Friday 29 September, 2023
In a perfect world, everyone would make reasonable and responsible choices about their reading material and materials for their children. What about in this world?
As we see on our planet, people come in all colors and sizes. So why are most alien cultures depicted as homogenous in movies and TV series like Star Trek, Star Wars, and more? Is it lack of budget or imagination?
Reminiscing and remembering the original Supernatural's best, corniest, and worst episodes, as well as our favorite obscure, one-off, or main characters.
What is it, and how can it help your writing? Why does this framework work?
Discuss ways to incorporate psychological horror elements to explore mental health, trauma, and personal growth in the context of fantastical worlds
With new movies dropping so soon onto streaming services, which you can watch in the comfort and quiet of your own home, is there any reason to go to the movies theater anymore? Have modern audiences and rising prices ruined that magical experience?
The Addams Family has had many incarnations through comics, TV shows, cartoons, movies, and even stage plays. Why do we keep welcoming this crazy, macabre family into our homes? Which version has been your favorite?
Since A.I. will be (or already is) incorporated into every word processing program, we will discuss how writers can use it ethically.
As culture and social mores have changed, our ideas about what the future will look like also have changed. This panel would discuss how authors of different eras portrayed the future as they understood it—and all the many ways that their visions seem quaint and funny now (for instance, smoking indoors or at work; reading paper newspapers on a space station; searching for a phone booth, or others).
Do you like Minecraft? Do you think you can craft that diamond armor in real life? Come make and showoff your best armor or even make yourself into a Creeper. (No real diamonds, just cardboard and your skills!)
The Original Series provides a concrete future that Strange New Worlds is working towards (or against). How are they doing playing around with the pre-Kirk era? Are they just creating massive plot holes and irritating continuity lovers?
This year has thrown the spotlight on the questionable uses of AI in artwork. Does the general public truly understand what is at stake? Is there a future where no one but computer programs "create"?
Sometimes the villain is more popular and memorable than the hero. What does that say about popular culture?
A discussion of hats and other costuming accessories.
Join us for a casual gathering as we start to make music.
What do you do when your fictional culture needs to curse?
Synthetic biology can completely change how we live. From no longer needing animals to produce fabrics or food for us, to having plentiful supplies of medications like insulin, and new ways to produce fuels and clean our environment. What new discoveries have been recently made in this field?
Are you an expert marksman? Come show off your skills with a nerf gun and try and shoot as many ducks as you can. Be careful though, our dog will judge your shots.
An examination and discussion of storytelling techniques in the original 1984 Terminator film.
Do you need words to convey a story? How do you bring a story through with just artwork? Are certain mediums better for this than others?
Ever wanted to host a room party but didn't know where to start? Come meet with those who have boldly gone before and can share their knowledge of the fun, frustration, and financials.
The ethics of selling through Amazon and discussion of the alternatives to the largest indie publishing marketplace.
No matter how small your kit and how cheap your tools there was an age where they did much more with much less. Presented by The Barony Of Shattered Crystal, an Society of Creative Anachronism group.
Stories featuring creative responses to the climate crises are the fastest growing genres in speculative fiction. This panel of knowledgeable authors will explore key features of these genres and how to incorporate their optimistic themes into your writing.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was the start of the new phase. Where do they go from here? Between movies and additional content from Disney+, are audiences getting burned out? Are the stories suffering?
Advice and strategies for self-publishing tabletop role-playing games without breaking the bank.
Come help vanquish the pigs and get the birds’ eggs back.
The third season of Picard had many surprises. What did you think of the plot twists? Would Vadic been as interesting without Amanda Plummer's performance? Do they need a fourth season now? (Major spoilers abound!)
Is social media an effective tool for promoting your con? Where are con-goers looking to find new conventions these days? Does live streaming some programming items attract new fans or negatively impact paid attendance?
Everything you need to know about finding, establishing, and using a pseudonym! Learn what is and isn't a pen name, reasons why and why not to use one, finding a pen name that is right for you and your genre, and how to start using your pen name.
How much description is too much?
After an extended absence, long-time Archon fixture Gary 'MoFilker' Hanak performs some of his new songs and some old songs, with occasional commentary on how and why aging can really suck.
A three piece band performing rockabilly renditions of sea shanties and pirate versions of rockabilly classics.
In addition to their Ps & Qs, storytellers must mind their Cs: Conflict, Crisis, and Climax. But how can these concepts help us create convincing and captivating conundrums for our characters? You’ll leave this practical workshop with concrete ideas for your creative crafts.
In a world of constant reboots, have your favorite characters been improved or lost their way?
Located within the Art Show.
