General Interest
Noon | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 2 Boardroom
Hand Sewing for Beginners: Button Tree
In this session, learn basic embroidery techniques for backstitching and how to sew on a button, and leave with a finished piece of art! Participants will have their choice of making a summer or fall colors tree for this project. (2 hours. Limit 12 participants. $15 fee.)
Moderator: Whitney Sews
Panelists: Whitney Sews
Tracks: Art, Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, General Interest, Workshop
Noon | Location: Sooner B presented by Fowler Automotive
Fortnite Pop-Up Dance Party
Feel like you got a #1 Victory Royale? Come emote your way into a fun Fortnite Dance Break!
Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids
Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids
Tracks: Kids, Performing Arts, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
Noon | Location: Kah'maloo (Star Wars Land)
Aurabesh Decoding Activity
Decoding activity using the alphabet of Star Wars. Learn to write your name and decode messages! Runs hourly in Star Wars Land at Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion's table during Soonercon's daytime programming hours.
Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Panelists: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
Noon | Location: Sooner A
Spoonercon: A Full Con Weekend With No Burnout
Cons—so much to do, and so little time to do it all! This panel has tips and tricks for budgeting our physical and mental energy. Discuss how to cope after running out of spoons, while still enjoying the time.
Moderator: Vanessa Green
Panelists: Lollalotus, Mimic Rae, the Lo-Fi Ky, TKM Cosplay, Vanessa Green
Tracks: Health & Wellness, General Interest
1:00 PM | Location: Noble
Treasure Bag Making
Kids customize a pouch for dice, rock collections, or whatever else they can imagine needing to store in this make and take activity for young collectors.
Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids
Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Art, General Interest
1:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Getting Started with D&D 5e
Starting out on the Dungeons & Dragons journey? Learn everything from character creation, the basic rules of the game, and some how-tos and tips for getting your game group started and ready for RPG adventuring.
Moderator: What’s Up Fandom Podcast
Panelists: Aidyn Cross, Jacob Blackmon, Joshua Cook, Kimberly Cross, Michael Cross, What’s Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Gaming, Fantasy, General Interest
1:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Game Show: Real or Alternative History?
Contestants decide if certain "facts" are alternate history or really happened. Audience participation encouraged!
Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts
Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, David Carrico, Jeff Provine, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Mark Alfred, Ted Pennella, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, History, General Interest
2:00 PM | Location: Noble
Build Your Own Jedi Lightsaber
Is the Force with you? Do you have what it takes to become a Jedi? Make your own lightsaber to use in Jedi training.
Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids
Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
2:00 PM | Location: Sooner B presented by Fowler Automotive
Kids Jedi Training
Is the Force with you? Do you have what it takes to become a Jedi? Duel with Jedi masters, and practice your target skills.
Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids
Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
4:00 PM | Location: Sooner B presented by Fowler Automotive
Star Wars Origami
Learn about the ancient Jedi art of origami, projects for every age group from easy to very hard.
Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids
Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Film & TV
5:00 PM | Location: Sooner B presented by Fowler Automotive
Jedi Librarian Story Time
Join a Jedi Master as they share a story from the Jedi archives.
Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids
Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion, Vivian Sloan
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Film & TV
5:00 PM | Location: Noble
Design-a-Droid Blueprints
Design a droid the way you think it should look! Blueprints of droids on a worksheet to be decorated with paper or foam adhesive shapes.
Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids
Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Film & TV
6:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House
Opening Ceremonies
Soonercon 31's official opening. Emcee John Eads/Jim Shorts will Declare Our Independence!
Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts
Panelists: Brent Amberger AKA Goobertown Hobbies, Caleb Haldane, Chaz Kemp, Christina Dark Cosplay, Daniel Soto, Dark Side Cosplay, James Farr, John Eads/Jim Shorts, John Scalzi, Kevin Dilmore, Larry Nemecek, Loretta McKibben, Matthew Cavanaugh, Red Bard, RedWebb Cosplay, Rynaga, Tiffany Gordon Cosplay
Tracks: General Interest, Meetup
7:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Literary Beers
Join panelists in the hotel lounge for lively conversation. BYO beverages, please.
