LepreCon 27 Schedule of Events

 LepreCon 27 Guest of Honor & Participant Bios

LepreCon 27 Panel Descriptions

Note: The following is the current schedule as of 5/10/01, submitted for the program book.  Changes may occur and will be reflected in the pocket program or posted at the convention.

Programming Listings FAQ
Q. What do the 3-letter codes that identify the panels mean?
A. We used them to keep track of all the different types of programming that fans have come to expect. The meanings are thus:

Panels with code “LEP” fall in the realm of “LepreCon Fandom”
This category includes all items of general fannish concern, especially with the process of presenting a convention. Items that are traditional at our conventions are covered in this category. For LepreCon 27, it also covers our multi-disciplinary "Build a world" project which will actually develop and launch the programming theme for LepreCon 28.

Panels with code “ART” fall in the realm of “Arts & Costuming”
This category deals with aspects of art, from the creative process, through techniques to the practical aspects of marketing your work. Included are the arts of costuming, cartooning, fine arts, theater, movies and anime.

Panels with code “WRI” fall in the realm of “Authoring”
This category deals with aspects of writing, from the creative process, through grammatical mechanics to the practical aspects of getting your work published.

Panels with code “SCI” fall in the realm of “Sciences”
Good science fiction relies on authors' creative use of believable science and this track is meant to present updates and glimpses of the cutting edges of scientific disciplines.

Panels with code “GAM” fall in the realm of “Gaming”
Gamers don't often leave the gaming tables for panels, but there are one or two times that a good panel or presentation will lure them out to the program rooms. This is the track for those few good gaming topics.

Panels with code “KID” fall in the realm of “Kids”
Kids are fen too, and this track is set to bring them into the fold by sharing with them all that first attracted us speculative fiction and fantasy.

Q. I see LEP06 and LEP10 in the descriptions – what happened to LEP07 through LEP09?
A. The process of programming begins by making a list of LOTS of ideas, more than we can possibly use during the course of one convention. Each is given an ID code so that we can keep track of it. By the time the convention is scheduled, only those ideas that keep to our theme AND are chosen by the participants actually get on the schedule (you can’t have a panel discussion without panelists!) So, the “missing” codes are left out, and the ideas are saved for other conventions. Oh! Now you know!

Q. Why aren’t the panelists listed in the Program Book?
A. At the time the Program Book went to press, not all the panelists had made final choices or been scheduled. Rather than print a list that we knew would change before the convention date, we decided to leave the panelists names out.  Just HAVE to know who is going to be on that panel? We are posting the list at Registration and in the Green Room, so come and check it out!

LEP1A
Build a World:
Friday: The Planetary Environment
Every great science fiction world has been built by a team -- from the good, solid scientific thought behind its geology to the life that would evolve and adapt to it, to the civilizations that rise from such a mixture. Science provides the setting and scientific thought ensures believability, but it's the artists, poets and authors who bring it all to life in our imagination. We're gathering panels from both worlds to spend all weekend detailing the science and the visions of a whole New World of our own; and you are invited to be part of it!  ***  Geologists & Planetary experts will lead the way on Friday evening as we create our environment. Will it be planet, asteroid, or something else a la Larry Niven's Integral Trees or Ringworld?
Begins at: Fr1430
Location: Kachina

LEP1B
Build a World:
Friday: The Planetary Environment  (cont'd)
Continue and complete the world building that was started in session one.   If the participants and attendees feel the world is ready to inhabit, the moderator may opt to begin populating it with "critters".
Begins at: Fr1900
Location: Kachina

LEP2
Build a World:
Saturday am - Biology
Botanists, zoologists and ecologists lead the way as we populate the environment created on Friday night
Begins at: Sa1000
Location: Navajo 2

LEP3
Build a World:
Saturday pm - Anthropology & History
What type of civilization will arise here? Will any of the species created in the morning rise to sentience or will the place be colonized by humanoids from Earth?
Begins at: Sa1430
Location: Navajo 2

LEP4
Build a World:
Midnight Sat - A Look at the "Night Life"
All civilizations have a bawdy, seamy side! What will we create here?
Begins at: Sa2330
Location: Papago

