023000Z
SUMMARY:DJ McGuire Presents "Make Britain Great Again" in Concert
DESCRIPTION: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.
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cdf4d36c2b98929982997fdf54bf6344
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/cdf4d36c2b98929982997fdf54bf6344
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T013000Z
DTEND:20260718T023000Z
SUMMARY:What's New in the Future of Science & Engineering
DESCRIPTION: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?\n\nModerator: Jason Graves
CATEGORIES:SCIENCE
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:210ecd3386087f923e1de276cbefcbd3
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/210ecd3386087f923e1de276cbefcbd3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T013000Z
DTEND:20260718T030000Z
SUMMARY:Ghost Stories with Tally
DESCRIPTION: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.&nbsp\; (We hope.)
CATEGORIES:SPECIAL EVENTS
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c6b6d1b484fccd756966d16717c5757d
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/c6b6d1b484fccd756966d16717c5757d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T123000Z
DTEND:20260718T133000Z
SUMMARY:Workshop: Irish Dancing
DESCRIPTION:Start your Saturday with some fun and music!\n\nCome learn Cape Breton and Old Style Irish social dances. These dances are meant to be enjoyed by all ages. If you can walk… you can dance!
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0cfc66a6fcfdcf7b88bd6218ca66dfcf
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/0cfc66a6fcfdcf7b88bd6218ca66dfcf
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T130000Z
DTEND:20260719T003000Z
SUMMARY:ConSuite Open
DESCRIPTION:Come over to our ConSuite and enjoy a snack and (non-alcoholic) beverage. All refreshments are individually packaged for health and safety. &nbsp\;The fee is already covered in your registration.\n\nThe Suite is also a great place to relax and visit with your friends\, old or new.\n\nLocation: Room 210\n\nConSuite Hours\nFRI &nbsp\;2:00pm - 8:30pmSAT &nbsp\;9:00am - 8:30pmSUN &nbsp\;9:00am - 2:00pm\n\n
CATEGORIES:CONSUITE
LOCATION:ConSuite (Room 210)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3dd14b0b249099ad42e47299f83a5618
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/3dd14b0b249099ad42e47299f83a5618
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T130000Z
DTEND:20260718T140000Z
SUMMARY:Game Writing
DESCRIPTION:From table top rpgs to card games and puzzles\, what does writing for these genres look like?\n\nModerator: Roger Carden
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e53307f000357238a93926b410d4e9d5
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/e53307f000357238a93926b410d4e9d5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T130000Z
DTEND:20260719T020000Z
SUMMARY:Open Gaming
DESCRIPTION:On demand games all weekend.\n\nCheck out a wide variety of new and exciting games including: Return to Dark Tower&nbsp\;as well as Clarion Game's:\n\nHull 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.\n\nHenchman: 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.\n\nFour 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!\n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:afd69f2fb1c829d55c69842ee63adb76
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/afd69f2fb1c829d55c69842ee63adb76
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T130000Z
DTEND:20260718T140000Z
SUMMARY:It's now called Romantasy?
DESCRIPTION:First there was Romance in my Paranormal\, and Urban in my Fantasy.&nbsp\; Now there's Romance in my Fantasy?&nbsp\; What makes a "romantasy" novel?&nbsp\; What draws readers to them?&nbsp\; And what stories are out there after you've read "A Throne of Glass" or "Fourth Wing".
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3a34cfd3fc109ad0a208c8773c55c304
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/3a34cfd3fc109ad0a208c8773c55c304
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T133000Z
DTEND:20260718T150000Z
SUMMARY:Workshop: Writing Your First Novel - How to Get from the Initial Idea to a Finished Manuscript
DESCRIPTION:\nRumor has it that 95 percent of people who try to write a book give up before finishing\, and it can feel like a daunting process.&nbsp\;Bruce Buchanan&nbsp\;gave up on his first three attempts before finishing&nbsp\;The Blacksmith's Boy (and now\, several other books!). &nbsp\;In this workshop\, he will show you how he changed his approach and process to reach the finish line.
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a78d4eef2af7651d3a3aae03764b62de
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/a78d4eef2af7651d3a3aae03764b62de
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T140000Z
DTEND:20260718T150000Z
SUMMARY:Alexandra Higgins unplugged
DESCRIPTION:Alexandra plays!
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons A-B (Cantina)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e3b37245d3d46dfa02439382c898b7d3
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/e3b37245d3d46dfa02439382c898b7d3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T140000Z
DTEND:20260718T220000Z
SUMMARY:Dealer's Room Open
DESCRIPTION:Come and buy cool stuff!\n\nDealer Load-in\nFriday: 8:00am\n\nDealer Room Hours\nFriday: 2:00pm - 7:00pm\nSaturday: 10:00am - 6:00pm (dealers in at 9am)\nSunday: 10:00am - 2:00pm (dealers in at 9am)
CATEGORIES:DEALER'S ROOM
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:aad9ec3821ec3073d82a6ab6db4720db
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/aad9ec3821ec3073d82a6ab6db4720db
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T140000Z
DTEND:20260718T153000Z
SUMMARY:Fantasy Short Film Block
DESCRIPTION:The Quest For The Golden Dragon \nBonno Eversong and the Day the Music Died \nFrom the Wizard's Workbench
CATEGORIES:FILM FESTIVAL
LOCATION:Cardinal (Film)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:617ca47b3621e4f5c168da444d15c713
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/617ca47b3621e4f5c168da444d15c713
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T140000Z
DTEND:20260718T153000Z
SUMMARY:Workshop: Independent Filmmaking From Start to Finish (Fee $10)
DESCRIPTION:Filmmaker and author Bryan Young will take students and aspiring filmmakers step-by-step through the process of making a film in this workshop. Using an award-winning short film as a case-study\, he'll walk everyone through every step of the production process\, from screenwriting and grant-writing\, to making the most of your production and post-production\, budgeting and film festivals\, and more.&nbsp\;\n\nFee: $10\n\n
CATEGORIES:FILM/TV
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8d91689f880fea66c813091f08e08ef2
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/8d91689f880fea66c813091f08e08ef2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T140000Z
DTEND:20260718T150000Z
SUMMARY:Gaming: Abduction (1998)
DESCRIPTION:Abduction (1998)\nPlayers: Max 4 (at a time)\nGMs: Richard Jordan\, Vanessa Salazar\nThe players take the role of victims of an alien abduction trying to escape from captivity on an alien ship. The object is to be the first to escape..."the others better not get in the way".\n\nSign up at Registration!\n\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:646ad7621245c4e686518d2eb051cf88
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/646ad7621245c4e686518d2eb051cf88
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T140000Z
DTEND:20260718T160000Z
SUMMARY:Pathfinder 2E: The Swordlord's Challenge
DESCRIPTION:GM: James Musgrove\nMax: 6 Players\nPre-generated characters available\nSign-up at Registration\n\nAn&nbsp\;Aldori swordlord&nbsp\;who fought alongside&nbsp\;Pathfinders&nbsp\;years ago is looking for a way to push her students harder. She issues a challenge to&nbsp\;Marcos Farabellus\, the&nbsp\;Master of Swords\, boasting that her most promising young pupils can defeat any Marcos has trained. She stakes her pride as a teacher and a powerful weapon she used during the&nbsp\;Fifth Crusade&nbsp\;on the outcome. Marcos both believes such a relic\, taken to the very heart of the&nbsp\;Worldwound\, would be an excellent addition to the Society's vaults and that the PCs are the perfect students on which to stake his own pride. The PCs must do their utmost to justify the faith he has placed in them and win a great victory—and perhaps a new ally—for the&nbsp\;Pathfinder Society.
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e08901347e58e55988b2e05ffdfaf571
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/e08901347e58e55988b2e05ffdfaf571
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T140000Z
DTEND:20260718T150000Z
SUMMARY:Intersection of Science & Art
DESCRIPTION:Our panelists discuss how&nbsp\;Science and art are two sides of the same coin: human attempts to observe\, understand\, and interpret the universe.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:SCIENCE
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f2ca2983f0e64605654122ceb662d560
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/f2ca2983f0e64605654122ceb662d560
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T140000Z
DTEND:20260718T150000Z
SUMMARY:Signings: Richard Kadrey
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:SIGNINGS / AUTOGRAPHS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7d8926f7e4ddaf327354e36fe5b2219e
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/7d8926f7e4ddaf327354e36fe5b2219e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T140000Z
DTEND:20260718T150000Z
SUMMARY:Inside the ConGregate Studio w/ John Scalzi (GOH Interview)
DESCRIPTION:Our interviewer extraordinaire Michael D. Pederson return to delve deep into the mind of John Scalzi asking him questions on everything from writing to guitars to "Whatever".Our interviewer extraordinaire Michael D. Pederson will delve deep into the mind of John Scalzi asking him questions on everything from writing to burritos to photography. Since Mike has already posed the 10 questions by original interviewer of the stars\, James Lipton\, we'll switch things up and ask the Colbert Questionaire!
