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Con of Futures Past
Cedar Rapids Doubletree - October 16-18, 2015

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Thursday, October 15
 

6:30pm CDT

Barnes & Noble Author Signing
Feedback Survey
An open event at Barnes & Noble to meet many of the Authors attending ICON 40 - how can you resist a chance to meet them and buy a couple (or more) books?? Come join us at this Pre-ICON 40 event to kick things off!
Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for CJ Anderson

CJ Anderson

In between teaching academically gifted students, raising her own two children, being a wife, and reading AND writing YA SciFi/Fantasy/Paranormal, in her "spare time" you can most likely find CJ rocking out, stalking fictional characters, & Fangirling books, TV shows/movies. She... Read More →
avatar for Aaron Bunce

Aaron Bunce

Owner, Autumn Arch Publishing
Small, independent publishing. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Thrillers, and Mystery novels.
avatar for Rachel Eliason

Rachel Eliason

Author
Rachel is a transgender woman and writer living in the Midwest. She writescontemporary YA stories under her given name and fantasy/science fictionunder the name R. J. Eliason. Her contemporary YA novels published as RachelEliason include: Run, Clarissa, Run; The Case of Nikki Pagan... Read More →
avatar for Gregory Frost

Gregory Frost

Author
Author (Rhymer, Shadowbridge, Fitcher’s Brides, Tain) and many short stories as well. Taught the fiction workshop at Swarthmore College for 18 years, acted in a notorious “B” horror film, and served as the principal researcher for episodes of Science Frontiers.
avatar for Dennis W. Green

Dennis W. Green

Author
Best known in Iowa for his long career as a radio personality, Dennis’s on-air adventures were covered by newspapers from Anchorage to Los Angeles, and he has received awards from Billboard Magazine, JazzWeek, and many community organizations.His first novel, "Traveler," a sci-fi... Read More →
avatar for Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman

writer, MIT
Joe Haldeman is an American science fiction author and combat veteran of Vietnam. He is best known for his 1974 novel The Forever War. That novel, and other of his works including, The Hemingway Hoax (1991) and Forever Peace (1997), have won major science fiction awards including... Read More →
avatar for Patty Templeton - she, her

Patty Templeton - she, her

Audiovisual Archivist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Patty Templeton is a Certified Archivist with a MSLIS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was a 2020 Library of Congress Junior Fellow. She is excited by all things audiovisual and metadata management.
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →
BH

Beth Hudson

Author, Program Book
Beth is a fantasy writer who has published a number of short stories inanthologies and small press magazines, as well as an illustrated chapbook,Following Seas (originally released by Sam's Dot Publishing, and reprinted in2013 by Alban Lake Publishing's Outposts of the Beyond), and... Read More →
avatar for Gregga Johnn

Gregga Johnn

Author, Story-in-the-Wings
Gregga J. Johnn is a transient writer and performer. She has traveled around Australia performing in schools with poetry and puppets, and has over twenty years of experience on stage and small screens, in Australia and the USA, both acting and directing. Currently, she lives on the... Read More →
TJ

Tamara Jones

Author
Jones started her academic career as a science geek, earned a degree in art, and, when she's not making quilts or herding cats, writes grisly thrillers. Her award winning Dubric Byerly Mystery series, “Ghosts in the Snow”, “Threads of Malice”, and “Valley of the Soul... Read More →
avatar for Michael Koogler

Michael Koogler

Author
Michael Koogler was born in Dayton, Ohio and resides today in Iowa with hiswife and children. His first full-length novel, Hade’s Gambit, was co-written withfellow authors Jed Quinn and Jaren Riley and debuted in 2012. It has beenrecently re-released as two books entitled Kingmaker... Read More →
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →
AM

A.R. Miller

Author, Writer
A.R. Miller’s contemporary fantasy series, Fey Creations, has been compared to potato chips. ‘Absolutely no nutritional value, but fun to read and highly addictive.’ A great complement considering potato chips are in the top five of her favorite foods and she strives to do nothing... Read More →
avatar for D. Moonfire

D. Moonfire

D. Moonfire is the remarkable intersection of a computer nerd and a scientist.He inherited a desire for learning, endless curiosity, and a talent for being apolymath from both of his parents. Instead of focusing on a single genre, hewrites stories and novels in many different settings... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Prineas

Sarah Prineas

Author
Sarah is the author of the award winning middle-grade fantasy Magic Thief series, which has been published in 19 languages around the world. In addition to being a 2009 E. B. White Read-Aloud honor book and an NCTE notable book, The Magic Thief  is on sixteen state reading lists... Read More →
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →
MZ

Mickey Zucker Reichert

Author, Writer's Workshop
Mickey is a pediatrician and author whose claims to fame include being theproduct of two rocket scientists and having performed brain surgery, whilebeing neither a rocket scientist nor a brain surgeon.Mickey's novels include the I, Robot trilogy (To Protect, To Obey, To Preserve)authorized... Read More →
avatar for Shannon Ryan

Shannon Ryan

Author, (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
Shannon lives in Marion, Iowa. He writes weird, funny stories in the urban fantasygenre. He currently has three novels out: Minion of Evil about satanictelemarketers, and Fangs for Nothing which follows a loser vampire “living” in hisparents’ basement. His latest book Panic... Read More →
avatar for Catherine Schaff-Stump

Catherine Schaff-Stump

Author, Paradise ICON, Kirkwood Community College
Catherine Schaff-Stump writes books for adults and children. Her short fiction has appeared in The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk, Spirit's Tincture, various publications from Paper Golem Press and on Drabblecast. She is the author of the Klaereon Scroll series. Catherine is a graduate... Read More →
TS

T.J. Silver

Author
T.J. is a young, eclectic writer who pens unique and fascinating works. From horror, to fantasy, to fiction built around real mysteries, the tales are tall and incredulous. Silver's first novel, Thunderstorm and the Elementals, provides sheer heart racing entertainment for young fans... Read More →
ET

Erik Therme

Erik Therme has thrashed in garage bands, inadvertently harbored runaways, and met Darth Vader. When he’s not at his computer, he can be found cheering for his oldest daughter’s volleyball team, or chilling on the PlayStation 3 with his eleven-year-old. He currently resides in Iowa City, Iowa—one of only seven places in the world UNESCO has certified as a City of Literature.https://www.goodreads.c... Read More →
TT

Tara Tolly

Author
Tara lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with her husband and four children (two humans and two canines) and where she spends her days shaping the minds of impressionable fourth graders; She spends her nights and summers shaping the lives of her make-believe characters. Tara loves to escape... Read More →
avatar for Adam J. Whitlatch

Adam J. Whitlatch

Author, KHP Publishers, Inc.
Adam J. Whitlatch is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and aspiringmusician. A fantasy enthusiast from a young age, his interest in science fictionwas first sparked at the age of ten when his father played the infamous 1938 OrsonWelles War of the Worlds radio broadcast... Read More →
JW

Thursday October 15, 2015 6:30pm - 8:00pm CDT
Barnes & Noble 333 Collins Rd NE Bldg 1, Northland Square SC, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
  Writers, Discussion
 
Friday, October 16
 

9:00am CDT

Paradise ICON
Feedback Survey
Alumni of neo-pro writing workshops participate in this 2-day workshop that runs in conjunction with ICON. Join the authors on Saturday, October 17 at 9:50 PM in TaftB for reading of the work produced during this workshop. Pre-registration is required for all Paradise ICON sessions.
Moderator
avatar for Catherine Schaff-Stump

Catherine Schaff-Stump

Author, Paradise ICON, Kirkwood Community College
Catherine Schaff-Stump writes books for adults and children. Her short fiction has appeared in The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk, Spirit's Tincture, various publications from Paper Golem Press and on Drabblecast. She is the author of the Klaereon Scroll series. Catherine is a graduate... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Room #314 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writers Group, Pre-reg required

12:00pm CDT

ICON Art Exhibit 'Out of this World' at the CR Museum of Art
Feedback Survey
ICON 40 is partnering with the Cedar Rapids Museum for a special showing of artwork from past ICON Artist Guests of Honor. Visit the CRMA and tour the two special Science Fiction and Fantasy exhibitions currently installed at the Museum. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is located at 410 3rd Avenue SE just a few blocks from the DoubleTree. Please allow plenty of time to travel between venues. Bring your ICON 40 name badge and receive free admission!
Friday October 16, 2015 12:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art 410 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  CRMA, Art

1:00pm CDT

DreamCON III
Feedback Survey
DreamCON is a writing workshop for high school and college students running in conjunction with ICON. Participants who are aspiring writers will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with our guests of honor and honorable guests to learn more about the writing craft and the publishing world. Pre-registration is required.
Moderator
avatar for Lettie Prell

Lettie Prell

writer
Lettie Prell is a science fiction writer whose work has appeared on Tor.com, and in Clarkesworld, Analog, and Apex Magazine. Her stories have been reprinted in a number of anthologies, including The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2018, and The Year's Best Science Fiction... Read More →
avatar for Adam J. Whitlatch

Adam J. Whitlatch

Author, KHP Publishers, Inc.
Adam J. Whitlatch is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and aspiringmusician. A fantasy enthusiast from a young age, his interest in science fictionwas first sparked at the age of ten when his father played the infamous 1938 OrsonWelles War of the Worlds radio broadcast... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Cheryl Corbin

Cheryl Corbin

Author, LaBounty Family Chiropractic
Cheryl Corbin writes fantasy and science fiction adventures. She lives in Iowa and works with her writing partner, Yuki, a Bichon Frise, though Yuki spends more time sleeping than contributing to the story in progress. You can find Cheryl at www.cherylcorbin.com. www.goodreads.c... Read More →
AK

Anna Kathryn Davis

Author
Anna Kathryn Davis is a Young Adult Fiction author from Birmingham, Alabamacurrently attending the University of Alabama where she majors in English. Shesigned her first novel, The Gifted, during her senior year of high school and itreleased in April of 2013. Geek Exchange Magazine... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Eliason

Rachel Eliason

Author
Rachel is a transgender woman and writer living in the Midwest. She writescontemporary YA stories under her given name and fantasy/science fictionunder the name R. J. Eliason. Her contemporary YA novels published as RachelEliason include: Run, Clarissa, Run; The Case of Nikki Pagan... Read More →
avatar for Gregory Frost

Gregory Frost

Author
Author (Rhymer, Shadowbridge, Fitcher’s Brides, Tain) and many short stories as well. Taught the fiction workshop at Swarthmore College for 18 years, acted in a notorious “B” horror film, and served as the principal researcher for episodes of Science Frontiers.
avatar for Dennis W. Green

Dennis W. Green

Author
Best known in Iowa for his long career as a radio personality, Dennis’s on-air adventures were covered by newspapers from Anchorage to Los Angeles, and he has received awards from Billboard Magazine, JazzWeek, and many community organizations.His first novel, "Traveler," a sci-fi... Read More →
avatar for Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman

writer, MIT
Joe Haldeman is an American science fiction author and combat veteran of Vietnam. He is best known for his 1974 novel The Forever War. That novel, and other of his works including, The Hemingway Hoax (1991) and Forever Peace (1997), have won major science fiction awards including... Read More →
GH

Gay Haldeman

Founding Member of ICON
Gay Haldeman has a Master's degree in Spanish Literature from the University of Maryland and another in Linguistics, from the University of Iowa. She has just retired from teaching in the Writing Center at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) after thirty years, specializing... Read More →
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →
avatar for Gregga Johnn

Gregga Johnn

Author, Story-in-the-Wings
Gregga J. Johnn is a transient writer and performer. She has traveled around Australia performing in schools with poetry and puppets, and has over twenty years of experience on stage and small screens, in Australia and the USA, both acting and directing. Currently, she lives on the... Read More →
TJ

Tamara Jones

Author
Jones started her academic career as a science geek, earned a degree in art, and, when she's not making quilts or herding cats, writes grisly thrillers. Her award winning Dubric Byerly Mystery series, “Ghosts in the Snow”, “Threads of Malice”, and “Valley of the Soul... Read More →
avatar for Michael Koogler

Michael Koogler

Author
Michael Koogler was born in Dayton, Ohio and resides today in Iowa with hiswife and children. His first full-length novel, Hade’s Gambit, was co-written withfellow authors Jed Quinn and Jaren Riley and debuted in 2012. It has beenrecently re-released as two books entitled Kingmaker... Read More →
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →
AM

A.R. Miller

Author, Writer
A.R. Miller’s contemporary fantasy series, Fey Creations, has been compared to potato chips. ‘Absolutely no nutritional value, but fun to read and highly addictive.’ A great complement considering potato chips are in the top five of her favorite foods and she strives to do nothing... Read More →
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writers Group, Pre-reg required

1:00pm CDT

DreamCON III
Feedback Survey
DreamCON is a writing workshop for high school and college students running in conjunction with ICON. Participants who are aspiring writers will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with our guests of honor and honorable guests to learn more about the writing craft and the publishing world. Pre-registration is required.
Moderator
avatar for Lettie Prell

Lettie Prell

writer
Lettie Prell is a science fiction writer whose work has appeared on Tor.com, and in Clarkesworld, Analog, and Apex Magazine. Her stories have been reprinted in a number of anthologies, including The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2018, and The Year's Best Science Fiction... Read More →
avatar for Adam J. Whitlatch

Adam J. Whitlatch

Author, KHP Publishers, Inc.
Adam J. Whitlatch is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and aspiringmusician. A fantasy enthusiast from a young age, his interest in science fictionwas first sparked at the age of ten when his father played the infamous 1938 OrsonWelles War of the Worlds radio broadcast... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Cheryl Corbin

Cheryl Corbin

Author, LaBounty Family Chiropractic
Cheryl Corbin writes fantasy and science fiction adventures. She lives in Iowa and works with her writing partner, Yuki, a Bichon Frise, though Yuki spends more time sleeping than contributing to the story in progress. You can find Cheryl at www.cherylcorbin.com. www.goodreads.c... Read More →
AK

Anna Kathryn Davis

Author
Anna Kathryn Davis is a Young Adult Fiction author from Birmingham, Alabamacurrently attending the University of Alabama where she majors in English. Shesigned her first novel, The Gifted, during her senior year of high school and itreleased in April of 2013. Geek Exchange Magazine... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Eliason

Rachel Eliason

Author
Rachel is a transgender woman and writer living in the Midwest. She writescontemporary YA stories under her given name and fantasy/science fictionunder the name R. J. Eliason. Her contemporary YA novels published as RachelEliason include: Run, Clarissa, Run; The Case of Nikki Pagan... Read More →
avatar for Gregory Frost

Gregory Frost

Author
Author (Rhymer, Shadowbridge, Fitcher’s Brides, Tain) and many short stories as well. Taught the fiction workshop at Swarthmore College for 18 years, acted in a notorious “B” horror film, and served as the principal researcher for episodes of Science Frontiers.
avatar for Dennis W. Green

Dennis W. Green

Author
Best known in Iowa for his long career as a radio personality, Dennis’s on-air adventures were covered by newspapers from Anchorage to Los Angeles, and he has received awards from Billboard Magazine, JazzWeek, and many community organizations.His first novel, "Traveler," a sci-fi... Read More →
avatar for Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman

writer, MIT
Joe Haldeman is an American science fiction author and combat veteran of Vietnam. He is best known for his 1974 novel The Forever War. That novel, and other of his works including, The Hemingway Hoax (1991) and Forever Peace (1997), have won major science fiction awards including... Read More →
GH

Gay Haldeman

Founding Member of ICON
Gay Haldeman has a Master's degree in Spanish Literature from the University of Maryland and another in Linguistics, from the University of Iowa. She has just retired from teaching in the Writing Center at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) after thirty years, specializing... Read More →
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →
avatar for Gregga Johnn

Gregga Johnn

Author, Story-in-the-Wings
Gregga J. Johnn is a transient writer and performer. She has traveled around Australia performing in schools with poetry and puppets, and has over twenty years of experience on stage and small screens, in Australia and the USA, both acting and directing. Currently, she lives on the... Read More →
TJ

Tamara Jones

Author
Jones started her academic career as a science geek, earned a degree in art, and, when she's not making quilts or herding cats, writes grisly thrillers. Her award winning Dubric Byerly Mystery series, “Ghosts in the Snow”, “Threads of Malice”, and “Valley of the Soul... Read More →
avatar for Michael Koogler

Michael Koogler

Author
Michael Koogler was born in Dayton, Ohio and resides today in Iowa with hiswife and children. His first full-length novel, Hade’s Gambit, was co-written withfellow authors Jed Quinn and Jaren Riley and debuted in 2012. It has beenrecently re-released as two books entitled Kingmaker... Read More →
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →
AM

A.R. Miller

Author, Writer
A.R. Miller’s contemporary fantasy series, Fey Creations, has been compared to potato chips. ‘Absolutely no nutritional value, but fun to read and highly addictive.’ A great complement considering potato chips are in the top five of her favorite foods and she strives to do nothing... Read More →
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 1:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writers Group, Pre-reg required

2:00pm CDT

Art Show
Feedback Survey
The ICON Art Show is a show open to all artists who would like to submit artwork in a science fiction or fantasy theme. Some of the artwork is for sale and can be purchased immediately or via the Charity Auction.
Friday October 16, 2015 2:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Exhibit B-Art Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Artists

2:00pm CDT

Dealer's Hall
Feedback Survey
Dealers are located in Exhibit Hall A along with the Art Show. You will find a variety of wares for sale from books to collectibles, jewelry and more.
Friday October 16, 2015 2:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Exhibit B-Dealers Hall Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Dealers

2:00pm CDT

Registration
Feedback Survey
Registration is located in the area just in front of Taft Room A-B. Everyone attending ICON 40 must register and must wear a badge for admission to all ICON-sponsored events.
Friday October 16, 2015 2:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Taft A/B Lobby Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Registration

4:00pm CDT

Mindbridge Game Library and Video Gaming
Feedback Survey
The Mindbridge Foundation maintains a large gaming library that you are welcome to enjoy during ICON 40. Stop by room 302 and check their collection of games. Learn more at mindbridge.org/projects/game-library/. Hours subject to change based on availability of volunteers, so sign up as a volunteer now!
Friday October 16, 2015 4:00pm - Saturday October 17, 2015 12:00am CDT
Room #302 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Gaming

4:00pm CDT

24-hr Game Room
Feedback Survey
Get your game on in the 24-hour game room!
Friday October 16, 2015 4:00pm - Sunday October 18, 2015 2:00pm CDT
Room #304 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Gaming

5:00pm CDT

ICON 40 Docent Art Show tour
Feedback Survey
Learn more about the annual ICON Art Show by taking a short tour. Artists and ICON staff will be giving short tours of the show and offer a unique perspective on the displayed artwork.
Moderator
avatar for Susan Leabhart

Susan Leabhart

ConCom, DAGOBAH
Suzan Leabhart is a Vintage Fhan from the Quad Cities and a former ICON FANGOH. She is the Empress of DAGOBAH, which is a silly way of saying she moderates the Davenport Area Gathering of Books and Humanoids book club. She's a member of the Brassgears Adventurers Society steampunk... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
SC

