Friday Panels
2025 Movies You (didn’t) Miss: So many movies, so little time. Lots of content is being produced and released, and it’s hard to catch everything. Well, this panel discussion will cure your FOMO. Join this batch of cinephiles as they dive into last year’s overlooked films….that were overlooked for a reason. ; November 7 at 1:00 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
A Conversation with Ahmed Best: Join Ahmed Best as he discuss his amazing career. Bring your questions for a live audience Q&A. ; November 7 at 3:30 PM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
Attack on Titan Yap Session: We will be talking about Attack on titan (a totally not dead fandom) and maybe doing some truth or dares. ; November 7 at 12:30 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Ball-Jointed Doll Basics: Curious about the ball-jointed doll hobby? Want to learn more and see some dolls in person? Intrigued by how it’s becoming more and more accessible? Want to win some cool prizes? This is the panel for you! ; November 7 at 4:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Batman Through The Generations with Paul Dini, John Jackson Miller, Jordan Gibson, and Christopher Jones: Join legendary creators Paul Dini, John Jackson Miller, Jordan Gibson, and Christopher Jones for a dynamic discussion on the evolution of the Dark Knight across comics, animation, and beyond. From the gritty streets of Gotham to the broader Bat-family legacy, this panel explores how Batman has changed with the times while remaining a timeless symbol of justice. Don’t miss behind-the-scenes stories, artistic insights, and a look at what’s next for the Caped Crusader. ; November 7 at 3:00 PM – Hero Stage (Room 101 A-J)
Best ANIMAL in Anime: Help us decide as a class who is the BEST anime animal around. We will debate and collaborate to answer the dire question of who truly is the best animal in anime! ; November 7 at 11:00 AM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Burnout Syndromes Concert: Jam out with Burnout Syndromes at this incredible concert! The concert is included with your Twin Cities Con ticket, but additional Fan Experience passes can be purchased! ; November 7 at 8:00 PM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
The Business of Writing and Publishing: This PANEL looks at the career side of writing – Production, Marketing, Sales, Distribution, and Expectations; Enjoy this conversation on professional working writers models and how to use them successfully. ; November 7 at 2:00 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
Certified Con Artists! Sketch Party: The best part of conventions is the Artists Alley! But how do new artists get acess to these spaces? Where do you start? This panel will feature “Certified Con Artists” who will be talking about thier experiences how to get into cons, how to make merch, find manufacturers etc. We will also be doing a fun draw along with art supplies provided by a community partner. ; November 7 at 2:30 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Confessions from the Convention Floor: Anonymous Stories from the Trenches (18+): In this unique and unfiltered panel, we’ll be sharing anonymous confessions from both our audience members and panelists about their most outrageous, hilarious, and sometimes cringe-worthy moments from conventions. From cosplay confessions to fandom freakouts, we’ll be diving into the untold stories that happen when the cameras stop rolling and the crowds go home. Join us for a laugh-out-loud, sometimes jaw-dropping, and entirely unapologetic look at the con scene like you’ve never seen it before! ; November 7 at 10:30 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Cosplay Competition 101: Ever wanted to show off your countless hours of work to the world at a convention? Contests are a chance to do so! In this panel, we’ll cover everything from craftsmanship to performance. As well as explaining the contest itself, we have a few tips and tricks to share with everyone. This panel is NOT event specific, so information may or may not apply to every contest!! ; November 7 at 12:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
Cosplay Lip-Sync Battle: Wanna perform as your fav characters? Wanna make an animatic a reality? Then come to the Cosplay Lip-Sync Battle! Sign up at https://forms.gle/dT9coNfJe5StwT3r6 and perform your heart out. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will receive a prize! Not participating? No problem! Come down and cheer on our amazing performers! This is a PG 13 event. ; November 7 at 5:30 PM – Panel 6 (Room 206 A&B)
Cosplay Lip-Sync Battle 18+ Edition: Wanna use an audio with curse words? Wanna get a little dirtier in the choreo? Just prefer a room full of adults to perform in front of instead? Then come to the Cosplay Lip-Sync Battle 18+ Edition! Sign up at https://forms.gle/TX6f9Bd9NnPY15yV6 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will receive a prize! Not participating? No problem! Come down and cheer on our amazing performers! This is an 18+ event. ; November 7 at 10:30 PM – Panel 6 (Room 206 A&B)
Create Your Own 1-Page RPG: This WORKSHOP will simplify TTRPG development in a group brainstorm to develop a world through which you can play. Learn an overview of mechanics and why we often overthink them. Then, play through a scene of the RPG you will have just written! ; November 7 at 6:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 203 A&B)
Creative Storytelling & Cooperative Roleplay in TTRPG’s: Hello! We are Lore Weavers TTRPG and we will be discussing our homebrew game, how we handle roleplaying, and storytelling in TTRPG games, what’s worked for us, and what may work for you. After which we will open up to Q & A regarding our channel, and anything else TTRPG related! Everyone, of all backgrounds and experiences are more than welcome at this panel! ; November 7 at 5:30 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Date Everything! (Maid Café DLC): Join some of your favourite Date Everything! characters as they participate in mini games of YOUR choice for YOUR favour! Reccomended for 16+ only. (Note: we will Not be in actual maid outfits) ; November 7 at 11:00 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
The Dating Game (18+): The classic dating game with an Anime twist. Where one person questions three lovely suitors to find their true love. (Disclaimer: Not likely to actually find your soul mate) ; November 8 at 12:00 AM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Don’t Get Technical: Creating Our Own C1-10P: Step behind the curtain of fandom and into the workshop as the crew from Rise of the Podcast share their journey from fans at Star Wars Celebration Chicago in 2019 to rolling a full-scale, fully functional Chopper onto the convention floor. This panel dives into how a love of Star Wars and a few 3D printers snowballed into one of the most ambitious builds you can take on: a cranky, lovable droid. We’ll share the lessons learned, the key breakthroughs, and the unforgettable fan reactions that came with bringing Chopper to life. Whether you’re a maker, a Star Wars diehard, or just someone who wants to know what it’s like to bring a cartoon character into the real world, this is your chance to join the adventure, and, meet Chopper for yourself. ; November 7 at 5:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
The Drag Show (18+): Watch local performers cosplaying as your favorite movies, cartoon, and anime characters. A talent heavy casted show. If you love cosplay and you also love drag this will be the performance and show space to be at! ; November 7 at 10:00 PM – Hero Stage (Room 101 A-J)
