Tyrell Gephardt

Tyrell Gephardt is a speculative-fiction writer who is currently working on a novel, a webcomic, and several short stories. He focuses most of his reading on speculative fiction, classic science fiction, and fantasy. He has been a longtime member of fandom: involved with the Kansas City Science Fiction and Fantasy Society since his teenage years and director of the same club in his twenties. He’s been a volunteer and on staff for various conventions and festivals both in and out of fandom. A former model and actor.

4:00 PM | Location: Sooner A

Remote Creative Work: Getting It Done

The hybrid work model is here! An open-panel discussion on making it work while working from home. Can you find inspiration and keep personal and professional boundaries, while creating space for social interaction in remote work environments? Bonus points for cool home office/studio ideas.

Moderator: Tim Chessmore

Panelists: Tim Chessmore, Julie Barrett, Charles Dane Clark, Tyrell Gephardt, Elizabeth Leggett, Mimic Rae

Tracks: Health & Wellness, Business & Marketing, General Interest

11:00 AM | Location: Boomer A

Anime of the 80s and 90s

A nostalgic look at the anime of the 80s and 90s. What are your favorite shows to watch today, and which need to stay in the vault (for reasons...)?

Moderator: Clinton Girkin

Panelists: Clinton Girkin, La Blanke, Tyrell Gephardt, Luna Reign Cosplay, Squirrelly Jedi Photography

Tracks: Anime

1:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Before and After the Plague

Or, COVID-19 as a taste of apocalypse. How has it changed how we communicate, work, innovate, and live? What's the state of human society, and the things we've taken for granted in our post-pandemic world? What's getting better?

Moderator: Tyrell Gephardt

Panelists: Tyrell Gephardt, Everyday Futurist, Sheila Hartney, Brian A. Hopkins

Tracks: General Interest, Health & Wellness, STEM

7:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium

Literary Beers

Join panelists in the hotel lounge for lively conversation. BYO beverages, please.

Moderator: Rosemary Clement-Moore

Panelists: Rosemary Clement-Moore, Daniel Erickson, Everyday Futurist, Shai Fenwick, Mark Finn, Dara Fogel, PhD, Tyrell Gephardt, Sally Hamilton, Sheila Hartney, Carolyn Kay, Chaz Kemp, vickey malone kennedy, Melinda LaFevers, Julia S. Mandala, A. Lee Martinez, Tracy S. Morris, Michael Mosley, Ethan Nahté, Ted Pennella, Rook Riley, Rie Sheridan Rose, Seth Skorkowsky, Karen Thrower, Mel. White, Craig Wolf

Tracks: General Interest, Food & Drink, Writing & Publishing, Meetup

Noon | Location: Sooner B

Entertaining the Climate Crisis

According to the 2022 World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report, climate change is THE greatest global threat today. Speculative fiction is uniquely suited to explore these issues. From the wry satirical allegory of Don't Look Up, to Solarpunk futures, to biodiversity and ecosystem loss, natural disasters, survivalism, and what hope the future holds, how can we explore climate change in our specific media?

Moderator: Tyrell Gephardt

Panelists: Tyrell Gephardt, Tim Frayser, Brian A. Hopkins, Carolyn Kay, Caleb Masters, Selina Rosen

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, STEM, Culture & World Affairs, Film & TV, General Interest, Science Fiction, Writing & Publishing

3:00 PM | Location: Sooner A

Effective Communication in Cyberspace

How you communicate can be just as important as what you are saying. This is especially true in an online setting. Our panelists discuss how to get your point across online without starting flame wars or losing friends.

Moderator: Joey “Okie Space Queen” Rodman

Panelists: Joey “Okie Space Queen” Rodman, Alice-of-Hearts, Tyrell Gephardt, Jovial Juggernaut, A. Lee Martinez, Caleb Masters

Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Business & Marketing, Internet Life, General Interest