Saturday Panel Descriptions
Jewish Services (Alameda at 9:00 AM)
Join Rabbi Kollin as he leads Saturday morning Shabbat Torah service.
Morning Meditation Period (Pool Deck at 9:00 AM)
Get grounded and centered for BayCon by learning relaxing meditative dances. This is the place to slow down, fully arrive, transition and settle in for the weekend. Re-charge and replenish with meditative dance. No partner or prior dance experience is needed. All dances will be taught first.
Evolution of Video Games (Ballroom A at 10:00 AM)
From Asteroids and Pong to PC and Xbox 360, our video games have gone from simple to very complex, from simple arcade games to story-driven entertainment to exercises in building complete civilizations. Has the allure increased, or has it turned into a demographic niche? What might be in our video game future? Join the discussion with our panel of Gamers and Game Reviewers.
Self-Promotion and Publicity for Writers (Winchester at 10:00 AM)
So you've figured out this whole writing thing and your work is finally out there. Wouldn't it be great if people actually bought it? Just because the publisher bought your book doesn't mean they're going to publicize it. Learn the whys and hows of self-promotion from the experts.
Memorial Filk Circle (Lawrence at 10:00 AM)
Remembering and honoring those who have passed on.
The Single Book that Most Influenced Your Life. (San Tomas at 10:00 AM)
What single book have you read that has changed your life, your universe, or your conception of Life, The Universe, and Everything? Share your book and thoughts, and listen to others share their books and experiences.
Location, Location, Location -- Setting Your Story in an SF World (Lafayette at 10:00 AM)
Your character has to live somewhere, and that somewhere needs to support the story. It's embarrassing to have a great scene all written involving bikini- or Speedo-dressed people, when they all live in the first permanent settlement on the Moon, and only landed yesterday....
3D Printers: The Next Big Thing (Camino Real at 10:00 AM)
What are the advantages and disadvantages of 3D printers? How long before everyone has one of their own? What technologies will it replace -- or not?
How Has the SyFy Channel Failed Fandom? (Alameda at 10:00 AM)
For those of us who thought "Wow! A complete cable channel for US!" and ended up sorry they ever tuned in. Or put another way, why these shouldn't even be rated "B" movies or serials.
Hoses, Filters, and Duct Tape (Costuming With Old Things From Your Garage) (Bayshore at 10:00 AM)
New uses for the old things from your garage. Note: This is for costumers, not homeland security.
BoF: Firefly (Central at 10:00 AM)
A chance for Browncoats, Alliance, Reevers to discuss their lack of Serenity.
Blood Drive (Out Front at 11:00 AM)
In cooperation with the Stanford Blood Center, you are invited to be part of a BayCon tradition and experience a wonderful feeling of human kindness by donating blood at BayCon. It takes just one hour to make a donation to save a human life.
Masquerade 101 (Ballroom B-C-D at 11:30 AM)
New to masquerade? Whether you're entering or just going to watch, come join our experts as they explain how to enter, and how to enjoy your experience.
Folk Dance (Ballroom A at 11:30 AM)
Yes indeed! These are dances that, at times, can have attitude. No prior dance experience is needed or partners. This is about having a good time. The dances celebrate all things that make us human. There are banishing dances, dances that celebrate the seasons, honor the living, honor the dead, etc., etc. Dances include "Jack in the Green", "Hex" and "Bedouin Flame". There will be a spiral dance and some traditional dances. Maureen Atkins has been teaching since 1995. She especially likes to include dance for special events. Past venues include PantheaCon, an Annual Holiday Concert with Margaret Davis & Kristoph Klover as well as summer dance camps.
How the Style of Writing Can Make a Book Readable (Winchester at 11:30 AM)
First person? Omniscient? First-person smart aleck? A discussion of how and why the point of view changes our liking or disliking of a storyline. How does the way authors convey their story, film noir, western, fairytale, tall tale, all come together or fall apart for the reader?
Fairy Tales and Mythology (San Tomas at 11:30 AM)
What are we teaching our children about the fairy tales and mythology in today's media, or even as bedtime stories? Are we staying true, or drifting?
Whedonistas Panel - Female Fans of Joss Whedon's Universes (Lafayette at 11:30 AM)
Joss Whedon's Universes and the Female Fans who love them get a chance to discuss who and why.
Interactive Sea Songs for Kids (Cypress at 11:30 AM)
Come learn songs that Sailors used to work with as well as fun songs to share their adventures.