CATEGORIES:SPECIAL EVENTS
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:58f322046563744b13ad076f2f6b4b77
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/58f322046563744b13ad076f2f6b4b77
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T143000Z
DTEND:20260718T153000Z
SUMMARY:Online Media for Love or Money
DESCRIPTION:A lot of people think live streaming is easy\, just turn on the console\, PC\, camera\, and go! We'll have some real talk on what actually goes into streaming and the harsh reality that you need to be in it for the love of it\, and if you earn some money...bonus!\n\nModerator: Gary Mitchel
CATEGORIES:ONLINE MEDIA
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:03816126f9cdd5610b2646499f1b420e
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/03816126f9cdd5610b2646499f1b420e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T143000Z
DTEND:20260718T153000Z
SUMMARY:Chuck Parker in concert
DESCRIPTION:Chuck plays slice of life\, confessional geek tunes that are often kind of funny\, and his lyrics have been called “sensitive”\, “literate”\, and “hard to sing…”\n\n
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:23a2c837d341308be07b87a3b79beaa8
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/23a2c837d341308be07b87a3b79beaa8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T150000Z
DTEND:20260718T160000Z
SUMMARY:Signings: Angela Giddings & Eli Rainwater
DESCRIPTION:Angela Giddings signs her books.
CATEGORIES:SIGNINGS / AUTOGRAPHS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:db576a18fa5af934ffb167527cec2366
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/db576a18fa5af934ffb167527cec2366
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T153000Z
DTEND:20260718T163000Z
SUMMARY:Humor in Writing
DESCRIPTION:From puns to pratfalls\, humor in writing can sometimes be hard to portray.&nbsp\; Join our panelists as they discuss how to write stories that make your reader laugh out loud.\n\nModerator: Lexx Christian
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:709db7e6e9292ec34e9c02d797c9cb14
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/709db7e6e9292ec34e9c02d797c9cb14
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T153000Z
DTEND:20260718T170000Z
SUMMARY:Arcane Carolinas Live with Tally Johnson & Gary Mitchel: The Ghosts of Greensboro
DESCRIPTION:The podcast Arcane Carolinas explores folklore\, legends\, and modern weird tales from the mountaintops to sand dunes across the Carolinas' backroads and byroads. From cryptids to cursed earth to people whose passions will surprise you\, North and South Carolina are chock full of surprises. \n\n** Note: This session will be recorded for future broadcast. **
CATEGORIES:ONLINE MEDIA
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ab1d9e81315e6621d2db6b043e6586d6
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/ab1d9e81315e6621d2db6b043e6586d6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T153000Z
DTEND:20260718T163000Z
SUMMARY:YA Round Robin: Camp Halfblood's Next Season
DESCRIPTION:Join a group of teens and tweens as we discuss "Uncle Rick's" popular Camp Half-Blood Series - from the books to the TV Series.&nbsp\; What do we like about the series and how does it compare to the books?
CATEGORIES:YA ROUND ROBIN
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5b03b8938e679d8cf2d862f760d5df58
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/5b03b8938e679d8cf2d862f760d5df58
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T160000Z
DTEND:20260718T170000Z
SUMMARY:Workshop: Basic Pattern Making
DESCRIPTION:This primer for armor patterning led by the designers at Ribbons and Rivets\, will have participants making their own bracer pattern that can later be applied to other rigid mediums such as leather\, thermoplastic\, or EVA foam. Participants will leave with their own personalized pattern as well as knowledge about measurements\, seam allowances\, fasteners\, and the pros and cons associated with different armor making mediums.
CATEGORIES:COSTUMING/COSPLAY
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e88dcc19caebfe726f86b13a2ce6f144
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/e88dcc19caebfe726f86b13a2ce6f144
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T160000Z
DTEND:20260718T170000Z
SUMMARY:The Doctor's Villians
DESCRIPTION:From Daleks and Angels to the Master (or Mistress)\, what makes a Doctor Who Villian compelling?\n\nModerator: Fraser Sherman
CATEGORIES:FILM/TV
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:597a35f656792504894ad308ec6e5382
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/597a35f656792504894ad308ec6e5382
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T160000Z
DTEND:20260718T170000Z
SUMMARY:Blibbering Humdingers - Unplugged
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons A-B (Cantina)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3357273147f20d849cbcd37616ea7422
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/3357273147f20d849cbcd37616ea7422
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T160000Z
DTEND:20260718T170000Z
SUMMARY:Communicating Science - Part 1 (The Panel)
DESCRIPTION:Our panelist talk about how and why communicating science is important\, and the transition between writing for Academia and from industry.\n\nFollowed by Biomedical Graduate Students from Dr. Robert E. Hampson's Communicating Science course who will give seven-minute "Ted Talk" style presentations about their science. Come hear about some exciting new fields of biomedical research. Heckling is discouraged\, but the students could certainly use some real-world feedback on their talks!\n\n(alternate: Emily Jane Beuhler)
CATEGORIES:SCIENCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e316247d9d1c8dc53d8241b2c54bad7b
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/e316247d9d1c8dc53d8241b2c54bad7b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T160000Z
DTEND:20260718T170000Z
SUMMARY:Signings: Gray Rinehart & Bruce Buchanan
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:SIGNINGS / AUTOGRAPHS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cc906f92a101ebbf0df632bff7abea94
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/cc906f92a101ebbf0df632bff7abea94
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T170000Z
DTEND:20260718T183000Z
SUMMARY:Pre-judging for Costume Contest/Green Room
DESCRIPTION:Judges: Jett Dixon\, Cheralyn Lambeth\,&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:COSTUMING/COSPLAY
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:79309d5f0b6eaf572b2490efa7478405
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/79309d5f0b6eaf572b2490efa7478405
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T170000Z
DTEND:20260718T180000Z
SUMMARY:SF Short Film Block
DESCRIPTION:Trapped \nThe Curse of the Were-Alien
CATEGORIES:FILM FESTIVAL
LOCATION:Cardinal (Film)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6584339b4f8b62f2c4b38405dc510cc0
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/6584339b4f8b62f2c4b38405dc510cc0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T170000Z
DTEND:20260718T200000Z
SUMMARY:The Caves of Luna (EABA)
DESCRIPTION:GM: Roger CardenMax players: 6\n\nThe Caves of Luna\nDuring an alien attack\, residents of Luna City must escape through the abandoned mines and caves below the city. &nbsp\;We will be playing EABA\, a generic\, dice pool based game system which uses 6 sided dice.Characters will be provided. &nbsp\;Session is expected to last 2 to 3 hours. &nbsp\; \n(Note\, this is the game system that Roger will be using for the actual play we're launching for Applied Game Mastery next year).\nhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EABA\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:208858874131f46a57f12350048062ac
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/208858874131f46a57f12350048062ac
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T170000Z
DTEND:20260718T180000Z
SUMMARY:Room Closed: We Suggest You Go Shopping or Eat!!
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:271c2d2c4967e26eda96733f2bfcbaef
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/271c2d2c4967e26eda96733f2bfcbaef
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T170000Z
DTEND:20260718T180000Z
SUMMARY:Room Closed: We Suggest You Go Shopping or Eat!!
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:430eea8623de4edaaea38a9e930978c1
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/430eea8623de4edaaea38a9e930978c1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T170000Z
DTEND:20260718T180000Z
SUMMARY:Room Closed: We Suggest You Go Shopping or Eat!!
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9ad7d4120a7cf15a4794483f8b24eaa6
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/9ad7d4120a7cf15a4794483f8b24eaa6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T170000Z
DTEND:20260718T180000Z
SUMMARY:Room Closed: We Suggest You Go Shopping or Eat!!
