Program Schedule

Marty Cantor [4/23]

Jenn Cole

Jim Davis

Tom Digby

Bill Ellern [11/23]

Rilla Heslin

Misty Johnstone

Karl Lembke [5/22]

Mark Merlino

Marilyn "Fuzzy Pink" Niven

Marcy Robin

Tony N. Todaro

John Trimble

J.P. Van Gordon

Howard Waldrop

Frank Waller
Genny Dazzo, Craig Miller, Larry Niven, Sherri Benoun
FRI 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm, Los Angeles B

8649. Are Superheroes Still Heroes in 2024?
Moderator: Nicholas Doan

In the Golden Age of comic books, it was so simple: Superman saved the planet, Batman faced off against criminals trying to control Gotham City, the Fantastic Four fought against villains who- well, you get the picture. For the most part, heroes were heroes, and (with some exceptions, like Spider-Man) feted by the authorities and the public.

But with recent stories such as Watchmen (the graphic novel and the movie), "Hancock," and even "The Incredibles," there has entered some doubt; are these mighty, powered (or simply super-skilled) beings on our side?
Nicholas Doan, L. K. Indigo, Chris Weber
FRI 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm, Los Angeles C

8713. GoH Q&A - Laura Brodian Freas Beraha
Moderator: Matthew B. Tepper

A multifaceted talent, Laura is renowned for her work as an illustrator and costumer. Her artwork has graced the pages of TSR, The Easton Press, Analog, and Weird Tales. With a doctorate in music education, she is also a classical music radio host and voiceover artist.
Laura Brodian Freas Beraha, Matthew B. Tepper
FRI 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm, Marina

8813. The Last Starfighter (1984)
Hosted by Tom Safer
Tom Safer
FRI 1:45 pm - 3:30 pm, Film Room - Catalina A

8795. Tabletop Gaming - Terraforming Mars Ares Expansion
FRI 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Board Gaming - Century C

8769. Sewing 101 Workshop
Moderator: Colleen Crosby

Want to hand sew but don't know where to start? Come get tips and ask your questions as Colleen Crosby offers guidance for neophytes to the craft.
Colleen Crosby
FRI 2:00 pm - 2:55 pm, Makers Room - Century A & B

8727. Classics of SF Discussion: Isaac Asimov, "The Currents of Space" (1952)
Moderator: John Hertz

Moderator John Hertz will lead discussions of three Classics of Science Fiction panels at Loscon 50, one discussion each. Come to as many as you like. You'll be welcome to join in.

Our operating definition is "A classic is a work that survives its own time. After the currents which might have sustained it have changed, it remains, and is seen to be worthwhile for itself." If you have a better definition, bring it.

Each of the three is famous in a different way. Each may be more interesting now than when first published. Have you read them? Have you re-read them?

"A merry tangle of interplanetary power politics'' - not bad from The New York Times. The Good Doctor's skill with detective fiction also shows. So far Trantor only has a sphere of influence. There's a reason for interplanetary- interstellar- trade. And Space has currents.
John Hertz
FRI 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm, Draco's Tavern - Catalina B

8782. Star Wars Festival: Star Wars (1977)
Screening of the original Star Wars Trilogy, starting with Star Wars (1977).
Shawn Crosby
FRI 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm, International Ballroom

8706. Frank Kelly Freas and the Start of the Illustrators of the Future Contest
Moderator: Joni Labaqui

Join us for an engaging panel celebrating the legendary Frank Kelly Freas, a pioneer in science fiction and fantasy art. Discover how his visionary work and passion for nurturing new talent led to the creation of the Illustrators of the Future contest.
Laura Brodian Freas Beraha, Chris Butler, Joni Labaqui, Julia Ree
FRI 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm, La Jolla A

8839. Working With Your Significant Other: Writing Without Divorce Lawyers
Moderator: Steven L. Sears

It is often said that creative partnerships are closer than marriages. This is a panel about the stress and joys of writing with a partner, keeping it real, enjoyable, and productive without threat of pride and ego. Specifically focused on those who work within their relationships, but also relevant to any collaboration. Steven L. Sears and Jessica Brawner are a married couple and work together on projects as well as editing each other's work.
Jessica Brawner, Lauren Cipollo, Matt Conant, William O'Neill, Steven L. Sears, Jan S. Utstein
FRI 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm, La Jolla B

8815. The Present as Seen by the Past: How Science Fiction Depicted the 21st Century
Moderator: Bradford Lyau

Where are we now and where did our literary predecessors think we would be? What predictions have come true and which (for better and for worse) are yet-to-be or never-was? What does that say about our current society and the future that still lies ahead?
Bruce Davis, John DeChancie, Bradford Lyau, Larry Rosenthal
FRI 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm, Los Angeles A