The Internet: The Next Television Network? (Camino Real at 11:30 AM)
Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube are all putting big bucks into producing original high quality television shows. Meanwhile, traditional TV network shows' ratings and budgets are dropping. There are rumors of Apple and/or Google offering a la carte cable plans. What happens when the Internet turns from a distribution method into a production system?
Science Fiction in the Classroom (Alameda at 11:30 AM)
How can we use science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction as teaching tools? What can students learn from SF/F that isn't as easily learned from other fiction genres?
Hair and Makeup in Costuming (Bayshore at 11:30 AM)
Enhance your costume with the proper hair and make-up. Panelists discuss techniques for improving your presentation with some simple (and no-so-simple) changes.
BoF: Christian Fandom (Pool Deck at 11:30 AM)
Come meet and discuss faith and fandom with like-minded individuals.
Iron Gamer (Magnolia at 11:30 AM)
Secret Ingredient Revealed: Saturday 12 PM Games Due for Judging: Sunday 12 PM Do you have what it takes to design a game? Come by the gaming room to sign up for the Iron Game Design Competition for fabulous prizes! On Saturday morning, the secret ingredient will be revealed, and individuals or teams have 24 hours to build a game using the secret ingredient. On Sunday morning, games will be judged on originality, ease of gameplay, and fun factor. Due to the availability of the secret ingredient, a maximum of 4 contestants (either individuals or teams) will be allowed. Sign-up sheet is available in the gaming room.
BoF: Hunger Games (Central at 11:30 AM)
Three books, a movie, and the evil Gov't - what's not to love and discuss?
Writer Guest of Honor Interview (Ballroom B-C-D at 1:00 PM)
Our Writer Guest of Honor Brandon Sanderson spills his secrets during an interview with Toastmaster Dani Kollin.
After the Space Shuttle: What's Next? (Ballroom A at 1:00 PM)
With the retirement of the Space Shuttle, what's happening with getting men and material into space? How about space tourism? Whither the mission to Mars?
Can We Stop the Violence (in Video Games)? (Winchester at 1:00 PM)
Violence in video games is repeatedly criticized in the media. It can be argued that some of the most popular games are the most violent. Is it the violence itself that makes them popular, or is the violence simply a corollary? Can we make a popular video game without violence, or does pixelated conflict require bloodshed?
How to Create a Good RPG Character (San Tomas at 1:00 PM)
Beyond the die rolling and stats - what makes a good RPG Character? What detracts from a character?
Wearing Your First Costume in Public (Lafayette at 1:00 PM)
You're here among many people who will appreciate your costume. How do you get over that initial fear of rejection?
So You Want to Write a Novel (Camino Real at 1:00 PM)
Jay Hartlove teaches a one-hour class on how to stay motivated as a writer. This year, he brings it to BayCon.
How to Live With a Creative Person (Alameda at 1:00 PM)
A discussion of the woes, challenges, and yes, the successes in living with the Artiste now known as "housemate."
Sailors Knots: The Ancient Art of Knots for Nautical Use - Teen Workshop (Bayshore at 1:00 PM)
With thousands of years of development and practice behind the art of sailors' knots, get a practical lesson in how, when, and where to use them.
Dr. Destructo for Kids on the Courtyard (Pool Deck at 1:00 PM)
Hugh Daniel leads kids in an exploration into the inner workings of obsolete electronic equipment. This session will include some destructive disassembly of the equipment, which Dr. Destructo will explain while he destroys.
Fen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (Other at 1:00 PM)
What kind of bike does the true fan ride?
Post-Apocalyptic Fiction (Central at 1:00 PM)
It keeps being written about - is this a story that never ends?
Geek Girls Unite: How Fangirls, Bookworms, Indie Chicks and other Misfits are taking over the World. (Ballroom B-C-D at 2:30 PM)
Geekdom, it's not just for guys anymore! A discussion on how Geek Girls are influncing the world of SF/F, Gaming, and Comics and becoming a major force at conventions.
Book View Cafe and ePublishing Panel (Ballroom A at 2:30 PM)
Book View Cafe members discuss their experiences with this authors' co-op and ePublishing.
Trends in Art (Winchester at 2:30 PM)
Join us for a discussion of the current trends in Art or the Arts and where they may be heading.