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cc65b86056e00c39af8cf2521bb80ab8
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/cc65b86056e00c39af8cf2521bb80ab8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T170000Z
DTEND:20260718T180000Z
SUMMARY:Communicating Science - Part 2 (The Presentations)
DESCRIPTION:Biomedical Graduate Students from Dr. Robert E. Hampson's Communicating Science course who will give seven-minute "Ted Talk" style presentations about their science. Come hear about some exciting new fields of biomedical research. Heckling is discouraged\, but the students could certainly use some real-world feedback on their talks!
CATEGORIES:SCIENCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:80620f201663f3604c9e1c2dd75f745e
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/80620f201663f3604c9e1c2dd75f745e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T170000Z
DTEND:20260718T180000Z
SUMMARY:Signings: John Scalzi
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:SIGNINGS / AUTOGRAPHS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b2a16744f5b3d503737271ee7acfeae5
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/b2a16744f5b3d503737271ee7acfeae5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T173000Z
DTEND:20260718T183000Z
SUMMARY:Dad Jokes Hour
DESCRIPTION:Do you like puns or just bad jokes?&nbsp\; Have we got the guys for you!\n\nCome in\, grab some food or a drink (yes\, alcohol is an option) and enjoy this hour of torture fun.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons A-B (Cantina)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:152d1e505d8f2e3d43d69ba1156b49d2
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/152d1e505d8f2e3d43d69ba1156b49d2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T180000Z
DTEND:20260718T210000Z
SUMMARY:Horror Short Film Block
DESCRIPTION:Coloring Girl \nWhite Noise \nThe Sessions &nbsp\;\nThe Lost Boys \nRecAlchemist \nFavela Amarela (Yellow Slum)\nBuzzby \n"A &nbsp\;Vampire's Kiss"\n\n
CATEGORIES:FILM FESTIVAL
LOCATION:Cardinal (Film)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5bb6f9cb1f5b5da9c612b1a241ce583a
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/5bb6f9cb1f5b5da9c612b1a241ce583a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T180000Z
DTEND:20260718T190000Z
SUMMARY:60 Years of Star Trek
DESCRIPTION:"The human race is a remarkable creature\, one with great potential\, and I hope that&nbsp\;Star Trek&nbsp\;has helped to show us what we can be if we believe in ourselves and our abilities."- Gene Roddenberry\,&nbsp\;Star Trek&nbsp\;creator\nThe year of 2026 marks a historic chapter for&nbsp\;Star Trek&nbsp\;as the legendary franchise will celebrate its 60th anniversary on next year's&nbsp\;Star Trek&nbsp\;Day (Sept. 8\, 2026).&nbsp\; Before that\, let's discuss all the things.&nbsp\; From the tv series(es) and animated shows\, to the movies and the casts\, directors\, and writers&nbsp\;who bring the stories to life\, our panelists will discuss the past\, present and future of&nbsp\;Star Trek.\n\nModerator: Dance Harden
CATEGORIES:FILM/TV
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d4ca6d6741d82ba28df07ac5465071fa
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/d4ca6d6741d82ba28df07ac5465071fa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T180000Z
DTEND:20260718T190000Z
SUMMARY:Godzilla TCG (reformatted as a Board Game)
DESCRIPTION:GM: Richard Jordan
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7093118bfa140e4f9e29625cf91e2298
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/7093118bfa140e4f9e29625cf91e2298
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T180000Z
DTEND:20260718T200000Z
SUMMARY:Starfinder 2E: The Cantina Job
DESCRIPTION:GM: James Musgrove\nMax: 6 Players\nPre-generated characters available\nSign-up at Registration\n\nA desperate scam artist prowls the bars of&nbsp\;Drifter's End\, fleecing the tourists and&nbsp\;starship&nbsp\;crews of&nbsp\;Absalom Station&nbsp\;out of their hard-earned&nbsp\;credits&nbsp\;with a chunk of fake&nbsp\;horacalcum&nbsp\;and the chance to invest in their newly discovered&nbsp\;starmetal&nbsp\;vein. It's up to the PCs to track down this fake miner\, and haul them back to pay their dues! \n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7b624ad679d3d8461b23f60545cad12c
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/7b624ad679d3d8461b23f60545cad12c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T180000Z
DTEND:20260718T200000Z
SUMMARY:Write Tighter; Write Better (fee $20)
DESCRIPTION:Write Tighter\; Write Better&nbsp\;(Saturday afternoon)\nThere are tons of books and classes to teach you about plot and character and story. But to be effective at those things\, you need to write sentences. A lot of sentences. In this workshop by&nbsp\;Stuart Jaffe\, you’ll learn how to craft sentences with power\, cut out the wasted words\, and maybe even a few secrets and tricks of the trade that’ll bring your sentence writing to the next level. That way\, the great idea in your head might actually make it to the page.\nFee: $20\n\n
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0635bd0acff665c95d423f6f36a18ccb
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/0635bd0acff665c95d423f6f36a18ccb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T180000Z
DTEND:20260718T190000Z
SUMMARY:To the Moon\, Alice\, to the Moon!
DESCRIPTION:With Artemis making it's first successful trip around the moon\, and plans continuing to move forward for another moon landing\, what does space look like for us know?&nbsp\; Are we on our way to the New Frontier and how will we get there?
CATEGORIES:SCIENCE
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0bc82f8bd7aeb1e43aa98dcff3fdc22e
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/0bc82f8bd7aeb1e43aa98dcff3fdc22e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T180000Z
DTEND:20260718T190000Z
SUMMARY:Signings: EJ Isaacs & Dennis Myers
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:SIGNINGS / AUTOGRAPHS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:68eac6a5140e002bbdb2cecec4e880f5
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/68eac6a5140e002bbdb2cecec4e880f5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T180000Z
DTEND:20260718T190000Z
SUMMARY:Signings: Sherrilyn Kenyon (at her table)
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:SIGNINGS / AUTOGRAPHS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:30b29a12410dc677254d04dfbee8a0b9
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/30b29a12410dc677254d04dfbee8a0b9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T180000Z
DTEND:20260718T190000Z
SUMMARY:Inside the ConGregate Studio w/ Richard Kadrey (GOH Interview)
DESCRIPTION:Our interviewer extraordinaire Michael D. Pederson will delve deep into the mind of Richard Kadrey asking him questions on everything from writing to art to (something else). Of course\, Mike will end with the infamous 10 questions posed by the original interviewer of the stars\, James Lipton.