Dungeons & Debates: The Gauntlet of Hot Takes (18+): Hark, adventurer! Do you possess a “hot take” so controversial it requires a DC 20 persuasion check to believe? Welcome to Dungeons & Debates! This is the ultimate arena for your unpopular opinions. Brave audience members will be called forth to state their claim. But be warned, another may rise from the crowd to initiate a one-on-one debate. You must use logic, passion, and a high charisma score to defend your position. The Panel Master will moderate this clash of ideas, ensuring a fair fight. Will your take land a critical hit, or will your argument fail its saving throw? Come to watch, or come to battle! ; November 7 at 11:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Dungeons & Speed Dating (18+): Feeling the itch to geek out about your favorite niche anime with someone new? Searching for one more person to join your one-shot over the weekend? Look no further! Dungeons & Speed Dating is the perfect place to make some brand new nerdy connections. Join for a lowkey, face paced, fun version of speed dating with a twist! Whether you’re a science fiction savant, or a wizard or the digital realm, there’s someone here for you! ; November 7 at 3:30 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Dylan’s Drink and Draw (18+): Join Illustrator, Dylan Jacobson, and his panel of comic artist pros for a drink & draw turned gameshow! Participants will be challenged to a no-skill required drawing contest in which they’ll win prizes. The event ends with the professionals drawing at the mercy of the crowd. Their drawings will be awarded to three lucky contestants. All supplies are provided. No skill necessary to play and win. Bring a clever brain and be ready for goofy fun. ; November 7 at 8:00 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Extreme Personal Question Roulette (18+): Brace yourself for a panel that’s equal parts laughter, chaos, and secondhand embarrassment—in the best way possible. Welcome to the ultimate whirlwind of spicy questions, bizarre hypotheticals, and stories you definitely didn’t see coming. From revealing your favorite “ahem” genre to imagining what you’d do with a voodoo doll (don’t worry, we’re not judging), this panel dives deep into the hilarious minds of your fellow congoers. So sit back, relax, and embrace the beautiful madness. You’ve been warned. ; November 7 at 9:30 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Fantasy Realms & Mythology with Ron Marz, Shayla Sackinger, and Jeri “Red” Shepherd: Explore the magic behind world-building with writers Ron Marz, Shayla Sackinger, and Jeri “Red” Shepherd as they dive into the art of crafting rich fantasy realms and weaving in mythology. From ancient legends to original lore, discover how these creators build immersive stories that transport readers to other worlds–full of wonder, danger, and epic adventure. ; November 7 at 1:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
The Fictional Boyfriend Battle!: Best friends and fictional boyfriend experts will argue the objective rankings of fictional boyfriends from books, movies, shows, anime, video games, and more, in a debate that will ultimately be decided by the audience. Come ready to state your case as to why YOUR fictional boyfriend deserves to make the ranking! ; November 7 at 6:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Game Master Interview – By Appointment:
Are you interested in being a professional Game Master with Badwolf Adventure Studios? You can apply to be a Game Master here at the Convention! We are looking for people to run our games at conventions like this one, play in after school programs across the Twin Cities Metro, or at our studio in Coon Rapids. Email Ben@badwolfadventurestudios.com for more information. ; November 7 by Appointment – Tabletop Gaming (Room 207 A&B)
Getting Over Writer’s Block: Stuck on an idea but can’t seem to get it down on the page? Tony Weaver, Jr. is here! The author of Weirdo will present his tips to get you writing and staying creative, with actionable advice to stop writer’s block in its tracks. ; November 7 at 3:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Hentai Casting Couch (18+): Do you think you have the best “Senpai Notice Me?” Are you prepared to say the raunchiest things in front of a live studio audience? Well, can you do that with other things at play? Then come down and trust us. 18+ ; November 7 at 10:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
How to Take Your Own Cosplay Photos: No photographer? No problem! Learn how to capture scroll-stopping cosplay photos all by yourself — no expensive studio or fancy camera required. From tripods and timers to lighting tricks and confidence hacks, this panel will show you how to bring your characters to life through self-shot photography. Perfect for cosplayers who want to take control of their image, tell their own story, and look amazing doing it. ; November 7 at 2:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
The Humanity of Superman: Superman has returned to the big screen, and brings with him an endless question: why is he the most enduring superhero? What makes Superman super? Join us to celebrate this timeless character, discuss what makes him tick, and talk about his future! ; November 7 at 5:00 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
“I wanna be Chainsaw Man”: A Chainsaw Man Q&A with Ryan Colt Levy, Reagan Murdock, and Sarah Wiedenheft: Join Ryan Colt Levy, Reagan Murdock, and Sarah Wiedenheft as they discuss working on Chainsaw Man and their other projects. Bring your questions for a live audience Q&A. ; November 7 at 2:30 PM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
Is Fear the Path to the Dark Side?: Feeling the Force is a Star Wars podcast that examines the core emotions in the Skywalker saga – think “Inside Out” of Star Wars. In this panel, hosts Alex and Sarah present a summary of their views of the emotion Fear in the episodic Star Wars movies. Is fear truly the path to the Dark Side, as Yoda says? Join us and find out! ; November 7 at 12:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Legends of Voice Acting: A Q&A with Dan Green and Eric Stuart: Join Dan Green and Eric Stuart as they discuss working on all of their various anime projects. From Yu-Gi-Oh! to Pokemon! Bring your questions for a live audeince Q&A. ; November 7 at 4:00 PM – Hero Stage (Room 101 A-J)
Level Up Your Cosplay Sewing: Want to make your seam finishes cleaner? Tired of everything being held together with safety pins? Sick of slippery velvets and satin getting the best of you? Come learn some intermediate sewing skills! We’ll cover linings, seam finishes, rigging and closures, adding structure to your garments, and lots of other neat little tricks! ; November 7 at 3:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
Live TTRPG Play (Fantasy): In this GAME create a character and play a FANTASY adventure with a Girl Power GM. Learn in 10 minutes, play in 2 hours. First 6 guests will be our players on stage. Other guests observe and get pulled into the action! ; November 7 at 8:45 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
Look at this stuff! Isn’t it neat? Perspectives on the art & hobby of collecting: From lifelong passions to new trend obsessions, collecting has been a treasured hobby since 3000 BCE. This panel will open the conversation about what defines a collection, individual motivations for collecting, the rise and impact of EBay and secondary markets, and thoughts on legacy planning for your most prized possessions. If you’ve got a box of old baseball cards, bins of Beanie Babies, comics, or toys that you’ve carefully curated, or are on the quest to capture nostalgia through collecting, this is a panel for you! ; November 7 at 1:00 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
Making Costumes for WWE: Step into the world of wrestling gear design with “Building Costumes for the WWE”! This panel will explore the process of crafting bold, dynamic outfits for professional wrestlers. Learn how to choose the perfect colors, fabrics, and designs to match a wrestler’s persona while ensuring comfort and durability. Our experts will also discuss the creative freedom involved in designing unique, eye-catching gear that stands out in the ring. Whether you’re a wrestling fan or an aspiring costume designer, this panel offers a behind-the-scenes look at how iconic WWE costumes come to life. ; November 7 at 4:30 PM – Wrestling Stage (Room 200 A-J)
Manga Mavericks Books Industry Panel!: Join the team behind Manga Mavericks Books (store.mangamavericks.com) and find out how the company that started as a manga podcast has transformed into one of the newest indie manga publishers! We’ll look back at our ten-year history from podcast to press and now print, exploring what we’ve learned about the manga industry and what helped us make the transition from a fan-run podcast to a multi-staff publishing company. Learn more about our upcoming slate of releases, as well as the library of content from our partner Red String Translations. We’ll have new announcements, surprises, and more! ; November 7 at 1:30 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Midday Dance Party: Dance to your fandom favorites for this afternoon all ages dance party! ; November 7 at 3:00 PM – Special Events (Room 208 A-D)
Monsters, Monsters, Everywhere: We talk about our favorite monsters from all of media. Everything abomination related is on the table. Godzilla, zombies, ghouls, and that weird wolf thing from the Neverending Story – all apply. ; November 7 at 9:45 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
Music, Stitches, and Culture (A Look at How the Music Pop Culture Scene and Cosplay Have Merged: Join special guests Mikal Mosley and Shy Ronnie the Cosplay Drummer for an interactive discussion on how music, cosplay, and nerd culture collide in today’s fandom scene. From stage to sewing machine, we’ll explore how these worlds blend, influence each other, and shape the modern con experience. Come share your thoughts, ask questions, and dive into the culture mashup at the heart of the nerd world! ; November 7 at 1:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