How To Be a Better Game Master (Lawrence at 2:30 PM)
Being a good GM takes more than the ability to describe a 10' x 10' stone room with an orc guarding a chest. Come listen to experienced gamers share their favorite tricks to take their players beyond the piled pizza boxes and immerse them in the game world.
Getting Girls Hooked on Science and Engineering (San Tomas at 2:30 PM)
Ladies in lab coats: Following in the footsteps of Madam Curie.
Changing Nature of Fandom (Lafayette at 2:30 PM)
How is technology changing fandom, for better and for worse? What's next? Should we try to keep in touch with our roots, and how do we keep those darn kids off of our lawn?
Ms Alice's Croquet Game- Kids under 10 (Cypress at 2:30 PM)
It's time for good little boys and girls to play! Don't be late for the important date! Miss Alice will be turning the Family Friendly Room into a croquet field! Curiouser and curiouser! Follow the numbers down the rabbit hole, or OFF WITH YOUR HEAD! This game is for kids age 10 and under.
XCOR (Camino Real at 2:30 PM)
XCOR - Presentation and discussion of XCOR's Lynx program, progress, and updates.
Running an Independent Record Label (Alameda at 2:30 PM)
Sailors Knots: The Ancient Art of Knots for Nautical Use (Bayshore at 2:30 PM)
With thousands of years of development and practice behind the art of sailors' knots, get a practical lesson in how, when, and where to use them.
Cryogenic Culinary Academy (Pool Deck at 2:30 PM)
Join the resident founder of the BayCon Cryogenic Culinary Academy, as he shows kids the wonders of how science mixed with the right ingredients creates a favorite ice cream treat!
Themed Reading: Science Fiction (Central at 2:30 PM)
Come listen to authors read from their science fiction works.
Artist Guest of Honor Interview (Ballroom B-C-D at 4:00 PM)
Learn all about our Artist Guest of Honor Stephan Martiniere as he is interviewed by Toastmaster Eytan Kollin.
Where Were You in 1982? (Ballroom A at 4:00 PM)
So it happened in 1982! It was a Big Year for Science Fiction and Fantasy in film and writing: TRON, Dark Crystal, ST:Wrath of Khan, The Thing and... BayCon started. So much has happened since '82. In 30 years, how much has Science Fiction and Fantasy changed?
Aspiring Writers Toolkit (Winchester at 4:00 PM)
What kinds of workshops are there for writers? When might they help you? When might they not help you? Panelists discuss their workshop experiences and help you avoid some of the pitfalls.
Hugo Nominees Discussed (San Tomas at 4:00 PM)
WorldCon 2012 is fast approaching, and every year the highlight is the Hugo Awards. Our panel of past and present Hugo voters will discuss the nominees. Who do you think should win? Who do you think will win?
The Science of Science Fiction (Lafayette at 4:00 PM)
A discussion of the science behind the fiction, whether e=mc^2 or the warp drive of Star Trek, or the hyperdrive of Star Wars. How much science is needed? How much care do we need to take to avoid having our science come back and bite the author in the bum?
Electrical Projects for Kids (Cypress at 4:00 PM)
Electrical Engineering For Kids: Can you set your hair on fire with two AA batteries and a spool of wire? We're certainly going to try. We'll be using basic household supplies to make all sorts of cool lights and noises. All kids welcome, though the youngest engineers will want parent assistance.
Charity Auction (Camino Real at 4:00 PM)
A benefit auction for our BayCon 2012's official charity, the Greater Bay Area Make-a-Wish foundation. There will be lots of great stuff to bid on.
Mars or the Moon? Or Both? (Alameda at 4:00 PM)
Which one should we be aiming for first? Are they both necessary steps in the path? And the path to what, exactly? What should we do when we get there?
Costuming for the Sewing Impaired: Tips and Tricks (Bayshore at 4:00 PM)
Neat costumes and tips and tricks for those less than adept with a needle.
Teen: Magic the Gathering: How to Build a Deck (Magnolia at 4:00 PM)
Strategy of how to build your own deck.
BoF: Doctor Who (Central at 4:00 PM)
Welcome to the mumblety regeneration of the Dr. Who BoF. Come mingle with other fans and swap obscure Whovian references while keeping an eye out for statues. Warning: Couches will not be provided. In case of Dalek activity, attendees must locate their own cover.
Sex in Space (Ballroom A at 5:30 PM)
Kind of self-explanatory - 'nuff said!
Computers: What's Next? (Winchester at 5:30 PM)
Fifty years ago, computers occupied a large room and required air conditioning and water cooling. Today's smartphones have more memory and computing power, by orders of magnitude, than those early machines. Desktops, laptops, notebooks, tablets, pads...what's next? It seems we've hit the apex of technology - or have we? What do the next 50 years look like?
Editors, Agents and other Endangered Species (Camino Real at 5:30 PM)
Amazon, with its in-house eBook self-publishing and print-on-demand books, along with their own publishing deals for selected authors, is looking to completely supplant publishers, their editors, and the agents they work with. Will this be successful? Will it work? What dangers lurk behind the untrammeled masses of would-be writers?
Manga vs. Comics (Alameda at 5:30 PM)
Is manga a subgroup of comics, or are they two completely different media? Can you like both, or is that like getting peanut butter in your chocolate? Do you like one and not the other? Why?
Once Upon a Time, Brothers Grimm, Fables and other looks at the Modern Fairy Tale (Bayshore at 5:30 PM)
These are not your grandmother's fairy tales or even your mother's. They show the story behind the story and more. Explore the new look at Fairy Tales in the Modern Age.
BoF: Big Bang Theory (Pool Deck at 5:30 PM)
BoF: Sword and Laser (Central at 5:30 PM)
For fans of the Sword and Laser Podcast and new VideoCast.
Anime (Camino Real at 7:00 PM)
Anime favorites until the wee hours.
Evening Meditation Period (Pool Deck at 7:00 PM)
Refresh yourself from a day of conventioneering, and join Randy Smith as he leads a group mediation.
Friends of Bill W. (Central at 7:00 PM)
Twelve-step members only please.
Music Concert:: Tim Griffin (Lafayette (evening) at 7:15 PM)
Join teacher/musician Tim Griffin for fun songs of science, history, and other cool stuff that happens in and out of the classroom. Teachers from kindergarten through college use Tim's music to help their students retain and apply core subject content. Kids' music, but very adult-friendly.
Masquerade (Ballroom B-C-D at 8:00 PM)
Come out, enjoy and support your fellow con-goers as they present their costumes this year at BayCon's annual Masquerade. All ages and skill levels are welcome to enter and compete. Whether you are in something your mom made you and only age five or a long time costuming veteran that should be working for ILM, all are welcome to enter. And anyone that wants to see these wonderful works of art are welcome to come and enjoy.
Music Concert: Allison Lonsdale (Lafayette (evening) at 8:00 PM)
Allison Lonsdale's original songs about literature, religion, the supernatural, and the messy business of being human often include references to math and the sciences. She was a coauthor of the YouTube parody hits "LOL Together" and "Hey There Cthulhu". Her album "Live at Lestat's" is available on CDBaby, and she also appears on Eben Brooks's Lovecraftian EP "O, R'lyeh? Iä, R'lyeh!
Reading (Alameda at 8:00 PM)
Boffers (Sat) (Ballroom A at 9:00 PM)
Anne McCaffrey Remembrance (Winchester at 9:00 PM)
A chance for us to remember a wonderfully prolific and superb writer.
Music Concert: Paul Kwinn and Friends (Lafayette (evening) at 9:00 PM)
Paul is a member of the popular filk trio Puzzlebox, a Pegasus winner, and an in-demand toastmaster. Come hear him performing with friends.
Klingon Slave Auction (Cypress at 9:00 PM)
Come in and bid on a slave or offer yourself up for sale. All proceeds benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation. 18 and over only, please.
Reading (Alameda at 9:00 PM)
D(r)ive-In Movie: Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan (Pool Deck at 9:00 PM)
Magic the Gathering Tournament with the Writer GoH (Magnolia at 9:00 PM)
Brandon will be hosting (and playing in) a celebrity Magic draft (a type of tournament). There will be room for fifteen players, with sign-ups in the Gaming Room. There will be a $15 fee, which will include fresh card decks. Proceeds will benefit the BayCon Charity.
Sci-Fi Burlesque (Ballroom B-C-D at 11:00 PM)
Join Miss Magnoliah Black as she brings you some of the sexiest sci-fi stunners and friskiest fantasy femmes from the Alpha Quadrant and beyond. Kitty Von Quim, Pearl E. Gates, Juicy D. Light, and Babraham Lincoln are just a few of the dazzling delights that await at BayCon’s first ever Burlesque Show.