LEP5
Build a World:
Sunday am - Presentation & Distribution
Along the same lines as Linux developers and the current open-source D&D, we'll make our creation available for use, free of charge, to all. We'll check in on it at the next LepreCon in a big way, too!
Begins at: Su1000
Location: Kachina

LEP6
Fandom as Utopia
Are s.f. &  fantasy fans really a more tolerant part of society?  Or are our predjudices just in different areas than other folk? Is there really more room to express ourselves here? Or do fans just comply with a non-standard set of mores? We pride ourselves on our ability to tolerate & celebrate racial, gender and sexual differences, but how about differences in gaming styles, reading material, recreational habits? How does "freaking the mundanes" reflect on  this so-called tolerance? If we just discriminate differently than most, how do we choose what's okay and what's not?
Begins at: Su1300
Location: Kachina

LEP08
Rites of Passage
What method works best to bring in younger fen?

We all know that if we don't pull the younger generation into the fold, there won't be cons for us in our
twilight years. We all know that science fiction and fantasy depend on novelty and freshness -- and the
younger generation have so much that's new to offer. So the question is: what method works best to bring
in younger fen? Is it best to include Kid's programming for them right from the start? Or recruit them in high
school and college? How do you go about it?
  Begins:  Fr2200
  Location: Navajo 2

LEP10
Club Fair
Like a Job Fair, only Fun!
What is there to do in the Valley of the Sun? Here is a good way to find out! Members from a number of  fannish organizations will be on hand to answer questions and help you get involved!
Begins at: Fr1430
Location: Navajo 2

LEP11
S.F. Tube Talk
with Lee Whiteside
Our own Lee Whiteside, webmaster of SFTV.ORG gives us the scoop on upcoming Science Fiction, Fantasy and other cult television.
Begins at: Sa1000
Location: Kachina

LEP12
Meet the Org's
LepreCon Inc., CASFS, Western SFA and THEM: each in turn gives a half hour presentation to help you get to know who they are, what they do and how you can become a part of it all.
Begins at: Fr1600
Location: Pima

LEP13
Compliments and Complaints
Did you like what happened at this Con? Come tell us what you want to see continued. Know something that could be done better? Come volunteer to help make it happen. Your LepreCon 27 Committee will be on hand, taking notes!
Begins at: SU1600
Location: Kachina

LEP14
At the Movies
Freebies & Previews with Barry Bard
We don't have to tell you what this one is all about! Once again, Barry shows those great movie trailers and brings us all the free goodies we can carry away. Thanks, Barry!
Begins at: SU1000
Location: Navajo 1

LEP15 (aka KID14)
LEGO Creations
THEM
Come pick up some LEGO and put together fantastic robots, alien architecture or just have fun building
things with THEM.
Begins: Fr2030
Location: Papago

ART2
What Makes SF/Fantasy Art Different From "Normal" Art?
Join us in the Live Model Room for a lively discussion about the qualities that define SF & Fantasy art from the rest. Feel free to bring your sketch pad and take advantage of our volunteer models, or just pose for the artists while you debate. The "official" discussion lasts an hour, but feel free to stay as long as you like!
Begins at: Sa1100
Location: Live Model Room

ART04
Is Your Inner "Artist" the Same as Your "Inner "Writer"?
A writer and an artist discuss the way they see what they are creating--how they each approach creativity.
How much detail is there from the start and which details are emphasized?
Begins: Sa2200
Location: Papago

ART5
The Fine Line between Art & Porn
Midnight Panel: must be at least 18 to participate or attend.
Who determines the line between art and pornography? How do you know what's too much when creating nude figures for book covers or public displays?
Begins at: Fr2330
Location: Navajo 2

ART6 (Preview!)
The MacGuyver Challenge
Larry Vela and his team plan to give you a list of "junk", a tricky scenario and a time limit to find a solution using just what you have on hand! There are even rumors of prizes to be had. This is a special session only for those who are pre-registered and present at the convention on Thursday night.
Begins at: Th1900
Location: Kachina

ART6
The MacGuyver Challenge
Larry Vela and his team have been delightedly designing devious scenarios that would leave even the A Team hard pressed to escape. Come join in the fun as Larry and friends give you a list of "junk", a tricky scenario and a time limit to find a solution using just what you have on hand! There are even rumors of prizes to be had.
Begins at: Fr2030
Location: Navajo 1