On Anime Voice Acting: A Conversation with Kyle Phillips, Mark Whitten and Aaron Dismuke: Join Kyle Phillips, Mark Whitten, and Aaron Dismuke as they discuss what it’s like working in the anime industry and all of their various projects. Bring your questions for an audience Q&A. ; November 7 at 1:00 PM – Hero Stage (Room 101 A-J)
Queens of Sand Castles He Destroys: Padme Amidala from a Swiftie Point of View: Queens of Sand Castles He Destroys: Padme Amidala from a Swiftie Point of View is hosted by The Sand Hurts My Feelings, a Star Wars Podcast from a Swiftie point of view. In this panel, hosts Alex and Sarah will discuss how Taylor Swift songs represent our favorite queen and senator in the Star Wars galaxy, Padmé Amidala. We each pick one song from every Taylor Swift album and discuss how it describes Padmé. There are more connections than you think between the Queen of Naboo and the Queen of Pop! ; November 7 at 8:45 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&)
Shadow Puppet Zone with Effin’ Birds: A prompt and shadow puppet competition. You just gotta be there. ; November 7 at 6:30 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Shimmy In The Tank Cosplay Catwalk (18+):
Sketch Duel Battle: Jordan Gunderson × Fabrice Sapolsky: Detailed fantasy linework vs. cinematic visual storytelling. ; November 7 at 5:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Sketch Duel Battle: Phil Hester × Andrew Heath: Classic comic line art vs. graphic pop-art. ; November 7 at 7:30 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Sketch Duel Battle: Ryan Stegman × Mark Brooks: Painterly pop realism meets gritty kinetic illustration. ; November 7 at 1:30 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Spinning Plates: Life as a Freelancer with Dave Wheeler, and Travis Bentley: Dave Wheeler is a jack of all trades in the comic and design industries now having worked across the board for the better part of two decades. His resume includes but is not limited to: Comic Creator, Toy Designer, Costume Designer, Storyboard Artist, Youtuber, along with many more titles! Come have a conversation and listen to stories about his many adventures and missteps on his journey to creating a successful career as a freelance professional. ; November 7 at 2:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Stand Up Comedy for Nerds, Dorks, Geeks, Dweebs and Weebs (18+): “There was an idea…” To bring together a group of nerdy comedians to see if they could become something more. Join Alex Weber and the nerdiest comedians the Twin Cities has to offer as they joke about all things geek! Comic books, anime, video games, tabletop, collectibles, cosplay; it’s all fair game as they lovingly make fun out of your favorite fandoms! Adults only, please–especially if those adults still watch cartoons and play with toys! ; November 7 at 11:30 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Sticky Pages Hosted by Bess Pallares with Guests Zander Cannon, Ryan Stegman and Jarrett Melendez: Comics editor Bess Pallares combines her favorite activities in one messy format in this snacky interview panel. Comics creators – Zander Cannon, Ryan Stegman, and Jarrett Melendez – will munch on saucy, sticky, juicy, greasy, mouth-watering finger foods while discussing—and handling—their new books. Bite into behind-the-scenes stories and feast on sneak peeks into the once-pristine pages of new comics in this joyful conversation about good art over good food. ; November 7 at 5:00 PM – Hero Stage (Room 101 A-J)
That’s the 90s with Marc Summers, Kirk Fogg and Dee Bradley Baker: Join Marc Summers, Kirk Fogg and Dee Bradley Baker to reminisce about those classic ’90s shows and more! Bring your questions for an audience Q&A. ; November 7 at 4:30 PM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
There’s a 104 questions of Phineas and Ferb Trivia! (ft. Kiwi and friends): Have the brain of a mad scientist and skills of a platypus? Wait! Perry the Platypus?! Then show off your knowledge in this Phineas and Ferb’s trivia! ; November 7 at 8:30 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
“The Things I Do For Love” A Courage the Cowardly Dog Q&A with Marty Grabstein: Join Marty Grabstein as he discusses working on Courage the Cowardly Dog and his other projects. Bring your questions for a live audience Q&A. ; November 7 at 2:00 PM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
Twin Cities Carnage Night One: F1RST Wrestling is bringing its brand of chair swinging, body-slamming high-flying action to Twin Cities Con! Our masked heroic wrestlers will flip, fly and amaze! It all comes together to make one fun, surreal, glam-bam spectacle of raucous entertainment. It’s a party, and you’re invited! Card to be announced and subject to change. ; November 7 at 7:00 PM – Wrestling Stage (Room 200 A-J)
Twin Cities Side Questers: If you can find them, make sure to get a quest from the Twin City Side Questers. Identified by their large banners, these two adventurers wander randomly throughout artist alley giving out FREE side quests to anyone who dares. Whether you only have a quick moment or want a challenge throughout the day, the Twin City Side Questers are here to provide adventuring for you all weekend long. ; All Day – Exhibit Hall
Twin Cities Trekkies Celebrates 30 Years of Voyager LIVE: Join Wes and Kenzie from Twin Cities Trekkies as they do their first-ever in-person live episode of the Twin Cities Trekkies podcast together celebrating 30 Years of Star Trek: Voyager! They will celebrate the series by talking about it, and taking questions from the audience! ; November 7 at 4:00 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
Watanabe: Chaotic Creative: Dive into the chaotic world of Shinichiro Watanabe, the visionary behind Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Lazarus, and more. From jazz-fused space westerns to hip-hop samurai, explore what makes this creative wild card tick. ; November 7 at 12:30 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Working with Fur: Faux tur can take your cosplay or prop build from good to jaw-dropping-but it’s also one of the trickiest materials to master. In Working with Fur, well cover everything from choosing the right type ot fur to cutting, sewing, gluing, and finishing it cleanly. Learn pro tips to avoid messy seams, control shedding, and give your costume that polished, professional look. Whether you’re making ears, tails, paws, or tull fursuits, this panel will help you level up your craft and conquer the fluff! ; November 7 at 5:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
World Monster HQ Showcase with John Bivens, A.L. Peterson, Jack Kotz, Ted Andersen, Steve Stwalley, Dan Olson, Armand Clark, J.N. Monk, James Ayers, Taro, Wesley Speakman, and Zander Cannon: Meet the creators behind World Monster Headquarters, the comic studio where monsters, mayhem, and imagination collide! Join John Bivens, A.L. Peterson, Jack Kotz, Ted Andersen, Steve Stwalley, Dan Olson, Armand Clark, J.N. Monk, James Ayers, Taro, Wesley Speakman, and Zander Cannon for a lively showcase of their latest projects, creative process, and the collaborative spirit that fuels their monstrous stories. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the studio’s unique approach to comics and what’s coming next from this powerhouse collective. ; November 7 at 2:30 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Writer’s on Writing with Delilah S. Dawson, Ron Marz, Robert Wilson IV, Tony Weaver Jr, and Fabrice Sapolsky: Step into the minds of today’s top comic writers as Delilah S. Dawson, Ron Marz, Robert Wilson IV, Tony Weaver Jr., and Fabrice Sapolsky share their journeys, inspirations, and approaches to storytelling. From scripting superheroes to crafting personal indie tales, this panel explores the art, craft, and challenges of writing for comics. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a curious fan, discover what it takes to bring compelling characters and unforgettable stories to the page. ; November 7 at 4:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Your Book In A Month: In this WORKSHOP, learn a 30-Day Process to go from idea in your head to completed draft of a full, human-created novel. ; November 7 at 6:30 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
Saturday Panels
1-Hour Short Story Workshop: Write a short story in an hour! Do you struggle with plot? Character? Beginnings and endings? Join bestselling, critically acclaimed author Darby Harn for a fun interactive experience where you learn to kickstart your writing! Many ‘How-To’ talks are just that – talks – but you will put what you learn into action! Come prepared to write, share, and leave with the foundation of new stories! ; November 8 at 6:30 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