Sarah Clemens

Artist, Guest of Honor
Sarah’s early love of science fiction and fantasy art came even before she could read, from looking at the covers of science fiction magazines. She has been attending science fiction conventions since the late seventies. The artwork she most enjoys creating are those connected with... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 5:00pm - 5:50pm CDT
Exhibit B-Art Show Court Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Art

5:00pm CDT

Teen Lounge
Feedback Survey
Join your friends, and make new ones, in a space for Teens to chat about whatever topics come to mind.
Friday October 16, 2015 5:00pm - Saturday October 17, 2015 2:00am CDT
Exhibit C Lounge Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

5:00pm CDT

The Gathering
Feedback Survey
Relax in time and space with your friends (new and old) while waiting to see if the Doctor, a companion or two, or a villian will show up at the Tardis.
Friday October 16, 2015 5:00pm - Sunday October 18, 2015 3:00pm CDT
3rd floor Balcony Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Chillax time

6:00pm CDT

All Things Avengers
Feedback Survey
Avengers Assemble! With the influx upcoming Avengers movies, you are invited to assemble with other Avengers fans to discuss all things related to the franchise.
Moderator
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
AC

Friday October 16, 2015 6:00pm - 6:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Fan Chat

6:00pm CDT

How to enjoy your first CON
Feedback Survey
Never attended a convention before? Learn the ins and outs of attending a convention with some seasoned pros and novice attendees.
Moderator
GH

Gay Haldeman

Founding Member of ICON
Gay Haldeman has a Master's degree in Spanish Literature from the University of Maryland and another in Linguistics, from the University of Iowa. She has just retired from teaching in the Writing Center at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) after thirty years, specializing... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Aaron Bunce

Aaron Bunce

Owner, Autumn Arch Publishing
Small, independent publishing. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Thrillers, and Mystery novels.
AK

Anna Kathryn Davis

Author
Anna Kathryn Davis is a Young Adult Fiction author from Birmingham, Alabamacurrently attending the University of Alabama where she majors in English. Shesigned her first novel, The Gifted, during her senior year of high school and itreleased in April of 2013. Geek Exchange Magazine... Read More →
avatar for Jessica Whitlatch

Jessica Whitlatch

Art Show, Keokuk Veterinary Hospital (Tri State Veterinary Service)
I'm tall, brown hair, athletic. and in Tang Soo Do so I can kick your butt.I have 3 sons, been married since 2004, have a farm in the middle of nowhere Iowa, and work full time at 2 Veterinary hospitals. I have around 10-15 barn cats, 1 dog, 2 birds, 3 house cats and a few fancy mice... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 6:00pm - 6:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Fandom

6:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Bill Johnson
Feedback Survey
Join Bill Johnson for a reading followed by a question/answer session…rumor has it there are several selections to choose from so you may be asked to help decide!
Moderator
BJ

Bill Johnson

Author
Bill is one of the five Founding Members of ICON and a member of the original SF writing class taught by Joe Haldeman. Bill attended the 1975 Clarion Writers workshop with Greg Frost and Larry Martin. Joe Haldeman taught at this same Clarion (with Gay helping to keep them all under... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 6:00pm - 6:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

6:00pm CDT

Genre Rules for Book Covers
Feedback Survey
A Powerpoint presentation workshop to discuss book covers, including examples.
Moderator
avatar for Cheryl Corbin

Cheryl Corbin

Author, LaBounty Family Chiropractic
Cheryl Corbin writes fantasy and science fiction adventures. She lives in Iowa and works with her writing partner, Yuki, a Bichon Frise, though Yuki spends more time sleeping than contributing to the story in progress. You can find Cheryl at www.cherylcorbin.com. www.goodreads.c... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Rachel Eliason

Rachel Eliason

Author
Rachel is a transgender woman and writer living in the Midwest. She writescontemporary YA stories under her given name and fantasy/science fictionunder the name R. J. Eliason. Her contemporary YA novels published as RachelEliason include: Run, Clarissa, Run; The Case of Nikki Pagan... Read More →
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 6:00pm - 6:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writers, Cross-Media

7:00pm CDT

ICON 40 Opening Ceremonies, TICC
Feedback Survey
Welcome to ICON 40 Con of Futures Past! Join us for opening ceremonies; meet this year’s guests of honor and enjoy this year’s Trans-Iowa Canal CompanyTM (TICC) performance. Get your con started off right!
Moderator
MD
avatar for Denny Lynch

Denny Lynch

Concom, Publicity, Hotel Liaison, Kirkwood Community College
avatar for Adam J. Whitlatch

Adam J. Whitlatch

Author, KHP Publishers, Inc.
Adam J. Whitlatch is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and aspiringmusician. A fantasy enthusiast from a young age, his interest in science fictionwas first sparked at the age of ten when his father played the infamous 1938 OrsonWelles War of the Worlds radio broadcast... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
SC

Sarah Clemens

Artist, Guest of Honor
Sarah’s early love of science fiction and fantasy art came even before she could read, from looking at the covers of science fiction magazines. She has been attending science fiction conventions since the late seventies. The artwork she most enjoys creating are those connected with... Read More →
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Author
David Gerrold has been sitting alone in a room and talking to himself for more than fifty years. If he hears anything good, he types it up. When he has enough words, he sends it to an editor. Occasionally some editor somewhere is so desperate for something to publish, he sends David... Read More →
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →
KM

Kalli McCandless

Artist, Cosplay Fan Guest of Honor
Kalli McCandless - Artist/Cosplay Fan/Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer …. has always loved anything and everything creative. At the age of 3 she started drawing and painting, and that carried out throughout the years. In middle school Kalli tried out for modeling for a... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 7:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

7:00pm CDT

ICON 40 Opening Ceremonies, TICC
Feedback Survey
Welcome to ICON 40 Con of Futures Past! Join us for opening ceremonies; meet this year’s guests of honor and enjoy this year’s Trans-Iowa Canal CompanyTM (TICC) performance. Get your con started off right!
Moderator
MD
avatar for Denny Lynch

Denny Lynch

Concom, Publicity, Hotel Liaison, Kirkwood Community College
avatar for Adam J. Whitlatch

Adam J. Whitlatch

Author, KHP Publishers, Inc.
Adam J. Whitlatch is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and aspiringmusician. A fantasy enthusiast from a young age, his interest in science fictionwas first sparked at the age of ten when his father played the infamous 1938 OrsonWelles War of the Worlds radio broadcast... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
SC

Sarah Clemens

Artist, Guest of Honor
Sarah’s early love of science fiction and fantasy art came even before she could read, from looking at the covers of science fiction magazines. She has been attending science fiction conventions since the late seventies. The artwork she most enjoys creating are those connected with... Read More →
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Author
David Gerrold has been sitting alone in a room and talking to himself for more than fifty years. If he hears anything good, he types it up. When he has enough words, he sends it to an editor. Occasionally some editor somewhere is so desperate for something to publish, he sends David... Read More →
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →
KM

Kalli McCandless

Artist, Cosplay Fan Guest of Honor
Kalli McCandless - Artist/Cosplay Fan/Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer …. has always loved anything and everything creative. At the age of 3 she started drawing and painting, and that carried out throughout the years. In middle school Kalli tried out for modeling for a... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 7:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

7:00pm CDT

Karaoke
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Show off your singing skills at the annual ICON Karaoke Party sponsored by John Garner.
Moderator
JG

John Garner

Artist, Karaoke Show
John has been drawing and painting science fiction, space, and fantasy art allhis life. John discovered his first Science Fiction Convention in 1984. Sincethen, he has won numerous awards and has been published in books andmagazines including TSR’s Dungeon Adventures Magazine, Starslayer... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 7:00pm - Saturday October 17, 2015 2:00am CDT
Room #503 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Music, Activity

8:00pm CDT

Mature Themed Gaming
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During this block, games that may contain intense violence, sexual content and/or strong language may be checked out from the Mindbridge Gaming Library with a legal picture ID and played in Room 314. Games must be returned to the Mindbridge Library by 1 AM.
Friday October 16, 2015 8:00pm - Saturday October 17, 2015 1:00am CDT
Room #314 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Gaming

9:00pm CDT

All Things Doctor Who
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OOOOO EEEEE OOOOO! From William Hartnell to Peter Capaldi, you are welcome to join your fellow Whovians for a discussion about all things Doctor Who.
Moderator
JM

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
BJ

Bill Johnson

Author
Bill is one of the five Founding Members of ICON and a member of the original SF writing class taught by Joe Haldeman. Bill attended the 1975 Clarion Writers workshop with Greg Frost and Larry Martin. Joe Haldeman taught at this same Clarion (with Gay helping to keep them all under... Read More →
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 9:00pm - 9:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Fan Chat

9:00pm CDT

Fandom from a Teen's Perspective
Feedback Survey
The future of science fiction and fantasy is with our youth. What does fandom look like from a teenager's perspective? Join this panel and share your thoughts and experiences with others.
Moderator
HP

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
CB
CB
LE

Friday October 16, 2015 9:00pm - 9:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Fandom

9:00pm CDT

Prop Build 101
Feedback Survey
Join us for this session to learn about basic prop design and costuming.
Moderator
AC

Friday October 16, 2015 9:00pm - 9:50pm CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Fandom

9:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Gregga J. Johnn
Feedback Survey
Join Gregga J. Johnn as she reads from her novel, The Chronicles of Trevel: Dragon Tears, followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
avatar for Gregga Johnn

Gregga Johnn

Author, Story-in-the-Wings
Gregga J. Johnn is a transient writer and performer. She has traveled around Australia performing in schools with poetry and puppets, and has over twenty years of experience on stage and small screens, in Australia and the USA, both acting and directing. Currently, she lives on the... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 9:00pm - 9:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

9:00pm CDT

Harassment in Fandom and Life
Feedback Survey
A frank discussion about harassment and how to cope and confront it when it happens.
Moderator
EA

Elizabeth Anne Hull

Editor
Blond and brainy, Elizabeth Anne Hull (known as Betty to most of her friends andcalled Betty Anne by her husband, Frederik Pohl), is Professor Emerita of WilliamRainey Harper Collegein Palatine, Illinois, where she taught English and sciencefiction for over 30 years, earning the school’s... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 9:00pm - 9:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

9:00pm CDT

Everything I learned about writing, I learned from...
Feedback Survey
How do authors approach their writing? Come listen to our guests discuss their own research and writing process, how it started and if it's evolved over the years, the strengths and weaknesses, and anything else that's influences them.
Moderator
avatar for Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman

writer, MIT
Joe Haldeman is an American science fiction author and combat veteran of Vietnam. He is best known for his 1974 novel The Forever War. That novel, and other of his works including, The Hemingway Hoax (1991) and Forever Peace (1997), have won major science fiction awards including... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Gregory Frost

Gregory Frost

Author
Author (Rhymer, Shadowbridge, Fitcher’s Brides, Tain) and many short stories as well. Taught the fiction workshop at Swarthmore College for 18 years, acted in a notorious “B” horror film, and served as the principal researcher for episodes of Science Frontiers.
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Author
David Gerrold has been sitting alone in a room and talking to himself for more than fifty years. If he hears anything good, he types it up. When he has enough words, he sends it to an editor. Occasionally some editor somewhere is so desperate for something to publish, he sends David... Read More →
MZ

Mickey Zucker Reichert

Author, Writer's Workshop
Mickey is a pediatrician and author whose claims to fame include being theproduct of two rocket scientists and having performed brain surgery, whilebeing neither a rocket scientist nor a brain surgeon.Mickey's novels include the I, Robot trilogy (To Protect, To Obey, To Preserve)authorized... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 9:00pm - 9:50pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writers

9:00pm CDT

Registration
Feedback Survey
Registration is located in the area just in front of Taft Room A-B. Everyone attending ICON 40 must register and must wear a badge for admission to all ICON-sponsored events.
Friday October 16, 2015 9:00pm - 10:00pm CDT
Taft A/B Lobby Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Registration

9:00pm CDT

Wylde Nept
Feedback Survey
An ICON tradition, the James Brothers bring Celtic music to downtown Cedar Rapids loads of drinking songs, traditional Irish and Scottish music plus some original tunes. Learn more at wyldenept.com.
Moderator
WN

Wylde Nept

Musicians
Wylde Nept was started when a few of the guys found each other during a camping trip at a Celtic music festival and they’ve been playing ever since. Their music, primarily inspired by traditional folk, is lively, fun and sure get your face smiling and foot tapping. When listening... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 9:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Exhibit C Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Music, Activity

9:00pm CDT

ConSuite
Feedback Survey
The ConSuite, found on the 5th floor of the DoubleTree, is a place you can hang out between panels. We provide a variety of snacks, drinks and seating. Everything you need when you need a break from the hectic ICON schedule. Stop by often. There's always something new happening in the ConSuite.
Friday October 16, 2015 9:00pm - Saturday October 17, 2015 2:00am CDT
Room #517 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  ConSuite

9:00pm CDT

ConSuite
The ConSuite, found on the 5th floor of the DoubleTree, is a place you can hang out between panels. We provide a variety of snacks, drinks and seating. Everything you need when you need a break from the hectic ICON schedule. Stop by often. There's always something new happening in the ConSuite.
Friday October 16, 2015 9:00pm - Saturday October 17, 2015 2:00am CDT
Room #519 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  ConSuite

10:00pm CDT

Return to the Planet of the Zines, part 1
Feedback Survey
An ongoing zine-making workshop. Bring your story or artwork, transfer it to a ditto master, and at the end of the weekend, we'll have an old school "ICON 40" zine.
Moderator
BS

Brian S. Anderson

Volunteer Coordinator

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Rich Dana

Rich Dana

Benevolent Dictator, Obsolete Press
Rich– aka Ricardo Feral aka Ricardo Obsolete– is editor-in-chief and coffee boy at Obsolete Press. He, along with co-founder and graphic artist Blair Gauntt have published zines and books featuring work of writers and artists from around the globe. Rich is also a freelance technical... Read More →
avatar for Colleen Theisen

Colleen Theisen

Chief Curator, Syracuse University Special Collections Research Center
Educator working to inspire a love of books, libraries, history, and material culture in online spaces. YouTube.com/uispeccoll

Friday October 16, 2015 10:00pm - 10:50pm CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Cross-Media

10:00pm CDT

Elements of Cosplay Design
Feedback Survey
Come and learn/discuss how to incorporate your designs into your Cosplay ideas and characters.
Moderator
LS

Lynda Sherman

Costume Central

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
KM
KM

Kalli McCandless

Artist, Cosplay Fan Guest of Honor
Kalli McCandless - Artist/Cosplay Fan/Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer …. has always loved anything and everything creative. At the age of 3 she started drawing and painting, and that carried out throughout the years. In middle school Kalli tried out for modeling for a... Read More →
avatar for Jessica Whitlatch

Jessica Whitlatch

Art Show, Keokuk Veterinary Hospital (Tri State Veterinary Service)
I'm tall, brown hair, athletic. and in Tang Soo Do so I can kick your butt.I have 3 sons, been married since 2004, have a farm in the middle of nowhere Iowa, and work full time at 2 Veterinary hospitals. I have around 10-15 barn cats, 1 dog, 2 birds, 3 house cats and a few fancy mice... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 10:00pm - 10:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Art, Fandom

10:00pm CDT

All Things Outlander
Feedback Survey
If you dream about being whisked away to Scotland circa 1743, you should join your fellow Sassenachs for this discussion about all things Outlander.

Visit Second Run Reviews after the session to find a list of Outlander related articles and sites.
Moderator
avatar for Terri M. LeBlanc

Terri M. LeBlanc

Guest Liaison, Second Run Reviews, ICON 40 Staff Member
By day, Terri M. LeBlanc is a project manager and software specialist. By night, she’s a reading wizard. Residing in eastern Iowa, in her spare time, she spends time with Jezebel, takes pictures and watches movies with her equally nerdy husband and adorable cats. As a member of... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
AA
TT

Tara Tolly

Author
Tara lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with her husband and four children (two humans and two canines) and where she spends her days shaping the minds of impressionable fourth graders; She spends her nights and summers shaping the lives of her make-believe characters. Tara loves to escape... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 10:00pm - 10:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Fan Chat

10:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Adam J. Whitlatch
Feedback Survey
Join Adam J. Whitlatch as he reads from his novel, Birthright - Book I of the Temujin Saga, followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
avatar for Adam J. Whitlatch

Adam J. Whitlatch

Author, KHP Publishers, Inc.
Adam J. Whitlatch is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and aspiringmusician. A fantasy enthusiast from a young age, his interest in science fictionwas first sparked at the age of ten when his father played the infamous 1938 OrsonWelles War of the Worlds radio broadcast... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 10:00pm - 10:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

10:00pm CDT

Groundbreaking theories driving future technology
Feedback Survey
Joe Haldeman, Gregory Frost and Tom Ashwell will share details about theories that are driving the technology we currently have or will have in the near future.
Moderator
BJ

Bill Johnson

Author
Bill is one of the five Founding Members of ICON and a member of the original SF writing class taught by Joe Haldeman. Bill attended the 1975 Clarion Writers workshop with Greg Frost and Larry Martin. Joe Haldeman taught at this same Clarion (with Gay helping to keep them all under... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
TA
avatar for Gregory Frost

Gregory Frost

Author
Author (Rhymer, Shadowbridge, Fitcher’s Brides, Tain) and many short stories as well. Taught the fiction workshop at Swarthmore College for 18 years, acted in a notorious “B” horror film, and served as the principal researcher for episodes of Science Frontiers.

