The Author and Worldbuilding: Creating the Airship Neverland Universe
John R. White
The author will discuss the process of creating a cohesive a realistic, textured, and multicultural universe, used in the Tales of the Airship Neverland series. Whether you’re an aspiring author, Dungeon Master or up and coming demigod, the panel will discuss everything from cultures to meta-fiction to mapmaking.
The First Symposium Home Brewing Competition // The Traveling Revelers invite Home Brewers to bring one or more batches to Room 255, and invite interested people to come assist in judging. Bring $5 to donate to charity. Full rules available at Registration. 21+
Bartitsu - Workshop
Ring of Steel
Popularized by the works of Sir A. Conan Doyle, Bartitsu consists of several martial arts and fighting techniques blended together. Participants will get the chance to engage bartitsu-style moves on each other. The sexier gentleman is armed with wits and cool moves! Be advised that this class will require more movement, so restrictive garments will prevent participants from getting the full experience. Mats will be provided.
Bellydance Workshop
Shaida Mystic Hips Belly Dance
Haven’t you wanted to try it yourself? Shaida will instruct men and women in the basics of bellydance. Absolute beginners welcome; modifications made for intermediate and advanced dancers. (Corsets discouraged; put ‘em on after class, ladies!) $5/person charge.
Building a Steampunk World - Workshop
Intrigue Factory Workshop
Are you on an airship crew, Captain of a submersible, or ready to travel through earth or time in your Augernaut or Chrononaut? Then you should have pictures of your Steam-driven creations. In this panel, participants will have the opportunity to create scenes from their imagination through discussion of ideas and the instruction in the use of DoGA L-3. DoGA L-3 is freeware and a beginning level CGI modeler. It is easy to learn and first time users will be able to create an Airship in under 15 min. (Note: Bring your laptop, but DoGA only runs on PC platforms. Sorry, No Macs.)
Bustle Drapery: How Scarlet Turned Curtains into a Gown - Workshop
Jessica Crutchfield
Have you ever wondered how Scarlett O’Hara turned a set of curtains into a beautiful gown? In this class I will teach you the basics of how to drape a bustle. This will be a hands on class, and if you have curtains, a tablecloth, or just a few yards of fabric to make that perfect bustle piece, bring them to class! You do not need any sewing experience, however it will make finishing easier. I will have a limited number of kits that include fabric made up for sale ($15-25) for this workshop. The class will have a small materials fee for those making bustles with their own material ($5). If you are bringing your own material please make sure that all edges are finished, or lined so that all the raw edges are enclosed.
Cabinet of Curiosities
The Vagabonds
Monsters, artifacts and much more. The Vagabonds have been all over the place and seen a lot of stuff. Now they want to share with you some of the oddities they have collected over the years.
Cane Fighting- Violence the Gentlemanly Way
Ring of Steel
The cane, a simple stick, evolved into a highly sophisticated martial art during the Victorian era. Attendees get the opportunity to learn and practice cane fighting techniques adapted for stage (no hitting each other, sorry guys) with a partner. A pleasant time is guaranteed for all!
Century of the Beard
Zebulon Vitruvius Pike
The Nineteenth Century was a renaissance of facial adornment and experimentation. Never before or since has the beard been such an exquisite and varied presentation of unabashed masculinity. Herein, find but a poor sampling of the magnificence that was the Century of the Beard.
Charm, Swagger and Bravado: A Guide to Convention Confidence
Airship Archon
Do you have trouble talking to people at conventions? Do you feel like an outsider amongst other convention goers? This panel will provide you with some great hints, tips and tricks to building your self-esteem, confidence and how to play off of your strengths and weaknesses.