8760. Reboot, Remake, Regurgitate: Why Hollywood Is Stuck in Groundhog Day
Moderator: Bob Nelson

Are there no more original stories to bring to the screen? Endless re-dos, rehashes, and sequels (one recent sequel follows its original by thirty-six years!) seem to say that the entertainment industry is short on original ideas. Is this really the case? And if it is, is there anything that can be done about it, or will the box office continue to validate such endless re-visitations?
Stacy Meyn, Robert (Bob) Nelson, Jenni Powell, Mark L. Williams, Peter Olsen
FRI 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm, Los Angeles B

8692. Fantasy Romance: Love in Magical Worlds
Moderator: Brandie June

Crossing genre lines, our panelists will discuss the dreamy and the steamy and how romance works in fantasy settings.
Terry Brussel-Rogers, Brandon Case, Jason Crawford, Brandie June, Anne Toole
FRI 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm, Los Angeles C

8710. GoH Q&A - Genny Dazzo
Moderator: Gene Turnbow

A dedicated fan and conrunner, Genny Dazzo has been a vital part of the science fiction community since the early Star Trek conventions in New York. Her passion for fandom and her organizational skills have made her a beloved figure among fans.
Genny Dazzo, Gene Turnbow
FRI 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm, Marina

8654. Autograph Session [i]
Autograph Session
Nicholas Doan, Michael Todd Gallowglas, Eytan Kollin
FRI 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm, Dealer's Room - Autograph Session

8756. Peyote Stitch Workshop 101
Moderator: Kristine Cherry

Learn the beautiful art of peyote stitch beadwork. Hands-on practice will get you going, examples of bracelets, magnets, pen wraps, rings and more will inspire you to go forth and bead, bead, bead! Tools and materials will be supplied.
Kristine Cherry
FRI 3:00 pm - 3:55 pm, Makers Room - Century A & B

8798. Tabletop Gaming - Ticket to Ride Rails and Sails
FRI 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Board Gaming - Century C

8657. Autograph Session [iv]
Autograph Session
Jessica Brawner, Terry Brussel-Rogers, Glen Olson, Vincent Roth
FRI 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm, Dealer's Room - Autograph Session

8780. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (Director's Cut) (1978)
Hosted by Tom Safer
Tom Safer
FRI 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm, Film Room - Catalina A

8647. Alien Cultures: Creating the Other
Moderator: Kory Vance

"What do we love so much about aliens? Is it the wonder that somebody might completely removed from our context, introducing us to new, unthinkable possibilities? Or do we seek more relatable qualities, delighting in camaraderie among the cosmos? This panel explores these questions to offer insight on constructing fictional worlds where aliens are key players.
Lauren Cipollo, Larry Niven, Jane Shevtsov, Kory Vance
FRI 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm, La Jolla A

8675. ChatGPT or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love AI-or should I...?
Moderator: Bino Gopal

Come to a talk about Generative AI for beginners to dispel myths and talk about how it really works and what things you can benefit from with GenAI-and what things to watch out for from someone who works in the tech industry in the space and deals with it every day.
Bino Gopal, Ashish Mahabal, Alfred Nash, Robert Rankin, Martin Young
FRI 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm, La Jolla B

8736. Life Before Launch - You're less than a year away from mission launch. What is your work life like?
Moderator: Trina Ray

Our panelists will share their experiences, detailing the rigorous preparations, last-minute adjustments, and the emotional highs and lows of life before launch.
Lenny Dorsky, Varoujan Gorjian PhD, Melora Larson, Michael Ravine, Trina Ray
FRI 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm, Los Angeles A

8709. GoH Q&A - Craig Miller
Moderator: David Raiklen

A prolific writer and producer, Craig Miller has over 200 film and television credits to his name. Known for his work on "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" and "Curious George," Craig's contributions to both live-action and animated projects have left a lasting impact on the industry.
Craig Miller, David Raiklen
FRI 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm, Los Angeles B

8722. Horror vs. Dark Fantasy
Moderator: David Boop

The term "dark fantasy" is being thrown around a lot these days, but how different is it from horror? Is it the tone, or the stakes (no pun intended to the vampires out there), or the level of gore? Horror and Dark Fantasy author/editor David Boop moderates this panel on speculative fictions "newest" subgenre.
David Boop, Brandon Case, Ben Wallin, Steven Barnes
FRI 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm, Los Angeles C

8733. Knitting 101 Workshop
Moderator: Alice Massoglia

Knit one, purl 2, tangle 4? Come learn how to make your yarn bend to your will instead of getting all wrapped up in a project.