Friday October 16, 2015 10:00pm - 10:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Science & Technology

10:00pm CDT

Monster Creation
Feedback Survey
Every few years an author "reinvents" a classic monster. Glittering vampires, anyone? But what goes into reinventing classic monsters. Five authors share how they reinvented the old to make it new again.
Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Aaron Bunce

Aaron Bunce

Owner, Autumn Arch Publishing
Small, independent publishing. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Thrillers, and Mystery novels.
avatar for Rachel Eliason

Rachel Eliason

Author
Rachel is a transgender woman and writer living in the Midwest. She writescontemporary YA stories under her given name and fantasy/science fictionunder the name R. J. Eliason. Her contemporary YA novels published as RachelEliason include: Run, Clarissa, Run; The Case of Nikki Pagan... Read More →
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Author
David Gerrold has been sitting alone in a room and talking to himself for more than fifty years. If he hears anything good, he types it up. When he has enough words, he sends it to an editor. Occasionally some editor somewhere is so desperate for something to publish, he sends David... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Prineas

Sarah Prineas

Author
Sarah is the author of the award winning middle-grade fantasy Magic Thief series, which has been published in 19 languages around the world. In addition to being a 2009 E. B. White Read-Aloud honor book and an NCTE notable book, The Magic Thief  is on sixteen state reading lists... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 10:00pm - 10:50pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

11:00pm CDT

Fan Fiction 101
Feedback Survey
Do you dream of shiping Cas and Dean? Or maybe you fancy Luna Lovegood having amazing adventures after graduating from Hogwarts? Come learn more about fanfiction--what it is and how to find it.
Moderator
HP

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
AA

Friday October 16, 2015 11:00pm - 11:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Fandom

11:00pm CDT

Geek 101: Married to a Geek
Feedback Survey
Being married to a geek or even dating one can be a wonderful adventure and a frustrating one. Come join this discussion to learn more about falling in love and staying in love with that special geek in your life.
Moderator
avatar for Terri M. LeBlanc

Terri M. LeBlanc

Guest Liaison, Second Run Reviews, ICON 40 Staff Member
By day, Terri M. LeBlanc is a project manager and software specialist. By night, she’s a reading wizard. Residing in eastern Iowa, in her spare time, she spends time with Jezebel, takes pictures and watches movies with her equally nerdy husband and adorable cats. As a member of... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
RB
KM

Friday October 16, 2015 11:00pm - 11:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Fandom

11:00pm CDT

I won't grow up!
Feedback Survey
How does science fiction/fantasy keeps us connected to our youth? Let's discuss how middle grade and young adult science fiction and fantasy is being consumed by adults.
Moderator
avatar for Athena Foster

Athena Foster

Guest Liaison

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
CC
avatar for Catherine Schaff-Stump

Catherine Schaff-Stump

Author, Paradise ICON, Kirkwood Community College
Catherine Schaff-Stump writes books for adults and children. Her short fiction has appeared in The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk, Spirit's Tincture, various publications from Paper Golem Press and on Drabblecast. She is the author of the Klaereon Scroll series. Catherine is a graduate... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 11:00pm - 11:50pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Genre-Bending

11:00pm CDT

What are you reading?
Feedback Survey
Join the DAGOBAH monthly readers group as they discuss the books they've recently read. Be prepared to discuss the SF, fantasy and horror books you've read and would like to recommend. Audience participation is welcome!!!
Moderator
JH

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
D

Friday October 16, 2015 11:00pm - 11:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Reading Group, Discussion

11:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Dylan R.E. Moonfire
Feedback Survey
Join Dylan R.E. Moonfire for a reading followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
avatar for D. Moonfire

D. Moonfire

D. Moonfire is the remarkable intersection of a computer nerd and a scientist.He inherited a desire for learning, endless curiosity, and a talent for being apolymath from both of his parents. Instead of focusing on a single genre, hewrites stories and novels in many different settings... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 11:00pm - 11:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

11:00pm CDT

Story Creation Improvisation
Feedback Survey
Be a part of creating a new and vibrant story through on the spot choose-your-own-adventure style questing and storytelling. Choose your own Energy style from the nine Trevel Energizations and go on a StoryQuest to see just who will survive, who will thrive, and possibly, who will be the scapegoat. Self-analyzing, Adventure, Fun, and much laughter!
Moderator
avatar for Gregga Johnn

Gregga Johnn

Author, Story-in-the-Wings
Gregga J. Johnn is a transient writer and performer. She has traveled around Australia performing in schools with poetry and puppets, and has over twenty years of experience on stage and small screens, in Australia and the USA, both acting and directing. Currently, she lives on the... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2015 11:00pm - 11:50pm CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Storytime, Activity
 
Saturday, October 17
 

12:00am CDT

Witchhunt
Feedback Survey
Another ICON tradition and active audience participation event! As a Salem Village, it your duty to find the witches and Burn Them Out! Lots of participants needed for this light-hearted game.
Moderator
MJ

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
SM

Susanna Myers

Programming

Saturday October 17, 2015 12:00am - 12:50am CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity

12:00am CDT

Evening with Wolfie B. Bad (18+)
Feedback Survey
Come and have a frank discussion with Wolfie B. Bad. This interactive question and answer session is for ICON attendees who are 18 and older.
Moderator
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 12:00am - 12:50am CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special, 18+ (adult audience)

8:00am CDT

ConSuite
Feedback Survey
The ConSuite, found on the 5th floor of the DoubleTree, is a place you can hang out between panels. We provide a variety of snacks, drinks and seating. Everything you need when you need a break from the hectic ICON schedule. Stop by often. There's always something new happening in the ConSuite.
Saturday October 17, 2015 8:00am - Sunday October 18, 2015 2:00am CDT
Room #517 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  ConSuite

8:00am CDT

ConSuite
The ConSuite, found on the 5th floor of the DoubleTree, is a place you can hang out between panels. We provide a variety of snacks, drinks and seating. Everything you need when you need a break from the hectic ICON schedule. Stop by often. There's always something new happening in the ConSuite.
Saturday October 17, 2015 8:00am - Sunday October 18, 2015 2:00am CDT
Room #519 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  ConSuite

8:00am CDT

Teen Lounge
Feedback Survey
Join your friends, and make new ones, in a space for Teens to chat about whatever topics come to mind.
Saturday October 17, 2015 8:00am - Sunday October 18, 2015 2:00am CDT
Exhibit C Lounge Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

9:00am CDT

Kaffeeklatsch with Glen Cook
Feedback Survey
kaffeeklatsch: noun, kaf·fee·klatsch. Definition: an informal social gathering for coffee and conversation. Join author Glen Cook for this early morning gathering with your coffee in hand and your bright eyes and bushy tails.
Moderator
GC

Glen Cook

Author
Glen was born in New York City, moved to a farm in Indiana for a few years, thenmoved to Northern California where he grew up. Glen served in the US Navy,then attended the University of Missouri. After college, he then went to work forGeneral Motors where he remained employed until... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

9:00am CDT

Paradise ICON - Lecture by Joe Haldeman
Feedback Survey
Alumni of neo-pro writing workshops participate in this 2-day workshop that runs in conjunction with ICON. Join the authors on for reading of the work produced during this workshop. Pre-registration is required for all other Paradise ICON events.
Moderator
avatar for Catherine Schaff-Stump

Catherine Schaff-Stump

Author, Paradise ICON, Kirkwood Community College
Catherine Schaff-Stump writes books for adults and children. Her short fiction has appeared in The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk, Spirit's Tincture, various publications from Paper Golem Press and on Drabblecast. She is the author of the Klaereon Scroll series. Catherine is a graduate... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman

writer, MIT
Joe Haldeman is an American science fiction author and combat veteran of Vietnam. He is best known for his 1974 novel The Forever War. That novel, and other of his works including, The Hemingway Hoax (1991) and Forever Peace (1997), have won major science fiction awards including... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Room #314 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writers Group, Pre-reg required

9:00am CDT

Paradise ICON
Feedback Survey
Alumni of neo-pro writing workshops participate in this 2-day workshop that runs in conjunction with ICON. Join the authors on for reading of the work produced during this workshop. Pre-registration is required for all other Paradise ICON events.
Moderator
avatar for Catherine Schaff-Stump

Catherine Schaff-Stump

Author, Paradise ICON, Kirkwood Community College
Catherine Schaff-Stump writes books for adults and children. Her short fiction has appeared in The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk, Spirit's Tincture, various publications from Paper Golem Press and on Drabblecast. She is the author of the Klaereon Scroll series. Catherine is a graduate... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Shannon Ryan

Shannon Ryan

Author, (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
Shannon lives in Marion, Iowa. He writes weird, funny stories in the urban fantasygenre. He currently has three novels out: Minion of Evil about satanictelemarketers, and Fangs for Nothing which follows a loser vampire “living” in hisparents’ basement. His latest book Panic... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 9:00am - 4:00pm CDT
Room #314 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writers Group, Pre-reg required

9:00am CDT

Registration
Feedback Survey
Registration is located in the area just in front of Taft Room A-B. Everyone attending ICON 40 must register and must wear a badge for admission to all ICON-sponsored events.
Saturday October 17, 2015 9:00am - 7:00pm CDT
Taft A/B Lobby Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Registration

10:00am CDT

Cartooning with Uncle Denny
Feedback Survey
Are you fascinated by animation and cartooning? Join Uncle Denny to learn some basic drawing tips for making characters come to life!
Moderator
avatar for Denny Lynch

Denny Lynch

Concom, Publicity, Hotel Liaison, Kirkwood Community College

Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Exhibit B-Art Show Court Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Kid approved

10:00am CDT

(Re)Discovering Zine Making
Feedback Survey
Fanzines or Zines hold a special place in the hearts of science fiction, fantasy and comics fans hearts. Head over to this panel to learn more about Zine production.
Moderator
avatar for Peter Balestrieri

Peter Balestrieri

Curator, Science Fiction and Popular Culture Collections, University of Iowa Special Collections
Please talk with me about: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, TV, Radio, Theatre Arts, Cinema, Fandom Studies, fanzines, fan art, fan fiction, cosplay, social media, ephemera, Romantic poetry and fiction, Frankenstein, digitization, de-acidification, and popular culture in general... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
BS

Brian S. Anderson

Volunteer Coordinator

Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Cross-Media, Writing

10:00am CDT

Adaptation of epic series for T.V.
Feedback Survey
With the growing popularity of the Game of Thrones and Outlander, networks are looking more at epic science fiction and fantasy stories to build their ever shrinking audience. What are some of the pros and cons of seeing your favorite epic series on the small screen?
Moderator
AA

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Terri M. LeBlanc

Terri M. LeBlanc

Guest Liaison, Second Run Reviews, ICON 40 Staff Member
By day, Terri M. LeBlanc is a project manager and software specialist. By night, she’s a reading wizard. Residing in eastern Iowa, in her spare time, she spends time with Jezebel, takes pictures and watches movies with her equally nerdy husband and adorable cats. As a member of... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Cross-Media, Writing

10:00am CDT

RPG Games 101
Feedback Survey
Role Playing Games (RPG) have been around for years. But how do you get started and what's it like to play? Come join this open discussion to learn more about RPGs and how they work.
Moderator
avatar for Athena Foster

Athena Foster

Guest Liaison

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →
avatar for D. Moonfire

D. Moonfire

D. Moonfire is the remarkable intersection of a computer nerd and a scientist.He inherited a desire for learning, endless curiosity, and a talent for being apolymath from both of his parents. Instead of focusing on a single genre, hewrites stories and novels in many different settings... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Gaming

10:00am CDT

Is Pluto a planet?
Feedback Survey
It is a new age for many of us. Our solar system only had 8 planets. However, with the latest images of Pluto beaming back to Earth, we are learning more about this dwarf-planet. Bill Johnson and Tom Ashwell share their thoughts about the International Astronomical Union's decision to demote Pluto.
Moderator
TA

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
BJ

Bill Johnson

Author
Bill is one of the five Founding Members of ICON and a member of the original SF writing class taught by Joe Haldeman. Bill attended the 1975 Clarion Writers workshop with Greg Frost and Larry Martin. Joe Haldeman taught at this same Clarion (with Gay helping to keep them all under... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Science & Technology

10:00am CDT

Cosplay is not Consent
Feedback Survey
Join our panelists for a discussion on issues surrounding Cosplay and harassment, how Cons handle issues surrounding harassment and bullying, and how this relates to society at large.
Moderator
EA

Elizabeth Anne Hull

Editor
Blond and brainy, Elizabeth Anne Hull (known as Betty to most of her friends andcalled Betty Anne by her husband, Frederik Pohl), is Professor Emerita of WilliamRainey Harper Collegein Palatine, Illinois, where she taught English and sciencefiction for over 30 years, earning the school’s... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
KM
KM

Kalli McCandless

Artist, Cosplay Fan Guest of Honor
Kalli McCandless - Artist/Cosplay Fan/Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer …. has always loved anything and everything creative. At the age of 3 she started drawing and painting, and that carried out throughout the years. In middle school Kalli tried out for modeling for a... Read More →
avatar for Jessica Whitlatch

Jessica Whitlatch

Art Show, Keokuk Veterinary Hospital (Tri State Veterinary Service)
I'm tall, brown hair, athletic. and in Tang Soo Do so I can kick your butt.I have 3 sons, been married since 2004, have a farm in the middle of nowhere Iowa, and work full time at 2 Veterinary hospitals. I have around 10-15 barn cats, 1 dog, 2 birds, 3 house cats and a few fancy mice... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

10:00am CDT

Author Meet & Greet
Feedback Survey
Don’t be shy! Step right up! There will be over 30 authors will be gathered and waiting for you to ask questions about their craft. This is your opportunity to fawn over your favorite authors and learn about new ones. Buy a book (or two or three), get it signed and watch your to-be-read pile GROW!
Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
BA

Bill Albert

Author
Bill was born and raised in Amana where he works in a factory and spends a great deal of time thinking about being someplace else. He has self-published a time travel novel, Time Web Tremors, and several short stories available on Kindle. Also available are The Secrets of Starpoint... Read More →
avatar for CJ Anderson

CJ Anderson

In between teaching academically gifted students, raising her own two children, being a wife, and reading AND writing YA SciFi/Fantasy/Paranormal, in her "spare time" you can most likely find CJ rocking out, stalking fictional characters, & Fangirling books, TV shows/movies. She... Read More →
avatar for Aaron Bunce

Aaron Bunce

Owner, Autumn Arch Publishing
Small, independent publishing. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Thrillers, and Mystery novels.
GC

Glen Cook

Author
Glen was born in New York City, moved to a farm in Indiana for a few years, thenmoved to Northern California where he grew up. Glen served in the US Navy,then attended the University of Missouri. After college, he then went to work forGeneral Motors where he remained employed until... Read More →
avatar for Cheryl Corbin

Cheryl Corbin

Author, LaBounty Family Chiropractic
Cheryl Corbin writes fantasy and science fiction adventures. She lives in Iowa and works with her writing partner, Yuki, a Bichon Frise, though Yuki spends more time sleeping than contributing to the story in progress. You can find Cheryl at www.cherylcorbin.com. www.goodreads.c... Read More →
AK

Anna Kathryn Davis

Author
Anna Kathryn Davis is a Young Adult Fiction author from Birmingham, Alabamacurrently attending the University of Alabama where she majors in English. Shesigned her first novel, The Gifted, during her senior year of high school and itreleased in April of 2013. Geek Exchange Magazine... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Eliason

Rachel Eliason

Author
Rachel is a transgender woman and writer living in the Midwest. She writescontemporary YA stories under her given name and fantasy/science fictionunder the name R. J. Eliason. Her contemporary YA novels published as RachelEliason include: Run, Clarissa, Run; The Case of Nikki Pagan... Read More →
avatar for Gregory Frost

Gregory Frost

Author
Author (Rhymer, Shadowbridge, Fitcher’s Brides, Tain) and many short stories as well. Taught the fiction workshop at Swarthmore College for 18 years, acted in a notorious “B” horror film, and served as the principal researcher for episodes of Science Frontiers.
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Author
David Gerrold has been sitting alone in a room and talking to himself for more than fifty years. If he hears anything good, he types it up. When he has enough words, he sends it to an editor. Occasionally some editor somewhere is so desperate for something to publish, he sends David... Read More →
avatar for Dennis W. Green

Dennis W. Green

Author
Best known in Iowa for his long career as a radio personality, Dennis’s on-air adventures were covered by newspapers from Anchorage to Los Angeles, and he has received awards from Billboard Magazine, JazzWeek, and many community organizations.His first novel, "Traveler," a sci-fi... Read More →
avatar for Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman

writer, MIT
Joe Haldeman is an American science fiction author and combat veteran of Vietnam. He is best known for his 1974 novel The Forever War. That novel, and other of his works including, The Hemingway Hoax (1991) and Forever Peace (1997), have won major science fiction awards including... Read More →
avatar for Patty Templeton - she, her

Patty Templeton - she, her

Audiovisual Archivist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Patty Templeton is a Certified Archivist with a MSLIS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was a 2020 Library of Congress Junior Fellow. She is excited by all things audiovisual and metadata management.
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →
BH

Beth Hudson

Author, Program Book
Beth is a fantasy writer who has published a number of short stories inanthologies and small press magazines, as well as an illustrated chapbook,Following Seas (originally released by Sam's Dot Publishing, and reprinted in2013 by Alban Lake Publishing's Outposts of the Beyond), and... Read More →
avatar for Gregga Johnn

Gregga Johnn

Author, Story-in-the-Wings
Gregga J. Johnn is a transient writer and performer. She has traveled around Australia performing in schools with poetry and puppets, and has over twenty years of experience on stage and small screens, in Australia and the USA, both acting and directing. Currently, she lives on the... Read More →
BJ

Bill Johnson

Author
Bill is one of the five Founding Members of ICON and a member of the original SF writing class taught by Joe Haldeman. Bill attended the 1975 Clarion Writers workshop with Greg Frost and Larry Martin. Joe Haldeman taught at this same Clarion (with Gay helping to keep them all under... Read More →
TJ

Tamara Jones

Author
Jones started her academic career as a science geek, earned a degree in art, and, when she's not making quilts or herding cats, writes grisly thrillers. Her award winning Dubric Byerly Mystery series, “Ghosts in the Snow”, “Threads of Malice”, and “Valley of the Soul... Read More →
WL
avatar for Michael Koogler

Michael Koogler

Author
Michael Koogler was born in Dayton, Ohio and resides today in Iowa with hiswife and children. His first full-length novel, Hade’s Gambit, was co-written withfellow authors Jed Quinn and Jaren Riley and debuted in 2012. It has beenrecently re-released as two books entitled Kingmaker... Read More →
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →
AM

A.R. Miller

Author, Writer
A.R. Miller’s contemporary fantasy series, Fey Creations, has been compared to potato chips. ‘Absolutely no nutritional value, but fun to read and highly addictive.’ A great complement considering potato chips are in the top five of her favorite foods and she strives to do nothing... Read More →
avatar for D. Moonfire

D. Moonfire

D. Moonfire is the remarkable intersection of a computer nerd and a scientist.He inherited a desire for learning, endless curiosity, and a talent for being apolymath from both of his parents. Instead of focusing on a single genre, hewrites stories and novels in many different settings... Read More →
JP

Jordan Pinckney

Author
Jordan has worked in the mental health field for over seven years. He’s had apassion to work with kids all his life, and one of the most enjoyable areas of hisprofession is encouraging them to be creative and utilize their imagination totheir full potential. He has a wife, Aubree... Read More →
avatar for Lettie Prell

Lettie Prell

writer
Lettie Prell is a science fiction writer whose work has appeared on Tor.com, and in Clarkesworld, Analog, and Apex Magazine. Her stories have been reprinted in a number of anthologies, including The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2018, and The Year's Best Science Fiction... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Prineas

Sarah Prineas

Author
Sarah is the author of the award winning middle-grade fantasy Magic Thief series, which has been published in 19 languages around the world. In addition to being a 2009 E. B. White Read-Aloud honor book and an NCTE notable book, The Magic Thief  is on sixteen state reading lists... Read More →
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →
MZ