ConChemistry 110: Intro to Home Brewing
The Traveling Revelers
We love great beer. You love beer. The Traveling Revelers introduce Home Brewing as the preferred method of obtaining great beer!! We will discuss the very basics of home brew: What you will need and how to do it. (It is simple, really!) This round the table type discussion encourages conversation and idea sharing among our brewers and future brewers. Come meet other brewers. 21+
ConSociology 210: The Zen of Flirting
The Traveling Revelers
As accustomed as they are to being called upon by the heads of state around the world to educate their most favored offspring in the ways of being a gentleperson, The Traveling Revelers have generously accepted an engagement by an anonymous patron, who may or may not be the Emperor of Norway, once again to share their insights into the world of flirting. Flirting as a social activity. Flirting as the thing in and of itself. While this workshop is focused on the basics of flirting, even those proclaimed as experts enjoy new practical advice and advice on practicing.
Corsetmaking Demonstration
Jessica Crutchfield
Watch up close and personal as this experienced corsetier shows you what goes into making a quality corset.
Dowdy Librarians and Clockwork Hookers - a look at women in Steampunk
Emilie P. Bush
Sprouting from pulp fictions and boy’s adventure tales, Steampunk is a masculine genre - or is it? The panelist will debate the roles and characterizations of women in Steampunk Literature and Film.
Dr Forge’s Welding Lab
Dave Francy
Did you know that electric arc welding was invented in the 1860′s? Come learn about molecular bonding of metals which has not changed since Victorian Era construction. See how an affordable machine can be safe, fun, and just plain awesome – and learn how you can use welding for your steampunk creations. Second half is hands-on - you can even try welding gears to a base yourself for a $5 materials fee!
Electronics Seminar and Workshop 1
Prof. Charles Aether Lab
Light up your ray gun with Professor Charles. Professor Charles guides you through some basic electronics to give motion, lights, or Tesla energy to your inventions and contraptions. We begin with some basic symbols of the arcane art of electronics and wiring. Then we move on to basic operations of soldering and wire attachment. Finally, you will construct your own test board of illumination and if there is time then we will also construct a pulse illuminator. (Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Electronics Seminar and Workshop 2
Prof. Charles Aether Lab
Take your electronics to the next level and learn to build a sonic screwdriver. This is meant for people that have some basic electronics knowledge or people that attended the first seminar. Professor Charles will first help you make a series of 10 lights blink in a particular pattern. Then we will make some noise at a particular frequency using a basic speaker. Next, we will make some complementing and discordant tones using the same techniques. Finally, time permitting, we will use some of these combinations to control a servo. (Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Electronics Seminar and Workshop 3
Prof. Charles Aether Lab
This workshop is for all skill levels and followers of Tesla. Professor Charles encourages you to bring an electronics project, proposal, or problem that needs to be solved and we can work together to build, plan or modify it to fit your needs. This is an unstructured format to meet the needs anyone that has the spark of inspiration. (Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Envisioning a Better Steam Society: Social Issues & Steampunk
Ay-leen the Peacemaker
A discussion panel where panel participants discuss their thoughts about finding aesthetic inspiration in a historical era rife with sexism, racism and classist thinking. Can the steampunk subculture come to terms with its problematic past, or are we just repeating history, except with ray guns? Together with the audience, we hope to engage in an open dialogue about whether steampunk confronts or condones the historical ideas behind its inspiration, how nineteenth century thinking is re-interpreted in the present day, and what makes steampunk actually “punk.”
Fashion Show
The Apparition Abolishers
Come see some of the finest costumes at the con! For details on entering, see the registration table.
Fisticuffs- When the Top Hats Come Off
Ring of Steel
An introduction to hand-to-hand combat techniques both historical and modern, all adapted for safe use in stage applications. This is a hands-on workshop, so to speak, so attendees should come prepared to do some moving. (Corsets and other restricted garments will do just fine.) No friend or partner to beat up? Not to worry! We’ll either match you up with another participant or pair you with one of our members.