99 Problems But a Pitch Ain’t One: No agent? No studio? No problem. If you’ve got a script, a dream, and a moderately functional printer, this panel’s for you. We’re breaking down how to break in—covering everything from why you should register your script with the WGA (even if you’re not a member, and you mom’s the only one who’s read it), copyright vs trademark, and how to package your pitch like a pro without a big-time producer on speed dial. We’ll talk packaging, self-financing, self-producing, and how to get your voice heard without waiting for Hollywood to call (because spoiler: they probably won’t…) ; November 8 at 4:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
501st Legion+Rebel Legion+Mando Mercs- Who We Are, What We Do and How to Join: We will describe each of the three groups including the 501st legion, Mando Mercs and Rebel Legion. We will describe what we do, the charity work we do, how we work with Lucas Films and how to join us. We have a both every year at Twin Cities Con and this would help people understand our group and the good we do! We ran this same panel last year and it went great with good interest from the audience! ; November 8 at 1:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
The Amy Jo Johnson Q&A: Join Amy Jo Johnson as she discusses her illustrious career. Bring your questions for a live audience Q&A. ; November 8 at 2:30 PM – Hero Stage (Room 101 A-J)
Animation That Shaped Our Childhood: We will be discussing Cartoon and Anime favorites that will encourage nostalgia, and share how these molded us into the people we are today! There will be some fun discussions, but also some deep dives to really understand the love and passion that myself and so many others have for animation. Of course audience participation is always welcome and encouraged! ; November 8 at 6:00 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
Anime Music Bingo: Do you like music? Do you like anime? Then come join us at anime music bingo! Win fun prizes and find fellow fans! ; November 8 at 9:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
Archaeology in Pop Culture: the Good, the Bad, and the Downright Ridiculous: Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, Rick O’Connell…what do these iconic pop culture figures get right and wrong about archaeology? Talk about your favorite adventurers and mummy curses with a real archaeologist! ; November 8 at 2:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Based on a True Story: Truth & Lies in Paranormal Horror: From The Conjuring-verse to The Pope’s Exorcist and The Ritual, there’s a solid subgenre of “true” paranormal stories in modern horror. Did the Warrens really have superpowers? Are exorcists actually driving out demons? And why do we want to believe? This panel will discuss and debate what the ‘based on a true story’ tag does for a movie and for its audience. ; November 8 at 10:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Beyond the Tropes: Constructing Cohesive Romantasy Worlds (18+): Join acclaimed authors Anthony Scott, Melissa Lam, and Evi James as they explore the delicate balance between passion and power, love and lore, heart and high stakes. From building immersive settings to weaving in romantic tension that enhances the plot, our panelists will share insights into their creative process, challenges, and favorite tropes that make readers swoon and worlds come alive. Moderated by Rachel Silberman, owner of Fables & Flames: A Romantasy Gala, this conversation will delve deep into the craft of creating universes where both love and magic flourish. ; November 8 at 9:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Bluey Beats the Blues: The Mental Health Benefits of Bluey!: Join mental health therapist, David Depew, for a family-friendly, interactive panel exploring how Bluey brings mental health and emotional wellness through play and connection. Discover how the show’s relatable stories can help families build resilience, strengthen communication, and nurture emotional growth in children and adults alike. Perfect for fans of all ages, this panel offers insights inspired by Bluey’s adventures to bring more joy and mindfulness to your friends and family dynamic. ; November 8 at 12:00 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
The Boondocks: 20 Year Anniversary (18+): It has been 20 Years since we first met Huey, Riley, Granddad and the rest of the Woodcrest residents. With only 4 seasons and limited 10 to 15 episodes on Adult Swim, The Boondocks has made a cultural impact on viewers with its rough, raw and fresh perspective. Join us and discuss the top-rated episodes, excellent voice actors, jokes, behind the scenes work from Carl Jones, Reginald Hudlin ad Aaron Mcgruder as well as the comic strip that inspired the series. Happy 20 Year Anniversary to The Boondocks. ; November 8 at 10:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Bootleg Safari with Effin’ Birds and Jarrett Melendez: Join host Aaron Reynolds and special guest Jarret Melendez for a hilarious exploration of terrible knock-off merchandise, like a Baby Yoda that vomits toothpaste, or a Thomas The Tank Engine that transforms into a murderous robot. ; November 8 at 4:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Burnout Syndromes Q&A: Join the members of Burnout Syndromes for an incredible Q&A session. Bring your questions for a live audience Q&A. ; November 8 at 1:30 PM – Hero Stage (Room 101 A-J)
Capturing Cosplay on Your Phone: You look great in that cosplay, now let’s capture it for the world to see! You don’t need expensive cameras or software. Just the phone in your hand and some creativity. Join experienced cosplayer and content creator Tyson Lietz for tips and tricks on how to make sure your cosplay looks as great online as it does in person. ; November 8 at 12:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
Character Design Lab with Andrew Heath, Gavin Guidry, Rich Luong, and Otis Frampton: Go behind the scenes of character creation with artists Andrew Heath, Gavin Guidry, Rich Luong, and Otis Frampton as they break down their design process—from first sketch to final look. Learn how visual storytelling, style, and personality come together to bring unforgettable characters to life in comics, games, and animation. Perfect for artists, fans, and anyone curious about what makes a character truly stand out. ; November 8 at 3:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Confluence: Futures In Color: Welcome to Confluence: Futures in color where we’ll highlight representation, inclusion, and community-building within fan spaces to fun banters on hot takes, favorite characters, moments in the culture and more! ; November 8 at 2:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
A Conversation with Giancarlo Esposito: Join Giancarlo Esposito as he discuss his legendary career. Bring your questions for a live audience Q&A. ; November 8 at 4:00 PM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
Cosplay Creator Round Table: Calling all cosplayers. Come to learn and to share. This panel of experienced cosplayers including @StPaulPrince, @TysonLietz, @KolaBearCosplay, and @DarinPond will share their crafting tips and tricks on painting, 3d printing, sewing, foam work, and more. Come with questions, and answers. Q&A will be open to all so if you have an answer, come ready to share! ; November 8 at 11:30 AM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
Cosplay is Good Mental Health!: This engaging panel, led by a certified mental health therapist, delves into the transformative power of cosplay. Through lively discussions, we uncover the myriad benefits it offers: fostering connections, igniting creativity, and boosting confidence. However, like any adventure, there’s a cautionary note—the dark side. Join us as we explore the intricate tapestry of mental health within the colorful world of cosplay. ; November 8 at 4:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
Create Your Own Magic System: This WORKSHOP will help you to create the system of magic (or technology for those of you who lean sci-fi) for your books or games. You will walk away with a unique concept that you can put to work in your own stories! ; November 8 at 1:00 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
Dance Like an Idol – Kpop Demon Hunters RDP: Did you enjoy Kpop Demon Hunters? Do you wish to have fun and dance to Kpop songs alongside other fans? Come join Jinu and other cosplayers for this Random Kpop Dance Play! Featuring songs old and new in Kpop as well as songs from the iconic movie. If you know the dance, hop in and show off! ; November 8 at 1:45 PM – Panel 6 (Room 206 A&B)
Dumpster Fire Chat (18+): Stories from conventions that are well…a dumpster fire. ; November 8 at 11:30 PM – Panel 3 (204 A&B)