Mickey Zucker Reichert

Author, Writer's Workshop
Mickey is a pediatrician and author whose claims to fame include being theproduct of two rocket scientists and having performed brain surgery, whilebeing neither a rocket scientist nor a brain surgeon.Mickey's novels include the I, Robot trilogy (To Protect, To Obey, To Preserve)authorized... Read More →
avatar for Shannon Ryan

Shannon Ryan

Author, (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
Shannon lives in Marion, Iowa. He writes weird, funny stories in the urban fantasygenre. He currently has three novels out: Minion of Evil about satanictelemarketers, and Fangs for Nothing which follows a loser vampire “living” in hisparents’ basement. His latest book Panic... Read More →
avatar for Catherine Schaff-Stump

Catherine Schaff-Stump

Author, Paradise ICON, Kirkwood Community College
Catherine Schaff-Stump writes books for adults and children. Her short fiction has appeared in The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk, Spirit's Tincture, various publications from Paper Golem Press and on Drabblecast. She is the author of the Klaereon Scroll series. Catherine is a graduate... Read More →
TS

T.J. Silver

Author
T.J. is a young, eclectic writer who pens unique and fascinating works. From horror, to fantasy, to fiction built around real mysteries, the tales are tall and incredulous. Silver's first novel, Thunderstorm and the Elementals, provides sheer heart racing entertainment for young fans... Read More →
TT

Tara Tolly

Author
Tara lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with her husband and four children (two humans and two canines) and where she spends her days shaping the minds of impressionable fourth graders; She spends her nights and summers shaping the lives of her make-believe characters. Tara loves to escape... Read More →
avatar for Adam J. Whitlatch

Adam J. Whitlatch

Author, KHP Publishers, Inc.
Adam J. Whitlatch is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and aspiringmusician. A fantasy enthusiast from a young age, his interest in science fictionwas first sparked at the age of ten when his father played the infamous 1938 OrsonWelles War of the Worlds radio broadcast... Read More →
JW

Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Exhibit C Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writers, Discussion

10:00am CDT

ICON Art Exhibit 'Out of this World' at the CR Museum of Art
Feedback Survey
ICON 40 is partnering with the Cedar Rapids Museum for a special showing of artwork from past ICON Artist Guests of Honor. Visit the CRMA and tour the two special Science Fiction and Fantasy exhibitions currently installed at the Museum. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is located at 410 3rd Avenue SE just a few blocks from the DoubleTree. Please allow plenty of time to travel between venues. Bring your ICON 40 name badge and receive free admission!
Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00am - 4:00pm CDT
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art 410 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  CRMA, Art

10:00am CDT

Art Show
Feedback Survey
The ICON Art Show is a show open to all artists who'd like to submit artwork in a science fiction or fantasy theme. Some of the artwork is for sale and can be purchased immediately or via silent auction.
Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Exhibit B-Art Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Artists

10:00am CDT

Dealer's Hall
Feedback Survey
Dealers are located in Exhibit Hall A along with the Art Show. You will find a variety of wares for sale from books to collectibles, jewelry and more.
Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00am - 6:00pm CDT
Exhibit B-Dealers Hall Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Dealers

10:00am CDT

Mindbridge Game Library and Video Gaming
Feedback Survey
The Mindbridge Foundation maintains a large gaming library that you are welcome to enjoy during ICON 40. Stop by room 302 and check their collection of games. Learn more at mindbridge.org/projects/game-library/. Hours subject to change based on availability of volunteers, so sign up as a volunteer now!
Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00am - Sunday October 18, 2015 12:00am CDT
Room #302 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Gaming

11:00am CDT

Docent Tour with Sarah Clemens, 'Out of this World' at the CR Museum of Art
Feedback Survey
ICON 40 is partnering with the Cedar Rapids Museum for a special showing of artwork from past ICON Artist Guests of Honor. Join us at CRMA for a tour with Sarah Clemens of the two special Science Fiction and Fantasy exhibitions currently installed at the Museum. This session will take place at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art at 410 3rd Avenue SE just a few blocks from the DoubleTree. Please allow plenty of time to travel between venues. Bring your ICON 40 name badge and receive free admission!
Moderator
SC

Sarah Clemens

Artist, Guest of Honor
Sarah’s early love of science fiction and fantasy art came even before she could read, from looking at the covers of science fiction magazines. She has been attending science fiction conventions since the late seventies. The artwork she most enjoys creating are those connected with... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art 410 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  CRMA, Art

11:00am CDT

Return to the Planet of the Zines, part 2
Feedback Survey
An ongoing zine-making workshop. Bring your story or artwork, transfer it to a ditto master, and at the end of the weekend, we'll have an old school "ICON 40" zine.
Moderator
BS

Brian S. Anderson

Volunteer Coordinator

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Rich Dana

Rich Dana

Benevolent Dictator, Obsolete Press
Rich– aka Ricardo Feral aka Ricardo Obsolete– is editor-in-chief and coffee boy at Obsolete Press. He, along with co-founder and graphic artist Blair Gauntt have published zines and books featuring work of writers and artists from around the globe. Rich is also a freelance technical... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Cross-Media

11:00am CDT

Back to the Future…Science & Technology
Feedback Survey
Marty travelled to 2015 in Back to the Future II, so where are our hoverboards and self lacing shoes? What IS the next big technological breakthrough and how has the world of science fiction and fantasy assisted in (or hindered) the advancement of technology.
Moderator
BJ

Bill Johnson

Author
Bill is one of the five Founding Members of ICON and a member of the original SF writing class taught by Joe Haldeman. Bill attended the 1975 Clarion Writers workshop with Greg Frost and Larry Martin. Joe Haldeman taught at this same Clarion (with Gay helping to keep them all under... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
TA
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Author
David Gerrold has been sitting alone in a room and talking to himself for more than fifty years. If he hears anything good, he types it up. When he has enough words, he sends it to an editor. Occasionally some editor somewhere is so desperate for something to publish, he sends David... Read More →
avatar for Lettie Prell

Lettie Prell

writer
Lettie Prell is a science fiction writer whose work has appeared on Tor.com, and in Clarkesworld, Analog, and Apex Magazine. Her stories have been reprinted in a number of anthologies, including The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2018, and The Year's Best Science Fiction... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Science & Technology

11:00am CDT

Closed Mindbridge Meeting
Feedback Survey
This is a closed Mindbridge Meeting for current members only. If you are interested in learning more about Mindbridge, please attend the open Mindbridge Meeting at Noon on Saturday, October 17th.
Moderator
M

Saturday October 17, 2015 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

11:00am CDT

How to Grow Your Own Mustache
Feedback Survey
Come discuss the tips & tricks on how to grow your own mustache.
Moderator
RU

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
ED
avatar for Mitch Thompson

Mitch Thompson

Room Parties, BrassGears Adventures Society
First ICON was ICON 5. Past Concom for ICON 12 and ICON 38. President of the BrassGears Adventurers Society. I have a robot parrot named Cogsworth and a wife named Mary. 2.3 kids, all in college.

Saturday October 17, 2015 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

11:00am CDT

Rusty Hevelin Collection Update: Pulps, Fanzines, and Science Fiction Books
Feedback Survey
Rusty Hevelin was a long-standing member of ICON and huge science fiction fan. He was also a collector of books, pulp magazines and fanzines. Upon his death, his collection was donated to the University of Iowa Special Collections. Colleen Theisen of the Special Collections staff will share how your donations from ICON 39 are assisting in the processing and digitization of the James L. "Rusty" Hevelin Science Fiction Collection
Moderator
avatar for Peter Balestrieri

Peter Balestrieri

Curator, Science Fiction and Popular Culture Collections, University of Iowa Special Collections
Please talk with me about: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, TV, Radio, Theatre Arts, Cinema, Fandom Studies, fanzines, fan art, fan fiction, cosplay, social media, ephemera, Romantic poetry and fiction, Frankenstein, digitization, de-acidification, and popular culture in general... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Colleen Theisen

Colleen Theisen

Chief Curator, Syracuse University Special Collections Research Center
Educator working to inspire a love of books, libraries, history, and material culture in online spaces. YouTube.com/uispeccoll

Saturday October 17, 2015 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

11:00am CDT

Art in About an Hour (or two..)
Feedback Survey
Watch several of our honorable artist guests create masterpieces right before your eyes. Artwork produced during this session will be available at the Charity Auction at 6 p.m. this evening (10/17/15). All proceeds from the auction will benefit Witty Kitties, Inc. and Waypoint of Cedar Rapids.
Moderator
avatar for Susan Leabhart

Susan Leabhart

ConCom, DAGOBAH
Suzan Leabhart is a Vintage Fhan from the Quad Cities and a former ICON FANGOH. She is the Empress of DAGOBAH, which is a silly way of saying she moderates the Davenport Area Gathering of Books and Humanoids book club. She's a member of the Brassgears Adventurers Society steampunk... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
JG

John Garner

Artist, Karaoke Show
John has been drawing and painting science fiction, space, and fantasy art allhis life. John discovered his first Science Fiction Convention in 1984. Sincethen, he has won numerous awards and has been published in books andmagazines including TSR’s Dungeon Adventures Magazine, Starslayer... Read More →
DG
EM

Erin McKee

Artist
Erin is still as darn nice as ever and has been having tons of fun with her art,especially her newest astronomical pieces. Lately she has been doing theMinnesota Renaissance Festival and enjoyed yet another Winnipeg FolkFestival this past summer. Erin has also been getting more and... Read More →
avatar for Jessica Whitlatch

Jessica Whitlatch

Art Show, Keokuk Veterinary Hospital (Tri State Veterinary Service)
I'm tall, brown hair, athletic. and in Tang Soo Do so I can kick your butt.I have 3 sons, been married since 2004, have a farm in the middle of nowhere Iowa, and work full time at 2 Veterinary hospitals. I have around 10-15 barn cats, 1 dog, 2 birds, 3 house cats and a few fancy mice... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 11:00am - 12:50pm CDT
Exhibit B-Art Show Court Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Art

11:00am CDT

Blood Drive
Feedback Survey
Author Jed Quinn's new novel, Orchard, features vampires. Do your part to keep the vampires fed and donate a pint of blood (if you are able) during this special blood drive sponsored by the Mississippi Regional Blood Bank. Must be 18 years or older to participate.

Sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f4ca4ab28a7f58-icon
Moderator
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 11:00am - 2:00pm CDT
The Orchard Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity

12:00pm CDT

Guided Improv
Feedback Survey
Let loose and join authors Dylan Moonfire and Gregga J. Johnn for an improv activity.
Moderator
avatar for Gregga Johnn

Gregga Johnn

Author, Story-in-the-Wings
Gregga J. Johnn is a transient writer and performer. She has traveled around Australia performing in schools with poetry and puppets, and has over twenty years of experience on stage and small screens, in Australia and the USA, both acting and directing. Currently, she lives on the... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for D. Moonfire

D. Moonfire

D. Moonfire is the remarkable intersection of a computer nerd and a scientist.He inherited a desire for learning, endless curiosity, and a talent for being apolymath from both of his parents. Instead of focusing on a single genre, hewrites stories and novels in many different settings... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity

12:00pm CDT

Human Rights and the influence of Science Fiction/Fantasy
Feedback Survey
How scifi/fantasy has advanced human rights...a gateway to opening the conversation.
Moderator
JM

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
AK

Anna Kathryn Davis

Author
Anna Kathryn Davis is a Young Adult Fiction author from Birmingham, Alabamacurrently attending the University of Alabama where she majors in English. Shesigned her first novel, The Gifted, during her senior year of high school and itreleased in April of 2013. Geek Exchange Magazine... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Eliason

Rachel Eliason

Author
Rachel is a transgender woman and writer living in the Midwest. She writescontemporary YA stories under her given name and fantasy/science fictionunder the name R. J. Eliason. Her contemporary YA novels published as RachelEliason include: Run, Clarissa, Run; The Case of Nikki Pagan... Read More →
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Genre-Bending

12:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Beth Hudson
Feedback Survey
Join Beth Hudson for a reading from her new work in progress, A Gift of Flame, followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
BH

Beth Hudson

Author, Program Book
Beth is a fantasy writer who has published a number of short stories inanthologies and small press magazines, as well as an illustrated chapbook,Following Seas (originally released by Sam's Dot Publishing, and reprinted in2013 by Alban Lake Publishing's Outposts of the Beyond), and... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

12:00pm CDT

Public Mindbridge Meeting
Feedback Survey
Mindbridge, the fan-run organization that sponsors ICON, Gamicon and AnimeIowa, will is holding an open meeting to give updates on current and future projects. Everyone is welcome to attend!
Saturday October 17, 2015 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special, Reading Group

1:00pm CDT

Artists Scribble -N- Sign
Feedback Survey
Don’t be shy! Step right up! The artists will be gathered and waiting for you to ask questions about their craft. This is your opportunity to fawn over your favorite artist and learn about new ones. Stop by and get your artwork personalized and signed!
Moderator
avatar for Susan Leabhart

Susan Leabhart

ConCom, DAGOBAH
Suzan Leabhart is a Vintage Fhan from the Quad Cities and a former ICON FANGOH. She is the Empress of DAGOBAH, which is a silly way of saying she moderates the Davenport Area Gathering of Books and Humanoids book club. She's a member of the Brassgears Adventurers Society steampunk... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
SC

Sarah Clemens

Artist, Guest of Honor
Sarah’s early love of science fiction and fantasy art came even before she could read, from looking at the covers of science fiction magazines. She has been attending science fiction conventions since the late seventies. The artwork she most enjoys creating are those connected with... Read More →
JG

John Garner

Artist, Karaoke Show
John has been drawing and painting science fiction, space, and fantasy art allhis life. John discovered his first Science Fiction Convention in 1984. Sincethen, he has won numerous awards and has been published in books andmagazines including TSR’s Dungeon Adventures Magazine, Starslayer... Read More →
KM

Kalli McCandless

Artist, Cosplay Fan Guest of Honor
Kalli McCandless - Artist/Cosplay Fan/Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer …. has always loved anything and everything creative. At the age of 3 she started drawing and painting, and that carried out throughout the years. In middle school Kalli tried out for modeling for a... Read More →
EM

Erin McKee

Artist
Erin is still as darn nice as ever and has been having tons of fun with her art,especially her newest astronomical pieces. Lately she has been doing theMinnesota Renaissance Festival and enjoyed yet another Winnipeg FolkFestival this past summer. Erin has also been getting more and... Read More →
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Exhibit B-Art Show Court Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Artists, Discussion

1:00pm CDT

David Gerrold Unplugged
Feedback Survey
Join our Guest of Honor, Davind Gerrold, for an unscripted panel on anything and everything.
Moderator
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Author
David Gerrold has been sitting alone in a room and talking to himself for more than fifty years. If he hears anything good, he types it up. When he has enough words, he sends it to an editor. Occasionally some editor somewhere is so desperate for something to publish, he sends David... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Cross-Media, Discussion

1:00pm CDT

Blurred Lines
Feedback Survey
More and more popular novels and media tell stories with a Fantasy or SciFi bent without getting the label. Think of TV shows like Forever, and books by people like Daniel Suarez. Is this good or bad for our genre?  We'll have some examples of crossovers, both good and bad, and examine their effect on SciFi/Fantasy.
Moderator
avatar for Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman

writer, MIT
Joe Haldeman is an American science fiction author and combat veteran of Vietnam. He is best known for his 1974 novel The Forever War. That novel, and other of his works including, The Hemingway Hoax (1991) and Forever Peace (1997), have won major science fiction awards including... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Dennis W. Green

Dennis W. Green

Author
Best known in Iowa for his long career as a radio personality, Dennis’s on-air adventures were covered by newspapers from Anchorage to Los Angeles, and he has received awards from Billboard Magazine, JazzWeek, and many community organizations.His first novel, "Traveler," a sci-fi... Read More →
TJ

Tamara Jones

Author
Jones started her academic career as a science geek, earned a degree in art, and, when she's not making quilts or herding cats, writes grisly thrillers. Her award winning Dubric Byerly Mystery series, “Ghosts in the Snow”, “Threads of Malice”, and “Valley of the Soul... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Genre-Bending

1:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Anna Kathryn Davis
Feedback Survey
Join Anna Kathryn Davis for a reading followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
AK

Anna Kathryn Davis

Author
Anna Kathryn Davis is a Young Adult Fiction author from Birmingham, Alabamacurrently attending the University of Alabama where she majors in English. Shesigned her first novel, The Gifted, during her senior year of high school and itreleased in April of 2013. Geek Exchange Magazine... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

1:00pm CDT

Charity Organizations Lunch and Learn
Feedback Survey
This year ICON is sponsoring two local charities, Witty Kitties, Inc and Waypoint of Cedar Rapids. Representatives from both organizations will be sharing a bit about the services they provide and how our donations will be used.
Moderator
avatar for Dana Beatty

Dana Beatty

B&N liaison, Napolis liaison, I.O.W.A.
If you're a writer/author (different yet similar), I'd like to talk to you.