CATEGORIES:SPECIAL EVENTS
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d33cfd588aa5b8b64e4c10c2c83f6303
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/d33cfd588aa5b8b64e4c10c2c83f6303
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T183000Z
DTEND:20260718T190000Z
SUMMARY:Costume Contest Set UP
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e10f19f46ba0607f7d8a25afcea4511e
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/e10f19f46ba0607f7d8a25afcea4511e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T183000Z
DTEND:20260718T200000Z
SUMMARY:Closed for Green Room
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a28c3bdb8ea3291c0efcb0808f28f1e7
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/a28c3bdb8ea3291c0efcb0808f28f1e7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T190000Z
DTEND:20260718T210000Z
SUMMARY:Rapscallion
DESCRIPTION:GM: Eli Rainwater\nMax Players:4-6\n\nRapscallion\, a PbtA (Powered by the Apocolypse) game about pirates at sea who are up against monsters\, an unscrupulous navy\, and other pirates in their quest for treasure!\n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8d7967f3f98cd93230d8225a6d8bc51e
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/8d7967f3f98cd93230d8225a6d8bc51e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T190000Z
DTEND:20260718T200000Z
SUMMARY:Signings: Philip Kramer & Wayland Smith
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:SIGNINGS / AUTOGRAPHS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b9de44a8e11c569b5fbf273cc8e2144d
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/b9de44a8e11c569b5fbf273cc8e2144d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T190000Z
DTEND:20260718T200000Z
SUMMARY:The ConGregate Costume Contest
DESCRIPTION:ConGregate's Costume Contest with host O. Hai Mark with Cash prizes! Join us for all the fun! \n(Sponsored by John & Heather Simpson)\n\nInterim music by Alexandra Higgins\n\nConGregate Costume Contest Rules & Information\n\nThe ConGregate Costume Contest is open to any costumed individual or group\, but all participants must have valid ConGregate membership badges.\nPrejudging is Saturday in the Hight Point room at 1:30pm\, the contest will be held in&nbsp\;Main Events (Grand Ballroom D) at 3pm. Contestants must be at the Piedmont room no later than 2:30pm for line up.\nIf you have a re-creation costume\, bring any supporting photos\, illustrations text passages\, models\, or other reference materials with you for judges to examine during Pre-Judging. Please remember to EAT before pre-judging!!!\nCostume Contest Registrations:\nSign-Ups will be available during the convention at the Registration Desk until 12 Noon on Saturday.&nbsp\;\nContestants can pre-register here:&nbsp\;Costume Contest Registration\nNote:\nIf you have audio/sound to be played while you are on stage\, you will need to speak to a member of the sound crew in Grand Ballroom D. Please have it recorded on an otherwise blank CD which is labeled with your name\, your badge number\, and the name of your costume (or group)\, Thumb Drive (flash drive)\, or MP3 player (or other similar device). Any device other than a CD cannot be dropped off and you must speak with the sound crew to check if it can be played. There should be no more than ten (10) seconds of blank time before your audio begins to play. The audio must be turned in with your Costume Contest sign-up sheet. ConGregate cannot guarantee your audio will be played during your presentation. We reserve the right to review music before allowing it to be used. CDs can be reclaimed after the Costume Contest awards are presented.\nIf you plan to use music during your presentation\, please double check it with the sound crew to make sure that they are able to play it. There will be a sound technician in the room during prejudging to assist with anything last minute (within reason).\nThere will be no live microphone for contestants to use on stage. There will be no spotlights or other light effects available on stage.\nIf you plan to draw or otherwise “use” a weapon during your presentation\, note that on your Costume Contest sign-up sheet. Judges will make any necessary determination of suitability and safety.\nIf you are taking part in a group entry\, only one Costume Contest sign-up sheet is necessary for the entire group\, but the name and badge number of all group members must be listed on that sheet.\nThe contest is open to all ages. An adult&nbsp\;must&nbsp\;accompany children under 12. Parents can accompany their children onstage. Entrants under 12 will not be judged\, but will receive certificates for participating.\nCategory Definitions (Any entrant may choose to compete in a higher category):\nYouth&nbsp\;- those under the age of 14 years (see above).Novice&nbsp\;- those who have won three (3) or fewer major (Best-\, Top-\, 1st Place-in category) awards in costume competitions.Journeyman&nbsp\;- those who have won more than three major awards in costume competitions\, but have won fewer than three (3) Best in Show or Best Overall awards.Master&nbsp\;- those who have won more than three (3) Best in Show or Best Overall awards.Awards categories may include: Best in Show\, Best Craftsmanship\, Best Presentation\, Top Novice\, Top Journeyman\, Top Master\, and Judge's Choice. Depending on the number of entrants\, other awards may be added.\nNo individual may present more than one entry in the contest. You cannot wear a costume onstage\, then change into another costume and present it for competition as well or be apart of more than one group. individuals are limited to one (1) minute on stage. Group’s entries are limited to one (1) minute plus thirty (30) seconds for each additional member up to a maximum of three (3) minutes on stage. There will be no extended songs\, skits\, monologues\, or conversations (any exceptions to this rule must be approved by the ConGregate Costume Contest Coordinator).\nAny of the following on stage will result in disqualification and ejection from the Costume Contest: glitter\, smoke effects\, open flames\, squirting liquids\, firing projectiles\, throwing objects into the audience or at the MC\, use of obscene language\, pornographic representations\, full or partial nudity. Please help us keep ConGregate a safe and family-friendly convention (keep in mind PG13 or better).\nWe ask that anyone with a costume which has won three (3) or more major (Best\, Top\, or 1st Place) costume competition awards elsewhere not enter that particular costume into ConGregates' competition unless it has been significantly changed or improved.\nParticipants will be judged on costume construction\, originality\, and presentation.\nNo entry will be allowed to win in more than two categories.\nParticipants need to be in...
CATEGORIES:SPECIAL EVENTS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c5ca13cbba062baedd21c1d098737f42
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/c5ca13cbba062baedd21c1d098737f42
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T193000Z
DTEND:20260718T203000Z
SUMMARY:35 Years of Vampire: the Masquerade & The World of Darkness
DESCRIPTION:35 Years of Vampire: the Masquerade & The World of Darkness (how White Wolf's TTRPGs influenced us as writers\, gamers\, artists\, etc. - a total WoD love fest & celebration\n\nSpecial Guest: Viovode Mekhet (Storyteller for the Sat night LARP?)\n\nModerator: Michael G. Williams
CATEGORIES:FANDOM
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7732247c9e58a2e7cd5953222c0db482
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/7732247c9e58a2e7cd5953222c0db482
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T193000Z
DTEND:20260718T203000Z
SUMMARY:The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
DESCRIPTION:The First Film in Peter Jackson's epic imagining of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings Trilogy\, released 25 years ago.&nbsp\; Let's return to the Shire and talk about this ambitious film project\, its relationship to the source material and how it stands up a quarter of a century later.\n\nModerator: Gary Mitchel
CATEGORIES:FILM/TV
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b5f260b3529669e9f9d768455e547831
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/b5f260b3529669e9f9d768455e547831
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T193000Z
DTEND:20260718T210000Z
SUMMARY:Small Press Publisher Roadshow (Sol\, Prospective Press\, Brain & Brain Press\, Space Wizard Science Fantasy)
DESCRIPTION:Join publishers Gail Z. Martin\, Robert Hampson\, Jason Graves and Bill Tracy as they share the newest releases in their respective publishing houses.
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e33ec17ee59665f412c2022703d15ddb
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/e33ec17ee59665f412c2022703d15ddb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T200000Z
DTEND:20260718T210000Z
SUMMARY:Ask Jenn Whitworth Anything About Artemis
DESCRIPTION:Jenn Whitworth worked on the Artemis program\, NASA’s ongoing lunar exploration initiative\, designed to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and pave the way for future crewed missions to Mars. Building on the initial uncrewed Artemis I test\, NASA successfully launched Artemis II in April 2026\, sending four astronauts on a historic 10-day loop around the Moon.\n\nAsk her all the questions!!!
CATEGORIES:SCIENCE
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4d9a7ef3f33b6df0a2c051a9a7328e6b
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/4d9a7ef3f33b6df0a2c051a9a7328e6b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T200000Z
DTEND:20260718T210000Z
SUMMARY:Signings: Tally Johnson & Mur Lafferty
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:SIGNINGS / AUTOGRAPHS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:79d6267a89eb5d0610cbd7b0918d934e
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/79d6267a89eb5d0610cbd7b0918d934e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T203000Z
DTEND:20260718T213000Z
SUMMARY:Sam Montgomery-Blinn Unplugged
DESCRIPTION:Sam entertains with some&nbsp\;all-new never performed filk originals.
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons A-B (Cantina)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bcca2968368a0ea5a156b37ab2ab558e
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/bcca2968368a0ea5a156b37ab2ab558e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T203000Z
DTEND:20260718T213000Z
SUMMARY:Short Stories to TV
DESCRIPTION:Our Guests of Honor\, John Scalzi and Richard Kadrey have both had the pleasure and challenge of having their work turned into something for TV/Film.&nbsp\; Join them as they discuss how it happened\, what they learned and if they'd do it again.\n\nMichelle able to moderate if needed?
CATEGORIES:SPECIAL EVENTS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fce1d1b6aa4c691b5e1a301f2654ccdc
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/fce1d1b6aa4c691b5e1a301f2654ccdc
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T203000Z
DTEND:20260718T223000Z
SUMMARY:Paper Flowers
DESCRIPTION:Learn how to turn used books into beautiful flowers! With this class by&nbsp\;April Baker\, you will learn how to make paper flowers made from book pages! By the end of this workshop you will have flowers that will never die\, and will be the perfect gift for a book lover in your life or for display on your TBR shelf
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8e73e0b0bcc1b2a7ab04677e31436a31
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/8e73e0b0bcc1b2a7ab04677e31436a31
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T210000Z
DTEND:20260718T220000Z
SUMMARY:Hold for Film Festival Awards
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:FILM FESTIVAL
LOCATION:Cardinal (Film)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:61096700872c8376d8675a3f71939c73
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/61096700872c8376d8675a3f71939c73
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T210000Z
DTEND:20260718T220000Z
SUMMARY:50 Years since 1976
DESCRIPTION:Our panelist discuss the movies that celebrate 50 years in 2026 suchas King Kong\, The Man the who Fell to Earth\, Logan’s Run\, Future World&nbsp\;and more.\n\nModerator: Gail Z. Martin\n\n
CATEGORIES:FILM/TV
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3c15330e24e1788c323e5bc88924f0a0
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/3c15330e24e1788c323e5bc88924f0a0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T210000Z
DTEND:20260718T213000Z
SUMMARY:Book Launch!!! (Cheralyn Lambeth)
DESCRIPTION:Cheralyn has a new book! &nbsp\;Come see\, hear\, buy the real thing!\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cf618fb8b11f0a99bc353b6e99b00cc0
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/cf618fb8b11f0a99bc353b6e99b00cc0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T210000Z
DTEND:20260718T220000Z
SUMMARY:From Audio to Visual: How online media is changing
DESCRIPTION:Podcasting is no longer just an audio game — your video strategy can unlock new ears and eyes. Hear from our panelists on tips for optimizing your presence on the platform and suggestions on how to incorporate the newest tech (including AI).