Are studios less willing to take chances on movies? Is their only focus on the "sure thing"? Will we ever have another Spielberg or Lucas?
So you think you can sing? Come join us for a fun time and your favorite songs. There will be no judges, just come enjoy yourself and pick out your favorite song to sing the night away with!
From the classic series to the new animated movie and the possible reboot--??
Join family and friends in fondly remembering our friend and past con chair Steve Norris.
Panelists read first sentences from a variety of published books and stories, and discuss the variety of approaches they represent, such as "the hook" vs. world-building vs. setting the mood, etc. What makes us want to read on?
Come say hello to the staff and players of Lost & Found Studios LARP and play a quick game of Crow Funeral (masks required to play).
With work rooted in their love of Dungeons & Dragons, come for snarling guitars, catchy vocals, complex percussion, and general weirdness.NOTE: This concert will be taking place outside in the front of the Gateway Center. In event of bad weather, it will take place in the Mississippian room.
Self-publishing has come a long way since the days when it was automatically brushed off as nothing but vanity press.
How have different books, series, or movies used religion as part of their storytelling?
“Follow Me” is a Fantasy/Horror short film by River Rat Productions. Followed by a short Q&A session.Watch as the powerful imagination of two brothers leads them astray.Featuring: Gabe Cytron, Kendrick Dell, Alec Noakes, Elisa Tomas, & Dana Wachtel.Directed by: Jordan Hageman & Sam RozierProduced & Art Directed by: Jacklyn ParkerWritten, Shot & Edited by: Ryan M. Kneezle
As an illustrator, it's important to be able to draw everyday objects and not just heroes throwing punches. Our panelists discuss what common objects have proved particularly challenging for them.
Comparisons to best selling authors and series are a constant in fiction marketing. Does the average reader really use those comparisons? Does it mean the work is really just a cheap knock-off?
There is a large market for genre romance novels! How do you navigate romance novels and romance subplots within speculative novels?
Listen to Joey Froehlich, The Mad Poet, read selections of his mad poetry. Highly recommended and highly unique!
Saturday 30 September, 2023
What makes a piece of fiction capture the reader's attention and convince them to keep reading? For short stories and long novels and everything in between, the first paragraph and page and chapter have a unique power. How can an author convince the reader that their story is worth finishing?
Modern tools like ChatGPT use the word "artificial intelligence," but how does it compare to the AI in science fiction stories? And how does this new technology affect how we should think about AI - of either kind - in science fiction?
Long ago, people used to gather in person to play games with each other, but then the world changed. Due to a combination of technology and necessity, many gamers have made the switch to virtual gatherings. Come sit with us (in person) as we talk about the impact technology has made on the gaming community and where we go from here.
Join us to make your own costume! Have fun bringing your own character to life by using your creativity.
Genre movies and series that appeared to have everything going for them but still tanked.
While stealing other people's art is not okay, is using AI inherently bad? Can it be used as a tool for an artist's own work?
With the current trend of banning books that has content certain people have issues with, how long until they start going after science fiction and fantasy books which critique social problems and those that teach them in the classroom?
While it's good to plan, don't get caught in the trap of over-planning!
Located within the Art Show.
Knowledgeable authors provide sage advice on the ins and outs of promoting yourself as an author and building a loyal fan base—from table displays and hand selling books at cons to growing a newsletter email list and appearing on podcasts.
Ever wanted to be a mermaid? Have you heard of mermaiding? Mermaid Diamond of the Downstate Illinois River Maidens guides you through how she got into mermaiding, mermaiding tricks and tips, tail talk, tail makers, top makers, local pods, and will happily answer all of your mermaiding questions!
AI doesn't have the greatest track record in science fiction...
Join Children's Programming to make your own Boffer Sword (foam)! After making your own Boffer Sword, learn some real skills to use it!
Twenty years ago the third installment in the movie masterpiece debuted. And last year we got a new TV series on Amazon. Has Tolkien's work been handled right? And what's next?
Has fandom and fannish culture become safer for women? What do you do to stay safe at conventions? What do we still need to address to make conventions and other fannish events safe spaces for the younger generations?
When writing a series, how do you keep it all straight and consistent?
What are some materials and methods that would allow someone on a tight budget to make armor or other cosplay items?
Military SF frequently starts out with the main character in training. Is it important to the characters' development or are the authors just working out some stuff of their own?
A consideration of several TNG episodes that are usually forgotten or maligned.
Join writers, artists, and other creators in a discussion about what AI could mean for creativity and how it might affect their profession. It was the blurst of times, indeed.