Moderator:
Panelists: Chaotic Neutral Cosplay, Crazy Red Artist, Dara Fogel, PhD, Elizabeth Leggett, J.H. Fleming, Julie Barrett, Kent Cordray, Kimber E Chessmore, La Blanke, Mel White, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Rook Riley, Scott Zrubek, Shai Fenwick, Sue Sinor, Tall Chick Cosplay, William Ledbetter
Tracks: Meetup, General Interest, Writing & Publishing, Art
8:00 PM | Location: University AB
World Peace Through Chocolate Art Reception
Enjoy this evening viewing of Soonercon's annual Art Show. Meet and mingle with Soonercon 31 artist guest of honor Chaz Kemp, and other award-winning artists in the show. Light desserts provided. (2 hours)
Moderator: Chaz Kemp
Panelists: Chaz Kemp
Tracks: Art, Meetup, General Interest
9:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Soonercon @ Midnight: THE Worst Book Ever
Join us with your beverage(s) of choice in hand as intrepid writers lay on their best purple prose to create titles and openings for THE Worst Book Ever, hosted by Larry "Dr. Trek" Nemecek! And it all depends on YOU, by audience vote!
Moderator: Larry Nemecek
Panelists: Julia S. Mandala, Kevin Dilmore, Larry Nemecek, Mark Finn, Tim Frayser, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing, General Interest
9:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House
Soonercon 31 Neon Rascals Rave Dance
Soonercon's annual all-ages dance. Costumes, rave wear and formal wear always encouraged! Must be 21 with valid ID to drink. Admission to the dance is included with Soonercon 31 memberships.
Moderator: 0
Panelists: DJ Bone!! - Dark Dancing Oklahoma
Tracks: General Interest
10:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Late Night Artists Chat
This is a chance for artists and fans to meet in a relaxed setting to talk all things art! Ask questions, share ideas, and socialize. (Hotel side, 2 hours.)
Moderator: Peri Charlifu
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, Allison Stein, Caleb Masters, Creative Countess, Harold Neal, J.H. Fleming, Jan S. Gephardt, Kimber E Chessmore, Liz Campbell, Lollalotus, Mel White, Melinda LaFevers, Mike Kennedy, Peri Charlifu, Robert Daniels, Scott Zrubek, Sue Sinor, Terry Southard, THE james k burk, Tim Frayser, W. J. Hodgson
Tracks: Art, General Interest, Meetup
9:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Koffeeklatch
Join panelists in the hotel breakfast area for morning networking and conversation. BYO coffee, please.
Moderator:
Panelists: Craig Wolf, Crazy Red Artist, Daniel Erickson, Dara Fogel, PhD, David J. Pedersen, J.H. Fleming, John Allen Small, Julie Barrett, Kathleen M. O'Brien, Kevin Dilmore, Kimber E Chessmore, Liz Campbell, Loretta McKibben, Mace Kendu, Mel White, Mike Kennedy, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Rhonda Eudaly, Shai Fenwick, Tall Chick Cosplay, Tommy B. Smith, Trina Jacobs, vickey malone kennedy, William Ledbetter
Tracks: Meetup, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: Kah'maloo (Star Wars Land)
Aurabesh Decoding Activity
Decoding activity using the alphabet of Star Wars. Learn to write your name and decode messages! Runs hourly in Star Wars Land at Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion's table during Soonercon's daytime programming hours.
Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Panelists: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
11:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Assemble. Engage. Transform. How We Built the New Soonercon Brand
Curious about Soonercon's new look? Who is this Ripley Raccoon character anyhow? How does this shape the con's story going forward? Join this panel discussion to learn about the collaborative process behind the new Soonercon brand, led by our award-winning strategic creative partner Robot House.
Moderator: Brian Winkeler, Founder, Robot House
Panelists: Amber Hanneken, Brian Winkeler, Matthew Cavanaugh
Tracks: Business & Marketing, General Interest
Noon | Location: Boomer A
Critically Corrected Trivia Show
Everyone loves to be a critic. Technically correct these wrong answers to nerdy trivia. The host will read a statement that is wrong. Panelists must start their corrective answer with the phrase "Um, Actually..." to score points. If the panelist is incorrect, the audience gets the chance to answer and steal the points.
Moderator: Brook Bullock
Panelists: Brook Bullock, Karen Thrower, Kevin Dilmore, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Rhonda Eudaly, Tim Frayser
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Meetup
2:00 PM | Location: Noble
Hogwarts Potions Class
Witches and Wizards—gather around for potions class! Join us as your favorite professors teach you some useful potions! Kids will get a small potion container to take home.
Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids
Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
2:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Coloring & Kicking It
Bring your own coloring book or feel free to use a coloring sheet, and join us. We'll offer some tips and techniques for a cleaner or messier look while you relax and color. (Supplies provided. 2 hours)
Moderator: Kimber E Chessmore
Panelists: Kimber E Chessmore, Rachael Mayo
Tracks: Art, Meetup, General Interest, Comics
3:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Coming Back from Burnout
Current events have left many of us feeling exhausted and saddened. When this oppression is added to feelings of insecurity or grief, creativity seems a boulder too big to push. We discuss ways to come back from challenging life events and reigniting creativity.
Moderator: Chaotic Neutral Cosplay
Panelists: Chaotic Neutral Cosplay, Dennis Spielman, Liz Campbell, Mica Membrane, Ms Fae Mullens, Tall Chick Cosplay
Tracks: Health & Wellness, Culture & World Affairs, General Interest
4:00 PM | Location: Noble
Treasure Bag Making
Kids customize a pouch for dice, rock collections, or whatever else they can imagine needing to store in this make and take activity for young collectors.
Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids
Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Art, General Interest
4:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Fan-Made Content: Reimagined Creation or Copyright Issue?
What is considered acceptable (and unacceptable) use of existing works in fan-made creations like art, cosplay, or fan fiction? Isn’t a little creative license part of nerd culture? Where's the line for such creative inspirations?
Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt
Panelists: Hall of Femme, James Farr, Jan S. Gephardt, L.L.Killjoy, Peri Charlifu, Sally Hamilton
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Maker, Art, Writing & Publishing, Comics, Content Creation & Podcasting, General Interest
5:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
2023: Welcome to the Singularity. Sorta.
We've talked for a long time about how AI would someday reach “the Singularity.” With things like the recent deployment of ChatGPT, is that day today? Whether this is a positive development or a negative one remains unknown. As a society, what's our role in steering this technology towards a positive direction rather than one that destroys our perception of facts, critical thinking, and language composition? Are things that desperate?
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: Brian A. Hopkins, Caleb Masters, Daniel Erickson, Loretta McKibben, THE james k burk, William Ledbetter
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, STEM, Culture & World Affairs, General Interest
5:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Radio Play Open Casting & Rehearsal
Be a radio star with the Generic Radio Workshop's production of "Doctor Science in Space!" Learn how an audio theater production is put together as part of the cast. Or, you can just watch and be entertained! The performance will take place Saturday evening during the Costume Contest intermission.
Moderator: Julie Barrett
Panelists: Julie Barrett
Tracks: Performing Arts, General Interest, Meetup
6:00 PM | Location: University C
Art/Charity Auction
Come bid high and often at the art and charity live auctions!
Moderator: Dr Paisley
Panelists: Dr Paisley, Mark Coughran
Tracks: Art, General Interest
7:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Literary Beers
Join panelists in the hotel lounge for lively conversation. BYO beverages, please.
Moderator:
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Bradley H Sinor, Craig Wolf, Daniel Erickson, David J. Pedersen, Dr Paisley, Julia S. Mandala, L.L.Killjoy, Liz Campbell, Mark Finn, Michael "Gecko" Adams, Mike Kennedy, Tim Frayser, Tracy S. Morris, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Meetup, General Interest, Writing & Publishing, Art
9:15 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House
Generic Radio Workshop Radio Play: Doctor Science in Space!
Say, kids! It's time for Doctor Science in Space! What could possibly go wrong? You're on your own for safety gear. (Performance during the Soonercon Costume Contest judging intermission.)
Moderator: Julie Barrett
Panelists: Julie Barrett
Tracks: Performing Arts, General Interest
9:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Koffeeklatch
Join panelists in the hotel breakfast area for morning networking and conversation. BYO coffee, please.
Moderator:
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Bradley H Sinor, Brook Bullock, Harold Neal, Jeff Provine, Julia S. Mandala, L.L.Killjoy, Laura J. Underwood, Linda Donahue, Mark Alfred, Mark Finn, Michael Cross, Mimic Rae, Ms Fae Mullens, Peri Charlifu, Sally Hamilton, Scott Zrubek, Sue Sinor, Terry Southard, Tim Frayser, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Meetup, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: Kah'maloo (Star Wars Land)
Aurabesh Decoding Activity
Decoding activity using the alphabet of Star Wars. Learn to write your name and decode messages! Runs hourly in Star Wars Land at Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion's table during Soonercon's daytime programming hours.
Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Panelists: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
11:00 AM | Location: Boomer B
Debate Is Not Dissent!
From fan wars (Trek vs. Wars) to TV-news ratings battles to political or philosophical discussion, how can creatives elevate the behavior around us? Have you learned a way to constructively emphasize commonality while discussing difference (and not devaluing it)? Has fandom inspired or prepared you to get involved in “the rest” of society – in a positive way?
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: Daniel Erickson, Dara Fogel, PhD, Dr Paisley, John Allen Small, Rhonda Eudaly, What’s Up Fandom Podcast
Noon | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Coloring & Kicking It
Bring your own coloring book or feel free to use a coloring sheet, and join us. We'll offer some tips and techniques for a cleaner or messier look while you relax and color. (Supplies provided.)
Moderator: James Hollaman
Panelists: James Hollaman, Kimber E Chessmore
Tracks: Art, Meetup, General Interest, Comics
Noon | Location: Noble
Build A Gauntlet
Build a Mandalorian armored gauntlet with construction paper and straws, and possibly make paper rockets to fire from it!
Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids
Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Film & TV
1:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Immortality or the Singularity
Would you rather have the option to be immortal in your corporeal form, or upload your consciousness to a digital format that could evolve otherwise? How is this question addressed in speculative fiction and reflected in real world research and cultural considerations?
Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt
Panelists: Jan S. Gephardt, Rhonda Eudaly, Selina Rosen, Ted Pennella, William Ledbetter
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, General Interest
1:00 PM | Location: Noble
Build Your Own Jedi Lightsaber
Is the Force with you? Do you have what it takes to become a Jedi? Make your own lightsaber to use in Jedi training.
Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids
Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
1:00 PM | Location: Sooner B presented by Fowler Automotive
Kids Jedi Training
Is the Force with you? Do you have what it takes to become a Jedi? Duel with Jedi masters, and practice your target skills.
Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids
Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
2:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Top Priority: Self-Care for Creatives
If you want to be a productive and happy artist, self-care is a must! If you're not healthy, happy, rested, fed, and hydrated, your work can suffer. Our panel discusses things to do to make self-care a part of your daily routine!
Moderator: Peri Charlifu
Panelists: Chaz Kemp, Kimberly Cross, Madilynn Dale, Peri Charlifu, Tall Chick Cosplay
Tracks: Health & Wellness, General Interest
2:00 PM | Location: Noble
Treasure Bag Making
Kids customize a pouch for dice, rock collections, or whatever else they can imagine needing to store in this make and take activity for young collectors.
Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids
Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Art, General Interest
3:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
Networking in Your Niche
The geek community is worldwide. Networking should be easy, right? Well … Shopping your story or cover art? Trying to make new friends? Want to learn a new skill or need a maker-space resource? Join this panel to hear from our peopling gurus for pro tips on making meaningful introductions, building relationships with new folks, finding collaboration touchpoints, and maintaining lasting connections with others.
Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt
Panelists: Amber Hanneken, Jan S. Gephardt, Liz Campbell, MadiHatter, Mimic Rae
Tracks: Business & Marketing, General Interest, Meetup
4:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House
Closing Ceremonies
Soonercon 31's official closing. Emcee John Eads/Jim Shorts launches us into Soonercon 32, coming 2024.
Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts
Panelists: Brent Amberger AKA Goobertown Hobbies, Caleb Haldane, Chaz Kemp, Christina Dark Cosplay, Daniel Soto, Dark Side Cosplay, James Farr, John Eads/Jim Shorts, John Scalzi, Kevin Dilmore, Larry Nemecek, Loretta McKibben, Matthew Cavanaugh, Red Bard, RedWebb Cosplay, Rynaga, Tiffany Gordon Cosplay
Tracks: General Interest, Meetup
5:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Last Call! Toasting and Roasting Soonercon 31
Let’s meet in the atrium after closing ceremonies to compare notes and share some favorite memories from Soonercon! What was your favorite panel? What cool new loot did you pick up from the exhibitors? What could have gone better? Feedback can also be submitted online if you're not able to join us https://soonercon.com/feedback/. Until next year!
Moderator: Howard Wilson II
Panelists: Howard Wilson II
Tracks: General Interest, Meetup