CATEGORIES:ONLINE MEDIA
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1c26cc9629b25018ce6540a3de9a72cd
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/1c26cc9629b25018ce6540a3de9a72cd
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T210000Z
DTEND:20260718T220000Z
SUMMARY:Signings Michael G Williams: & Bill Mulligan
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:SIGNINGS / AUTOGRAPHS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:af47939ad00c221be6d6cd24ab6c18cb
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/af47939ad00c221be6d6cd24ab6c18cb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T213000Z
DTEND:20260718T223000Z
SUMMARY:Bridging the Gap: Empowering Women for a Diverse STEM Future
DESCRIPTION:Supporting and encouraging women to pursue careers in the traditionally male-dominated fields of science\, technology\, engineering\, and math is really important — not just for fairness\, but because diverse teams bring fresh ideas and spark innovation. Women still face barriers like bias\, stereotyping\, and lack of support\, so programs that offer mentorship\, networking\, resources\, campaigns\, events\, and outreach make a real difference by boosting visibility and representation. By empowering women and celebrating their perspectives and talents\, we can build more welcoming teams and institutions — and together create better problem-solving and a brighter future for STEM.\n\nModerator: Joey Starnes
CATEGORIES:SCIENCE
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:81f88fad9428ace87983ffd1feef6faf
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/81f88fad9428ace87983ffd1feef6faf
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T220000Z
DTEND:20260719T000000Z
SUMMARY:Wonderful Movies with Wonderful People: Live!
DESCRIPTION:Join our hosts as they show and talk about Sick Chick Flicks' "Blood of the Mummy" with special guest\, Christine Parker.
CATEGORIES:FILM FESTIVAL
LOCATION:Cardinal (Film)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:81bfd431973eb5d9147b8889bcc57e9c
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/81bfd431973eb5d9147b8889bcc57e9c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T220000Z
DTEND:20260718T230000Z
SUMMARY:Baen Books Traveling Roadshow and Prize Patrol
DESCRIPTION:Join Gray Rinehart as he shares the best of what's going on in the Baen universe. (And there will be giveaways!)
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2323d4f229be04455f4e12b16ad6ab4e
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/2323d4f229be04455f4e12b16ad6ab4e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T220000Z
DTEND:20260718T230000Z
SUMMARY:Blibbering Humdingers in Concert
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7fe2f75250ea0910056fa5b4b36f34df
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/7fe2f75250ea0910056fa5b4b36f34df
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T223000Z
DTEND:20260718T233000Z
SUMMARY:Making Material Decisions
DESCRIPTION:So there's leather and fabric\, or worbla or casting/sculpting\, but when it comes to deciding to build a costume\, how do you decide where to start?&nbsp\; What material works best for which types of costumes? What looks like armor but doesn't weigh you down?&nbsp\; What looks like leather but moves like fabric?\n\nModerator: Cheralyn Lambeth&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:COSTUMING/COSPLAY
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4b1d650872f270deb1bcc8add51d6e03
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/4b1d650872f270deb1bcc8add51d6e03
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T223000Z
DTEND:20260718T233000Z
SUMMARY:Law Enforcement for Writers: You Have the Right to Write it Right
DESCRIPTION:From standard issue guns for your police officers\, to Miranda Rights and questioning\, our panelist discuss some common misconceptions around the law and suggest resources to help you get it right.\n\nModerator: Wayland Smith
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1d8fef94bb65665331c2b98d0ddfd6b2
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/1d8fef94bb65665331c2b98d0ddfd6b2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T230000Z
DTEND:20260719T000000Z
SUMMARY:Gaming: Jupiter Rescue (Cooperative Game)
DESCRIPTION:Jupiter Rescue\nPlayers: Max 6\nGM: Richard Jordan\nJupiter Rescue is a co-operative strategy game in which players work together to escort 28 colonists to an escape pod before they're converted into alien creeps. You're a team of lowly maintenance robots built to keep the space station operational and clean so that the colonists can get on with...whatever it is they do. Unfortunately\, the station has been invaded by creeps\, alien creatures that slowly advance toward food (the colonists) so that they can multiply. The only thing keeping the colonists from being completely wiped out is your knowledge of the station\, a couple of specialty tools and abilities unique to each of you\, and a little bit of problem-solving code installed so you could do your jobs efficiently.\n\nSign up at Registration!\n\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e21a1de8eedc420b421734212840c167
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/e21a1de8eedc420b421734212840c167
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T230000Z
DTEND:20260719T030000Z
SUMMARY:World of Darkness LARP:
DESCRIPTION:Rebuilding After the Fall\nGreensboro By Night\nFee:&nbsp\;$25.00 (at the LARP)\nPremisThe past few decades have been a time of great turmoil and turbulence within the World of Darkness. The Eastern United States have particularly felt the brunt of much of this upheaval. Prior to the summer of 1999 most of the east coast was under the sway of the Camarilla\; enforcing the Traditions of Kindred existence and offering protection to those who found it worthwhile to “bend a knee” and “kiss a ring”. All of that changed when the Sabbat attacked\, waging an assault from Florida to New York\, leaving nothing but devastation in its wake. While the Ivory Tower was able to hold strong within Manhattan\, the Sword of Cain’s march left them with the majority of territory. But that was only the beginning.\nIn modern nights\, the elders have begun answering the call of the Beckoning. Full city councils vanishing without warning\, leaving their neonates to fend for themselves. The Sabbat has seen fit to chase these elders to wherever it is they’re being called to\, waging a new war. A GehennahW ar. Many Ancillae kindred have stepped up to take control of the Domaines. New Turfs and Praxis popping up where others have fallen. Greensboro\, North Carolina is no different. With the Sabbat squatters of the area now gone\, the Anarchs and the Camarilla scramble to take hold of the various territories they lay abandoned.\n&nbsp\;\nThe GameVampire: the Masquerade\n&nbsp\;\nThe SystemNordic LARP: LARP Lite\n&nbsp\;\nYour Host & StorytellerVoivode MekhetMekhet has been playing and Storytelling World of Darkness games for over 20 years. He has been the Storyteller for many convention events throughout the United States and has partnered with By Night Studios on many projects. He literally wrote the Chapter on Storytelling in the upcoming Hunter: the Reckoning LARP supplement\; Laws of the Hunt (5th Edition) and is the founder and Lead ST for Our Worlds of Darkness.\nContact Mekhet at&nbsp\;voivodemekhet@gmail.com\n&nbsp\;\nExperience NeededNone\, just a healthy love for Vampires\, roleplaying\, theatre and\, political intrigue\n&nbsp\;\nPreparationNo pen\, paper or books needed. No dice\, cards or other.\nPlayers are encouraged to have a character concept in mind.\n&nbsp\;\nCharacter CreationAll that is needed for a workable LARP Lite character is a Vampire: the Masquerade concept.\nAll character creation needs will be provided and as long as the concept is in mind character creation takes just a few minutes.\n&nbsp\;\nAvailable Vampire ClansThe Main ClansBanu Haqim\nJudges of transgression\, intellectuals and lawyers\, assassins and blood sorcerers\; once known as Assamites\, the Children of Haqim have recently joined the ranks of the Camarilla.\nBrujah\nFighters against the system\, rebels against injustice\, petty criminals\, raging rabble\, activists\, agents of change\, warrior philosophers fallen from grace.\nGangrel\nThe clan closest to their inner Beast\, from feral soldiers to folkloric travelers and free spirits\, from inhabitants of the urban jungle to boardroom sharks.\nHecata\nNecromancers\, Graverobbers\, Lazarenes. The Hecata are as much a Family as they are a Clan\; the only true Independents in these nights\, the separate Clans of Death\, including the Giovanni\, Cappadocians\, Samedi and others have now united as the Hecata. For them\, the Family is everything\; and if you are not one of them\, you will never know how deep the Blood runs.\nLasombra\nWinners at life\, religious figures\, manipulative shadow masters\, social climbers\, ruthless fighters\; once a pillar of the Sabbat\, they’ve now begun defecting to the ranks of the Camarilla.\nMalkavian\nSeers and jesters affected by supernatural madness\, psychological masters\, oracles concealing and revealing truths and themselves.\nThe Ministry\nThe rebranded Followers of Set\, refused admission by the Camarilla and welcomed among the Anarchs. Both liars and liberators\, seekers of freedom from chains through pain\, pleasure\, and any other means\, occult cultists and preachers\, standing between refusal of social norms and true depravity.\nNosferatu\nPermanently afflicted by supernatural hideousness\, they hide in the dark as gatherers of secrets\, information procurers\, hackers\, elusive enforcers\, often with a connection to rats and outcasts.\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c1112d6d3d9c2780c06b9dcf5a04e0bd