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
AC
KS

Saturday October 17, 2015 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

1:00pm CDT

Paradise ICON - Lecture by Ann Leckie
Feedback Survey
Alumni of neo-pro writing workshops participate in this 2-day workshop that runs in conjunction with ICON. Join the authors on for reading of the work produced during this workshop. Pre-registration is required for all other Paradise ICON events.
Moderator
avatar for Catherine Schaff-Stump

Catherine Schaff-Stump

Author, Paradise ICON, Kirkwood Community College
Catherine Schaff-Stump writes books for adults and children. Her short fiction has appeared in The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk, Spirit's Tincture, various publications from Paper Golem Press and on Drabblecast. She is the author of the Klaereon Scroll series. Catherine is a graduate... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room #314 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writers Group, Pre-reg required

1:00pm CDT

Self-defense workshop (ages 13+)
Feedback Survey
Come learn some basic martial arts self-defense techniques!  Learn a series of escapes and strikes that can help remove you from violent situations.  Geared toward beginners, but all skill levels welcome!  Presented by Jr. Master Jerel Krueger, 4th Dan.  Come dressed in comfortable clothes that are easy to move it.  Parental advisory: workshop will contain clinical descriptions of bodily damage and discussions of violence. Participants must be 13 years or older to participate.
Moderator
JK

Saturday October 17, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity

2:00pm CDT

Docent Tour with Sarah Clemens, 'Out of this World' at the CR Museum of Art
Feedback Survey
ICON 40 is partnering with the Cedar Rapids Museum for a special showing of artwork from past ICON Artist Guests of Honor. Join us at CRMA for a tour with Sarah Clemens of the two special Science Fiction and Fantasy exhibitions currently installed at the Museum. This session will take place at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art at 410 3rd Avenue SE just a few blocks from the DoubleTree. Please allow plenty of time to travel between venues. Bring your ICON 40 name badge and receive free admission!
Moderator
SC

Sarah Clemens

Artist, Guest of Honor
Sarah’s early love of science fiction and fantasy art came even before she could read, from looking at the covers of science fiction magazines. She has been attending science fiction conventions since the late seventies. The artwork she most enjoys creating are those connected with... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art 410 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  CRMA, Art

2:00pm CDT

Coloring with Auntie Sue
Feedback Survey
Adults and children alike can join Susan Leabhart for some coloring adventures. Supplies provided for participants.
Moderator
avatar for Susan Leabhart

Susan Leabhart

ConCom, DAGOBAH
Suzan Leabhart is a Vintage Fhan from the Quad Cities and a former ICON FANGOH. She is the Empress of DAGOBAH, which is a silly way of saying she moderates the Davenport Area Gathering of Books and Humanoids book club. She's a member of the Brassgears Adventurers Society steampunk... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Exhibit B-Art Show Court Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Kid approved

2:00pm CDT

The Reality of Truth in Fantasy Fiction
Feedback Survey
Discussion on finding basic morals and world truths that we can apply to our own lives in every story we read or watch. Typical fan stories covered that might be included - LOTR/The Hobbit, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, etc.
Moderator
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Gregga Johnn

Gregga Johnn

Author, Story-in-the-Wings
Gregga J. Johnn is a transient writer and performer. She has traveled around Australia performing in schools with poetry and puppets, and has over twenty years of experience on stage and small screens, in Australia and the USA, both acting and directing. Currently, she lives on the... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Art, Fandom

2:00pm CDT

Visioning: Back to the Future
Feedback Survey
Your "destiny" has brought you to ICON 40! Gather with your fellow time travelers to compare our 2015 reality to the vision of 2015 in Back to the Future 2.
Moderator
TA

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman

writer, MIT
Joe Haldeman is an American science fiction author and combat veteran of Vietnam. He is best known for his 1974 novel The Forever War. That novel, and other of his works including, The Hemingway Hoax (1991) and Forever Peace (1997), have won major science fiction awards including... Read More →
avatar for Denny Lynch

Denny Lynch

Concom, Publicity, Hotel Liaison, Kirkwood Community College
avatar for Adam J. Whitlatch

Adam J. Whitlatch

Author, KHP Publishers, Inc.
Adam J. Whitlatch is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and aspiringmusician. A fantasy enthusiast from a young age, his interest in science fictionwas first sparked at the age of ten when his father played the infamous 1938 OrsonWelles War of the Worlds radio broadcast... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Discussion, Fan Chat

2:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Jim C. Hines
Feedback Survey
Join Jim C. Hines for a reading followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

2:00pm CDT

Research for Writers
Feedback Survey
The role of research in writing - and how the closest state university library can be a writer's best friend.
Moderator
avatar for Colleen Theisen

Colleen Theisen

Chief Curator, Syracuse University Special Collections Research Center
Educator working to inspire a love of books, libraries, history, and material culture in online spaces. YouTube.com/uispeccoll

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
UO

Saturday October 17, 2015 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

2:00pm CDT

Star Trek Renegades: Continuing the Journey of Star Trek
Feedback Survey
Join Michael Koogler as he discusses the next adventure in the Star Trek universe - Star Trek Renegades!
Moderator
avatar for Michael Koogler

Michael Koogler

Author
Michael Koogler was born in Dayton, Ohio and resides today in Iowa with hiswife and children. His first full-length novel, Hade’s Gambit, was co-written withfellow authors Jed Quinn and Jaren Riley and debuted in 2012. It has beenrecently re-released as two books entitled Kingmaker... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

2:00pm CDT

Paradise ICON - Lecture by Tamara Jones
Alumni of neo-pro writing workshops participate in this 2-day workshop that runs in conjunction with ICON. Join the authors on for reading of the work produced during this workshop. Pre-registration is required for all other Paradise ICON events.
Moderator
avatar for Catherine Schaff-Stump

Catherine Schaff-Stump

Author, Paradise ICON, Kirkwood Community College
Catherine Schaff-Stump writes books for adults and children. Her short fiction has appeared in The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk, Spirit's Tincture, various publications from Paper Golem Press and on Drabblecast. She is the author of the Klaereon Scroll series. Catherine is a graduate... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
TJ

Tamara Jones

Author
Jones started her academic career as a science geek, earned a degree in art, and, when she's not making quilts or herding cats, writes grisly thrillers. Her award winning Dubric Byerly Mystery series, “Ghosts in the Snow”, “Threads of Malice”, and “Valley of the Soul... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room #314 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writers Group, Pre-reg required

3:00pm CDT

ICON 40 Docent Art Show tour
Feedback Survey
Learn more about the annual ICON Art Show by taking a short tour. Artists and ICON staff will be giving short tours of the show and offer a unique perspective on the displayed artwork.
Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
SC

Sarah Clemens

Artist, Guest of Honor
Sarah’s early love of science fiction and fantasy art came even before she could read, from looking at the covers of science fiction magazines. She has been attending science fiction conventions since the late seventies. The artwork she most enjoys creating are those connected with... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Exhibit B-Art Show Court Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Art

3:00pm CDT

Cosplay Makeup
Feedback Survey
Our Fan Guest of Honor, Kalli McCandless, will share some tips and tricks for cooordinating your makeup with your Cosplay.
Moderator
avatar for Jessica Whitlatch

Jessica Whitlatch

Art Show, Keokuk Veterinary Hospital (Tri State Veterinary Service)
I'm tall, brown hair, athletic. and in Tang Soo Do so I can kick your butt.I have 3 sons, been married since 2004, have a farm in the middle of nowhere Iowa, and work full time at 2 Veterinary hospitals. I have around 10-15 barn cats, 1 dog, 2 birds, 3 house cats and a few fancy mice... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
KM

Kalli McCandless

Artist, Cosplay Fan Guest of Honor
Kalli McCandless - Artist/Cosplay Fan/Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer …. has always loved anything and everything creative. At the age of 3 she started drawing and painting, and that carried out throughout the years. In middle school Kalli tried out for modeling for a... Read More →
KM

Saturday October 17, 2015 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Art, Fandom

3:00pm CDT

Blogging Roundtable
Feedback Survey
An roundtable discussion about blogging; will cover a wide array of topics regarding blogging, networking and social media.
Moderator
avatar for Terri M. LeBlanc

Terri M. LeBlanc

Guest Liaison, Second Run Reviews, ICON 40 Staff Member
By day, Terri M. LeBlanc is a project manager and software specialist. By night, she’s a reading wizard. Residing in eastern Iowa, in her spare time, she spends time with Jezebel, takes pictures and watches movies with her equally nerdy husband and adorable cats. As a member of... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Discussion, Writing

3:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Lettie Prell
Feedback Survey
Join Lettie Prell for a reading followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
avatar for Lettie Prell

Lettie Prell

writer
Lettie Prell is a science fiction writer whose work has appeared on Tor.com, and in Clarkesworld, Analog, and Apex Magazine. Her stories have been reprinted in a number of anthologies, including The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2018, and The Year's Best Science Fiction... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

3:00pm CDT

ICON 40th Anniversary
Feedback Survey
Memories abound in this session recalling the history of ICON--how it started, where we've been and where we are going. Stop by and share your favorite ICON story.
Moderator
avatar for Denny Lynch

Denny Lynch

Concom, Publicity, Hotel Liaison, Kirkwood Community College

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
KB
avatar for Gregory Frost

Gregory Frost

Author
Author (Rhymer, Shadowbridge, Fitcher’s Brides, Tain) and many short stories as well. Taught the fiction workshop at Swarthmore College for 18 years, acted in a notorious “B” horror film, and served as the principal researcher for episodes of Science Frontiers.
avatar for Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman

writer, MIT
Joe Haldeman is an American science fiction author and combat veteran of Vietnam. He is best known for his 1974 novel The Forever War. That novel, and other of his works including, The Hemingway Hoax (1991) and Forever Peace (1997), have won major science fiction awards including... Read More →
GH

Gay Haldeman

Founding Member of ICON
Gay Haldeman has a Master's degree in Spanish Literature from the University of Maryland and another in Linguistics, from the University of Iowa. She has just retired from teaching in the Writing Center at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) after thirty years, specializing... Read More →
BJ

Bill Johnson

Author
Bill is one of the five Founding Members of ICON and a member of the original SF writing class taught by Joe Haldeman. Bill attended the 1975 Clarion Writers workshop with Greg Frost and Larry Martin. Joe Haldeman taught at this same Clarion (with Gay helping to keep them all under... Read More →
MM
MZ

Mickey Zucker Reichert

Author, Writer's Workshop
Mickey is a pediatrician and author whose claims to fame include being theproduct of two rocket scientists and having performed brain surgery, whilebeing neither a rocket scientist nor a brain surgeon.Mickey's novels include the I, Robot trilogy (To Protect, To Obey, To Preserve)authorized... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

3:00pm CDT

Trials of writing a strong (and good) female protagonist
Feedback Survey
Katniss and Tris, Cerci and Daenerys have taken over the airwaves. But are they good examples of strong female characters? Stop by this panel to learn about the pros and cons of writing "strong" female characters and what makes a characteristics make up a "good" female character?
Moderator
avatar for Patty Templeton - she, her

Patty Templeton - she, her

Audiovisual Archivist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Patty Templeton is a Certified Archivist with a MSLIS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was a 2020 Library of Congress Junior Fellow. She is excited by all things audiovisual and metadata management.

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
AK

Anna Kathryn Davis

Author
Anna Kathryn Davis is a Young Adult Fiction author from Birmingham, Alabamacurrently attending the University of Alabama where she majors in English. Shesigned her first novel, The Gifted, during her senior year of high school and itreleased in April of 2013. Geek Exchange Magazine... Read More →
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →
AM

A.R. Miller

Author, Writer
A.R. Miller’s contemporary fantasy series, Fey Creations, has been compared to potato chips. ‘Absolutely no nutritional value, but fun to read and highly addictive.’ A great complement considering potato chips are in the top five of her favorite foods and she strives to do nothing... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

3:00pm CDT

Body Painting
Feedback Survey
Art doesn't just happen on canvas, paper and computer screens. Come watch artist create beautiful, temporary works of art on the human body.
Moderator
JG

John Garner

Artist, Karaoke Show
John has been drawing and painting science fiction, space, and fantasy art allhis life. John discovered his first Science Fiction Convention in 1984. Sincethen, he has won numerous awards and has been published in books andmagazines including TSR’s Dungeon Adventures Magazine, Starslayer... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
DG

Saturday October 17, 2015 3:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Art

3:00pm CDT

Costume Central/Masquerade practice
Feedback Survey
We would like to invite everyone to join the Annual Masquerade. Stop by Costume Central to create your own costume on the fly or put the finishing touches on your own costume before the Masquerade. This will be an opportunity for you to show off your costume and share it with others. No performances are required during the Masquerade. The Masquerade will officially begin at 5:00 PM.
Moderator
MC

Michelle Clark

Masquerade
LS

Lynda Sherman

Costume Central

Saturday October 17, 2015 3:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Exhibit C Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Fandom

4:00pm CDT

What's your Origin Story
Feedback Survey
Bruce Wayne was fueled by the death of his parents. Peter Parker by the death of his uncle. Everyone has an origin story and our panelists want to share theirs with you. Find out what inspired our guests to jump head first into the world of science fiction, fantasy and horror.
Moderator
avatar for Shannon Ryan

Shannon Ryan

Author, (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
Shannon lives in Marion, Iowa. He writes weird, funny stories in the urban fantasygenre. He currently has three novels out: Minion of Evil about satanictelemarketers, and Fangs for Nothing which follows a loser vampire “living” in hisparents’ basement. His latest book Panic... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Dennis W. Green

Dennis W. Green

Author
Best known in Iowa for his long career as a radio personality, Dennis’s on-air adventures were covered by newspapers from Anchorage to Los Angeles, and he has received awards from Billboard Magazine, JazzWeek, and many community organizations.His first novel, "Traveler," a sci-fi... Read More →
avatar for Lettie Prell

Lettie Prell

writer
Lettie Prell is a science fiction writer whose work has appeared on Tor.com, and in Clarkesworld, Analog, and Apex Magazine. Her stories have been reprinted in a number of anthologies, including The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2018, and The Year's Best Science Fiction... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Prineas

Sarah Prineas

Author
Sarah is the author of the award winning middle-grade fantasy Magic Thief series, which has been published in 19 languages around the world. In addition to being a 2009 E. B. White Read-Aloud honor book and an NCTE notable book, The Magic Thief  is on sixteen state reading lists... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Discussion, Reading Group

4:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Jed Quinn
Feedback Survey
Join Jed Quinn as he reads from his most recent novel, Orchard, followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

4:00pm CDT

Guests of Honor Interview
Feedback Survey
An ICON Tradition hosted by our toastmaster, Jim C. Hines. Join Jim as he sits down with our Guests of Honor and interviews them about their careers and "deepest, darkest secrets."
Moderator
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
SC

Sarah Clemens

Artist, Guest of Honor
Sarah’s early love of science fiction and fantasy art came even before she could read, from looking at the covers of science fiction magazines. She has been attending science fiction conventions since the late seventies. The artwork she most enjoys creating are those connected with... Read More →
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Author
David Gerrold has been sitting alone in a room and talking to himself for more than fifty years. If he hears anything good, he types it up. When he has enough words, he sends it to an editor. Occasionally some editor somewhere is so desperate for something to publish, he sends David... Read More →
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →
KM

Kalli McCandless

Artist, Cosplay Fan Guest of Honor
Kalli McCandless - Artist/Cosplay Fan/Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer …. has always loved anything and everything creative. At the age of 3 she started drawing and painting, and that carried out throughout the years. In middle school Kalli tried out for modeling for a... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

4:00pm CDT

Animals as plot devices
Feedback Survey
Superman has Kypto. Harry Potter has Hedwig. The Doctor has K-9. Animals play a large role in our personal lives and in the lives of the fictional characters. This panel will take a look at the role of animals as plot devices and how they can serve or destroy a plot.
Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Aaron Bunce

Aaron Bunce

Owner, Autumn Arch Publishing
Small, independent publishing. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Thrillers, and Mystery novels.
avatar for Rachel Eliason

Rachel Eliason

Author
Rachel is a transgender woman and writer living in the Midwest. She writescontemporary YA stories under her given name and fantasy/science fictionunder the name R. J. Eliason. Her contemporary YA novels published as RachelEliason include: Run, Clarissa, Run; The Case of Nikki Pagan... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

4:00pm CDT

Development of a Faith System Within Science Fiction & Fantasy
Feedback Survey
Creating a culture outside of the known world often times requires the development of a faith system. How does one develop a faith system using known and unknown elements? How does that faith system become real? Can it go too far?
Moderator
avatar for D. Moonfire

D. Moonfire

D. Moonfire is the remarkable intersection of a computer nerd and a scientist.He inherited a desire for learning, endless curiosity, and a talent for being apolymath from both of his parents. Instead of focusing on a single genre, hewrites stories and novels in many different settings... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →
MZ

Mickey Zucker Reichert

Author, Writer's Workshop
Mickey is a pediatrician and author whose claims to fame include being theproduct of two rocket scientists and having performed brain surgery, whilebeing neither a rocket scientist nor a brain surgeon.Mickey's novels include the I, Robot trilogy (To Protect, To Obey, To Preserve)authorized... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

5:00pm CDT

eBook Cover designs
Feedback Survey
With the increase of self-publishing and the "ease" of getting your masterwork out in the public marketplace, there are some basic guidelines for creating an eye-catching eBook cover. Learn about the pitfalls of eBook cover design and learn more about this emerging art form.
Moderator
avatar for Adam J. Whitlatch

Adam J. Whitlatch

Author, KHP Publishers, Inc.
Adam J. Whitlatch is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and aspiringmusician. A fantasy enthusiast from a young age, his interest in science fictionwas first sparked at the age of ten when his father played the infamous 1938 OrsonWelles War of the Worlds radio broadcast... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
JG

John Garner

Artist, Karaoke Show
John has been drawing and painting science fiction, space, and fantasy art allhis life. John discovered his first Science Fiction Convention in 1984. Sincethen, he has won numerous awards and has been published in books andmagazines including TSR’s Dungeon Adventures Magazine, Starslayer... Read More →
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 5:00pm - 5:50pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Cross-Media, Art

5:00pm CDT

The Philosophy of Trek
Feedback Survey
What is Gene Roddenberry's vision of the future and how has it been presented in Trek episodes, movies and literature? In what ways may Roddenberry's Trek reflect and rebut the philosophy of Ayn Rand? Panelists will briefly present on a topic and submit them for audience discussion.
Moderator
avatar for Matt McKeever

Matt McKeever

Attorney - Shareholder, Copple Rockey McKeevery & Schlecht, PC, LLO
Matt is an attorney and shareholder with Copple, Rockey, McKeever & Schlecht, PC, LLO, with offices in Omaha and Norfolk, NE. He is in his 20th year of practicing law and looking forward to the Sci-Fi Economics panel at ICON 41. He obtained his B.A. in Economics and History from... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Author
David Gerrold has been sitting alone in a room and talking to himself for more than fifty years. If he hears anything good, he types it up. When he has enough words, he sends it to an editor. Occasionally some editor somewhere is so desperate for something to publish, he sends David... Read More →
avatar for Denny Lynch

Denny Lynch

Concom, Publicity, Hotel Liaison, Kirkwood Community College

Saturday October 17, 2015 5:00pm - 5:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Genre-Bending

5:00pm CDT

What Makes a Good Book Significant Other?
Feedback Survey
Team Peeta or Team Gale? Team Jacob or Team Edward? Does your heart belong to Jamie Fraser or Claire Beauchamp? Come join this discussion about what draws us to particular characters and causes us to obsess about them.
Moderator
avatar for Terri M. LeBlanc

Terri M. LeBlanc

Guest Liaison, Second Run Reviews, ICON 40 Staff Member
By day, Terri M. LeBlanc is a project manager and software specialist. By night, she’s a reading wizard. Residing in eastern Iowa, in her spare time, she spends time with Jezebel, takes pictures and watches movies with her equally nerdy husband and adorable cats. As a member of... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
TS

T.J. Silver

Author
T.J. is a young, eclectic writer who pens unique and fascinating works. From horror, to fantasy, to fiction built around real mysteries, the tales are tall and incredulous. Silver's first novel, Thunderstorm and the Elementals, provides sheer heart racing entertainment for young fans... Read More →
TT

Tara Tolly

Author
Tara lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with her husband and four children (two humans and two canines) and where she spends her days shaping the minds of impressionable fourth graders; She spends her nights and summers shaping the lives of her make-believe characters. Tara loves to escape... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 5:00pm - 5:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Reading Group, Discussion

5:00pm CDT

Writing the opposite sex in fiction
Feedback Survey
A panel discussion about the difficulties and successes of writing opposite sex characters in science fiction and fantasy literature.
Moderator
avatar for Dennis W. Green

Dennis W. Green

Author
Best known in Iowa for his long career as a radio personality, Dennis’s on-air adventures were covered by newspapers from Anchorage to Los Angeles, and he has received awards from Billboard Magazine, JazzWeek, and many community organizations.His first novel, "Traveler," a sci-fi... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Aaron Bunce