Suggested Materials: A skein of worsted weight non cotton yarn and a pair of size 7 or 8 single pointed needles. Point protectors are useful but are not necessary. Limited kits will be available for $6
Alice Massoglia
FRI 4:00 pm - 4:55 pm, Makers Room - Century A & B

8753. Open Hailing Frequencies / Getting Along with Other Fandoms
Moderator: Stacy Meyn

Print fans, Who fans, Trek fans, furry fans - can we all get along? Are there differences that are just too deep, or absurd, to bridge? Are all-interest conventions (such as Loscon) facing undue competition from single-topic gatherings? Our panel will discuss this phenomenon, and maybe try to come up with some answers.
Stacy Meyn, Tracy Newby, Michelle Pincus, Jenni Powell, Sharon Sheffield
FRI 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm, Marina

8658. Autograph Session [v]
Autograph Session
Jean-Paul Garnier, James Glass, Vanessa MacLaren-Wray, Brian Buhl
FRI 5:00 pm - 5:45 pm, Dealer's Room - Autograph Session

8640. Star Trek: FASA Corporation's 1980's Role Playing Game
With sales reputedly second only to TSR's Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Star Trek: The Role Playing Game by FASA was an industry best-seller from 1982 to its final publication circa 1988. While not the first Trek RPG, it was a ground-shaker and breaker. It was the first Intellectual Property to be licensed for Role Playing and set the stage for all that would follow; Star Wars, Robotech, even Indiana Jones and James Bond got their own game systems. Review the FASA product line as-was with your host Jack Photon and learn of his house rule-modernization project which patches holes, repairs broken rules and fills in the material FASA never got around to. "21st century rules for 23rd century gaming!
Tom Piedmont
FRI 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm, Makers Room - Century A & B

8697. Filk: Open Filk Circles [i]
FRI 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm, Filk Room - Catalina C

8766. Science Fiction World-Building: Blending Fact with Fiction
Moderator: Jim Doty

Where does whimsy meet reality? Our panelists discuss the crossroads of real-world considerations and imagined technology. When can you discard the laws of physics with impunity and when do you need to "face facts?
Matt Conant, Lynx Crowe, J.L. Doty, Robert Rankin, Steven L. Sears
FRI 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm, La Jolla A

8754. Opening Ceremonies
Join us for the Opening Ceremonies. Moderator: Shawn Crosby.
Shawn Crosby, Julia Ree, Laura Brodian Freas Beraha, Craig Miller, Genny Dazzo, Larry Niven, Kathy Mar, Susan Fox, Eylat Poliner, Debra Levin
FRI 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm, La Jolla B

8689. Europa Clipper has Launched: What are we up to in early cruise?
Moderator: Trina Ray

Come learn about what the Europa Clipper is up to right now and what lies ahead.

Trina Ray
FRI 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm, Los Angeles A

8767. Screening of "Surge of Power: Where There's Smoke" & Panel
Moderator: Vincent Roth

See an exclusive screening of the new movie, "Surge of Power: Where There's Smoke," - the latest installment of the Surge of Power indie superhero movie franchise known for having lots of celebrities from the sci-fi and superhero genres. Where There's Smoke follows Surge as he teams up with The Smoke (former pro wrestler Eric Moran) to form a superhero team to fight a mysterious evil group called The Council, and features guest stars Nichelle Nichols (Uhura from "Star Trek"), Robert Picardo (The Doctor from "Star Trek: Voyager"), Tim Russ (Tuvok from "Star Trek: Voyager"), Sam J. Jones (Flash Gordon from the 1980 "Flash Gordon" movie), Joseph Culp (Doctor Doom from the 1994 "Fantastic Four" movie), John Davey (Captain Marvel from the "SHAZAM!" TV show), Michael Gray (Billy Batson from the "SHAZAM!" TV show), Shannon Farnon (Wonder Woman from the "Super Friends!") and Bruce Vilanch (comedian/award show writer). Join us for this special occasion celebrating with a post-humous performance by the late Nichelle Nichols.
Vincent Roth, Jamie Knight Mason, Michael Mason, Jordan Michael
FRI 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm, Los Angeles B

8749. Music to Our Ears - Favorite Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Music Scores
Moderator: David Raiklen

Behind the scenes dive into the creation of the most amazing SciFi and Fantasy soundtracks of 2024 and beyond.
Steve Lee, David Raiklen, Adrianne Grady
FRI 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm, Los Angeles C