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/c1112d6d3d9c2780c06b9dcf5a04e0bd
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T230000Z
DTEND:20260719T000000Z
SUMMARY:Readings Hour Sat
DESCRIPTION:Join our authors in a round robin selection of readings!\n\nMIchael G. Williams\nGail Z. Martin\nMur Lafferty\nJohn Scalzi
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:db5503284a71693e4fa92f090797d261
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/db5503284a71693e4fa92f090797d261
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T233000Z
DTEND:20260719T003000Z
SUMMARY:The Mercenary Guild Annual Meeting
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:FANDOM
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:96fa5033c8c7efc6ed0605db1ee28391
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/96fa5033c8c7efc6ed0605db1ee28391
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260718T233000Z
DTEND:20260719T003000Z
SUMMARY:Auction Set up
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ROOM CLOSED
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:033b707ce01073c0180ad0e6245557be
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/033b707ce01073c0180ad0e6245557be
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T000000Z
DTEND:20260719T010000Z
SUMMARY:Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation: 50 Years Since Rush's Iconic "2112"
DESCRIPTION:"When the F%#K did Rush become cool?!" \n\nAs the band Rush continues their Fifty Something tour and tribute to Neil Peart\, our panelists discuss one of Peart's greatest science fiction masterpieces\, 2112 (and other stuff).\n\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:FANDOM
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4f98843bf26562126ac02d7386abfc81
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/4f98843bf26562126ac02d7386abfc81
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T000000Z
DTEND:20260719T010000Z
SUMMARY:Geeky and Nerdy Parenting
DESCRIPTION:Geeky and nerdy parents are not quite the outliers they once were\, but are not really still "normal". How do geeky parents deal with "normal" kids? Other parents? Techniques for creating well-rounded individuals?&nbsp\;\n\nModerator: J. Matthew Saunders
CATEGORIES:FANDOM
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:41be56b868e7f970f24e4e503cf8d017
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/41be56b868e7f970f24e4e503cf8d017
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T000000Z
DTEND:20260719T020000Z
SUMMARY:Pathfinder 2E: A Parchment Tree
DESCRIPTION:GM: James Musgrove\nMax: 6 Players\nPre-generated characters available\nSign-up at Registration\n\nIn the nation of&nbsp\;Qadira\,&nbsp\;Esmayl ibn Qaradi&nbsp\;calls for&nbsp\;Pathfinders&nbsp\;to assist in what should be a simple genealogy verification. Multiple parties are heavily invested in the results that might be revealed by this family tree\, however\, and things won't be as simple as sifting through some old family records. As thieves and nobles vie to control history itself\, the PCs will need to fend off violence and deceptions as they follow the branches of an ancient family tree. \n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1f3e91ec21e7fd0e6f40ddf93925e5da
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/1f3e91ec21e7fd0e6f40ddf93925e5da
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T000000Z
DTEND:20260719T010000Z
SUMMARY:Gray Rinehart - Unplugged
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons A-B (Cantina)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8d8a0fd84c0904eae34b38bda832d3fe
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/8d8a0fd84c0904eae34b38bda832d3fe
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T003000Z
DTEND:20260719T010000Z
SUMMARY:Charity Auction Merchandise Viewing
DESCRIPTION:With safety rules in place\, this is your time to view the merchandise that will be for sale.
CATEGORIES:SPECIAL EVENTS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d0fb9bd97715ef9ec2d664e96933f9c0
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/d0fb9bd97715ef9ec2d664e96933f9c0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T010000Z
DTEND:20260719T023000Z
SUMMARY:Workshop: Flash Fiction Frights: Crafting Chilling Tales with Tally Johnson
DESCRIPTION:Join Special Guest Tally Johnson\, a renowned storyteller\, on an exciting journey to create concise and impactful flash fiction pieces inspired by eerie pictures. Participants will be challenged to craft chilling tales\, with the chance to win prizes for captivating storytelling. Dive into this unique opportunity to explore the enchanting art of storytelling in a compact and powerful format.\n\n
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e74a339578929e3175271984b0707674
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/e74a339578929e3175271984b0707674
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T010000Z
DTEND:20260719T030000Z
SUMMARY:Charity Auction in Support of the Food Bank at Greensboro Urban Ministry
DESCRIPTION:ConGregate will once again be raising money to support the food pantry of the Greensboro Urban Ministry. Availability of food in July is often overlooked because food drives which take place during the winter holiday season. Join us in helping feed our neighbors.\n\nIn 2025\, were able to donate $10\,000 to a food bank in Winston-Salem. While that number was\, let's call it an outlier\, we still want to see how much we can raise.\n\nSide note: Last year\, a couple of people didn't get some merch they wanted because their credit limits were capped. We suggest talking to your bank before the auction IF you think you might spend above your one day limit.&nbsp\; \n\nAuctioneer: O. Hai Mark\nAuction Coordinator: Glen Beattie
CATEGORIES:SPECIAL EVENTS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:681e7353aa5dc5bd00dd62f3a2eeb965
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/681e7353aa5dc5bd00dd62f3a2eeb965
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T013000Z
DTEND:20260719T023000Z
SUMMARY:Filk Circle - Unplugged
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons A-B (Cantina)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8cfc667a5f2c400e912a8a88e5a1ecf9
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/8cfc667a5f2c400e912a8a88e5a1ecf9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T013000Z
DTEND:20260719T023000Z
SUMMARY:Playful Voices: Chuck Tingle Readings (18+)
DESCRIPTION:Adults 18+ only. Chuck Tingle writes under a pseudonym and is best known for his niche gay erotica. Our guests will present selections from his work in playful\, characterful voices.
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bceb3f59966ad9cc44471d68b94b8955
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/bceb3f59966ad9cc44471d68b94b8955
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T013000Z
DTEND:20260719T023000Z
SUMMARY:But I'm Not Crazy! The Best Ideas of Mad Scientists\, Supervillains\, and Other Evil Geniuses
DESCRIPTION:Let's discuss the "best" villain ideas — not the over-the-top\, evil-for-evil's-sake stuff\, but plans that actually make sense: deliberate\, driven by clear motives\, and logically thought-out. Villains whose schemes feel plausible\, spark interesting moral or philosophical questions\, or try to expose/fix problems they see in society — whose methods and reasoning make their actions understandable\, not just malicious.\n\nModerator: Jim Beall
CATEGORIES:SCIENCE
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0cc199fdb4be35bdeb185431a09ede48
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/0cc199fdb4be35bdeb185431a09ede48
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T130000Z
DTEND:20260719T180000Z
SUMMARY:ConSuite Open
DESCRIPTION:Come over to our ConSuite and enjoy a snack and (non-alcoholic) beverage. All refreshments are individually packaged for health and safety. &nbsp\;The fee is already covered in your registration.\n\nThe Suite is also a great place to relax and visit with your friends\, old or new.\n\nLocation: Room 210\n\nConSuite Hours\nFRI &nbsp\;2:00pm - 8:30pmSAT &nbsp\;9:00am - 8:30pmSUN &nbsp\;9:00am - 2:00pm\n\n
CATEGORIES:CONSUITE
LOCATION:ConSuite (Room 210)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1b5164ffd8b97191d4c03fb3a7cdb5b7
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/1b5164ffd8b97191d4c03fb3a7cdb5b7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T130000Z
DTEND:20260719T140000Z
SUMMARY:Tea 101: Presented by Moments in Tea
DESCRIPTION:Join Moments in Tea as they walk you through the basics of Tea - the different types\, tools and ways of making it.