Dungeon Race RPG – A Faction Raced TTRPG: Enjoy the world of Earth-After-The-Melt as players present a TTRPG adventure that takes you beyond D&D. Observe, and get pulled into the action as they work as a team of allies and adversaries while they equip their seaship to become space worthy in a race against the clock. ; November 8 at 9:45 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Dylan’s Snack and Sketches FOR KIDS! (and their parents): Join Illustrator, Dylan Jacobson, and his panel of comic artist pros for a kid friendly version of the original drink & draw turned gameshow! All supplies are provided. No skill necessary to play and win. Bring a clever brain and be ready for goofy fun. ; November 8 at 3:30 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Elevated Horror: High Class, Low Scares: An in-depth discussion on horror that trades jump scares for existential dread—and leaves you wondering if the real terror was the film budget all along. Bring your monocle and your nightmares; we’re getting fancy with our frights! ; November 8 at 8:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Epic Rap Battles of History Concert – Separate Ticket Required: Experience Epic Rap Battles of History LIVE! ; November 8 at 7:00 PM – Hero Stage (Room 101 A-J)
Fan Entrances – Advanced Sign Up Required: Ever wanted to make an entrance to the wrestling ring? Now’s your chance! Create your own wrestler entrance to our very own wrestling ring. Advanced sign-ups are required due to limited spots. ; November 8 at 4:00 PM – Wrestling Stage (Room 200 A-J)
Fandom Feud: We’re bringing the classic game show to the con floor, with a twist. Teams face off to guess the most popular answers to anime and comic questions. Audience votes dictate the answer scores. Come test your knowledge or just watch the chaos unfold. ; November 8 at 5:30 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Fandoms Through the Ages: This short adventure explores the evolution of fandoms and their impact across history, society, and culture. From early sci-fi clubs to modern online communities, fandoms bring people together through shared passions—whether dreaming of space travel, legendary quests, or epic showdowns between monsters and machines. More than just entertainment, fandoms drive economic industries and foster creativity, connection, and pure fun. There’s a fandom for everyone—and this sidequest celebrates the communities that make geeking out a way of life. ; November 8 at 11:00 AM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Fighting Games and You! For Fun or For Glory!: Whether you’ve never touched a controller, or you’ve been gaming since the 90’s, this is place to come talk about all things fighting games! What is and isn’t a fighting game? What should I play? What controllers should I use? How do I get better? Let’s talk about that! (Or just listen to the host rant about how much they love fighting games, that’s always an option.) ; November 8 at 9:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
The Freakazoid! 30th Anniversary Semi-Spectacular!: This isn’t a panel! It’s MORE than a panel! It’s the ultimate FREAKAZOID experience reformatted to fit a Twin Cities Con panel room! This is the “Freakazoid 30th Anniversary Semi-Spectacular” presented in “Relax-O-Vision,” starring the voice of Freakazoid himself, that hilarious, handsome and heroic unlicensed chiropractor PAUL RUGG… the brilliant multi-talented and rarely-spotted-in-nature PAUL DINI… and the recently-pardoned and surprisingly-still-alive TOM RUEGGER. These Freakazoid creators will thrill you with never before seen or heard… “things” about FREAKAZOID, including “things” that will delight you and yet, at the same time, fill you with nagging concerns. It’s a ONCE IN A LIFETIME EVENT*, so don’t miss it! *void where prohibited. ; November 8 at 2:15 PM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
From Idea to Execution: A Crash Course on Following Your Dreams: Do you have a dream you want to accomplish but no idea how? Look no further! Come to this panel to learn the ins and outs of bridging the gap between your dreams and your reality. ; November 8 at 1:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
From Page to Screen: Which TV adaptations of popular science fiction/fantasy books have worked and which have been less successful? What do our panelists think makes a good adaptation? What books do our panelists dearly want to see on screen? ; November 8 at 12:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Game Master Interview – By Appointment:
Are you interested in being a professional Game Master with Badwolf Adventure Studios? You can apply to be a Game Master here at the Convention! We are looking for people to run our games at conventions like this one, play in after school programs across the Twin Cities Metro, or at our studio in Coon Rapids. Email Ben@badwolfadventurestudios.com for more information. ; November 8 by Appointment – Tabletop Gaming (Room 207 A&B)
The Geek Chic Nerdlesque Movement Workshop (18+): Resting at the intersection of swarovski capes, sparkly spandex and erotic fanfiction; Nerdlesque is an artform unlike any other. Uncover the history of undressing your favorite nerdy characters (and concepts) on stage, then enjoy a movement exercise meant to explore your inner sexy nerd. Attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably and bring something for notes. All bodies and identities are welcome. ; November 8 at 3:00 PM – Panel 6 (Room 206 A&B)
Geek Culture through Drag: Local drag queens discuss how they use their fan favorite properties to create artistic performances and interpretations. ; November 8 at 7:30 PM
Ghostbusters Fan Panel: Come join members of several local Ghostbusters franchise groups as we talk everything from the future of the franchise to the wave of fan groups sweeping the globe. It’s a great time to be a Ghostbusters fan, and we want to talk about it! ; November 8 at 7:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Ghosts, Voices, and the Paranormal: Stepping Into the Unknown: Join Greg Bakun, host of the nightly paranormal radio show GhostBox Radio on AM950, as he asks you to step into the unknown for an unforgettable paranormal journey. Drawing from more than two decades of investigations, Greg will share some of his most fascinating and chilling paranormal encounters from around the world. From eerie locations to extraordinary evidence, you’ll experience audio, video, and images that capture truly remarkable ghostly moments. Don’t miss this chance to hear firsthand stories that blend mystery, history, and the supernatural. GhostBox Radio with Greg Bakun airs weeknights at 10pm CST on AM950. ; November 8 at 2:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
A Historical Basis for LotR and Hobbit Costumes – Or How to Dress a Dwarf: Analyzing the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies costumes comparison to historical European clothing, which historical re-enactment patterns can work for your character, and the most suitable materials to suit your costume. ; November 8 at 3:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
How To Make a Four Page Mini Comic Out of One Sheet of Paper: Veteran comic book artist and writer Zander Cannon (KAIJUMAX, Top 10, SLEEP) walks you through the process of making a simple photocopy-able four-page minicomic, covering everything from tools to storytelling, from shading to crosshatching, from lettering to logos, from character design to word balloons! Bring your own materials and draw along, or help out by giving suggestions for plots, dialogue, and characters! There will be a Q+A at the end, and a giveaway minicomic with instructions on how to photocopy, cut, and fold your work; maybe next year you can be selling your own comix!! ; November 8 at 5:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Indigenous+ Latino Representation in Pop Culture: Music, television, comics, books, video games, and films are all a huge part of pop culture. For years Latino and Indigenous people have contributed huge amounts of influence in the entertainment industry. This panel will showcase the importance of representation of Latino and Indigenous culture and how it has changed and influenced popular media over the years and how they are related. ; November 8 at 3:00 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
INF Presents: The Twin Cities Nerdlesque Kickback (18+): Will you witness the beginning of our Villain arc? Will you see Mario save Peach? Will you finally catch Team Rocket blasting off again? You’ll just have to come to the show to find out! We’ll keep it nerdy and NSFW featuring premiere nerdlesque, pop culture performance art and entertainment.Come see why we don’t notice senpai, they notice us. ; November 8 at 9:30 PM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