From Arsenic to Zinc: Victorian Beauty Rituals & Makeup Techniques
Donnette Carney-Bogard& Meg Perkins, HMAS Dauntless
A brief discussion of some of the dangerous methods used to achieve the ‘delicate fragile’ look popular during the era, how to achieve a similar look using modern, safer skincare & cosmetics, and details of tools and products to achieve a (mostly) flawless complexion. Q&A to follow.
From Disaster to Dashing: Dressing for Men
Airship Archon
In this panel we will discuss clothing and accessory options for the overlooked male gender, as well as discovering your personal style and places to look for inspiration and pieces.
From Regiment to Adam Ant: Modding coats into military jackets
Emilie P. Bush
What to look for and how to alter off the rack clothing to make military looking jackets. Tips, tricks and many examples. Not for the reenactor, but for the beginning modder or maker.
Gizmos, Gadgets, and Doodads
The Vagabonds
Gizmos, gadgets, and doodads, oh my! Come and learn tips and tricks on how to make fancy props out of household items and spare parts. We teach you where to find your ingredients and help you see what kind of inventions you can create from them.
Goths in Steampunk
Leanna Renee Hieber
Couture, culture, literary movements. Not all of us “discovered brown!”
The Great Debate Game Show: Tesla vs. Watt
Emilie P. Bush
Ray gun or black powder? Steam train or Electric Trolley? Which is better electricity or steam? Arguments encouraged! Hilarity expected and bragging rights up for grabs. The audience decides which answer has spark, and which has no STEAM! Ages 18+
Leather Crafting with a Steampunk Flair for Beginners: a Guide & Demonstration
Bret Daly
A discussion and demonstration in basic leather crafting. Discussion will include the how and where to purchase raw leather and accessories, as well as some of the basic tools needed to make your own leather accessories and apparel. The demonstration will consist of making one custom item, explaining each step during the construction process and going over the do’s and don’ts, and then the finished item will be given away to one lucky panel attendee.
LGBTQ in Science Fiction and Fantasy
Ay-leen the Peacemaker
In recent years, queer characters are becoming more prevalent in science fiction and fantasy, but we still have a long way to go. This panel will take a brief look at the history of LGBTQ characters in science fiction & fantasy, and what we can do to further promote fair and diverse representation of queer folk in SF/F.
Mad Scientists and Madder Engineers: Victorian DIY Culture
Emily Finke
Tesla is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to eccentric personalities and inventions during Victorian times. Have you heard of “atmospheric railways”? Civil War-era flamethrowers and aerial surveillance?
Maintaining History
A.K. Alexander and Sheena Pennell
Do you love real artifacts from the past? Learn from an art expert about handling techniques, archival techniques for documents and textiles, how to tell a fake from a genuine article. Plus, applying these skills to crafting steampunk attire and accessories. // A. K. Alexander and Sheena Pennell hold BFA degrees and a certification from Studio Art Centers International in Florence, Italy.
Make and Take with the Airship Archon
Airship Archon
No gentleman (nor lady for that matter) can be said to be fully dressed without the appropriate accessories; hat, gloves, watch and of course the perfect sidearm. Join Prof. Torrey Tesla and Gunny to begin designing your own fashion forward defense accessory for your next adventure. Bring your own Maverick, water pistol, etc. Some materials will be provided and plenty of advice and knowledge will be available for your creative benefit.
Medical Quackery
Clan of Teks
Will it stop my balding, make me skinny, and cure my cancer? Or is it just snake oil? Join our panel on medical quackery and find out. We will showcase devices and discuss historical accounts of medical quackery focusing on the 1800′s and early 1900′s.
Meet the Apparition Abolishers
Apparition Abolishers
Meet the legendary Victorian monster hunters, The Apparition Abolishers! Learn about their exciting adventures. Want to know how they tracked that Chupacabra, captured a Feegee mermaid, or took down a Wendigo? Or perhaps you’re curious about all those Torque contraptions. Various team members will be available to chat and answer questions.