Come show off your costume! PLEASE NOTE: Directly after the Children's costume extravaganza, the Teen's Cosplay Contest (ages 13 - 17) will be held. Please come sign up by 12:00 PM on Saturday for the Teen's Cosplay Contest, so we can have your name and costume information.
What did you think of Indiana Jones's fifth cinematic adventure? Did they treat the character right? Was it better than the fourth movie?
Cover illustrations once sold books. What is the future of book covers in a digital age? Are book cover illustrators obsolete?
Horror stories of completely unqualified convention panelists.
The dangers of AI and writing. Is it all doom and gloom? What should writers be aware of?
An introduction to the medieval recreation group the Society for Creative Anachronism and how to get involved. Presented by The Barony Of Shattered Crystal, an SCA group.
Meet up and chat with your fellow music nerds.
The basics, linear, nonlinear, and more. How to choose what is right for your story?
"Settlements on the Moon and in orbit will be profitable." -- Gerard K. O'Neill. Lunar outposts will mature into self-sufficient lunar settlements with mining and manufacturing which in turn will enable profitable space settlements. Is it ethical to commodify any future settlements, or is that the natural progression?
Did you grow up in a haunted house? Glimpse a phantom in the cemetery? Share your personal encounters with ghosts.
Join us for a Children's Filk Concert. Songs of science, space and math, to delight kids of all ages.
Argue and defend your choices of the best, worst, and middling selections of the movies and shows that make up the Marvel Cinematic Universe!
People of all ages can enjoy dressing up in costumes, but older fans who have never done so may be nervous to try. Learn about how to get involved, where to find basic pieces, useful YouTube tutorials, and more, no matter what age (or size) you are!
Join our panelists as each quickly create a portion of a drawing, then pass it on to the next panelist, and so on!
Fandom has been through decades of changes. From letter writing to conventions to virtual cons, from ditto machines to digital publishing and from an overwhelming white male crowd to a period of (slowly?) increasing diversity. Has the fundamental nature of Fandom changed? Can we even speculate on what’s to come?
Writing for tweens and teens: how is it different from writing for adults?
Are Libraries and librarians here to stay or will they slowly be phased out by technology?
How does sound get from the performers to your ears? Three experienced sound guys guide you through the process and technology.
The frustrations of writer's block, rejections and reviews, etc.
While the technology developed to win the Space Race dramatically changed peoples' lives when it was adapted commercially, how much was really accomplished by the moon landings other than abandoning some really expensive machinery there? Well into the next century, we're trying to develop new technology to do it again. Realistically, can we expect anything significant from a potential moon landing?
Hear what it was like to experience the cultural and fannish phenomenon known as Star Wars in 1977.
There have been four major Batman franchise cycles since the 1960s. Which one is the best? Which one best captures the "essence" of Batman?
Color is one of the most important aspects in creating the mood you are intending for your piece. How do you begin to choose the best color for what you want to convey?
Hear from our artists about their experiences working on their first published work.
Join Jonathan Maberry as he reads excerpts from his work.
The truism of “write what you know” feels inapplicable to writing science fiction and fantasy—but is it?A panel of authors discusses how they used their real life skills and knowledge to inform their fantasticworlds.
The Society for Creative Anachronism will demonstrate fighting techniques for heavy armored combat and rapier. Questions will be welcome. No participation allowed. Presented by The Barony Of Shattered Crystal. NOTE: This demonstration will take place on the front lawn of the DoubleTree Hotel. In event of bad weather, the demonstration will be canceled.
What adaptations have worked best? Which ones went horribly wrong?
Sign up to perform a single song.
The yearly worldbuilding panel! Still trying to figure out the best way to create a world for your characters to live in? Need help knowing what kind of worlds work best? Come hear our panelists talk about the best way to handle worldbuilding and how to keep it consistent.
Space & Entrepreneurship is the theme of this year's World Space Week, taking place October 4-10. What opportunities are there in space for entrepreneurship? Should this entrepreneurship only allowed to be public (world-wide) or private, as well?
To boldly rehash? Do shows like Star Trek: Picard and the Star Wars TV shows rely too much on nostalgia? Or are they working with nostalgia correctly while balancing new content? Are we missing out on potential new franchises due to focusing on the past?
Come race mini cars in the Archon Cup!
Join Archon 46's Artist Guest of Honor, Timothy Chiasson, for a discussion of his life and his journey in becoming a published and licensed artist with AT Products (Military Art), Harmony Gold, USA; Funimation, and Crunchyroll (for his work for Robotech).
First: celebrate! Then … Experienced writers discuss next steps after you finish your short story or novel manuscript: from critique to revision to publication.
Gatekeepers exist in nearly every aspect of Art and creativity. Do they contribute to the quality of what we see or do they just maintain the status quo?