Aaron Bunce

Owner, Autumn Arch Publishing
Small, independent publishing. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Thrillers, and Mystery novels.
TJ

Tamara Jones

Author
Jones started her academic career as a science geek, earned a degree in art, and, when she's not making quilts or herding cats, writes grisly thrillers. Her award winning Dubric Byerly Mystery series, “Ghosts in the Snow”, “Threads of Malice”, and “Valley of the Soul... Read More →
AM

A.R. Miller

Author, Writer
A.R. Miller’s contemporary fantasy series, Fey Creations, has been compared to potato chips. ‘Absolutely no nutritional value, but fun to read and highly addictive.’ A great complement considering potato chips are in the top five of her favorite foods and she strives to do nothing... Read More →
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 5:00pm - 5:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

5:00pm CDT

Masquerade
Feedback Survey
Come support ICON CosPlay attendees as they show off their amazing creations during the Annual Masquerade.
Moderator
MC

Michelle Clark

Masquerade

Saturday October 17, 2015 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Exhibit C Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Fandom

5:00pm CDT

Open Hands-on Fanzine Workshop
Feedback Survey
Come help keep up on all the typing for the ICON40 Fanzine!
Moderator
BS

Brian S. Anderson

Volunteer Coordinator

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Peter Balestrieri

Peter Balestrieri

Curator, Science Fiction and Popular Culture Collections, University of Iowa Special Collections
Please talk with me about: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, TV, Radio, Theatre Arts, Cinema, Fandom Studies, fanzines, fan art, fan fiction, cosplay, social media, ephemera, Romantic poetry and fiction, Frankenstein, digitization, de-acidification, and popular culture in general... Read More →
avatar for Rich Dana

Rich Dana

Benevolent Dictator, Obsolete Press
Rich– aka Ricardo Feral aka Ricardo Obsolete– is editor-in-chief and coffee boy at Obsolete Press. He, along with co-founder and graphic artist Blair Gauntt have published zines and books featuring work of writers and artists from around the globe. Rich is also a freelance technical... Read More →
avatar for Colleen Theisen

Colleen Theisen

Chief Curator, Syracuse University Special Collections Research Center
Educator working to inspire a love of books, libraries, history, and material culture in online spaces. YouTube.com/uispeccoll

Saturday October 17, 2015 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Room #314 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Cross-Media

6:00pm CDT

Your art questions answered.
Feedback Survey
Your chance to ask professional artists about mediums and materials, techniques, color use, lighting, marketing and business, reproductions, reference material, or any other art-related questions you may have.
Moderator
EM

Erin McKee

Artist
Erin is still as darn nice as ever and has been having tons of fun with her art,especially her newest astronomical pieces. Lately she has been doing theMinnesota Renaissance Festival and enjoyed yet another Winnipeg FolkFestival this past summer. Erin has also been getting more and... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
SC

Sarah Clemens

Artist, Guest of Honor
Sarah’s early love of science fiction and fantasy art came even before she could read, from looking at the covers of science fiction magazines. She has been attending science fiction conventions since the late seventies. The artwork she most enjoys creating are those connected with... Read More →
JG

John Garner

Artist, Karaoke Show
John has been drawing and painting science fiction, space, and fantasy art allhis life. John discovered his first Science Fiction Convention in 1984. Sincethen, he has won numerous awards and has been published in books andmagazines including TSR’s Dungeon Adventures Magazine, Starslayer... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 6:00pm - 6:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Art, Discussion

6:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Joe Haldeman
Feedback Survey
Join Joe Haldeman for a reading followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
avatar for Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman

writer, MIT
Joe Haldeman is an American science fiction author and combat veteran of Vietnam. He is best known for his 1974 novel The Forever War. That novel, and other of his works including, The Hemingway Hoax (1991) and Forever Peace (1997), have won major science fiction awards including... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 6:00pm - 6:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

6:00pm CDT

Because... Science!
Feedback Survey
Sometimes a Science Fiction tale extrapolates known science as the basis of its story. More often lately, it's a plot device in service of the story. In some cases, you could substitute Magic for Science and not change things much! Where does this work and where does it not work? Is the Science Fiction genre getting "dumbed down" or finding a new audience?
Moderator
avatar for Gregory Frost

Gregory Frost

Author
Author (Rhymer, Shadowbridge, Fitcher’s Brides, Tain) and many short stories as well. Taught the fiction workshop at Swarthmore College for 18 years, acted in a notorious “B” horror film, and served as the principal researcher for episodes of Science Frontiers.

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Dennis W. Green

Dennis W. Green

Author
Best known in Iowa for his long career as a radio personality, Dennis’s on-air adventures were covered by newspapers from Anchorage to Los Angeles, and he has received awards from Billboard Magazine, JazzWeek, and many community organizations.His first novel, "Traveler," a sci-fi... Read More →
BJ

Bill Johnson

Author
Bill is one of the five Founding Members of ICON and a member of the original SF writing class taught by Joe Haldeman. Bill attended the 1975 Clarion Writers workshop with Greg Frost and Larry Martin. Joe Haldeman taught at this same Clarion (with Gay helping to keep them all under... Read More →
avatar for Lettie Prell

Lettie Prell

writer
Lettie Prell is a science fiction writer whose work has appeared on Tor.com, and in Clarkesworld, Analog, and Apex Magazine. Her stories have been reprinted in a number of anthologies, including The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2018, and The Year's Best Science Fiction... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 6:00pm - 6:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Science & Technology, Fandom

6:00pm CDT

Charity & Art Auction
Feedback Survey
Support artists and our two Charities, Witty Kitties, Inc. and Waypoint of Cedar Rapids, by attending ICON'S Annual Charity and Art Auction. Art from the art show will be up for bid as well as generous donations made by ICON members and local businesses.
Moderator
avatar for Susan Leabhart

Susan Leabhart

ConCom, DAGOBAH
Suzan Leabhart is a Vintage Fhan from the Quad Cities and a former ICON FANGOH. She is the Empress of DAGOBAH, which is a silly way of saying she moderates the Davenport Area Gathering of Books and Humanoids book club. She's a member of the Brassgears Adventurers Society steampunk... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

7:00pm CDT

Fencing Demonstration by the Iowa City Fencing Group
Feedback Survey
Members of the Iowa City Fencing Group will review the basics of foil fencing through an active demonstration.
Moderator
TM

Tracie Michlin

Registration

Saturday October 17, 2015 7:00pm - 7:50pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Demonstration

7:00pm CDT

Is there such a thing as being 'well read' in this day?
Feedback Survey
With literally millions of books being written every year, can anyone realistic claim to be well read? What does it mean to be well read? Is it important?  On the same basic topic, are there classics that everyone should read/be familiar with? How important is that we have a shared culture of books? Or should we all just read according to personal preference?
Moderator
EA

Elizabeth Anne Hull

Editor
Blond and brainy, Elizabeth Anne Hull (known as Betty to most of her friends andcalled Betty Anne by her husband, Frederik Pohl), is Professor Emerita of WilliamRainey Harper Collegein Palatine, Illinois, where she taught English and sciencefiction for over 30 years, earning the school’s... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Rachel Eliason

Rachel Eliason

Author
Rachel is a transgender woman and writer living in the Midwest. She writescontemporary YA stories under her given name and fantasy/science fictionunder the name R. J. Eliason. Her contemporary YA novels published as RachelEliason include: Run, Clarissa, Run; The Case of Nikki Pagan... Read More →
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →
MZ

Mickey Zucker Reichert

Author, Writer's Workshop
Mickey is a pediatrician and author whose claims to fame include being theproduct of two rocket scientists and having performed brain surgery, whilebeing neither a rocket scientist nor a brain surgeon.Mickey's novels include the I, Robot trilogy (To Protect, To Obey, To Preserve)authorized... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 7:00pm - 7:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Reading Group, Discussion

7:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Sarah Prineas
Feedback Survey
Join Sarah Prineas for a reading followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
avatar for Sarah Prineas

Sarah Prineas

Author
Sarah is the author of the award winning middle-grade fantasy Magic Thief series, which has been published in 19 languages around the world. In addition to being a 2009 E. B. White Read-Aloud honor book and an NCTE notable book, The Magic Thief  is on sixteen state reading lists... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 7:00pm - 7:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

7:00pm CDT

Rebuilding the Destroyed World
Feedback Survey
The world is in ashes…whatever the reason—aliens, nuclear annihilation, world-wide calamities, zombies, plague, giant radioactive mutant bed-bugs, etc.—the world as we know it has been destroyed. It is up to you to rebuild it. Where do you start?
Moderator
TJ

Tamara Jones

Author
Jones started her academic career as a science geek, earned a degree in art, and, when she's not making quilts or herding cats, writes grisly thrillers. Her award winning Dubric Byerly Mystery series, “Ghosts in the Snow”, “Threads of Malice”, and “Valley of the Soul... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Aaron Bunce

Aaron Bunce

Owner, Autumn Arch Publishing
Small, independent publishing. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Thrillers, and Mystery novels.
avatar for Rich Dana

Rich Dana

Benevolent Dictator, Obsolete Press
Rich– aka Ricardo Feral aka Ricardo Obsolete– is editor-in-chief and coffee boy at Obsolete Press. He, along with co-founder and graphic artist Blair Gauntt have published zines and books featuring work of writers and artists from around the globe. Rich is also a freelance technical... Read More →
AK

Anna Kathryn Davis

Author
Anna Kathryn Davis is a Young Adult Fiction author from Birmingham, Alabamacurrently attending the University of Alabama where she majors in English. Shesigned her first novel, The Gifted, during her senior year of high school and itreleased in April of 2013. Geek Exchange Magazine... Read More →
avatar for Michael Koogler

Michael Koogler

Author
Michael Koogler was born in Dayton, Ohio and resides today in Iowa with hiswife and children. His first full-length novel, Hade’s Gambit, was co-written withfellow authors Jed Quinn and Jaren Riley and debuted in 2012. It has beenrecently re-released as two books entitled Kingmaker... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 7:00pm - 7:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

7:00pm CDT

Karaoke
Feedback Survey
Show off your singing skills at the annual ICON Karaoke Party sponsored by John Garner.
Moderator
JG

John Garner

Artist, Karaoke Show
John has been drawing and painting science fiction, space, and fantasy art allhis life. John discovered his first Science Fiction Convention in 1984. Sincethen, he has won numerous awards and has been published in books andmagazines including TSR’s Dungeon Adventures Magazine, Starslayer... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 7:00pm - Sunday October 18, 2015 2:00am CDT
Room #503 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Music, Activity

8:00pm CDT

Dance Class
Feedback Survey
Join Bethany and April in learning some dance moves - waltz and contra are on your dance card!
Moderator
BB

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
AC

Saturday October 17, 2015 8:00pm - 8:50pm CDT
Exhibit C Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Music

8:00pm CDT

Meet Sarah Clemens
Feedback Survey
Come meet Sarah Clemens and see a slide show of her work!
Moderator
SC

Sarah Clemens

Artist, Guest of Honor
Sarah’s early love of science fiction and fantasy art came even before she could read, from looking at the covers of science fiction magazines. She has been attending science fiction conventions since the late seventies. The artwork she most enjoys creating are those connected with... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 8:00pm - 8:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Art, Discussion

8:00pm CDT

Can I use that?
Feedback Survey
Learn how to go about finding and using images for your website, blog, or book cover.
Moderator
avatar for Terri M. LeBlanc

Terri M. LeBlanc

Guest Liaison, Second Run Reviews, ICON 40 Staff Member
By day, Terri M. LeBlanc is a project manager and software specialist. By night, she’s a reading wizard. Residing in eastern Iowa, in her spare time, she spends time with Jezebel, takes pictures and watches movies with her equally nerdy husband and adorable cats. As a member of... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Rachel Eliason

Rachel Eliason

Author
Rachel is a transgender woman and writer living in the Midwest. She writescontemporary YA stories under her given name and fantasy/science fictionunder the name R. J. Eliason. Her contemporary YA novels published as RachelEliason include: Run, Clarissa, Run; The Case of Nikki Pagan... Read More →
avatar for Michael Koogler

Michael Koogler

Author
Michael Koogler was born in Dayton, Ohio and resides today in Iowa with hiswife and children. His first full-length novel, Hade’s Gambit, was co-written withfellow authors Jed Quinn and Jaren Riley and debuted in 2012. It has beenrecently re-released as two books entitled Kingmaker... Read More →
AM

A.R. Miller

Author, Writer
A.R. Miller’s contemporary fantasy series, Fey Creations, has been compared to potato chips. ‘Absolutely no nutritional value, but fun to read and highly addictive.’ A great complement considering potato chips are in the top five of her favorite foods and she strives to do nothing... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 8:00pm - 8:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Discussion, Art

8:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Gregory Frost
Feedback Survey
Join Gregory Frost for a reading followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
avatar for Gregory Frost

Gregory Frost

Author
Author (Rhymer, Shadowbridge, Fitcher’s Brides, Tain) and many short stories as well. Taught the fiction workshop at Swarthmore College for 18 years, acted in a notorious “B” horror film, and served as the principal researcher for episodes of Science Frontiers.

Saturday October 17, 2015 8:00pm - 8:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

8:00pm CDT

Getting over Writer's block
Feedback Survey
Everybody's been there...the blank page of death. The empty brain. The canvas that is glaringly white. What are the triggers of, tips to avoid, and ways to get out of artist’s block.
Moderator
JK

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Patty Templeton - she, her

Patty Templeton - she, her

Audiovisual Archivist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Patty Templeton is a Certified Archivist with a MSLIS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was a 2020 Library of Congress Junior Fellow. She is excited by all things audiovisual and metadata management.
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →
MZ

Mickey Zucker Reichert

Author, Writer's Workshop
Mickey is a pediatrician and author whose claims to fame include being theproduct of two rocket scientists and having performed brain surgery, whilebeing neither a rocket scientist nor a brain surgeon.Mickey's novels include the I, Robot trilogy (To Protect, To Obey, To Preserve)authorized... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 8:00pm - 8:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

8:00pm CDT

Paradise ICON Rapid-Fire Readings
Feedback Survey
Paradise ICON participants take turns reading from the stories they have workshopped over the last two day.
Moderator
avatar for Catherine Schaff-Stump

Catherine Schaff-Stump

Author, Paradise ICON, Kirkwood Community College
Catherine Schaff-Stump writes books for adults and children. Her short fiction has appeared in The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk, Spirit's Tincture, various publications from Paper Golem Press and on Drabblecast. She is the author of the Klaereon Scroll series. Catherine is a graduate... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 8:00pm - 9:50pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings, Writers Group

8:00pm CDT

Mature Themed Gaming
Feedback Survey
During this block, games that may contain intense violence, sexual content and/or strong language may be checked out from the Mindbridge Gaming Library with a legal picture ID and played in Room 314. Games must be returned to the Mindbridge Library by 1 AM.
Saturday October 17, 2015 8:00pm - Sunday October 18, 2015 1:00am CDT
Room #314 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Gaming

9:00pm CDT

Marvel versus DC
Feedback Survey
Discussion on difference between modern movies, comics and TV shows of the Marvel and DC Universes.
Moderator
RM

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
AC
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 9:00pm - 9:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Cross-Media, Fan Chat

9:00pm CDT

No, it's MY story!
Feedback Survey
Star Wars - Is it the "The Fall and Rise of the Jedi?" How about "The Tragedy of Annekin Skywalker?" Or maybe even "The plucky little R2 unit who saved the Galaxy?" We'll examine some of our favorite tales with the idea of analyzing whether or not the protagonist is the person (or robot) we've always thought it was.
Moderator
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Dennis W. Green

Dennis W. Green

Author
Best known in Iowa for his long career as a radio personality, Dennis’s on-air adventures were covered by newspapers from Anchorage to Los Angeles, and he has received awards from Billboard Magazine, JazzWeek, and many community organizations.His first novel, "Traveler," a sci-fi... Read More →
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 9:00pm - 9:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Genre-Bending

9:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Aaron Bunce
Feedback Survey
Join Aaron Bunce for a reading followed by a question/answer session…will it be a reading from Before the Crow? You'll have to attend to find out!
Moderator
avatar for Aaron Bunce

Aaron Bunce

Owner, Autumn Arch Publishing
Small, independent publishing. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Thrillers, and Mystery novels.