CATEGORIES:FANDOM
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f7b791cc526f087a7f1dcf5717894d68
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/f7b791cc526f087a7f1dcf5717894d68
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T130000Z
DTEND:20260719T180000Z
SUMMARY:Open Gaming
DESCRIPTION:On demand games all weekend.\n\nCheck out a wide variety of new and exciting games including: Return to Dark Tower as well as Clarion Game's:\n\nHull 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.\n\nHenchman: 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.\n\nFour 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!\n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a02584a1541bd5e401d6b5baad79b880
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/a02584a1541bd5e401d6b5baad79b880
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T133000Z
DTEND:20260719T143000Z
SUMMARY:Gray Rinehart in concert
DESCRIPTION:Gray primarily writes "filk"—music inspired by science fiction and fantasy—though he has also written about other things. Some of his songs are silly\, some are serious\, and some are just strange.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:84f1145ff7bbed1372f014f047e6e3da
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/84f1145ff7bbed1372f014f047e6e3da
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T140000Z
DTEND:20260719T150000Z
SUMMARY:Signings: Mur Lafferty & Tally Johnson CANCELLED
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:596627fc0d3b973b8adad2cb08454c5a
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/596627fc0d3b973b8adad2cb08454c5a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T140000Z
DTEND:20260719T150000Z
SUMMARY:Signings: Sherrilyn Kenyon (at her Table)
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c73865a78c61534c0c32d3cad7fcd951
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/c73865a78c61534c0c32d3cad7fcd951
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T140000Z
DTEND:20260719T180000Z
SUMMARY:Dealer's Room Open
DESCRIPTION:Come and buy cool stuff!\n\nDealer Load-in\nFriday: 8:00am\n\nDealer Room Hours\nFriday: 2:00pm - 7:00pm\nSaturday: 10:00am - 6:00pm (dealers in at 9am)\nSunday: 10:00am - 2:00pm (dealers in at 9am)
CATEGORIES:DEALER'S ROOM
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:494c59884d81efc9d084f0f5fbdc41b6
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/494c59884d81efc9d084f0f5fbdc41b6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T140000Z
DTEND:20260719T150000Z
SUMMARY:Cons in the Post-Pandemic Era
DESCRIPTION:Our panelists discuss how things have changed and continue to change for con-runners\, guests and attendees in and for conventions since the Covid shutdown.\n\nModerator: Michael Pederson
CATEGORIES:FANDOM
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:714e1a26570fa9662cc33b6e1ac01b4b
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/714e1a26570fa9662cc33b6e1ac01b4b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T140000Z
DTEND:20260719T150000Z
SUMMARY:How To Make Your First Unreal Engine Short Film
DESCRIPTION:Unreal Engine and virtual production have democratized filmmaking more than ever\, but scope and learning curves can quickly take the wind out of your sails. Learn how to drill down on the essentials to produce your first animated or virtual stage short with Unreal.
CATEGORIES:FILM/TV
LOCATION:Cardinal (Film)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:910e278a1bdf438152cda9581a7d3d7e
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/910e278a1bdf438152cda9581a7d3d7e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T140000Z
DTEND:20260719T150000Z
SUMMARY:Gaming: Martian Fluxx
DESCRIPTION:Martian Fluxx\nPlayers: Max 6\nGM: Richard Jordan\nAre you ready to conquer the earth? Martian Fluxx is a classic monster story in ever-changing card game form. It's an Invasion from the Planet Mars! The players are the Martians determined to destroy the Pathetic Humans who are keeping them from winning. It's got Flying Saucers\, Giant Tripod War Machines\, Tentacles\, Ray Guns\, a Mothership\, and of course\, a Space Modulator. Be careful - you don't want your Humans escaping from the Abduction Chamber!\n\nSign up at Registration!\n\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ce8cf607b7372a623b6a2999e1a08895
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/ce8cf607b7372a623b6a2999e1a08895
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T140000Z
DTEND:20260719T160000Z
SUMMARY:Pathfinder 2E: The Winter Queen's Dollhouse
DESCRIPTION:GM: James Musgrove\nMax: 6 Players\nPre-generated characters available\nSign-up at Registration\n\nThe ruler of&nbsp\;Irrisen\, Queen&nbsp\;Anastasia&nbsp\;found a number of strange dollhouses when going through her&nbsp\;aunt's&nbsp\;vaults. She sent one to the&nbsp\;Pathfinders&nbsp\;for study. When&nbsp\;Aslynn's&nbsp\;magic was unleashed in the vaults of&nbsp\;Skyreach\, the dollhouse's magic was reactivated. In reality\, these dollhouses were prisons which would shrink down those who angered&nbsp\;Elvanna\, the former queen. Now the magic is poised to ensnare the PCs. What's more\, the animate doll servants have awakened as&nbsp\;poppets\, and while some are happy to help\, others are not so welcoming. \n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5386ecf801477e7d240aedd49853f563
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/5386ecf801477e7d240aedd49853f563
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T140000Z
DTEND:20260719T150000Z
SUMMARY:Readings Hour Sun
DESCRIPTION:Join our authors in a round robin style of readings!\n\n\nFraser Shermane\nBryan Young\nPolly Schattel\nDave Dobson
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:050402fff9be64ef5f2a5f6d2e96fe22
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/050402fff9be64ef5f2a5f6d2e96fe22
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T140000Z
DTEND:20260719T153000Z
SUMMARY:Workshop: Let's Make a World: Discuss Worldbuilding & Then Make One Together!
DESCRIPTION:Join Michael G Williams has he takes you through the basics of building a world - then the group will build a world together!\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:997ab13c86fc7288627b01e1bd05209a
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/997ab13c86fc7288627b01e1bd05209a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T140000Z
DTEND:20260719T150000Z
SUMMARY:Two Woke Bonnets Breakfast Panel
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a discussion of old "Little House" and new "Little House" while we enjoy donuts and coffee!
CATEGORIES:ONLINE MEDIA
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:20783f6b2adfcb6483fcb44f4d7a42ae
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/20783f6b2adfcb6483fcb44f4d7a42ae
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T143000Z
DTEND:20260719T153000Z
SUMMARY:Frail Flesh: A Look at Body Horror
DESCRIPTION:From Misery’s intimate\, bone-deep dread to Saw’s calculated\, mechanized brutality\, the depiction of dismemberment and amputation taps an archetypal fear of bodily loss and magnifies anxieties about vulnerability\, autonomy\, and identity. Join our panelists as they look at a variety of approaches—from film (how camera work\, editing\, and sound turn physical injury into prolonged emotional experience) to writing (how authors explain the visceral fear of bodily loss). They will examine genre uses in order to comment on power\, punishment\, illness\, and aging\, discuss why some viewers recoil while others are drawn to the raw immediacy of these moments\, and ask about writer or filmmaker's responsibilities in depicting extreme bodily harm.&nbsp\;\n\nModerator: Gary Mitchel
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9fc786b3759c3bb596906bb48ca961b4
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/9fc786b3759c3bb596906bb48ca961b4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T150000Z
DTEND:20260719T160000Z
SUMMARY:Signings:
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7aa5c67a69b1bd5f5a39a9c903260f54
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/7aa5c67a69b1bd5f5a39a9c903260f54
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T150000Z
DTEND:20260719T170000Z
SUMMARY:Gaming: Risk: Lord of the Rings
DESCRIPTION:Risk: Lord of the Rings\nPlayers: Max 4\nGM: Richard Jordan\nGuide your forces to victory in the ultimate battle! The Risk: The Lord of the Rings game includes Territory cards\, Adventure cards\, Battalions\, and a gold tone ring. The gameboard features a complete map of Middle-earth including Gondor\, Mordor\, and Haradwaith Territories. \n\nSign up at Registration!\n\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:GAMING
LOCATION:Greensboro Room (Gaming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:96a7a31d69adb21345279a8d53167b24
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/96a7a31d69adb21345279a8d53167b24
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T150000Z
DTEND:20260719T160000Z
SUMMARY:The Value of Critique and other Writing Groups
DESCRIPTION:Writing can be a lonely job.&nbsp\; But there are ways to be involved with others as your write - from critique groups\, to coffee shop writing groups\, to genre specific groups\, our panelists discuss the value that working with others can bring to your work.