8785. Starlog and Beyond: The Magazines and Fanzines That Shaped Fandom
Moderator: Karen Willson

Writers and editors of the iconic magazines Starlog, Fangoria, File 770, Star Wars Fan club etc. were eye witnesses and gleeful cheerleaders to the film and television SciFi explosion that started in the late 70s and 80s.
Varoujan Gorjian PhD, Lloyd Penney, Karen Willson, Ben Wallin, Bob Miller
FRI 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm, Marina

8707. Galaxy Quest (1999)
Hosted by Tom Safer
Tom Safer
FRI 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, Film Room - Catalina A

8725. Ice Cream Social
Please join us for the big get-together of the evening, where we can taste new flavors as well as old favorites in a casual atmosphere. This is also the venue for the formal announcements of the Forrest J Ackerman Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the Evans-Freehafer Award for Service to the LASFS.
Eylat Poliner, Shawn Crosby, Cathy Johnson
FRI 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm, International Ballroom

8761. Regency Dance
English ballroom dances from about the year 1800. Jane Austen is the great author of this period. Try Georgette Heyer's romance novels (yes!) set then. Led by John Hertz.
John Hertz
FRI 8:00 pm - 9:15 pm, Carmel

8823. Tim Griffin / Kathy Mar Concert
Join us for an enchanting evening with Tim Griffin and Kathy Mar, two celebrated artists known for their captivating performances and heartfelt music. Tim Griffin, a masterful storyteller through song, brings his unique blend of folk and contemporary sounds, while Kathy Mar's rich, melodic voice and poetic lyrics promise to touch your soul. Together, they create a magical musical experience that you won't want to miss.
Tim Griffin, Kathy Mar
FRI 8:00 pm - 9:15 pm, International Ballroom

8752. Not Lazarus Long? Things You Need to do Before Dying
Moderator: Heide Nichols

A sober examination of what needs to be done so that your surviving loved ones and friends will not have to deal with a fate worse than (your) death.
Brian Buhl, Colleen Crosby, Eytan Kollin, Heide Nichols, Joyce Sperling, Jerome Scott
FRI 8:00 pm - 9:15 pm, La Jolla A

8776. Soft World Building in Speculative Poetry
Moderator: Kory Vance

Poetry elevates us from animal to person, from electric currents to connected souls, from unbridled meat and instinct to...er, well, there's no getting out of that last one. Speculative poetry lets the reader escape as in fiction while connecting with themselves. Soft-world building inside poetry immerses readers without overcrowding. This panel can discuss the art of revealing just-enough of a new world for poetry to shine.
Michael Todd Gallowglas, Robert (Bob) Nelson, Wendy Van Camp, Kory Vance, Denise Dumars
FRI 8:00 pm - 9:15 pm, La Jolla B

8731. Jupiter: Our Planetary Guardian Angel
Moderator: Arlene Busby

Jupiter's huge gravitational field deflects comets and asteroids away from earth what else do we know about your guardian angel?
Arlene Busby, J.L. Doty, Peter Merlin, Seth Potter, Timothy G Cassidy-Curtis
FRI 8:00 pm - 9:15 pm, Los Angeles A

8642. A Shot Rang Out
Moderator: Martin Young

Improvised storytelling under pressure of time and madness. See us invent stories and characters too bizarre for fiction just so we can set up random lines the audience picked for us.
Martin Young, SP Hendrick, Glen Olson, Genny Dazzo, Yvette d'Entremont
FRI 8:00 pm - 9:15 pm, Los Angeles B

8691. Fairy Tale Mad Libs
Moderator: Sharon Sheffield

Work together to create a brand new fairytale in this fast-paced group storytelling session. Whether it turns out spooky, romantic, tragic, or very silly is up to you.
L. K. Indigo, Brandie June, Vanessa MacLaren-Wray, Sharon Sheffield, Chris Weber
FRI 8:00 pm - 9:15 pm, Los Angeles C

8745. Mead: From the Babylonians to Harry Potter
Moderator: Mark Poliner

Brewmaster Mark Poliner once again shares his expertise by showing you how to get the sweet and potent results that fans and friends love so much.
Mark Poliner
FRI 8:00 pm - 9:15 pm, Marina

8762. Return of the Killer Tomatoes (1988)
Hosted by Tom Safer
Tom Safer
FRI 8:30 pm - 10:15 pm, Film Room - Catalina A

8637. 16th Floor Parties! [i]
Parties on the 16th floor at Loscon are a must! Each room has a unique theme, creating a lively and fun atmosphere. It's the perfect place to meet fellow fans, enjoy creative decorations, and make new friends. Don't miss out!
FRI 9:00 pm - 2:00 am, Parties on the 16th Floor

8814. The Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Hosted by Tom Safer
Tom Safer
FRI 10:15 pm - 11:59 pm, Film Room - Catalina A