Jack Kirby: Father of the Superheroes!: Jack Kirby IS the father of the superhero comics medium, if not the entire medium itself! I’ll share Jack’s backstory, from his youth on the Lower East Side of New York City to his migration to California where he spent the majority of his life. I’ll detail his career timeline, from when he briefly began working in animation at the Fleischer studios on Popeyes, thru his days working in newspaper comic strips and editorial cartoons, to his prolific partnership with Joe Simon in the early of days of comics, to the establishment of Marvel and their heroes, his move to DC to create Darkseid and the Fourth World, to his own Captain Victory. In addition. To that I’ll share his amazing fine artwork, the collages, the paintings, and especially his amazing pencils. I’ll also share audio recordings of the King of Comics himself! And if you know me you’ll not be surprised that there will be some 3D printed Kirby-inspired props made just for this presentation! ; November 8 at 1:30 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Japan America Society of Minnesota presents: J-Quiz: Love All Things Japan? Want to Learn More? Come join J-Quiz—the most exciting way to explore Japanese culture, history, language, and more! J-Quiz is a fun and interactive learning experience where you answer questions and discover fascinating facts about Japan along the way. Each quiz is designed to spark your curiosity—read a question, choose your answer, and then dive into the story behind it. You’ll leave wanting to know even more! Our online J-Quiz event is coming in February 2026, but it’s never too early to start practicing. Get ready to learn, laugh, and connect—Japanese-style! ; November 8 at 12:30 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Late Night All Ages Dance Party!: Dance the night away to all your fandom favorite songs at this all ages dance party! ; November 8 at 10:00 PM
Live TTRPG Play (Steampunk): In this GAME create a character and play a STEAMPUNK adventure with a Girl Power GM. Learn in 10 minutes, play in 2 hours. First 6 guests will be our players on stage. Other guests observe and may be pulled into the fun! ; November 8 at 7:30 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Love.exe: All About Otome: This panel is your guide to the wonderful world of otome! We’ll break down what otome games are, dip into their history and cultural implications, and of course recommend some good plays! Whether you’re an expert in 2D love or just dipping your toes into the world of pixel dating, come learn about all things otome and get some recommendations for the best dating sims/visual novels out there! ; November 8 at 11:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Muichiro Tokito’s Paper Airplane Throwing Contest: Join your fellow Demon Slayer fans for a paper airplane throwing contest! We will do a short review of the rules of this paper airplane contest, after which we turn it over to you for a bracket style paper airplane throwing contest. Come ready to battle it out to see who’s got what it takes to make the best paper airplane! ; November 8 at 6:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
The Mummy Q&A: Join Brendan Fraser, Oded Feher, Patricia Velasquez, and Kevin J O’Connor as they discuss working on The Mummy and their other projects. ; November 8 at 12:00 PM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
Neopets NFTs: A Firsthand Account: Neopets is still around, and a few years ago they made NFTs. It did NOT go well. Come hear a firsthand account of the absolute trainwreck that was the Neopets Metaverse Project from a longtime Neopets player who had to live through it! ; November 8 at 3:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
The Official Saturday Costume Contest: Characters come to life in our Saturday costume contest! Watch as cosplayers of all skill levels present their costumes across our main stage. Who will be crowned the champion? Only way to find out is to be there! ; November 8 at 6:00 PM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
Pin-Up & Pop Culture with Ant Lucia, and Tim Seeley: Join Ant Lucia, and Tim Seeley to discuss illustration trends, fan appeal, and the enduring pin-up aesthetic. ; November 8 at 7:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Procreate Secrets: Make Digital Art Easier & More Fun!: Digital art is amazing!! …until it makes you want to chuck your tablet out the window. I’ll break down how I use Procreate (plus a few other apps) and share all the little tricks and shortcuts that keep my workflow smooth, creative, and yes, actually fun! From messy sketches to polished pieces, this panel is for anyone ready to stop spinning their wheels and start making digital art like a pro. ; November 8 at 11:30 AM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Punk Rock Comics: The history of Punk Rock and Comics have existed before either medium was created. Learn about the history, the reason for, and the future of punk rock comics. ; November 8 at 11:00 AM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Resin Casting and Mold-Making: From Basics to Advanced Tips: Learn the basics of using resin and creating molds for cosplay and more! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, there’s something for everyone to learn! We’ll cover everything you need to get started, tips for best results, and ensure you stay safe throughout the process. ; November 8 at 8:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
Roll for Performance: The Improv Game Show for Adventurers (18+): Welcome to Roll for Performance: The Improv Game Show for Adventurers—the only panel where the scenes are made up and the XP doesn’t matter! Have you ever wanted to practice thinking on your feet without the fate of the campaign hanging in the balance? This is your chance. We’ll call on brave volunteers from the audience to step into the spotlight and tackle a gauntlet of hilarious improv games, all fueled by suggestions from the crowd. You’ll create characters on the fly and act out absurd scenarios in a fun, supportive environment designed to help you become a more confident and creative role-player. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran looking to sharpen your wits or a nervous newcomer ready to try acting in character, this is the place for you. No character sheet required! November 8 at 11:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
The RWBY Q&A with Elizabeth Maxwell, Jason Liebrecht and Daman Mills: Join Elizabeth Maxwell, Jason Liebrecht and Daman Mills as they discuss working on RWBY and their other projects. Bring your questions for a live audience Q&A. ; November 8 at 11:30 AM – Hero Stage (Room 101 A-J)
The Saturday Kid’s Costume Parade: Kids have the best costumes! Come watch the kid’s of Twin Cities Con show off their costumes in this kid’s ONLY costume parade. Have a kid 13 and under and want to participate? Just show up! ; November 8 at 12:30 PM – Hero Stage (Room 101 A-J)
Sci-Fi Worlds with Aubrey Sitterson, Timothy Zahn, Chad Corrie, E. Moore Art, and Brent Schoonover: Join Aubrey Sitterson, Timothy Zahn, Chad Corrie, E. Moore Art, and Brent Schoonover for a deep dive into the creation of bold, imaginative science fiction worlds. From galaxy-spanning adventures to grounded futuristic tales, these creators share how they build settings, technology, and characters that captivate readers and push the boundaries of the genre. A must-see for sci-fi fans and aspiring world-builders alike. ; November 8 at 6:00 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Screen Printing for Cosplay: Are you dreading applique? Unhappy with how paint looks? Do you just want another option? A trained printmaker will teach you how to add screen printing to your bag of cosplay tricks! ; November 8 at 2:30 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
The Secrets of Haven: A Q&A with Eric Balfour, Lucas Bryant, and Emily Rose: Join Eric Balfour, Lucas Bryant, and Emily Rose as they discuss working on Haven and their other projects. Bring your questions for a live audience Q&A. ; November 8 at 1:00 PM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
Self-Editing Your Stories for Impact: Go beyond just perfecting your grammar and punctuation in this WORKSHOP. Edit for tone, flavor, and powerful stories. ; November 8 at 4:00 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
Sewing Tips and Tricks for Newbies: After 45+ years of sewing costumes, I’ve done just about every mistake you can make. Come listen to my panel on what NOT to do! (and tips for making things easier). From project and fabric selection, to finishing hems and seams, to making your outfit competition ready – come ask your questions. ; November 8 at 1:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