Growing up with and collecting comic books in the 1960s was completely different than the culture today. Come listen to a personal reflection (from a kid who lived through it) about families, comics, and pop-culture. Followed by a short Q&A session.
There are a lot of things to discover about publishing contracts, editor's notes, proofing, and marketing your first novel. Hear from a panel of authors about their experiences with their first books.
What adaptions worked or didn't work, and why? What were "adaptions in name only"? What books would you like to see adapted to film or television?
Two Musical Partners In Crime take you on a wondrous sonic journey through multiple fandoms.
Sometimes, you need to get your butt in a chair (BIC), but sometimes, you're about to burn out. How do you find balance as an author and creator?
An in depth look at the iconic fight involving the Hulk vs. the Fantastic Four AND the Avengers in Fantastic Four #25-26 from 1964. Additionally, a discussion on both the final fights in the Justice League and in The Avengers movies, going through what worked, what didn't, and why.
Have some suggestions? Want to share a great idea? Hated everything? Want to know how to connect with those in charge? Now's your chance to share your thoughts.
Come create your own sock puppet to put on a show!
When your Masquerade entry has dialogue, can you make yourself heard or should you pre-record it?
Should AI generated images be allowed for sale in convention Art Shows? Would a ban even be enforceable?
Join Glynn Stewart as he read excerpts from his work.
What's the difference and how do you know which one to use?
Long before the advent of the internet, it was much harder to share stories, yet many cultures have instances of similar legends or fairy tales. What are some examples, and why would they be similar?
Teaching children survival skills after the apocalypse.
How can writers use critique groups effectively? What can members do if the group avoids constructive criticism (being uniformly nice) or is overly aggressive? What is the role of conflict in a critique group? How can you find a healthy critique group? Experienced authors will answer these questions and provide contact information for critique groups in our area.
Many books, like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, are considered children's classics, but do they really hold up today?
Why are brains so important in the zombie mythos? They want to eat them, you need to shoot them.
Chip and Dale need your help! A villain has taken a script and hidden it in one of the many rooms. The Rescue Rangers need your help in solving the case! Use clues and solve the case to track down the script! (Live Action Clue with a twist!)
Doctor Who is still going strong! Discuss the continuing appeal of this long-running series for multiple generations. What is in store for the future with the upcoming Fourteenth and Fifteenth Doctors?
Manipulating and engaging in social media is an important way to reach your potential and current readers. Where do you start? How much do you do? And how do you find the time?
Why did you start going to conventions or other fannish related events, and more importantly, why do you continue to attend?
Writing a protagonist who's nothing like you.
Long associated together, science fiction always seemed the more popular of the two. With the success of various franchises, does this point to fantasy overtaking science fiction in popularity? Are the two genres THAT different? How much do they overlap? Do we need a separate Hugo and Nebula Award for each type? Can’t we all just get along?
Enjoy an amazing and enthralling magic and mentalism show!
Calling all detectives! We need your help in identifying monsters that are running amok! Join us for this game where you use your artistic skills to sketch out the monster described to file a case report! Come join us to play and learn to play MonsDRAWsity.
Calling all Teens! Come play or learn to play Ultimate Werewolf! (13+) Please note, while adults are welcome to join, please keep the game PG13!!!
What are the challenges and successes of adapting science fiction and horror literature into visual media? What is the impact of different storytelling techniques and visual aesthetics?
Come learn the basics of Live Action Role Play and debunk common misconceptions of the hobby with Lost & Found Studios, a Missouri-based LARP company that hosts games in the greater STL area.
Love games? Interested in the game-making process? You are invited to participate in a unique playing session to help a game developer improve his new game! (Limited space available; up to 4 players needed.)(Please note that this game is in the early stages of development and components will be a little rough.)
Ever popular, vampires can transcend genres. When you want to make your story grounded in "history" where do you go to research vampire lore? How can you use it but still keep your concept and characters fresh?
What books or stories immediately grabbed you when reading the first few sentences? What resonated with you? Did the rest of it live up to the beginning?
Lots of movies out there were adapted from comic books or graphic novels, but not marketed as such. What movies surprisingly came from this visual medium?
A look back at the 2000-2005 science fiction TV show examining its ideas and themes.
Love games? Interested in the game-making process? You are invited to participate in a unique playing session to help a game developer improve his new game! (Limited space available; up to 4 players needed.)(Please note that this game is in the early stages of development and components will be a little rough.)The E...
Is AI the end of writing as we know it? Explore the hype and hypothetical of artificial intelligence as it applies to the writing life and the genres we love to read. Established authors will share their experience and welcome audience ideas about this fast-moving phenomenon.