Minority Groups and Alternative Cultures
Ay-leen the Peacemaker
This panel is aimed at encouraging honest and open discussion of ethnic tensions, cultural differences, and incidents of racism in alternative subculture spaces. With the audience, we will talk about why minority groups may shy away from alternative-culture groups and events, any relevant examples of causes that you might wish to share, either in observation or as a minority, and about how these differences can be resolved in order to create a safe space for ALL people present in these types of groups or events.
The Mustache Makes the Man
Intrigue Factory Workshop
Ahhh the mustache - fetcher of compliments and tickler of kissers. This panel is a quick how to panel of mustache twirling and grooming for the dapper gentleman or daring rogue. Volunteers will try various styling and prosthetic items. Prep your mustache for the big day! // The Intrigue Factory is an interactive theater company from Michigan, providing original entertainment and an improvisational, in-character experience.
Occult & Mysticism in the Victorian Era
Leanna Renee Hieber and Emily Finke
The new scientific understanding of the world arose hand in hand with an interest in spiritualism, ghosts and the paranormal. These ladies each bring their own expertise to the topic.
Overview of Steampunk
Emilie P. Bush
What makes the Steampunk Aesthetic? Makers and Modding? Join us to take look at the Genre of Steampunk. We’ll discuss its literary origins, what goes into Steampunk, clothing, movies and lit.
Parties for All Ages
Calamity Dawn
Are you throwing a party? Calamity Dawn will share tips and tricks to ensure your party is the best ever, whether it’s for your 5 year old niece, your 62 year old relative, or a bunch of your con friends in a hotel room.
Prominent Posteriors: The Art of the Bustle
Airship Archon
We will discuss the historical bustle but will focus on bustles you might be making for your outfits, both undergarments and outerwear. With lots of information and resources to help you on your projects.
Prop & Costume Alchemy: Making one thing look like another
Airship Archon
Methods of distressing fabric, metal & plastic. Learn dying, painting, glueing, a dash of sewing & how to open your mind to using weird thrift store finds to make fantastic costumes and props.
Proper Fit of a Corset
Jessica Crutchfield
In this class we will discuss a variety of common fitting issues with corsets, and how a well fit corset should feel. We will also discuss how materials affect the feel and long term wearability of a corset.
Reading - Leanna Renee Hieber
Leanna Renee Hieber
Leanna Renee Hieber will read two brief never-before heard selections depending on audience request and answer all your burning questions. With prizes! [She is a fabulous performer. Don’t miss this!]
Science of Steampunk
Emily Finke
What in the steampunk mythos has its basis in real technology? What doesn’t? And do we even care?
Sewing for Those Who Don’t Sew (Yet)
Clan of Teks
Don’t be afraid, fellow novice! Anna will guide some people who do know how to sew into telling you things that you can really use.
The Sound of Proximity, or ‘How to play the Theremin’
Angelique X Stacy
Theremin Enthusiast Angelique X Stacy from The Wazzoo Sound brings in her collection of Theremins and provides a hands on demonstration on the basics of playing what is known as the first analog electronic instrument. Showcasing different styles of Theremins, she will perform for you original compositions and melody accompaniment on this timeless and unique instrument.
Steam Around the World: Steampunk Beyond Victoriana
Ay-leen the Peacemaker
Beyond Victoriana, what steampunk possibilities exist? Come join us as we take you on a trip around the world to see how steampunk manifests in the minds of those who don’t think within an Eurocentric context, whether they blend Western influences, or use recognizably steampunk elements within a distinct flavor outside of Europe. We will also approach the ethical challenges that come up when engaging in multicultural steampunk and discuss matters of race, privilege, and cultural appropriation.
Steampunk 101
Airship Archon
Basic background info on the history of steampunk and its emergence in popular culture.
Steampunk 210
Airship Archon
Going to conventions, meeting people and starting your own airship. Notes on making personas, outfits and basic modification of clothing and props.
Steampunk 320
Airship Archon
Advanced Steampunk for Fun & Profit.