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:46934125f16fd134ea344003729778b8
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/46934125f16fd134ea344003729778b8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T150000Z
DTEND:20260719T160000Z
SUMMARY:DJ McGuire - unplugged
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons A-B (Cantina)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a3ca0a5665aa141dbe5546cafdc1ee74
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/a3ca0a5665aa141dbe5546cafdc1ee74
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T153000Z
DTEND:20260719T163000Z
SUMMARY:Designing an Escape Room
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever wondered what goes into&nbsp\;designing an Escape Room? Or what makes one puzzle more fun than another? Our panelists discuss how to design an escape room for fun or profit.
CATEGORIES:FANDOM
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:27e84e92cda5831d25dce7cb1357ce93
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/27e84e92cda5831d25dce7cb1357ce93
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T153000Z
DTEND:20260719T163000Z
SUMMARY:Before CGI Existed: The Artisans of Schlock
DESCRIPTION:A celebration of low-budget ingenuity — how filmmakers on grindhouse budgets pulled off monsters\, gore\, and sci-fi visuals with almost no money. Great for a craft-minded crowd.\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:FILM/TV
LOCATION:Cardinal (Film)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:21ce0f2fb24fff4ffe942629acdcb5c5
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/21ce0f2fb24fff4ffe942629acdcb5c5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T153000Z
DTEND:20260719T163000Z
SUMMARY:Home Recording: The Best Tools
DESCRIPTION:A basic home recording setup requires a computer\, audio production software (DAW)\, an audio interface\, microphones\, headphones\, and potentially a MIDI controller. For more advanced setups\, studio monitors\, acoustic treatment\, and pop filters are also helpful. &nbsp\;So with all the options available\, which ones do our panel of experts reccomend?\n\nModerator: Joey Starnes\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:ONLINE MEDIA
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6d1bbccc13783894535f560debb2a7c0
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/6d1bbccc13783894535f560debb2a7c0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T153000Z
DTEND:20260719T163000Z
SUMMARY:Spaceship Design
DESCRIPTION:Be it a military frigate or Exploration vessel\, all spaceships require life support systems and a means of locomotion. Explore these and other critical infrastructure needed to carry humanity beyond our atmosphere.\n\nModerator: Gray Rinehart\n\n
CATEGORIES:SCIENCE
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a1cecc14435bf566ceaab153de28f73d
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/a1cecc14435bf566ceaab153de28f73d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T160000Z
DTEND:20260719T170000Z
SUMMARY:Signings:
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons E-F-G-H (Dealer Room)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0c4dce7e893eae225c74ddbabaff3c41
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/0c4dce7e893eae225c74ddbabaff3c41
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T160000Z
DTEND:20260719T173000Z
SUMMARY:Workshop: Choosing the Right POV (fee $10)
DESCRIPTION:Every story lives or dies by who the protagonist and POV character is. Sometimes\, it feels obvious\, other times you can pick any character in the narrative and tell an equally thrilling story. This class\, led by Bryan Young\, will show you all the different options of choosing the right POV for your story or screenplay\, and\, if you’re writing prose\, what POV to actually write in.&nbsp\;\n\nFee: $10\n\n
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Emerald (Workshops/LARP)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:22ae62ae4080f34c9c9cb9c954cee4db
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/22ae62ae4080f34c9c9cb9c954cee4db
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T160000Z
DTEND:20260719T170000Z
SUMMARY:"Weird" Science: Unexpected Ways to Put Science in Science Fiction
DESCRIPTION:In science fiction\, we like to see FTL spaceships\, strange alien species\, resurrected extinct species\, instantaneous communication\, and similar things. But a lot of everyday items are afterthoughts in sci-fi. How will technology affect clothes? Food? Ordinary medical care? And what about the "soft" sciences\, like industrial safety\, environmental science\, anthropology\, or political science? How will those change the landscape of the future?\n\nModerator: Robert Hampson
CATEGORIES:SCIENCE
LOCATION:Piedmont Salons 1-2 (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:be38b82533eff642219247a23b9bced8
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/be38b82533eff642219247a23b9bced8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T163000Z
DTEND:20260719T173000Z
SUMMARY:Why We Love Our Fictional Paranormal Investigators?
DESCRIPTION:Harry Dresden\, Anita Blake\, October Daye\, The Winchester Brothers and\, of course\, the Ghost Busters are just a few of the fictional characters who have made paranormal investigation a major part of their story.&nbsp\; Our panelists discuss their favorites\, why they love them and if you liked those\, who else should you be reading or watching?\n\nmoderator: Larry Martin
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d3df541311d31bbd4a6d703cfc6bcee6
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/d3df541311d31bbd4a6d703cfc6bcee6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T163000Z
DTEND:20260719T173000Z
SUMMARY:Alexandra Higgins - unplugged
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:PERFORMANCE
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salons A-B (Cantina)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:43488d547bada9d5a7114ca03f72b83a
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/43488d547bada9d5a7114ca03f72b83a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T170000Z
DTEND:20260719T180000Z
SUMMARY:Costuming Outside Your Comfort Zone
DESCRIPTION:Making and wearing costumes encourages us all to live our dreams and take chances. Who wants the same old same old? &nbsp\;Our panelists discuss how to adapt and be comfortable with a real body versus everything we see in video games and Anime. From gender bending costumes\, to wearing armor\, our panelists discuss how to create costumes that fit you.\n\nModerator: Tom Hutchens
CATEGORIES:COSTUMING/COSPLAY
LOCATION:Piedmont Salon 3\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:097dc5bf1a1cb1c1dffb9524156497e4
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/097dc5bf1a1cb1c1dffb9524156497e4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T170000Z
DTEND:20260719T180000Z
SUMMARY:Science-Fiction & Fantasy: Now on Broadway!
DESCRIPTION:From Back to the Future to The Lost Boys to Beetlejuice\, Broadway has seen more and more productions based on cult classics and beloved sci-fi themes. Join us as we discuss some of our favorite on-stage adaptations and how they tackle effects\, stunts\, and the shift in storytelling style.\n\nModerator: Hannah Fulbright
CATEGORIES:FANDOM
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon C (panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7df35981abbe53336ee248331921b01c
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/7df35981abbe53336ee248331921b01c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T170000Z
DTEND:20260719T180000Z
SUMMARY:It's been 10 years since...
DESCRIPTION:Zootopia\, Rogue One\, Hidden Figures\, Captain America: Civil War\, Suicide Squad (the one with Will Smith and Margot Robbie)\, Star Trek: Beyond\, Deadpool\, Ghostbusters (the one with Melissa McArthy and Kristen Wiig) and so many others....\n\nModerator: Fraser Sherman
CATEGORIES:FILM/TV
LOCATION:High Point Room (Panels)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fbb096483d8227af6e56ef4d7d1007ff
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/fbb096483d8227af6e56ef4d7d1007ff
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T170000Z
DTEND:20260719T180000Z
SUMMARY:Horror in Motion: Adapting the Page for the Screen.
DESCRIPTION:Whether you are discussing Dracula and Frankenstein or anything by Steven King\, there is a certain "something" that comes with translating horror from a book to a film (or tv).&nbsp\; Our panelists discuss how to take the words on the paper and transform it in a new format that is as visually terrifying.
CATEGORIES:LITERARY
LOCATION:Cardinal (Film)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b84efab6dfa02be5667ce9ec57bb0fe9
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/b84efab6dfa02be5667ce9ec57bb0fe9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260726T024324Z
DTSTART:20260719T180000Z
DTEND:20260719T190000Z
SUMMARY:Con in Review
DESCRIPTION:You know the deal.&nbsp\; Tell what you liked and what you didn't and what you'd like to see next year!
CATEGORIES:SPECIAL EVENTS
LOCATION:Grand Ballroom Salon D (Main Programming)\, One Marriott Drive\, Greensboro\, NC 27409\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a298cac26e48618a36eccae79e7efcbe
URL:http://congregate2026.sched.com/event/a298cac26e48618a36eccae79e7efcbe
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR