MarsCon 2025 - Virginia Beach: Full Schedule

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12:00pm EST

Registration Desk

Friday January 17, 2025 12:00pm - 9:00pm EST

Located in the lobby of the hotel, right outside of Salon L. Individuals who have pre-registered will be able to pick up their passes as early as Thursday evening from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Friday January 17, 2025 12:00pm - 9:00pm EST

1:00pm EST

Interstellar Scavenger Hunt

Friday January 17, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Family Programming - Salon O

Join us for a Bingo Scavenger Hunt at this year's MarsCon! Come get your bingo card and explore the convention. You might even win a prize if you can use your powers of observation, and a little luck, to fill in all the sights on your card! Bring your curiosity and sense of adventure to seek out all the cool sights MarsCon has to offer!

Bingo Boards can be picked up at Registration, Con Ops, and/or Family Programming (Salon O) any time after 1pm on Friday. Be sure to turn your Board in by 1 pm on Sunday for your Bounty!

Speakers

Nina Gordon

Family Programming Coordinator, MarsCon

MarsCon 2025 will be Nina Gordon’s third year as Family Programming Coordinator, and her ambition is for every year to be better than the last! An eternal kid at heart, Nina brings creativity and enthusiasm to designing fun and engaging activities for fans of all ages.When she’s... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Family Programming - Salon O

Family Programming

1:00pm EST

Henchmen (and Women) of the Empire

Friday January 17, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Main Programming Room

Cobra, Hydra, and other followers of the bad guy. Where do they get their training? What is their motivation? Is there a good benefits package and what is the going rate for a top-notch lackey anyway?

Speakers

Robert Hampson

Author, Scientist

Dr. Robert E. Hampson is a neuroscientist, professor, and author who spends his time exploring the frontiers of memory research and the far reaches of the imagination. With a Ph.D. in Physiology & Pharmacology, he studies how brains encode memories and develops futuristic technologies... Read More →

Nicole Glover

Author

Nicole Glover is the author of the historical fantasy series, Murder and Magic, which begins with The Conductors. When she's not writing, she's working as a UX researcher where her knowledge about murder and other mysteries is surprisingly useful.

Jason Cordova

Author

Bestselling author Jason Cordova has had his novels published in multiple languages around the world. He was both a John W. Campbell Award and Dragon Award finalist (though not in the same year). Author of the Black Tide Rising novel Mountain of Fire, and co-author of Monster Hunter... Read More →

Jacob Holo

Author

Jacob Holo has been a recreational geek since childhood, when he discovered Star Wars and Star Trek, and a professional geek since college, when he graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in Electrical and Controls Engineering. He started writing when his parents... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Main Programming Room

Fandom, It's in the Details

1:00pm EST

GPS: Global Positioning System and How It Really Works

Friday January 17, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Salon L

The physics and engineering behind the Global Positioning System and what it can and can't do (and who do you blame when it does go bad).

Speakers

Jim Beall

Author, Scientist

Jim Beall (BS-Math, MBA, PE) has been a nuclear engineer for over 50 years, beginning as a nuclear engineering officer in the US Navy. Civilian experience includes design, construction, inspection, enforcement, and assessment with a nuclear utility, an architect engineering firm... Read More →

Brad Goodman

Scientist

Brad has been a guest at local science fiction conventions for more than thirty years. Now retired, he worked for NASA Langley Research Center, at their Visitor Center, and in support of traveling exhibits. Later he worked for the Science Museum of Virginia. These assignments came... Read More →

Michael Morton

Author, USSF

Michael Morton is a retired USAF space operations officer and wishes the Space Force happened earlier. Still, he gets to work for them as a civilian, so life isn't all bad. He writes award-winning military sci-fi and fantasy and lives in Colorado Springs with his family. When he's... Read More →

Charles Blue

Featured Science Guest

Charles Blue (aka Blue the Science Dude) has more than 35 years of science communications experience. Charles has worked as the director of media services at the American Institute of Physics. He also served as the Writer/Editor for the National Science Foundation’s Directorate... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Salon L

Science, Physical & Space Sciences

1:00pm EST

How Societies Shape Military Forces and Vice Versa

Friday January 17, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Shenandoah Room

How does a society shape their military forces man, machine, philosophy, and how does the military shape the society they serve?

Moderator

Phillip Pournelle

Author, Gamer

Commander Pournelle retired from the Navy after 26 years of service as a surface warfare officer, operations analyst, and joint operations planner. He served on cruisers, destroyers, amphibious ships, and an experimental high-speed vessel. He served on the Navy staff conducting modeling... Read More →

Speakers

Christopher Ruocchio

Author Co- Guest of Honor

Christopher Ruocchio is the internationally award-winning author of the Sun Eater, a series blending elements of both science fiction and fantasy, as well as more than twenty works of short fiction. Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Christopher received a degree in English... Read More →

Kacey Ezell

Featured Space Opera Guest

Kacey Ezell writes emotionally charged adventure fantasy and science fiction. She is a two-time Dragon Award Finalist for Best Alternate History and won the 2018 Year's Best Military and Adventure Science Fiction Readers' Choice Award. She has written multiple bestselling novels published... Read More →

Daniel Kemp

Author

Finishing at Ole Miss in 1998, Dan spent the next decade in infantry assignments in South Korea and the 101st Airborne. That lasted as long as his knees and his back held out. A master's in military history (Norwich University '12) and a somewhat turbulent personal life after the... Read More →

David Shadoin

Author

David "Shady" Shadoin is a trouble-making, corn-fed Nebraska boy the United States Air Force managed to turn into a somewhat decent pilot of whirly birds. An avid reader from a young age, he has always found inspiration listening to rock music while reading Fantasy and Sci Fi novels... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Shenandoah Room

Science, Social & Political Sciences

1:00pm EST

Terraforming Mars - Session A

Friday January 17, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Salon H - TAGS Open Gaming

In the 2400s, mankind begins to terraform the planet Mars. Giant corporations, sponsored by the World Government on Earth, initiate huge projects to raise the temperature, the oxygen level, and the ocean coverage until the environment is habitable.

In Terraforming Mars, you play one of those corporations and work together in the terraforming process. However, you must compete for prestige which is awarded not only for your contribution to the terraforming, but also for advancing human infrastructure throughout the solar system, earning awards, and achieving specific milestones.

Playing with Stephen is on a first come - first served basis. Seats are limited.

Speakers

Stephen Buonocore

Gaming Guest of Honor

Stephen Buonocore is a hobby game entrepreneur, game media personality, game industry veteran, as well as a former financial services industry IT professional.Buonocore is the retired founder, owner and President of Stronghold Games, formed in 2009 to publish quality hobby board and... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Salon H - TAGS Open Gaming

Gaming, Board Games

1:00pm EST

The Nocturne Faire - Basic Character Creation & Gameplay

Friday January 17, 2025 1:00pm - 6:00pm EST

Bar Area

Attend the Drop-In Session to learn more about Vampire: The Masquerade. If interested, you can create a character with which to play for the weekend. Gameplay basics will also be discussed. People who attend this workshop will learn how to make a character, receive an overview on the rules for tests, player interactions and discipline use.

Friday January 17, 2025 1:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Bar Area

Events & Demos, LARP

2:00pm EST

Beyond the Chainmail Bikini: Battling Toxic Objectification in Art & Fandom

Friday January 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST

Main Programming Room

Everyone says “sex sells” but does it have to? Do we need to cater to heterosexual men in order to make a profit selling art at Comic-Cons and Sci-Fi Fantasy conventions? Can we create, write, and/or cosplay beautiful images of both men and women in respectful poses and outfits and still attract fans? Our panel will discuss objectification in art and fandom and what we can do to change it for the better.

Speakers

Ben Yalow

Fandom

I've attended about 900 cons, and worked on about a third of them, with jobs ranging from gofer to Chair of both regionals and the Worldcon. I've also edited 4 books for NESFA Press.

Kim Iverson Headlee

Author

Kim Iverson Headlee lives on a farm in the mountains of southwestern Virginia with her family, cats, fish, goats, Great Pyrenees goat guards, someone else's cattle, half a million honey bees, and assorted wildlife. People and creatures come and go, but the cave and the 250-year-old... Read More →

Jake Clark

Artist Guest of Honor

Jake Clark makes badass art for badass stories. Full of grit and storytelling, his work is geared to instantly capture attention. Using 3-d modeling software combined with digital painting, his fully custom creations play with perspective and scale in a way few other covers in the... Read More →

Lindsay Reinoehl Bartleson

Featured Costuming Guest

Lindsay Bartleson of Geek Diva Cosplay has been cosplaying for just under a decade. In that time she has received multiple awards at conventions in both workmanship and stage presentation and quickly reached the Master level. She has presented many cosplay panels and has also acted... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Main Programming Room

Fandom, Being a Fan

2:00pm EST

The Best Second-in-Command

Friday January 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST

Shenandoah Room

What makes a great XO/Number 1 and who nailed the job? Who bombed? Who stood out for entirely not job related reasons?

Speakers

Dennis Myers

Author

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

Michael Morton

Author, USSF

Steve Vickers

Author

SC Vickers writes SF, fantasy, and historical fiction but has a thing for werewolves and trolls. He lives in Colorado Springs and has an MFA in Creative Writing/Genre Fiction from Western Colorado University. Troll Hunt, a novella in the Troll Lands universe, is his first published... Read More →

Wayland Smith

Author, Gamer, Fandom

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

Friday January 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Shenandoah Room

Fandom, It's in the Details

2:00pm EST

Generative Writing Session A

Friday January 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST

Salon L

Join our Author Co-Guest of Honor as she facilitates a workshop for authors and aspiring authors to spend time writing. Use the expertise of others to help you polish your draft, edit and revise, or to begin an outline. Whatever you need, they will help you with.

Possible theme of this workshop: galactic empires and epic interstellar legends.

Speakers

Sam Robb

Author

Sam Robb is a Pittsburgh native, a former US Navy officer, and a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. Over the course of his life, he has acquired a wife, three daughters, several quadrupeds, and a penchant for walking down back alleys and taking pictures of graffiti. When he's... Read More →

Emily Jane Buehler

Author

Emily Jane Buehler writes cozy fantasy romances where everyday people (and fairies) have adventures and fall in love. Her stories are lighthearted with action and adventure, love and magic, and protagonists who learn to believe in themselves and find their courage. And yes, they are... Read More →

David Hensley

Author

David is an East Coast Hepaw born and raised in southwest Colorado. The town of Dolores, to be specific. He's been a lot of places and done a lot of things since then, including cowboying in the Utah desert and twenty years as an aviation structural mechanic for the United States... Read More →

Cassandra Clarke

Author Co- Guest of Honor

Cassandra Rose Clarke’s novels have been finalists for the Philip K. Dick Award, the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, and YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults. Her poetry has placed second in the Rhysling Awards, been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, and appeared in... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Salon L

Workshops

3:00pm EST

Book Swap for Kids & Teens

Friday January 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Family Programming - Salon O

Trade your earthbound books for new cosmic adventures! Bring a gently used science fiction or fantasy book and discover your next interstellar reading journey. Whether you're fascinated by space pirates, alien civilizations, or magical quests, you'll find treasures to transport you to new worlds. All donated books should be appropriate for kids or teens and in good condition.

Speakers

Nina Gordon

Family Programming Coordinator, MarsCon

Friday January 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Family Programming - Salon O

Family Programming

3:00pm EST

GenX Sequels Axed

Friday January 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Shenandoah Room

What GenX beloved movies would be unable to have a sequel or be remade today? Why, what makes them beloved radioactive trouble? What could be done to redeem them and would it work?

Speakers

Wayland Smith

Author, Gamer, Fandom

J.F. Posthumus

Author

Wife and a mother of five, J.F. Posthumus is an IT Tech with over a decade of experience. When she isn’t arguing with computers and their inherent gremlins, or being mom to the four younger monsters (the eldest was a police officer, lost to us all in June of 2023), she’s crafting... Read More →

Scott Sykes

Author

S.M. Sykes never saw himself as a writer, facing struggles with English classes in school. Even his wife, who doubles as his editor, can attest to occasional challenges with organizing his thoughts. However, despite these obstacles, he discovered a passion for storytelling that he... Read More →

Aaron Brite

Environmental Compliance Officer, Jen-Weld, Inc.

GenX feral nerd from the womb raised on TOS and the original Wild Wild West reruns while "recreating" some of those gadgets (thankfully to little success). Grew up to become an Air Force avionics tech and then Supply Sergeant where he caught the hazmat bug. Now a corporate environmentalist... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Shenandoah Room

Fandom, It's in the Details

3:00pm EST

Adding Food & Eating in Stories

Friday January 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Salon L

Not only is the consumption of food necessary for our survival, feasts and eating make up a huge part of our various cultures and traditions. How do we write food and eating into our stories in realistic ways? There may be actual food made and consumed at this panel....

Speakers

Scott Huggins

Author

Having been born in California and raised in Kansas, Scott Huggins grew up as confused as one might expect. He began writing seriously in college in between student exchanges spent in post-Soviet Russia and Germany, and was one of the last Writers of the Future in 1999. The future... Read More →

Emily Jane Buehler

Author

Alexander Gideon

Author

Alexander G. R. Gideon's writing style can best be described by the phrase "and many people died". He's a multi-genre author of Historical Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Sci-fi, and Horror. As the world's only Pan Librarian Wizard, he's an expert on most things, from High Magick and spirit... Read More →

H.P Holo / Edie Skye

Author

H.P. Holo grew up in a family where it was dangerous to say, "I'm bored." She's also an incorrigible smart aleck. So when her parents told her to fix her boredom by reading a dictionary, she did. And then, just to be extra sassy, she began writing novels that required them to keep... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Salon L

Literature, Writing Techniques

3:00pm EST

AI: What Can It Do, What Should It Do, & How Do We Write AI into our Stories

Friday January 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Main Programming Room

Join scientists and authors as they discuss Artificial Intelligence, including the possibility that companies are beginning to use AI to create art to not have to pay artists, actors, writers, etc. for their work. But is AI all bad? How might we be able to use it to help us? And how can we write it into our stories in an authentic way and a way that will satisfy our stories and our readers?

Moderator

Phillip Pournelle

Author, Gamer

Speakers

Robert Hampson

Author, Scientist

Dennis Myers

Author

Daniel Kemp

Author

Adam Oyebanji

Featured Science Fiction Guest

I was born in Coatbridge, in the West of Scotland, more years ago than I care to remember. Though, now I come to think about it, who actually remembers being born? I moved east to Edinburgh, by way of Birmingham, London, Lagos, Nigeria, Chicago, Pittsburgh and New York: a necessary... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Main Programming Room

Literature, Writing Techniques

4:00pm EST

A Short History of Military Science Fiction

Friday January 17, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST

Shenandoah Room

Reading and writing stories about the military is not new. Using the military, or military-type elements in science fiction is almost as old as science fiction itself. Join our panelists as they discuss the history of military science fiction and major milestones in the development of military sci-fi as its own sub-genre.

Speakers

Mark Wandrey

International bestselling author of military sci-fi, space opera, and zombie apocalypse, Mark Wandrey is also the only 4 time DragonCon Dragon Award finalist!Living the full time RV lifestyle as a modern day nomad, Mark Wandrey has been writing science fiction since he was in grade... Read More →

John Holmes

Publisher

J.F. Holmes is a retired Army Senior Noncommissioned Officer, having served for 22 years in both the Regular Army and Army National Guard. During that time, he served as everything from an artillery section leader to a member of a Division level planning staff, with tours in Cuba... Read More →

Daniel Kemp

Author

Sean Korsgaard

Author, Publisher, Fandom

Sean CW Korsgaard is a U.S. Army veteran, award-winning freelance journalist, author, editor and publicist who has worked with Analog Science Fiction & Fact, Baen Books, and Writers of the Future, and recently became the editor of Anvil and Battleborn magazines. His first anthology... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Shenandoah Room

Literature, What to Read

4:00pm EST

Speculative Poetry

Friday January 17, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST

Main Programming Room

Often, speculative fiction in the form of prose gets the most attention. Just as prose seems to get more interest and attention than poetry regardless of the genre. Join our panelists as they discuss speculative fiction in poetry form, its unique difficulties and rewards, and who we should be reading in this genre. Panelists will also attempt to answer your questions about speculative poetry.

Speakers

Pamela K. Kinney

Author

Pamela K. Kinney gave up long ago, ignoring the demanding voices in her head and has been writing ever since. Her horror short story, “Bottled Spirits,” was runner-up for the 2013 WSFA Small Press Award and considered one of the seven best genre short fiction for that year. She... Read More →

Jim & John Gaines

Authors

Jim and John Gaines write sci fi together as J.M.R.Gaines. Their novels Life Sentence and Spy Station form part of the Forlani Saga series, along with Earth Regained (in progress). They have also publish space-themed short stories and poetry in a variety of journals. Jim is a retired... Read More →

Gray Rinehart

Literary Guest

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

Cassandra Clarke

Author Co- Guest of Honor

Friday January 17, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Main Programming Room

Literature, What to Read

4:00pm EST

Gemstone Divination

Friday January 17, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST

Salon L

Lithomancy, divining the future by using stones (including gemstones and crystals), has a long history, especially in the Jewish traditions. Join our Musical Guest of Honor as she helps you learn this ancient art.

Speakers

Rhiannon's Lark

Musician Guest of Honor

Have you ever wanted to hear a Disney princess singing about the things you love…board games, ninjas, and krakens? Rhiannon’s Lark is happy to make your wish come true. Alyssa Yeager is an accolade-winning musician including the Pegasus award for “Best Performer” and Guest... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Salon L

Workshops

5:00pm EST

The Blibbering Humdinger Concert A

Friday January 17, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST

Main Programming Room

Speakers

The Blibbering Humdingers

Featured Musical Guest

We are Scott, Kirsten, Aiden, Liam, and Chuck! We create acoustic nerdrock for –Gamers, geeks, and galactic guardians, browncoats, centaurs, and mandalorians;Hobbits, elves, and wizard gangsters; avengers, defenders, and black-belt hamsters;Elder gods, small gods, fans of Tripod... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Main Programming Room

Events & Demos, Concerts

5:00pm EST

Sci-Fi Movie Trivia for Kids & Teens

Friday January 17, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST

Family Programming - Salon O

Calling all young space explorers and movie buffs! Come test your knowledge on iconic films, memorable characters, and out-of-this-world plot twists. Whether you’re a fan of classics like Star Wars or E.T., or more modern hits like Big Hero 6, there’s something for everyone. You can play as a team or on your own. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker or just love to escape to other worlds, this is the perfect chance to showcase your sci-fi smarts and make new friends along the way.

Speakers

Nina Gordon

Family Programming Coordinator, MarsCon

Friday January 17, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Family Programming - Salon O

Family Programming

5:00pm EST

How Far Will Your Dollar Go in Building Cosplay?

Friday January 17, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST

Salon L

This is not a cosplay/prop making on a budget pitch, but more so where you should spend your money and get the biggest returns for them.

Speakers

Pamela K. Kinney

Author

Aaron Brite

Environmental Compliance Officer, Jen-Weld, Inc.

Daniel Kim

Cosplayer

Max Thompson

Cos Player

Hello there and welcome to my channel! My name is Bash, The Prop Slayer! My channel is dedicated to bringing game and movie replica weapons and armor to life. My main sources of inspiration are Final Fantasy, Star Wars, and The Lord of The Rings. I was introduced to cosplay and prop... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Salon L

Fandom, Being a Fan

5:00pm EST

Using Tarot as a Writing Tool

Friday January 17, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST

Shenandoah Room

There are many different tools that can be used to help a writer out of sticky situations and blocks. The Tarot deck is one of those tools. Come see if using the Tarot is something that could help in your writing journey.

Speakers

Wayland Smith

Author, Gamer, Fandom

Nicole Glover

Author

Cassandra Clarke

Author Co- Guest of Honor

J.E. Pittman

Author, Dealer

J.E. Pittman dabbles in many speculative worlds. He blurs the borders between genre and crafts salient lies to tell a measure of truth. His work has been described as: capriciously chimeric, dreamlike, and a vivid enigma with indelible images stamped on your brain. He’s currently... Read More →

Vivian Valentine

Author, Dealer

The author of The Amelia Temple Series, Vivian Moira Valentine is a rad trans lady who loves monsters. When she was a child, she found the Crestwood House Monster Series at her local library and it's all been downhill from there. Now everything she likes is horrible. When not writing... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Shenandoah Room

Literature, Writing Techniques

6:00pm EST

Opening Ceremonies

Friday January 17, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm EST

Main Programming Room

Join our Toastmaster, Michael Khandelwal, and our Guests of Honor as we officially open MarsCon 2025 (Virginia Beach).

Speakers

Jake Clark

Artist Guest of Honor

Cassandra Clarke

Author Co- Guest of Honor

Christopher Ruocchio

Author Co- Guest of Honor

Rhiannon's Lark

Musician Guest of Honor

Stephen Buonocore

Gaming Guest of Honor

Michael Jon Khandelwal

Mars Con Toast Master

Michael Khandelwal is the Executive Director of The Muse Writers Center, a nationally recognized literary center in Norfolk, Virginia. An award-winning writer and teacher, he writes poetry, fiction, editorials, profiles, and feature articles, which have appeared in Rattle, Coas... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm EST
Main Programming Room

Events & Demos

7:00pm EST

Guest of Honor - Cassandra Clark

Friday January 17, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST

Main Programming Room

Stop by and hear one of our Author Guests of Honor discuss her current and upcoming projects and how the writing process works for her. There will be time for questions from the audience.

Speakers

Cassandra Clarke

Author Co- Guest of Honor

Teresa Bhaile

Guest Liaison and Programming Director, Mars Con Inc (Virginia)

Friday January 17, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Main Programming Room

Events & Demos, Guests of Honor

7:00pm EST

Quick & Casual Games: Learn, Win, & Take

Friday January 17, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST

Salon H - TAGS Open Gaming

Learn a quick and casual game. Play with others who are learning the game. If you win, you get to take home the copy! Even if you don’t win, you have still learned a new, quick game.

Speakers

Dave Seletyn

Gamer, President of Mars Con Board, Mars Con Inc (Virginia)

Dave is passionate about board gaming, tabletop RPGs, and miniatures games. He values the ability of games to transport players into a contained reality and loves the friends he has made through gaming. He is currently playing a lot of Battletech. He is also an award winning miniatures... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Salon H - TAGS Open Gaming

Events & Demos

7:00pm EST

There is No Chaplain on the Enterprise

Friday January 17, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST

Shenandoah Room

A lot of science fiction depicts a future with no religion at all, or the subject of religion is never really brought up--and when it is, it is often a disorganized spirituality. Organized religions, if they appear, are almost invariably evil. But regardless of one's opinions on religion, it is a fundamental part of human life and culture. How can we write about religion in our science fiction settings? Should we?

Speakers

Alexander Gideon

Author

Kim Iverson Headlee

Author

Gray Rinehart

Literary Guest

Christopher Ruocchio

Author Co- Guest of Honor

Friday January 17, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Shenandoah Room

Fandom, It's in the Details

7:00pm EST

The Garbage Belt: What Should We Do About It?

Friday January 17, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST

Salon L

There is A LOT of trash in space, so much so that there are professionals whose sole duty is to track that garbage and make sure it doesn't damage functioning satellites in orbit. But, it's not like there are Coke cans and banana peels up there. What is in the Garbage Belt and how should we deal with it?

Speakers

Michael Morton

Author, USSF

Friday January 17, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Salon L

Science, Physical & Space Sciences

7:00pm EST

The Nocturne Faire - Day 1

Friday January 17, 2025 7:00pm - Saturday January 18, 2025 12:00am EST

Salon P

Day 1 starts with a quick Q&A, especially for those who were not able to attend the afternoon's workshop. Once gameplay begins, characters are introduced and the chronicle begins. The stage is set, the mystery identified and the players begin to investigate how a family was murdered and what, if any, connection that has to the strange green fires in the City Wood. At the end of the night, a short reflection time will allow players to comment on what worked and didn't work this day.

Friday January 17, 2025 7:00pm - Saturday January 18, 2025 12:00am EST
Salon P

Events & Demos, LARP

8:00pm EST

Rhiannon's Lark Concert A

Friday January 17, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EST

Main Programming Room

Speakers

Rhiannon's Lark

Musician Guest of Honor

Friday January 17, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EST
Main Programming Room

Events & Demos, Concerts

8:00pm EST

Reboots, Re-imaginings, and Relaunches

Friday January 17, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EST

Shenandoah Room

Just how many times can they remake Robin Hood? Is there a film that they should never make a reboot of? In this panel, we take a look at the positive and negatives of the modern reboot.

Speakers

Wes Rist

Int'l Human Rights Lawyer

D. Wes Rist is an international human rights lawyer with a specialization in preventing genocide and mass atrocities. He has worked with non-profit and non-governmental organizations around the world, conducted trainings for international lawyers and atrocity prevention experts, and... Read More →

Jim & John Gaines

Authors

Sean Korsgaard

Author, Publisher, Fandom

Vivian Valentine

Author, Dealer

Friday January 17, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EST
Shenandoah Room

Fandom, It's in the Details

8:00pm EST

World Building for Fun and Profit

Friday January 17, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EST

Salon L

The fun comes from drawing maps and defining cultures. The profit part comes when you build a world that your characters inhabit to such a degree, that you sell a ton of books or stories. Come find out those tips and tricks that can make your world an exciting place to be.

Speakers

Mark Wandrey

Claire Merrick

Author

Tired of writing about bad news as a producer at a news station, Claire Merrick began using her free time to write urban fantasy stories. She attended FantaSci in Durham, hoping to learn from authors about the business side of publishing. One of the guests, Kevin Ikenberry, asked... Read More →

J.F. Posthumus

Author

Scott Huggins

Author

Friday January 17, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EST
Salon L

Workshops

8:00pm EST

Votes for Women with Tory Brown - Session A

Friday January 17, 2025 8:00pm - 10:00pm EST

Salon H - TAGS Open Gaming

Votes for Women is a card-driven game covering the American women's suffrage movement from 1848-1920, culminating with the ratification (or rejection) of the Nineteenth Amendment. The game provides competitive, co-operative and solitaire play, with co-operative and solitaire play against the "Oppobot."

To win, the Suffragist player must have Congress pass the proposed Amendment and then have three-fourths of the states (36 of the then 48 states) ratify the Amendment. The Opposition player wins by either preventing Congress from passing the proposed Amendment or by having 13 states reject the Amendment.

The game lasts for six turns - a turn consisting of drawing cards from the players' own decks, bidding on strategy cards, and then six rounds of card play where a player may play a card for an event or discard a card to campaign, organize or lobby Congress. If Congress has proposed the Amendment but neither 36 states have ratified nor 13 states have rejected, then the game goes to Final Voting.

Playing with Tory is on a first come - first served basis. Seating is limited.

Speakers

Tory Brown

Featured Game Designer

Tory Brown is the designer of Votes for Women, which launched on the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. Tory is a longtime activist and works as a political communications strategist for progressive causes. Inspired to create Votes for Women by games like... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 8:00pm - 10:00pm EST
Salon H - TAGS Open Gaming

Gaming, Board Games

9:00pm EST

Mikey Mason Concert A

Friday January 17, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST

Main Programming Room

Speakers

Mikey Mason

Featured Musical Guest

Mikey Mason spent more than a decade as a full-time standup comedian. He headlined on all four coasts, performed multiple times each on NBC, at the legendary House of Blues, and the Hard Rock Casino. He even headlined the Atlantis Resort and Casino in the Bahamas. But it wasn’t... Read More →

Friday January 17, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST
Main Programming Room

Events & Demos, Concerts

9:00pm EST

Fandom and Mental Health

Friday January 17, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST

Salon L

Fans everywhere talk of how their participation in fandom has helped maintain their mental health. Some say that fandom has literally saved their lives. Join in the discussion of how fandom has and continues to be a balm for many in an uncertain world and concrete ways that others can help their fellow fans in the midst of the chaos.

Speakers

Phillip Pournelle

Author, Gamer

Brad Goodman

Scientist

Ben Yalow

Fandom

I've attended about 900 cons, and worked on about a third of them, with jobs ranging from gofer to Chair of both regionals and the Worldcon. I've also edited 4 books for NESFA Press.

Lindsay Reinoehl Bartleson

Featured Costuming Guest

Friday January 17, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST
Salon L

Fandom, Being a Fan

9:00pm EST

But I'm the Hero! The Justifications for Villiany

Friday January 17, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST

Shenandoah Room

Sure, you get the occasional hand-rubbing, cackling, “I’m so evil” villain, but, particularly in real life, most villains don’t see themselves in the role. Even Snidely Whiplash had a mother who loved him. What are the reasons and reasoning of people and characters for doing villainous things?

Speakers

Robert Hampson

Author, Scientist

Pamela K. Kinney

Author

Jason Cordova

Author

Scott Huggins

Author

Friday January 17, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST
Shenandoah Room

Literature, Writing Techniques

10:00pm EST

Jam Session, Open Mic, Filking

Friday January 17, 2025 10:00pm - 11:00pm EST

Salon L

Join several musicians, both those who make their living with their music and those who play because they love it, as they jam together. If you play, bring your instrument and join in. If you don't, come, listen and join in when you feel comfortable.

Speakers

The Blibbering Humdingers

Featured Musical Guest

Friday January 17, 2025 10:00pm - 11:00pm EST
Salon L

Events & Demos, Concerts

10:00pm EST

MarsCon Win, Lose, or Draw

Friday January 17, 2025 10:00pm - 11:00pm EST

Shenandoah Room

Join in the MarsCon tradition of the audience participation game show event! Everyone is divided into two teams. Each team has an artist, and the rest of the team guesses what the artist is drawing. Be careful! Time is limited and if your team doesn’t guess correctly, the other team has a chance to guess. Come for the laughter, come for the fabulous prizes! It might be the most fun you have at MarsCon.

Speakers

Dave Seletyn

Gamer, President of Mars Con Board, Mars Con Inc (Virginia)

Friday January 17, 2025 10:00pm - 11:00pm EST
Shenandoah Room

Events & Demos

10:30pm EST

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Friday January 17, 2025 10:30pm - Saturday January 18, 2025 12:30am EST

Main Programming Room

Friday January 17, 2025 10:30pm - Saturday January 18, 2025 12:30am EST
Main Programming Room

Events & Demos

11:00pm EST

Romantasy

Friday January 17, 2025 11:00pm - Saturday January 18, 2025 1:00am EST

Shenandoah Room

What happens when you combine the pastoral setting and magic of a fantasy with the relationships and spicyness of a romance? You get ROMANTASY. Come talk with and to authors who have or are considering writing in this emerging sub-genre. Topics covered may be NSFW. This panel is not recommended for children 14 and under.

Speakers

Kacey Ezell

Featured Space Opera Guest

Melissa Olthoff

Author

Melissa Olthoff is a science fiction and fantasy author who delights in sneaking in romance wherever she can. She is a lifelong geek as well as a veteran of the United States Air Force, both of which are incredibly useful when writing. Her degrees in meteorology and accounting are... Read More →

Emily Jane Buehler

Author

H.P Holo / Edie Skye

Author

Friday January 17, 2025 11:00pm - Saturday January 18, 2025 1:00am EST
Shenandoah Room

Literature, NSFW