Saturday October 17, 2015 9:00pm - 9:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

9:00pm CDT

From Beyond: Tales from Poe and Lovecraft
Feedback Survey
A story-telling performance of tales derived from Poe and Lovecraft short stories such as: The Cask of Amontillado (Poe), The Telltale Heart (Poe), The Terrible Old Man (Lovecraft), The Picture in the House (Lovecraft), and From Beyond (Lovecraft). Each story lasts ten to fifteen minutes.
Moderator
SM

Saturday October 17, 2015 9:00pm - 9:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Storytime, Activity

9:00pm CDT

The Ghost Outside of Us
Feedback Survey
Author and Entertainer, Matthew Lovecraft, presents - THE GHOST OUTSIDE OF US - a panel exploring Psychic and Paranormal phenomenon. There will be a demonstration of the methods that mediums use to display psychic abilities and contact the Dearly Departed.
Moderator
ML

Saturday October 17, 2015 9:00pm - 10:50pm CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity

9:00pm CDT

Dance your socks off!
Feedback Survey
Join your fellow Con-goers and show off your dance moves! Will start with waltz and contra music and move on from there depending on demand.
Moderator
BB

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
AC

Saturday October 17, 2015 9:00pm - 11:30pm CDT
Exhibit C Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Music

10:00pm CDT

Cosplay Accessories
Feedback Survey
How to style and color wigs, make accessories, etc for your Coplay outfit.
Moderator
LS

Lynda Sherman

Costume Central

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
KM
KM

Kalli McCandless

Artist, Cosplay Fan Guest of Honor
Kalli McCandless - Artist/Cosplay Fan/Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer …. has always loved anything and everything creative. At the age of 3 she started drawing and painting, and that carried out throughout the years. In middle school Kalli tried out for modeling for a... Read More →
avatar for Jessica Whitlatch

Jessica Whitlatch

Art Show, Keokuk Veterinary Hospital (Tri State Veterinary Service)
I'm tall, brown hair, athletic. and in Tang Soo Do so I can kick your butt.I have 3 sons, been married since 2004, have a farm in the middle of nowhere Iowa, and work full time at 2 Veterinary hospitals. I have around 10-15 barn cats, 1 dog, 2 birds, 3 house cats and a few fancy mice... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00pm - 10:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Art, Fandom

10:00pm CDT

Back to the Future…Time Travel
Feedback Survey
Is time travel as simple as "seeing" another time stream? Or do you have to be going 88 MPH to jump to another era? Join this panel to learn more about the science of time travel, parallel time streams and more.
Moderator
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
TA
avatar for Dennis W. Green

Dennis W. Green

Author
Best known in Iowa for his long career as a radio personality, Dennis’s on-air adventures were covered by newspapers from Anchorage to Los Angeles, and he has received awards from Billboard Magazine, JazzWeek, and many community organizations.His first novel, "Traveler," a sci-fi... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00pm - 10:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Science & Technology, Fandom

10:00pm CDT

Round Robin: An On-the-Spot Storytelling Adventure
Feedback Survey
Watch creative minds at work as Gay Haldeman leads several of our authors through a storytelling adventure that they make up on the spot. Raucous laughter, salicious plot twists and lots of embarrassing smiles will abound during this late night 18+ ICON tradition.
Moderator
GH

Gay Haldeman

Founding Member of ICON
Gay Haldeman has a Master's degree in Spanish Literature from the University of Maryland and another in Linguistics, from the University of Iowa. She has just retired from teaching in the Writing Center at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) after thirty years, specializing... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Aaron Bunce

Aaron Bunce

Owner, Autumn Arch Publishing
Small, independent publishing. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Thrillers, and Mystery novels.
AK

Anna Kathryn Davis

Author
Anna Kathryn Davis is a Young Adult Fiction author from Birmingham, Alabamacurrently attending the University of Alabama where she majors in English. Shesigned her first novel, The Gifted, during her senior year of high school and itreleased in April of 2013. Geek Exchange Magazine... Read More →
avatar for Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman

writer, MIT
Joe Haldeman is an American science fiction author and combat veteran of Vietnam. He is best known for his 1974 novel The Forever War. That novel, and other of his works including, The Hemingway Hoax (1991) and Forever Peace (1997), have won major science fiction awards including... Read More →
avatar for Patty Templeton - she, her

Patty Templeton - she, her

Audiovisual Archivist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Patty Templeton is a Certified Archivist with a MSLIS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was a 2020 Library of Congress Junior Fellow. She is excited by all things audiovisual and metadata management.
BJ

Bill Johnson

Author
Bill is one of the five Founding Members of ICON and a member of the original SF writing class taught by Joe Haldeman. Bill attended the 1975 Clarion Writers workshop with Greg Frost and Larry Martin. Joe Haldeman taught at this same Clarion (with Gay helping to keep them all under... Read More →
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00pm - 10:50pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Storytime, Activity

10:00pm CDT

Zombies!!
Feedback Survey
Zombies have made their mark in mainstream media with the premiere of The Walking Dead and its spinoff The Fear of the Walking Dead. Come explore all things zombie with the author of the Deadland Saga, Rachel Aukes.
Moderator
avatar for Michael Koogler

Michael Koogler

Author
Michael Koogler was born in Dayton, Ohio and resides today in Iowa with hiswife and children. His first full-length novel, Hade’s Gambit, was co-written withfellow authors Jed Quinn and Jaren Riley and debuted in 2012. It has beenrecently re-released as two books entitled Kingmaker... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2015 10:00pm - 10:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

11:00pm CDT

British Invasion
Feedback Survey
Sherlock, Orphan Black, Doctor Who, Downton Abbey, Red Dwarf...the U.S. is importing and indulging in British television to the extreme. Come join fellow Anglophiles and discuss this other "British Invasion" that doesn't necessarily involve 4 dudes singing Rock-n-Roll.
Moderator
avatar for Terri M. LeBlanc

Terri M. LeBlanc

Guest Liaison, Second Run Reviews, ICON 40 Staff Member
By day, Terri M. LeBlanc is a project manager and software specialist. By night, she’s a reading wizard. Residing in eastern Iowa, in her spare time, she spends time with Jezebel, takes pictures and watches movies with her equally nerdy husband and adorable cats. As a member of... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
BA

Bill Albert

Author
Bill was born and raised in Amana where he works in a factory and spends a great deal of time thinking about being someplace else. He has self-published a time travel novel, Time Web Tremors, and several short stories available on Kindle. Also available are The Secrets of Starpoint... Read More →
HP

Saturday October 17, 2015 11:00pm - 11:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Fandom, Fan Chat

11:00pm CDT

Steampunk in mainstream society
Feedback Survey
As a subgenre of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Steampunk has become ingrained within both fandoms and is making inroads into everyday life. Come join this discussion about how this journey got started and where it is headed.
Moderator
avatar for Susan Leabhart

Susan Leabhart

ConCom, DAGOBAH
Suzan Leabhart is a Vintage Fhan from the Quad Cities and a former ICON FANGOH. She is the Empress of DAGOBAH, which is a silly way of saying she moderates the Davenport Area Gathering of Books and Humanoids book club. She's a member of the Brassgears Adventurers Society steampunk... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
ED

Saturday October 17, 2015 11:00pm - 11:50pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Genre-Bending

11:00pm CDT

The Mile-long Bookshelf
Feedback Survey
Join the DAGOBAH readers group as we poll the audience to create a list of favorite Golden Age Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror authors so that we can recommend them to new readers. Audience participation is not just welcome it’s required!!
Moderator
JH

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
D

Saturday October 17, 2015 11:00pm - 11:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Reading Group, Discussion

11:00pm CDT

Humor behind the scenes
Feedback Survey
Come join our panelists as they discuss humorous and tragic tales that occur on and behind the scenes of live theater. If you have stories of your own, come and share them as well.
Moderator
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
JM

Saturday October 17, 2015 11:00pm - 11:50pm CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

11:00pm CDT

Open Filking
Feedback Survey
Filking and Filk music is unique to science fiction and fantasy community. Usually is a fan-based music, but can morph into many things! Join Open Filking as a participant by bringing your favorite instrument or join in using your voice. You do not have to be a skilled musician to join; just the ability have fun. Come sing. Come play. Come listen. All are welcome at Open Filking!
Saturday October 17, 2015 11:00pm - Sunday October 18, 2015 1:00am CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Music
 
Sunday, October 18
 

12:00am CDT

Chocolate Ceremony
Feedback Survey
Chocolate: Revered by the Mayans, Adored by Con Goers. Join us for the "ancient" traditional ICON Chocolate Ceremony. Pay homage to chocolate in many of its decadent forms. Yum-yum!
Moderator
MC

Michelle Clark

Masquerade

Sunday October 18, 2015 12:00am - 1:00am CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity

12:00am CDT

Chocolate Ceremony
Feedback Survey
Chocolate: Revered by the Mayans, Adored by Con Goers. Join us for the "ancient" traditional ICON Chocolate Ceremony. Pay homage to chocolate in many of its decadent forms. Yum-yum!
Moderator
MC

Michelle Clark

Masquerade

Sunday October 18, 2015 12:00am - 1:00am CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity

8:00am CDT

ConSuite
Feedback Survey
The ConSuite, found on the 5th floor of the DoubleTree, is a place you can hang out between panels. We provide a variety of snacks, drinks and seating. Everything you need when you need a break from the hectic ICON schedule. Stop by often. There's always something new happening in the ConSuite.
Sunday October 18, 2015 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room #519 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  ConSuite

8:00am CDT

ConSuite
The ConSuite, found on the 5th floor of the DoubleTree, is a place you can hang out between panels. We provide a variety of snacks, drinks and seating. Everything you need when you need a break from the hectic ICON schedule. Stop by often. There's always something new happening in the ConSuite.
Sunday October 18, 2015 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Room #517 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  ConSuite

8:00am CDT

Teen Lounge
Feedback Survey
Join your friends, and make new ones, in a space for Teens to chat about whatever topics come to mind.
Sunday October 18, 2015 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Exhibit C Lounge Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

8:45am CDT

Benefactor Brunch with Guests of Honor
Feedback Survey
Brunch for the Guests of Honor and ICON 40 Benefactors.
Moderator
B

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
SC

Sarah Clemens

Artist, Guest of Honor
Sarah’s early love of science fiction and fantasy art came even before she could read, from looking at the covers of science fiction magazines. She has been attending science fiction conventions since the late seventies. The artwork she most enjoys creating are those connected with... Read More →
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Author
David Gerrold has been sitting alone in a room and talking to himself for more than fifty years. If he hears anything good, he types it up. When he has enough words, he sends it to an editor. Occasionally some editor somewhere is so desperate for something to publish, he sends David... Read More →
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →
KM

Kalli McCandless

Artist, Cosplay Fan Guest of Honor
Kalli McCandless - Artist/Cosplay Fan/Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer …. has always loved anything and everything creative. At the age of 3 she started drawing and painting, and that carried out throughout the years. In middle school Kalli tried out for modeling for a... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 8:45am - 9:50am CDT
Parlor Room, 16th Floor Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special, Pre-reg required

9:00am CDT

Registration
Feedback Survey
Registration is located in the area just in front of Taft Room A-B. Everyone attending ICON 40 must register and must wear a badge for admission to all ICON-sponsored events.
Sunday October 18, 2015 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Taft A/B Lobby Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Registration

9:00am CDT

Writer's Workshop
Feedback Survey
An in-depth writing workshop lead by author Mickey Zucker Reichert. Pre-registration is required.
Moderator
MZ

Mickey Zucker Reichert

Author, Writer's Workshop
Mickey is a pediatrician and author whose claims to fame include being theproduct of two rocket scientists and having performed brain surgery, whilebeing neither a rocket scientist nor a brain surgeon.Mickey's novels include the I, Robot trilogy (To Protect, To Obey, To Preserve)authorized... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 9:00am - 2:00pm CDT
Room #314 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writers Group, Pre-reg required

10:00am CDT

Want to Play a Theremin?
Feedback Survey
Used in the movie The Day the Earth Stood Still and featured in an episode of The Big Bang Theory, the Theremin is a unique instrument. Artist Guest of Honor Sarah Clemens will share the history of the Theremin via video clips and show how one is played.
Moderator
SC

Sarah Clemens

Artist, Guest of Honor
Sarah’s early love of science fiction and fantasy art came even before she could read, from looking at the covers of science fiction magazines. She has been attending science fiction conventions since the late seventies. The artwork she most enjoys creating are those connected with... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Music

10:00am CDT

Fantasy Makeup
Feedback Survey
Come and talk with those who specialize in fantasy makeup and see how easily it can be done.
Moderator
avatar for Jessica Whitlatch

Jessica Whitlatch

Art Show, Keokuk Veterinary Hospital (Tri State Veterinary Service)
I'm tall, brown hair, athletic. and in Tang Soo Do so I can kick your butt.I have 3 sons, been married since 2004, have a farm in the middle of nowhere Iowa, and work full time at 2 Veterinary hospitals. I have around 10-15 barn cats, 1 dog, 2 birds, 3 house cats and a few fancy mice... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
KM

Kalli McCandless

Artist, Cosplay Fan Guest of Honor
Kalli McCandless - Artist/Cosplay Fan/Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer …. has always loved anything and everything creative. At the age of 3 she started drawing and painting, and that carried out throughout the years. In middle school Kalli tried out for modeling for a... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Art, Fandom

10:00am CDT

Media Tie-In Writing
Feedback Survey
What are joys and perils of working within an already created world? How do media-tie ins work? Authors Adam J. Whitlatch and David Gerrold share the ins and outs of this increasingly popular way to capture new audiences through other media.
Moderator
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Author
David Gerrold has been sitting alone in a room and talking to himself for more than fifty years. If he hears anything good, he types it up. When he has enough words, he sends it to an editor. Occasionally some editor somewhere is so desperate for something to publish, he sends David... Read More →
avatar for Adam J. Whitlatch

Adam J. Whitlatch

Author, KHP Publishers, Inc.
Adam J. Whitlatch is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and aspiringmusician. A fantasy enthusiast from a young age, his interest in science fictionwas first sparked at the age of ten when his father played the infamous 1938 OrsonWelles War of the Worlds radio broadcast... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Cross-Media, Writing

10:00am CDT

All Things Supernatural
Feedback Survey
Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus spiritus... Supernatural has exceeded critics expectations and become a cult hit with a large fan following. Are you one of the faithful hunters that would follow Sam and Dean to the depths of Hell and back? Come join other "wayward" fans in a spirited discussion about Supernatural.
Moderator
avatar for Erin K. Channell

Erin K. Channell

Guest Liaison (ICOM 39/40/41), Sched.org (ICON 40/41), Programming (ICON 40)
I love to read and travel - and traveling (preferred locations involve water-cruising, beaches, lakes, etc) definitely allows me to indulge in my reading habits, while my kindle has allowed me to both increase and decrease the number of books I try and pack :)  I am generally drawn... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Terri M. LeBlanc

Terri M. LeBlanc

Guest Liaison, Second Run Reviews, ICON 40 Staff Member
By day, Terri M. LeBlanc is a project manager and software specialist. By night, she’s a reading wizard. Residing in eastern Iowa, in her spare time, she spends time with Jezebel, takes pictures and watches movies with her equally nerdy husband and adorable cats. As a member of... Read More →
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Fan Chat

10:00am CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Ann Leckie
Feedback Survey
Join Ann Leckie for a reading followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

10:00am CDT

MidAmerican 2016 Kansas City, What's the Scoop?
Feedback Survey
The 74th World Science Fiction Convention is being held just a mere 5 hours from Cedar Rapids/Iowa City in Kansas City on August 17 through 21, 2016. This session will give you the ins and outs of attending a WorldCon.
Moderator
GH

Gay Haldeman

Founding Member of ICON
Gay Haldeman has a Master's degree in Spanish Literature from the University of Maryland and another in Linguistics, from the University of Iowa. She has just retired from teaching in the Writing Center at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) after thirty years, specializing... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Sheril Harper

Sheril Harper

Hotel liaison, Con Medic
Sheril is active in the Des Moines Science Fiction Society, Trans Iowa Canal Company (West), International Costumers Guild, Saint Louis Costumers Guild. She is part of the committee for MidAmeriCon 2- the 74th World Science Fiction Convention to be held in Kansas City, Mo. August... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

10:00am CDT

Tales from the Gazebo
Feedback Survey
We've all got stories about our gaming adventures. You know like that time when your vast knowledge of calculus saved your entire party from getting eaten by a dragon? Come bond with other gamers and share your adventure!
Moderator
BS

Brian S. Anderson

Volunteer Coordinator

Sunday October 18, 2015 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Exhibit C Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Storytime, Activity

10:00am CDT

Art Show
Feedback Survey
It's time for the Art Show to come to an end. Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to the Student Art Show winners. We look forward to featuring everyones' work again during ICON 41. Keep an eye on iowa-icon.com for ICON 40 submission details.
Sunday October 18, 2015 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Exhibit B-Art Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Artists

10:00am CDT

Art Show: artwork pick-up
Feedback Survey
Participants in the Art Show are asked to stop by Exhibit Hall A and pick up their works of art between 10 AM and Noon on Sunday unless other arrangements are made with the Art Show staff.
Sunday October 18, 2015 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Exhibit B-Art Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Artists

10:00am CDT

Dealer's Hall
Feedback Survey
Dealers are located in Exhibit Hall A along with the Art Show. You will find a variety of wares for sale from books to collectibles, jewelry and more.
Sunday October 18, 2015 10:00am - 2:00pm CDT
Exhibit B-Dealers Hall Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Dealers

10:00am CDT

Mindbridge Game Library and Video Gaming
Feedback Survey
The Mindbridge Foundation maintains a large gaming library that you are welcome to enjoy during ICON 40. Stop by room 302 and check their collection of games. Learn more at mindbridge.org/projects/game-library/. Hours subject to change based on availability of volunteers, so sign up as a volunteer now!
Sunday October 18, 2015 10:00am - 2:00pm CDT
Room #302 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Gaming

11:00am CDT

Fold Scope
Feedback Survey
Origami + Science = Foldscope. This hands on workshop will allow the first 25 attendees to create their own Foldscope. The Foldscope, once completed, provides over 2,000X magnification and costs less than a dollar to construct. This is a wonderful panel for kids of all ages. Learn more at foldscope.com.
Moderator
BS

Brian S. Anderson

Volunteer Coordinator

Sunday October 18, 2015 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Kid approved

11:00am CDT

Whose CON is it anyway?
Feedback Survey
Fans of the show Whose Line Is It Any Way? will enjoy this science fiction and fantasy version of the show brought to life at ICON starring friends, family and total strangers improvising for everyone's enjoyment.
Moderator
BH

Beth Hudson

Author, Program Book
Beth is a fantasy writer who has published a number of short stories inanthologies and small press magazines, as well as an illustrated chapbook,Following Seas (originally released by Sam's Dot Publishing, and reprinted in2013 by Alban Lake Publishing's Outposts of the Beyond), and... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity

11:00am CDT

Comics 101
Feedback Survey
What's the difference between D.C. and Marvel? Who was part of the Justice League and the Avengers? What else is out there beyond mainstream comics? Come learn the basics about comics and what they are all about.
Moderator
RM

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
AC
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →
JW

Sunday October 18, 2015 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Genre-Bending

11:00am CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Rachel Eliason
Feedback Survey
Join Rachel Eliason as she reads from her novel, Bear Naked 3: The Hunted, followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
avatar for Rachel Eliason

Rachel Eliason

Author
Rachel is a transgender woman and writer living in the Midwest. She writescontemporary YA stories under her given name and fantasy/science fictionunder the name R. J. Eliason. Her contemporary YA novels published as RachelEliason include: Run, Clarissa, Run; The Case of Nikki Pagan... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

11:00am CDT

Self-publishing 101
Feedback Survey
You wrote A Thing. Now you want to publish The Thing. What are your options? What are your first steps? Learn the common missteps and tips about self-publishing Your Thing.
Moderator
avatar for Patty Templeton - she, her

Patty Templeton - she, her

Audiovisual Archivist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Patty Templeton is a Certified Archivist with a MSLIS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was a 2020 Library of Congress Junior Fellow. She is excited by all things audiovisual and metadata management.