Sketch Duel Battle: Brent Schoonover × Bryan Tillman: Timeless comics vibe vs. modern urban style. ; November 8 at 5:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Sketch Duel Battle: Pat Gleason × Ant Lucia: Dynamic DC/Marvel heroics vs. retro-inspired design. ; November 8 at 12:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Sketch Duel Battle: Robert Wilson IV × Gavin Guidry: Noir-inspired work vs. vibrant character focus. ; November 8 at 6:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Toxic Avenger’s Troma Hip-Hop Party Album Release Performance with Chaz Kangas: Celebrate the new ‘Toxic Avenger’ movie, the upcoming ‘Toxic Crusaders’ video game and Minneapolis homegrown hip-hop with Chaz Kangas, DJ Halo and local hip-hop favorites Desdamona and DJ Hayes performing tracks from ‘The Troma Project: 50 Years of Reel FanToxic Hip-Hop’ celebrating Troma Studios’ 50th anniversary! (songs, performance and language are all naturally clean as part of Toxie’s continued conservation efforts). ; November 8 at 3:00 PM – Special Events (Room 208 A-D)
Twin Cities Carnage Night Two – Separate Ticket Required: F1RST Wrestling is bringing its brand of chair swinging, body-slamming high-flying action to Twin Cities Con! Our masked heroic wrestlers will flip, fly and amaze! It all comes together to make one fun, surreal, glam-bam spectacle of raucous entertainment. It’s a party, and you’re invited! Card to be announced and subject to change. ; November 8 at 7:00 PM – Wrestling Stage (Room 200 A-J)
Twin Cities Side Questers: If you can find them, make sure to get a quest from the Twin City Side Questers. Identified by their large banners, these two adventurers wander randomly throughout artist alley giving out FREE side quests to anyone who dares. Whether you only have a quick moment or want a challenge throughout the day, the Twin City Side Questers are here to provide adventuring for you all weekend long. ; All Day – Exhibit Hall
Vtubing Behind the Scenes: Ever wonder what really goes into bringing a VTuber to life? We’ll pull back the curtain on the tools, tech, and tricks that power virtual streaming. From character design to rigging to software setup, branding, and live performance, this panel explores the creative and technical side of VTubing that fans don’t usually see. Whether you dream of becoming a VTuber yourself or are just curious about how your favorites do it, come discover what it takes to run the show when your avatar is on screen and you’re behind the mic. ; November 8 at 8:00 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
What in the Smut? Why do we Love the Bad Boys in Literature? (18+): A conversation about why we love the Bad Boys in Literature. ; November 8 at 8:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Who Shot First? Examining Star Wars’ Biggest Controversies: Since the beginning, there have been many controversies that have mired the Star Wars Universe. Come have a chat as we cover some of the biggest controversies, from both sides, like Who Shot First? Han or Greedo? The 1997 Special Editions, Ewoks, midichlorians, Hayden Christensen and many more. Enjoy a lively and respectful conversation about why these controversies matter. ; November 8 at 7:00 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
Who’s the Biggest Psychopath?: Psychopath: an individual with no capacity for empathy or remorse, essentially lacking a conscience, as defined by a score between 30 and 40 on Robert Hare’s Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-R). While the concept of the psychopath has captured the imagination of the general public, its association with a seemingly endless parade of fictional serial killers has led to confusion about the clinical reality of the condition. In a mock game show, a panel of Minnesota-based PCL-trained forensic psychologists will compete to see who can identify the biggest psychopath in all pop culture. Each panelist will present the PCL-R score for their character, explaining the scoring of several items to help the audience better understand the concept of psychopathy. In the Q&A portion, audience members will also have the opportunity to see if they can identify a bigger pop culture psychopath than our panel of forensic experts. ; November 8 at 5:30 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
World Building 101: One of the best things about being a comic book creator is the fact that you are able to create entire worlds, universes even. But with this great power comes many questions that you need to be able to answer. But where to start and how can you keep everything flowing in a consistent flow? In this lecture World Building 101, Bryan “Kaiser” Tillman creator of Dark Legacy and Ninja Empire will go in-depth on what it takes to create worlds from scratch. He will also be giving you tips and tricks on how to create your own fully realized, living, breathing world/universe. ; November 8 at 11:00 AM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
Writing After Dark (18+): This PANEL will explore writing the taboo topics in literature, violence, vices, and va-va-voom! Enjoy a combination of readings and discussion on the “how” of writing the nasty. ; November 8 at 9:45 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
Sunday Panels
Audible, Audies, and You: How to get your work turned into an audiobook: A practical “how to” seminar on how to have your own book, poetry, or short stories turned into an audiobook. Step-by-step process on how to get your work up on Amazon/Audible hosted by a professional narrator and fantasy author. Or perhaps you’re just curious about how audies are made or interested in the field yourself. Presentation and Q&A. ; November 9 at 2:45 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
Behind the Magic of Transformation Cosplays: Curious how to make costume magic happen with a cosplay reveal? Come join Haruka, a theatrical quick change dresser of 9 years, as they show you how to make your own transformation cosplay happen. ; November 9 at 11:00 AM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
Ben and Katie’s Debrief Extravaganza: Join Twin Cities Con Founder, Ben, and Event Coordinator Katie for a debrief of TCC 25 and a sneak peak of what’s to come in 2026. ; November 9 at 1:00 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Q&A with Clare Kramer and Amber Benson: Join Clare Kramer and Amber Benson as they discuss their time working on Buffy the Vampire Slayer as well as their other projects. Bring your questions for an audience Q&A. ; November 9 at 1:00 PM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
Comedy & Satire in Comics with Effin’ Birds, Mike Kingston, Dave Wheeler and Erik Burnham: Get ready to laugh with the minds behind some of comics’ funniest and sharpest work! Join Effin’ Birds’ Aaron Reynolds, Mike Kingston, Dave Wheeler, and Erik Burnham as they dive into the art of humor, parody, and satire in comics. From wrestling jokes to absurd birds, learn how these creators use comedy to entertain, critique, and connect with readers in clever and unexpected ways. ; November 9 at 1:30 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Cooking Live! with Jarrett Melendez: The Chef’s Kiss author brings comics to the kitchen with a live cooking demo — blending storytelling, food culture, and laughs. ; November 9 at 12:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
The Craft of Writing: This PANEL looks at the creative side of writing development – Characters, Plots, Worlds, and WOW Moments; Enjoy this open discussion on the elements that make your stories strong. ; November 9 at 1:30 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
Drawing Swap Challenge: Hey everyone! How about we spice things up a bit? Let’s get our imaginations going and trade our drawings with each other! It’ll be super cool to see how your artwork changes by the time it comes back to you. Let’s have a blast and see what we can create together! ; November 9 at 11:00 AM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Epic Rap Battles of History Q&A: Join Epic Rap Battles of History for an EPIC Q&A session. Bring your questions! ; November 9 at 11:30 AM – Hero Stage (Room 101 A-J)
The F1rst Wrestling Q&A: Meet the wrestlers of F1rst. Bring your questions for a live audience Q&A. ; November 9 at 1:30 PM – Wrestling Stage (Room 200 A-J)
From Tyranny to Triumph: Running Rebellion-Themed TTRPGs: Every rebellion has a story, and every story has a cost. In this panel, Lore Weavers TTRPG explores the unique challenges and rewards of running rebellion-themed tabletop roleplaying games. From daring raids against overwhelming foes to navigating limited resources and fragile alliances, these campaigns push players to think creatively and embrace the tension between sacrifice and triumph. We’ll share practical tools for staging large-scale battles, designing morally complex villains, and using scarcity to deepen the drama. Whether through sabotage, propaganda, or hard-fought victories on the battlefield, rebellion games create stories where freedom is never guaranteed but always worth fighting for. Join us, and learn how to turn tyranny into triumph at your table. ; November 9 at 3:00 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