ART7
Digital Art
Local artist Guest of Honor Robert Ross and Larry Vela demonstrate tips and techniques of digital art. They will answer questions about what's available and how easily can you learn to use it.
Begins at: Sa1130
Location: Navajo 1

ART19
Inside the artists mind --
Are artists always imagining ideas 24/7 ? Does the artistic process go on around the clock?
Begins at: Sa1430
Location: Live Model Room

ART22
Live model room hosted by James Reade
Come as an artist ready to take advantage of live costumed models, no fee involved! Or come as a model in your favorite costume (including everything from stoneage to futuristic to modern urban, but remember, no costume is still no costume. All models must be IN their costumes!)
Begins at: Fr1700
Location: Live Model Room

ART27
THEM on Anime
'Anime for non-anime fans'
THEM, ASU's own science-fiction & fantasy group, talk about Anime - what it is and isnt, what they love and hate about it.
Begins at: Fr1900
Location: Pima

ART28
Face Painting with John Wheeler
John Wheeler, known for running the convention's video room, says "I am a Facepainting amateur enthusiatist. Do you like to paint or be painted as Clowns, Tigers,Bunnies,etc?. Then come by and just unwind and have a little good clean fun. 0 Sa1000 Papago

ART29
Artist Guest of Honor Stephen Hickman!
Begins at: Sa1300
Location: Navajo 1

WRI1
Writing as Art and as Commerce
How should authors allocate time for writing that will advance the state of the art (esp. in sci-fi and fantasy) and writing that will pay the bills?
Begins at: Sa2030
Location: Pima

WRI2
Finding the Muse
How to get an idea and get started on your new novel.
What are your sources of inspriation?  Once you've put pen to paper (or maybe before) where do the ideas come from?
Begins at: Sa1200
Location: Pima

WRI3
Making Characters Come Alive
How to make your characters memorable.  Ursula K. Le Guin said a character is memorable when a reader can remember the character's name after finishing the book.  We all remember Frodo and Samwise, but is that a good test?
Begins at: Sa1300
Location: Pima

WRI5
Writing Derivative Works
Sometimes, another person's ideas will create ideas in you.  What are the ethics and rules of trying to sell what you've now thought up while standing on someone's shoulders?
Begins at: Sa1600
Location: Pima

WRI7
Location, Location, Location
What is the impact of setting on story?
Make your setting work to not only add flavor to your story, but to become part of the story; and how to make everything seem more real.
Begins at: Sa1100
Location: Pima

WRI9
Writing About Hot Button Topics
Science fiction and fantasy allow us to see the world in new ways.  Are they useful for discussing current social problems and controversies?  Better yet, how can you use them to write better stories?
Begins at: Sa1430
Location: Pima

WRI10
New Frontiers for Science Fiction and Fantasy
What does the future hold for sci-fi and fantasy both as a business and a creative venture?  Where should they be headed?  How can you get there first?
Begins at: Fr2030
Location: Navajo 2

WRI12
Round Robin Story
Bring something to read, anything at all: from your favorite novel to the label from your allergy meds! One person begins reading, then chooses the next reader at a random moment. Surprizingly fun!
Begins at: Sa2200
Location: Patio

WRI13
Good Morning Michael Stackpole!
Our author Guest of Honor, Michael Stackpole, joins us for coffee and conversation. Mike will give us the scoop on writing for the Star Wars universe, and just about anything else you want to ask him.
Begins at: Sa1000
Location: Navajo 1

SCI1
What Is A Planet vs Minor Planet vs Planetoid (Asteroid)?
What's a planet?
Pluto was almost dropped from the planetary list recently.  What would happen if it were discovered today?  What makes something a planet and not an asteroid?
Begins at: Su1000
Location: Pima

SCI5
Alternate Prehistory
Alternate Prehistory
What would the world look like if the alleged asteroid that hit the Earth didn't happen?  Would dinosaurs have evolved into a higher life form instead of primates?  What if primates hadn't been the primary ascendants in the animal kingdom?  Could birds or another mammal have been the big kahuna?
Begins at: Su1200
Location: Pima

SCI7
Building a Lunar/Mars Colony
Building a Lunar/Mars Colony
How would you go about building a colony on the Moon or Mars?  What could you use that already exists and what would you have to discover, engineer or invent?  How much would it cost?  What would you personally take with you without limits?  With limits?
Begins at: Sa1000
Location: Pima