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Cheryl Corbin

Cheryl Corbin

Author, LaBounty Family Chiropractic
Cheryl Corbin writes fantasy and science fiction adventures. She lives in Iowa and works with her writing partner, Yuki, a Bichon Frise, though Yuki spends more time sleeping than contributing to the story in progress. You can find Cheryl at www.cherylcorbin.com. www.goodreads.c... Read More →
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

11:00am CDT

Writing and Worldbuilding
Feedback Survey
Many of our favorite science fiction and fantasy stories exist in a world vastly different from our own. Learn how authors go about creating that world and how they maintain it over a series of stories.
Moderator
JK

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Author
David Gerrold has been sitting alone in a room and talking to himself for more than fifty years. If he hears anything good, he types it up. When he has enough words, he sends it to an editor. Occasionally some editor somewhere is so desperate for something to publish, he sends David... Read More →
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

11:00am CDT

Amtgard
Feedback Survey
Amtgard is a live-action fantasy role-playing game. The fighters from the Shire of Wyldewind Bridge (Iowa City, Iowa) will be on hand to demonstrate the different weapons used in Amtgard fighting. They will also lead attendees in practice battlegames. All ages are welcome, but kids 18 and under will need parent/guardian permission to participate.
Moderator
SM

Susanna Myers

Programming

Sunday October 18, 2015 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Exhibit C Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Demonstration, Activity

12:00pm CDT

Leatherworking 101, tools, materials, and techniques
Feedback Survey
Learn the basics of working with leather! This will be a discussion on the types of leather, how they are used, and the tools and techniques that turn them into clothing, costume pieces, or everyday accessories.
Moderator
JK

Sunday October 18, 2015 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Demonstration, Discussion

12:00pm CDT

All Things Middle-Earth: A Lord of the Rings Fan Chat
Feedback Survey
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them... From hobbit holes to the peak of Mordor, fans of The Lord of the Rings can unite here to discuss all matters concerning Middle Earth.
Moderator
LA

Sunday October 18, 2015 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Fan Chat

12:00pm CDT

How to 'Responsibly' Binge a Fandom
Feedback Survey
50 years of Doctor Who vs. 3 seasons of Sherlock vs. 13 Sookie Stackhouse novels. How does one responsibly consume ALL THE THINGS? Join author Jed Quinn and blogger Terri M. LeBlanc in a spirited discussion about the pros and cons of binge watching and reading.
Moderator
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Terri M. LeBlanc

Terri M. LeBlanc

Guest Liaison, Second Run Reviews, ICON 40 Staff Member
By day, Terri M. LeBlanc is a project manager and software specialist. By night, she’s a reading wizard. Residing in eastern Iowa, in her spare time, she spends time with Jezebel, takes pictures and watches movies with her equally nerdy husband and adorable cats. As a member of... Read More →
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Fandom

12:00pm CDT

From Fringe to Dominance: Science Fiction in Film, TV, Books, and Comics
Feedback Survey
Once relegated to the corner of lunchrooms, dark dank basements and long weekends in a hotel in October, the world of science fiction is experiencing a surge in mainstream culture. This panel will take a look at the last 40 years of science fiction in the media.
Moderator
avatar for Denny Lynch

Denny Lynch

Concom, Publicity, Hotel Liaison, Kirkwood Community College

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Peter Balestrieri

Peter Balestrieri

Curator, Science Fiction and Popular Culture Collections, University of Iowa Special Collections
Please talk with me about: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, TV, Radio, Theatre Arts, Cinema, Fandom Studies, fanzines, fan art, fan fiction, cosplay, social media, ephemera, Romantic poetry and fiction, Frankenstein, digitization, de-acidification, and popular culture in general... Read More →
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Author
David Gerrold has been sitting alone in a room and talking to himself for more than fifty years. If he hears anything good, he types it up. When he has enough words, he sends it to an editor. Occasionally some editor somewhere is so desperate for something to publish, he sends David... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Genre-Bending

12:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Patty Templeton
Feedback Survey
Ghosts! Freaks! Fools! Murder! Mediums! Mayhem! Join Patty Templeton as she reads from her debut novel, There Is No Lovely End, followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
avatar for Patty Templeton - she, her

Patty Templeton - she, her

Audiovisual Archivist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Patty Templeton is a Certified Archivist with a MSLIS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was a 2020 Library of Congress Junior Fellow. She is excited by all things audiovisual and metadata management.

Sunday October 18, 2015 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

12:00pm CDT

Writing Inspiration
Feedback Survey
Waiting for the bolt of inspiration to strike? Do you fear a blank screen or blank sheet of paper? Join this panel to learn more about finding and maintaining your writing inspiration.
Moderator
avatar for Adam J. Whitlatch

Adam J. Whitlatch

Author, KHP Publishers, Inc.
Adam J. Whitlatch is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and aspiringmusician. A fantasy enthusiast from a young age, his interest in science fictionwas first sparked at the age of ten when his father played the infamous 1938 OrsonWelles War of the Worlds radio broadcast... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
CF
BJ

Bill Johnson

Author
Bill is one of the five Founding Members of ICON and a member of the original SF writing class taught by Joe Haldeman. Bill attended the 1975 Clarion Writers workshop with Greg Frost and Larry Martin. Joe Haldeman taught at this same Clarion (with Gay helping to keep them all under... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

12:00pm CDT

ICON Artist Meet & Greet, 'Out of this World' Museum Exhibit, CRMA
Feedback Survey
ICON 40 is partnering with the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art for an Artist Meet & Greet. Join us at the CRMA to chat with some of our guest artists face-to-face and learn more about two special science fiction and fantasy exhibitions currently installed at the Museum. This session will take place at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art at 410 3rd Avenue SE just a few blocks from the DoubleTree. Please allow plenty of time to travel between venues. Bring your ICON 40 name badge and receive free admission!
Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
SC

Sarah Clemens

Artist, Guest of Honor
Sarah’s early love of science fiction and fantasy art came even before she could read, from looking at the covers of science fiction magazines. She has been attending science fiction conventions since the late seventies. The artwork she most enjoys creating are those connected with... Read More →
MC
JG

John Garner

Artist, Karaoke Show
John has been drawing and painting science fiction, space, and fantasy art allhis life. John discovered his first Science Fiction Convention in 1984. Sincethen, he has won numerous awards and has been published in books andmagazines including TSR’s Dungeon Adventures Magazine, Starslayer... Read More →
DG
avatar for Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman

writer, MIT
Joe Haldeman is an American science fiction author and combat veteran of Vietnam. He is best known for his 1974 novel The Forever War. That novel, and other of his works including, The Hemingway Hoax (1991) and Forever Peace (1997), have won major science fiction awards including... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art 410 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  CRMA, Art

12:00pm CDT

ICON41 Pre-registration
Feedback Survey
Did you have fun at ICON 40? Register for ICON 41 for a special At-The-Con Rate that will only be available for a brief window of time before the start of Closing Ceremonies. Experience your own bit of time travel and register for the future today!
Sunday October 18, 2015 12:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Taft A/B Lobby Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Registration

12:00pm CDT

ICON Art Exhibit 'Out of this World' at the CR Museum of Art
Feedback Survey
ICON 40 is partnering with the Cedar Rapids Museum for a special showing of artwork from past ICON Artist Guests of Honor. Visit the CRMA and tour the two special Science Fiction and Fantasy exhibitions currently installed at the Museum. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is located at 410 3rd Avenue SE just a few blocks from the DoubleTree. Please allow plenty of time to travel between venues. Bring your ICON 40 name badge and receive free admission!
Sunday October 18, 2015 12:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art 410 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  CRMA, Art

1:00pm CDT

DAGOBAH Galaxy Bowl
Feedback Survey
Galaxy Bowl is a team based trivia game loosely based on GE College Bowl and the KVFD High School Quiz Bowl. Form a team, or risk being drafted to participate! There will be chocolate and fabulous prizes! An ICON tradition, hosted by DAGOBAH! There will be chocolate?
Moderator
avatar for Susan Leabhart

Susan Leabhart

ConCom, DAGOBAH
Suzan Leabhart is a Vintage Fhan from the Quad Cities and a former ICON FANGOH. She is the Empress of DAGOBAH, which is a silly way of saying she moderates the Davenport Area Gathering of Books and Humanoids book club. She's a member of the Brassgears Adventurers Society steampunk... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
D

Sunday October 18, 2015 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Exhibit C Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity

1:00pm CDT

Return to the Planet of the Zines, part 3
Feedback Survey
The final opportunity to participate in the zine-making! Bring your story or artwork, transfer it to a ditto master, and at the end of the weekend, we'll have an old school "ICON 40" zine.
Moderator
BS

Brian S. Anderson

Volunteer Coordinator

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Rich Dana

Rich Dana

Benevolent Dictator, Obsolete Press
Rich– aka Ricardo Feral aka Ricardo Obsolete– is editor-in-chief and coffee boy at Obsolete Press. He, along with co-founder and graphic artist Blair Gauntt have published zines and books featuring work of writers and artists from around the globe. Rich is also a freelance technical... Read More →
avatar for Colleen Theisen

Colleen Theisen

Chief Curator, Syracuse University Special Collections Research Center
Educator working to inspire a love of books, libraries, history, and material culture in online spaces. YouTube.com/uispeccoll

Sunday October 18, 2015 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Cross-Media

1:00pm CDT

All Things Harry Potter
Feedback Survey
With the announcement of an American version of Hogwarts, Potterheads are invited to gather to discuss the world of Harry Potter--the past, present and future.
Moderator
HP

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
LE

Sunday October 18, 2015 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Fan Chat

1:00pm CDT

Comics and Reality
Feedback Survey
Comics have inspired many people like Route 29 Batman of Maryland and the San Francisco Batkid. Come discuss how comics have inspired and motivated readers to take action or confront difficult social issues through their many colored panels.
Moderator
RM

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
AC
DS

Daniel 'Stitch' Mohr

Artist, Mohr Creations
Daniel “Stitch” has lived his entire life in Minnesota, and he asks that you don’thold that against him. He has been drawing and writing comics for over twentyyears, and his mom says he’s great. He has drawn and written multiple WebComics, and comics in print, such as “Everyday... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Reading Group, Genre-Bending

1:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Dennis W. Green
Feedback Survey
Join Dennis W. Green as he read from his most recent novel, Prisoner, followed by a question/answer session…maybe we'll also get a sneak peek at 'Fifty Shades of Green'!
Moderator
avatar for Dennis W. Green

Dennis W. Green

Author
Best known in Iowa for his long career as a radio personality, Dennis’s on-air adventures were covered by newspapers from Anchorage to Los Angeles, and he has received awards from Billboard Magazine, JazzWeek, and many community organizations.His first novel, "Traveler," a sci-fi... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

1:00pm CDT

When are you a full-time writer?
Feedback Survey
Do you have to be Stephen King or J.K. Rowling to quit your 9 to 5 to be a full-time writer? This panel will explore the ins and outs of what it means to be a full-time writer.
Moderator
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →
avatar for Adam J. Whitlatch

Adam J. Whitlatch

Author, KHP Publishers, Inc.
Adam J. Whitlatch is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and aspiringmusician. A fantasy enthusiast from a young age, his interest in science fictionwas first sparked at the age of ten when his father played the infamous 1938 OrsonWelles War of the Worlds radio broadcast... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

1:00pm CDT

Iowa's Rarest Movies - a silent film fest
Feedback Survey
Michael Zahs was a junior high school teacher who, with the help of the American Film Institute and the Library of Congress, saved a bit of film history. Michael is returning to ICON, thanks to your generous donations, to show some of the oldest movies in existence.
Moderator
MZ

Sunday October 18, 2015 1:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Taft B Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special, Activity

2:00pm CDT

Kitchen Table Science
Feedback Survey
Come learn quick and easy science experiments you can do at home.
Moderator
MM

Sunday October 18, 2015 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Taft A Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Activity, Kid approved

2:00pm CDT

How do I use that?
Feedback Survey
The Internet makes it easy to find images and use them in all kinds of applications. Explore some of the options available for finding images and manipulating them.
Moderator
avatar for Jed Quinn

Jed Quinn

Author, DreamCon
Author, historian, world traveler and raconteur, Jed Quinn is a man of obscuretalents and strange associations. Jed spends his days teaching as a communitycollege history professor, being a father to five ridiculously awesome kids,serving on his local school board, writing, and traversing... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Rachel Eliason

Rachel Eliason

Author
Rachel is a transgender woman and writer living in the Midwest. She writescontemporary YA stories under her given name and fantasy/science fictionunder the name R. J. Eliason. Her contemporary YA novels published as RachelEliason include: Run, Clarissa, Run; The Case of Nikki Pagan... Read More →
TJ

Tamara Jones

Author
Jones started her academic career as a science geek, earned a degree in art, and, when she's not making quilts or herding cats, writes grisly thrillers. Her award winning Dubric Byerly Mystery series, “Ghosts in the Snow”, “Threads of Malice”, and “Valley of the Soul... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room #319 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Discussion, Art

2:00pm CDT

Author Reading and Q&A: Bill Albert
Feedback Survey
Join Bill Albert for a reading followed by a question/answer session.
Moderator
BA

Bill Albert

Author
Bill was born and raised in Amana where he works in a factory and spends a great deal of time thinking about being someplace else. He has self-published a time travel novel, Time Web Tremors, and several short stories available on Kindle. Also available are The Secrets of Starpoint... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room #316 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

2:00pm CDT

How did we do?
Feedback Survey
All Con attendees are welcome to join Con-Com 40 and 41 for a breakdown of what went well, what didn't go so well and what you want to see at next year's Con. Please come share your thoughts. If you can't join us, please turn in a Con Evaluation available at the Registration table.
Moderator
MD
avatar for Denny Lynch

Denny Lynch

Concom, Publicity, Hotel Liaison, Kirkwood Community College
avatar for Adam J. Whitlatch

Adam J. Whitlatch

Author, KHP Publishers, Inc.
Adam J. Whitlatch is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and aspiringmusician. A fantasy enthusiast from a young age, his interest in science fictionwas first sparked at the age of ten when his father played the infamous 1938 OrsonWelles War of the Worlds radio broadcast... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Jenny Carhoff

Jenny Carhoff

ConCom, Programming, Donations
avatar for Susan Leabhart

Susan Leabhart

ConCom, DAGOBAH
Suzan Leabhart is a Vintage Fhan from the Quad Cities and a former ICON FANGOH. She is the Empress of DAGOBAH, which is a silly way of saying she moderates the Davenport Area Gathering of Books and Humanoids book club. She's a member of the Brassgears Adventurers Society steampunk... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room #310 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

2:00pm CDT

Designing a Magic System
Feedback Survey
Creating a magic system that makes sense in your fantasy world can be tricky. Join auther Cheryl Corbin as she shares some tips and tricks for creating and maintaining magic system.
Moderator
avatar for Cheryl Corbin

Cheryl Corbin

Author, LaBounty Family Chiropractic
Cheryl Corbin writes fantasy and science fiction adventures. She lives in Iowa and works with her writing partner, Yuki, a Bichon Frise, though Yuki spends more time sleeping than contributing to the story in progress. You can find Cheryl at www.cherylcorbin.com. www.goodreads.c... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Exhibit C Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

2:00pm CDT

Writing + a 9 to 5 job: How to Create Balance
Feedback Survey
Not everyone can be Stephen King or J.K. Rowling. Some authors need to have a full-time job. This panel will explore how the next great New York Times Best Seller balances work, family and writing until that Big Publishing House sends them an advance.
Moderator
JK

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Dennis W. Green

Dennis W. Green

Author
Best known in Iowa for his long career as a radio personality, Dennis’s on-air adventures were covered by newspapers from Anchorage to Los Angeles, and he has received awards from Billboard Magazine, JazzWeek, and many community organizations.His first novel, "Traveler," a sci-fi... Read More →
TT

Tara Tolly

Author
Tara lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with her husband and four children (two humans and two canines) and where she spends her days shaping the minds of impressionable fourth graders; She spends her nights and summers shaping the lives of her make-believe characters. Tara loves to escape... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room #315 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Writing

2:15pm CDT

Bulwer-Lytton/Vogon Poetry
Feedback Survey
You've written it, now come hear the results of your worst efforts! ICON denies all responsibility for the side effects of riotous laughter.
Moderator
MZ

Mickey Zucker Reichert

Author, Writer's Workshop
Mickey is a pediatrician and author whose claims to fame include being theproduct of two rocket scientists and having performed brain surgery, whilebeing neither a rocket scientist nor a brain surgeon.Mickey's novels include the I, Robot trilogy (To Protect, To Obey, To Preserve)authorized... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
avatar for Aaron Bunce

Aaron Bunce

Owner, Autumn Arch Publishing
Small, independent publishing. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Thrillers, and Mystery novels.
avatar for Lettie Prell

Lettie Prell

writer
Lettie Prell is a science fiction writer whose work has appeared on Tor.com, and in Clarkesworld, Analog, and Apex Magazine. Her stories have been reprinted in a number of anthologies, including The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2018, and The Year's Best Science Fiction... Read More →
TS

T.J. Silver

Author
T.J. is a young, eclectic writer who pens unique and fascinating works. From horror, to fantasy, to fiction built around real mysteries, the tales are tall and incredulous. Silver's first novel, Thunderstorm and the Elementals, provides sheer heart racing entertainment for young fans... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 2:15pm - 2:45pm CDT
Room #314 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Readings

3:00pm CDT

ICON 40 Closing Ceremonies
Feedback Survey
“So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen..." ICON 40 has come to an end. Join us for Closing Ceremonies to say goodbye to your friends, old and new. Say thank you to our Guests of Honor, honorable guests, Con Committee, staff and volunteers.
Moderator
MD
avatar for Denny Lynch

Denny Lynch

Concom, Publicity, Hotel Liaison, Kirkwood Community College
avatar for Adam J. Whitlatch

Adam J. Whitlatch

Author, KHP Publishers, Inc.
Adam J. Whitlatch is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and aspiringmusician. A fantasy enthusiast from a young age, his interest in science fictionwas first sparked at the age of ten when his father played the infamous 1938 OrsonWelles War of the Worlds radio broadcast... Read More →

Speakers/Panelists/Moderators
SC

Sarah Clemens

Artist, Guest of Honor
Sarah’s early love of science fiction and fantasy art came even before she could read, from looking at the covers of science fiction magazines. She has been attending science fiction conventions since the late seventies. The artwork she most enjoys creating are those connected with... Read More →
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Author
David Gerrold has been sitting alone in a room and talking to himself for more than fifty years. If he hears anything good, he types it up. When he has enough words, he sends it to an editor. Occasionally some editor somewhere is so desperate for something to publish, he sends David... Read More →
avatar for Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines

Author, Toastmaster
Jim C. Hines began writing in the early 90s, while working on a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. His first professional sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” which took first place in the 1998 Writers of the Future competition and was published in... Read More →
AL

Ann Leckie

Author, Guest of Honor
Ann is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel “Ancillary Justice”.  She has also published short stories in: Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy.  Her story, Hesperia and Glory, was reprinted in Science Fiction: The... Read More →
KM

Kalli McCandless

Artist, Cosplay Fan Guest of Honor
Kalli McCandless - Artist/Cosplay Fan/Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer …. has always loved anything and everything creative. At the age of 3 she started drawing and painting, and that carried out throughout the years. In middle school Kalli tried out for modeling for a... Read More →

Sunday October 18, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Exhibit C Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

6:00pm CDT

Dead Dog Party
When the con is all packed up and put away for another year, we kick back and relax.
Sunday October 18, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Room #517 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special

6:00pm CDT

Dead Dog Party
Feedback Survey
When the con is all packed up and put away for another year, we kick back and relax.
Sunday October 18, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Room #519 Cedar Rapids Doubletree, 350 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401
  Special
 

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    Exhibit B-Art
    Exhibit B-Art Show Court
    Exhibit B-Dealers Hall
    Exhibit C
    Exhibit C Lounge
    Parlor Room, 16th Floor
    Room #302
    Room #304
    Room #310
    Room #314
    Room #315
    Room #316
    Room #319
    Room #503
    Room #517
    Room #519
    Taft A
    Taft A/B Lobby
    Taft B
    The Orchard