The Future of Graphic Novels with Andrew Aydin, Fabrice Sapolsky, Briana Lawrence, Jessica Walsh, and Trung Le Nguyen: What’s next for one of the most dynamic storytelling mediums? Join Andrew Aydin, Fabrice Sapolsky, Briana Lawrence, Jessica Walsh, and Trung Le Nguyen for a conversation on the evolving landscape of graphic novels. From new voices and diverse perspectives to changing formats and audiences, this panel explores how graphic novels are shaping the future of publishing, education, and pop culture. ; November 9 at 11:30 AM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Game Master Interview – By Appointment: Are you interested in being a professional Game Master with Badwolf Adventure Studios? You can apply to be a Game Master here at the Convention! We are looking for people to run our games at conventions like this one, play in after school programs across the Twin Cities Metro, or at our studio in Coon Rapids. Email Ben@badwolfadventurestudios.com for more information. ; November 9 by Appointment – Tabletop Gaming (Room 207 A&B)
The Hall of Famer’s Q&A with D-Von Dudley, Mick Foley, and Sean Waltman: Join D-Von Dudley, Mick Foley, and Sean Waltman as they discuss their legendary wrestling careers. Bring your questions for an audience Q&A. ; November 9 at 12:30 PM – Wrestling Stage (Room 200 A-J)
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Nerdlesque Q&A (18+): What happens when geeky hotties have an undying love for pop culture and burlesque? Worlds collide and fuse like a crystal gem and create something entirely new! Sometimes fandom finds its way into art. When you’re a performer who eats, breathes, and sleeps pop culture, then Nerdlesque happens! Join us at the Nerdlesque panel and get to know all about it from some of the industry’s cheekiest performers! ; November 9 at 11:00 AM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
How Much is Too Much?: Marvel Cinematic Universe. Star Wars Universe. Harry Potter Universe. Universal Dark Universe. Kelvin Timeline. As fans, we always want more. But can there be too much of a good thing? Have our fandom universes been so diluted that we no longer enjoy them? ; November 9 at 3:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
How to Make Manga AND Make Money: Do you need help fundraising for your manga, comic, or original series? Look no further! Join Tony Weaver, Jr, a mangaka and writer who’s raised over one million dollars to fund his creative projects for a crash course on how to find funding. Come to this panel to learn the ins and outs of bridging the gap between your dreams and your reality. ; November 9 at 12:30 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
“I am Justice!” A Death Note Q&A with Brian Drummond, Alessandro Juliani, Brad Swaile, and Shannon Chan Kent: Join Brian Drummond, Alessandro Juliani, Brad Swaile, and Shannon Chan Kent as they discuss working on Deathnote and their other projects. Bring your questions for a live audience Q&A. ; November 9 at 12:00 PM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
Isekai Mad Libs: Truck-kun had struck again! Now we need your help to let us know what happens next. ; November 9 at 4:00 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
Japan America Society of Minnesota presents: J-Quiz: Love All Things Japan? Want to Learn More? Come join J-Quiz—the most exciting way to explore Japanese culture, history, language, and more! J-Quiz is a fun and interactive learning experience where you answer questions and discover fascinating facts about Japan along the way. Each quiz is designed to spark your curiosity—read a question, choose your answer, and then dive into the story behind it. You’ll leave wanting to know even more! Our online J-Quiz event is coming in February 2026, but it’s never too early to start practicing. Get ready to learn, laugh, and connect—Japanese-style! ; November 9 at 1:00 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
K-Pop Gratitude Seekers: K-Pop Demon Hunters is a fantastic movie with wonderful music, but it is actually so much more! Come learn how Rumi, Mira, and Zoey can help us see the beauty in the broken glass and become a new generation of protectors for ourselves, our family and friends, and our community. Be ready for some sing-along opportunities, as well (singing talent not necessary…trust me 😉 )! ; November 9 at 3:45 PM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
LET’S TALK TOYS! Collecting, Creating an Customizing!: Come talk all things toys! Dave has worked in the toy industry as a designer and painter, he also has been a lifelong collector and over the past 4 years has created and curated a Youtube community focused around the fun and positive side of the hobby. Come join the conversation on collecting, LET’S TALK TOYS! ; November 9 at 2:30 PM – Panel 2 (Room 203 A&B)
Midday Dance Party: Dance to your fandom favorites for this afternoon all ages dance party! ; November 9 at 1:30 PM – Panel 6 (Room 206 A&B)
The Official Sunday Costume Contest: Characters come to life in our Sunday costume contest! Watch as cosplayers of all skill levels present their costumes across our main stage. Who will be crowned the champion? Only way to find out is to be there! ; November 9 at 3:00 PM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
“Pirates!” A One Piece Q&A with Sonny Strait, Ian Sinclair and Luci Christian: Join Sonny Strait, Ian Sinclair and Luci Christian as they discuss working on One Piece and their other projects. Bring your questions for a live audience Q&A. ; November 9 at 1:30 PM – Hero Stage (Room 101 A-J)
Remakequels & Legacyquels: How Old Horror Finds New Scares: Halloween, Scream, Final Destination, I Know What You Did Last Summer – everything old is new again. How do these legacy sequels scare up new converts? How do they keep things fresh for horror veterans? And how do they compare to the straight-up reboots of the early 00s? We’ll dig into how these films reflect the changing times, what scares us, and more. ; November 9 at 12:00 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Short Story Creation and Opportunities: Enjoy this WORKSHOP on different manners of outlining, writing, and fine-tuning your short stories and discover submission opportunities for your own stories! ; November 9 at 11:30 AM – Panel 4 (Room 205 A&B)
Sketch Battle: Ben Templesmith × Trung Le Nguyen: Gritty horror atmosphere vs. delicate, whimsical storytelling. ; November 9 at 2:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
Sketch Duel Battle: Otis Frampton × E. Moore Art: Kid-friendly fantasy vs. dramatic, moody illustration. ; November 9 at 1:00 PM – Panel 1 (Room 102 E&F)
The Sunday Kid’s Costume Parade: Kids have the best costumes! Come watch the kid’s of Twin Cities Con show off their costumes in this kid’s ONLY costume parade. Have a kid 13 and under and want to participate? Just show up! ; November 9 at 12:30 PM – Hero Stage (Room 101 A-J)
Tailoring 101: Structured Jackets: Learn the basics of making a tailored jacket, like padstitching, making and installing a canvas front, installing a full lining, and more! We’ll also discuss how to creatively apply these various techniques to other projects and learn some machine sewing shortcuts to make tailoring easier and faster for the cosplayer on a tight deadline. ; November 9 at 12:00 PM – Panel 3 (Room 204 A&B)
Trivia Time with Shadow Milk and Pure Vanilla!: Think you know the land of Earthbread? Is Cookie Run Kingdom your latest obsession? Then join Shadow Milk Cookie and Pure Vanilla Cookie for a game of Cookie Run Trivia! Prizes will be given to the winners of Third, Second, and First place, along with a Grand Prize drawing at the end. ; November 9 at 2:00 PM – Panel 5 (Room 205 C&D)
Twin City Side Questers: If you can find them, make sure to get a quest from the Twin City Side Questers. Identified by their large banners, these two adventurers wander randomly throughout artist alley giving out FREE side quests to anyone who dares. Whether you only have a quick moment or want a challenge throughout the day, the Twin City Side Questers are here to provide adventuring for you all weekend long. ; All Day – Exhibit Hall
The Voices of Phineas & Ferb and Many More with Vincent Martella, David Errigo Jr., Alyson Stoner, and Dee Bradley Baker: Join Vincent Martella, David Errigo Jr., Alyson Stoner, and Dee Bradley Baker as they discuss working on Phineas and Ferb and their other projects. Bring your questions for a live audience Q&A. ; November 9 at 11:00 AM – Main Stage (Ballroom A&B)