Steampunk Chronicle Awards
Emilie P. Bush
Did you vote in the Steampunk Chronicle Reader’s Choice Awards? Come see if your choices won!
Steampunk in Comics I: To the Dirigible and Beyond
Queen M of the Red Fork Empire
This discussion covers in-depth steampunk works and related genres, including dieselpunk, decopunk, and more. The edges of the steampunk movement will be explored, and we will see how far a steampunk comic can go in the world of art.
Steampunk in Comics II: Capes and Steam!
Queen M of the Red Fork Empire
This panel covers mainstream steampunk influences in comics, including DC and Marvel superhero work as well as great indies and self-publishers. A great introduction to steampunk in sequential art and storytelling, and an excellent visual reference for readers and costumers alike.
Steampunk Music 101
Sir Ernest Octave Suszczynski & Dr. Capt. Adriana Farrier
Steampunk music is music steampunks like, right? Hopefully we can narrow it down a bit more than that! Music aficionados from Airship Archon and Airship Passepartout will help broaden your horizons and leave you with a really awesome playlist.
Steampunk Persona workshop
Emilie P. Bush
Have you said to yourself “If I see one more sky pirate….” Become something more than the same-old Steampunk! Make the most of the Steam in your Dreams by working on your own character back story. Create a character that is totally you and unique. This workshop will go step by step into creating the history and culture of your Steampunk self.
Swordplay- for Ladies and Gents Alike!
Ring of Steel
An introduction to stage combat using “real” steel swords. This workshop will begin with a lecture on safety practices employed by professional fight folk. Attendees will learn a simple but impressive stage fight which they can perform with a partner. No one to fight with? We will either match you with another attendee or pair you with one of our members. Eye protection will be provided. People who do not receive the safety lecture will NOT be allowed to pick up a sword, so make sure you make it to the beginning!
Tales of the Airship Neverland
John R. White
What is Tales of The Airship Neverland? Welcome to the steampunk Meta-Fiction retelling of the Peter Pan tale. The author will tell how the idea came to be, give insights into the tale, what actual well-known steampunks show up in the story. The author will read from the Soon to be released Volume II: ‘Captain Hook and the Pirates of Mars.”
Theories of Inebriation
Calamity Dawn
Noted local mixologist will talk about how to create your own cocktails and otherwise talk booze. Some lucky steampunkers will get to taste her concoctions! 21+
Trash to Treasure: Building Steampunk Contraptions and Exposition Oddities
Apparition Abolishers
Watch and learn how the Apparition Abolishers’ fantastical contraptions and exposition oddities were made! A demonstration of how some of the key Abolisher’s gear, props and oddities were conceived and constructed. Building tips and material sources will also be discussed. How everyday objects and discarded trash can be transformed into a Steampunk wonder.
Unlimited Miles and Insurance! (Or, How I became a Convention Road Warrior and Survived)
Intrigue Factory Workshop
Going to a convention is a lot of fun. But like any vacation or excursion, there can be problems. We will share our trials, tribulations, and trade secrets in a Question and Answer Panel that will shock, awe, and entertain even the most seasoned convention veteran.
Victorian Erotica
Airship Passepartout
Ready for a little after-dark historical fun? See images the Victorians hid for their private time, and hear ladies reading period stories from The Pearl. 18+
Victorian Inebriation
Airship Archon
What types of alcoholic beverages were popular during the Victorian Era? Which ones are still popular today? Members of the Airship Archon will discuss the history and how-to of brewing your own beer, wine, mead, ale, and more! 18+
What Do You Like Best about Steampunk?
Aloysius Fox
Con organizer Aloysius Fox will lead you, the panel attendees, in a discussion about steampunk and what it means to you.
Zalikars Magic Extravagan
The Vagabonds
Are they tricks or are they real? It’s hard to tell when Zalikir is around. Let Zalikar entertain you!