The summer of 1997 brought us the overstuffed travesty of camp called Batman & Robin. Join our panelists for a cathartic hour to unpack this notorious example of cinematic megalomania.
Love games? Interested in the game-making process? You are invited to participate in a unique playing session to help a game developer improve his new game! (Limited space available; up to 5 players needed.)(Please note that this game is in the early stages of development and components will be a little rough.)Each ...
Join your fellow Transylvanians in doing the Time Warp again! (1975, rated R, 2 hours) (Screening will follow The Masquerade.)
Sunday 1 October, 2023
How do you find a group and how do you determine if it's right for you?
Cemeteries are great places to hike, meditate, do yoga, find your muse, write, take photographs, find character names, story ideas, etc. etc. etc. Find inspiration and peace in these beautiful, under-utilized spaces.
Are you good with Legos? Come show your skill and build monsters, towers, or people, oh my!
For over 100 years, these massive machines have captured our imaginations, but what is it about them that keeps us coming back for more? Is it the science and stories behind them that we love or do we just simply dig giant robots? Join us for a brief history of giant robots in science fiction and a discussion of what draws us to them.
Color is amazing, but sometimes your intention is better conveyed in the simplest of tones. How do you successfully use grayscale without your work becoming too muddied?
Characters are the heart of speculative fiction: Paul Atreides, Sarah Conner, Han Solo, Gandalf, Spock, Xena—we all have our favorites. This panel of expert writers will provide useful guidance on creating your own unforgettable characters.
Sometimes authors feel compelled to write something even if they never expect to release it ‘into the wild.’
Connecting with your audience when you're cosplaying obscure or original characters
Have some suggestions? Want to share a great idea? Hated everything? Want to know how to connect with those in charge? Now's your chance to share your thoughts.
Listen to stories & solve some puzzles with Debbie Manber Kupfer and Jessica Mathews
Beginning with the Silent Era and moving forward, key films and TV shows featuring artificial intelligence will be considered and discussed.
Fantasy and science fiction art needs to balance the believable and the fantastic. Where do you start when making realistic imaginary worlds?
How do you make friends in Fandom? Is the internet still a good place to find people who share your interests? How do you find new friends at conventions?
Thinking about getting into editing? Or have questions about the editing process? Come speak to our panelists to learn more about one of the most vital parts of writing!
Our panelists will discuss what makes a person a professional and whether it really matters. What do you need to know before deciding to go pro, etc.
Like Jeopardy, every question must be guessed based on the clue “Answer”. Except in this game, every clue is a nerdy, fannish in-joke mundanes would never get. 3 contestants will be randomly chosen from the audience.
Getting the details right about another culture can be difficult. Is it just easier for the SF&F author to create their own?
Could genetically modified pets be the ultimate in adorable or just a horror movie in the making?
As fans of fantasy, horror, and science fiction, we are used to believing in fantastical situations and elements, if only for a little while. Why would asking the public to believe in a fish woman with darker skin or a same sex relationship in outer space be a step too far?
Come make your own shrink art!
Will Marvel slowly take over Disney from the inside? Will they be the power behind the throne? Or will they slowly fade into just another content niche?
Annual open meeting - everyone welcome! Meet & greet (plus a tiny bit of business). (2 hours) Host: St. Louis Costumers Guild
Attending conventions like Archon is the best because we can finally be around fellow geeks. But how can we show our love for our favorite sf or fantasy universe the rest of the year when we have to live or work around people who just don’t get it? What are so subtle (or not so subtle) ways that panelists (and audience members) show their love and support for their particular fandom? How can we recruit others to love our fandom too?
Monsters like vampires or werewolves were created to explain real world phenomena, diseases, or other medical issues that the people of those eras could not understand. How did these creatures explain these things, and what are some further examples of this?
The subject was announced 1 month before the con: BREAKING FREE. Minimum 2 verses and a chorus or the equivalent thereof. Entries may be performed by the songwriter or someone else, but the song’s author must be present.
What conventions did you love attending, but are now defunct? What happened to them? What made them special?
Join us to play games from our selection, or bring your own to play with friends!
Join Lost & Found Studios LARP founders Kaylah and Sahil as they discuss common problems in RPG spaces, types of toxic players, and how they combat these issues to create and maintain a healthy gaming environment.
Is there anything wrong with making art because you know it will sell to the fannish masses? Should it be considered "lesser" or does it really matter?
Practical tips from seasoned writers on: crafting scenes as mini stories; how to show, not tell; creating emotional resonance for readers; drafting versus revision; reverse outlining; and more.
Strategies and tips on how to spend less time prepping for role-playing games sessions and more time playing.