SCI12
Space Program Update
NASA: Planetary Explorations
NASA has scaled back its plans for Mars.  The Pluto probe was cancelled.  It now has astronauts and cosmonauts in the International Space Station (Space Station Alpha?).  What else is happening?  Is there a program or two for interstellar travel?  Lunar Colony?
Begins at: Fr1600
Location: Navajo 1

SCI17
2001: The New Millenium
We're entering the new millenium.  Civilization hasn't ended life as we know it.  Computers invade our lives every day.  Physical money is being replaced by electronic figues.  What else is going on that is different from the past millenium?  How will things change in the next 100 years?  500?  1000?
Begins at: Su1100
Location: Pima

SCI22
The Science of Psychic Phenomena.
Is parapsychology a real science or not? James Vitale, local psychic, discusses the scientific study of psychic phenomena.
Begins at: SU1300
Location: Pima

SCI23
Paper Airplane Contest
Rusty Neal moderates our traditional Paper Airplane Contest.
Begins at: Sa1430
Location: Veranda

GAM4
Violence Sex & Debauchery in Gaming
What is it teaching us? What does it say about us? Must be physically 18 to attend panel. Must be Mentally 18 to attend as well...
Begins at: Sa2200
Location: Kachina

GAM5
Spirituality and Religion in Gaming.
We have Christian Rock, How come we don't have many Christian LARPs or RPG's? Is gaming a way to explore other beliefs? Or just to escape from them? Does role-playing ever encourage someone to delve deeper than the superficial aspects of any religion?
Begins at: Fr2200
Location: Pima

GAM6
VR and Interactive Gaming
What would you give to spend a day in a Star Trek Holodeck? Louise Kleba explores the possibilities of desktop interactive gaming in a VR sense, such as that currently used  to train for space construction. VR5, The Matrix, Star Trek's Holodeck -- what is so attractive about virtual reality? How close are we to making it real?
Begins at: Sa1300
Location: Kachina

GAM7
Squirt Gun Battle
Come join our squirt gun battle, planned and perpetrated under the command of Harley Herrin.
Begins at: Su1430
Location: Meet by the Pool

KID2
Odds & Ends Costuming
Want to make a simple costume that you can wear in the masquerade?  We will do "odds & ends" costuming in this workshop that is geared towards the pre-teen set. We'll have staff and guests on hand to help, and "grown-ups" are invited too.
Begins at: Fr1730
Location: Papago

KID3
Costume Presentation
It's all in the presentation, right? Start with costume, (or finish the one you started yesterday) add a pinch of drama or humor and you get something to remember. Come learn how to show off to their best advantage, then go right to the Masquerade.
Begins at: Sa1430
Location: Room 123

KID7
Readings:  classic kids sci-fi and fantasy
Remember those SF&F books you used to read as a kid? The ones that led to this life-long interest in science fiction and fantasy? Revisit them with the new generation! Pass the flame to new candles that will light a future we'll never see...
Begins at: Fr2200
Location: Papago

KID8
Readings: bedtime stories
Bedtime stories are fun, especially when you don't have to go to bed after you hear them!
Begins at: sa2200
Location: Pima

KID9
Finger Painting
THEM (ASU Student SF&F Society)  will have fun fingerpainting with the kids. If you want to get in on this messy fun, sign up to help with this.
Begins at: Sa1300
Location: Papago

KID10
Art techniques with Guest Artist
Our special guest artist will demonstrate art techniques in this session especially for kids.
Begins at: Sa1100
Location: Room 123

KID12
Anime for Kids
THEM plans to present anime that they've selected specifically because it is suitable for pre-teen audiences.  Special sessions are being offered for the kids who are still up during the late-night panels.
Begins at: Fr2330 and Sa2200
Location: THEM Anime Room

KID13
Board Games
Remember Hi-Ho Cherry-o? Parchesi? And More! Come and just relax, play the games, sit around and talk or read.
Begins at: Su1000
Location: Room 123

KID14  (aka LEP15)
LEGO Creations
THEM
Come pick up some LEGOs and put together fantastic robots, alien architecture or just have fun building
things with THEM.
Begins: Fr2030
Location: Papago