SoonerCon Event Schedule
SoonerCon 28 is June 7-9 at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Norman, Oklahoma. Plan your SoonerCon weekend now by clicking on a guest profile to see their appearance schedule or download a PDF of the event schedule using the buttons below.
Friday, June 7, 2019 2:00 p.m. | Location: Sooner A
Together, We Are Better: Identity and Diplomacy in Star Trek
Cultural nuances make upStar Trek’s memorable world building. Races within and outside of the Federation discover each other, work, and learn together. But Trekisn’t without its bad blood, warring factions, and competing interests. Alliances are made by an unwavering appreciation for each species’ differences that elevates the idea of common good across the universe. Is this the great legacy of Rodenberry’s genius?
Panelists: Sissy Space, Dara Fogel, Ph.D., Chaz Kemp, Larry Nemecek, Peter Pixie
Tracks: Fandoms, Film & TV, Culture & World Affairs
Tags: Panel
Friday, June 7, 2019 4:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma B2
Japanese Idol Style Dancing
Have you ever wanted to be an idol? Japanese idols (dance groups) are increasingly popular around the world. Learn to dance like your favorite idol! Have fun! Let your idol flag fly.
Panelists: Summer Rain Cosplay
Tracks: Anime, Culture & World Affairs, Health & Wellness
Tags: Activity
Saturday, June 8, 2019 10:00 a.m. | Location: Boomer A
IDIC and Speculative Fiction’s Highest Ideals
“Infinite diversity in infinite combinations.” “I grok in fullness.” “Fear is the mind-killer.” “After all this time? Always.” “What’s the point in two hearts if you can’t be a bit forgiving now and then?” “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” How do these and other inspirations from sf illuminate our reality?
Panelists: Peter Pixie, Dara Fogel, Ph.D., Carolyn Kay, Marguerite Reed, The Dream, Scott Zrubek
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Tags: Panel
Saturday, June 8, 2019 11:00 a.m. | Location: University C
The Power of Perseverance
Dr. Lonnie Johnson speaks about the evolution of technology, and human’s relationship to the ever-changing technological landscape.
Panelists: Dr. Lonnie Johnson
Tracks: STEM, Culture & World Affairs
Tags: GoH
Saturday, June 8, 2019 2:00 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma A2
The Everyday Futurist
How to be a Futurist in 6 Easy Steps - Professional Futurist Tim Morgan walks you through using Framework Foresight to explore how current changes shape the future, and how you can use foresight tools in your personal and professional life.
Panelists: Tim Morgan
Tracks: STEM, Culture & World Affairs
Tags: Presentation
Saturday, June 8, 2019 4:00 p.m. | Location: Sooner A
Before We Entered Wakanda: Minority Characters in SF Film and TV
Take a look at roles of minority characters in science fiction and fantasy before the popularity of the Black Panther film.
Panelists: Trakena Prevost, Shai Fenwick, Johnnie Johnson, Chaz Kemp, David "Oak" Rice, Selina Rosen
Tracks: Film & TV, Culture & World Affairs
Tags: Panel
Saturday, June 8, 2019 5:00 p.m. | Location: Sooner B
Libraries in the Digital Age
In a world where we can get almost anything at the touch of a button, including books, (e-books and audio books), who needs libraries? YOU do! Come learn why libraries (and librarians) are the best soldiers we have in the war against ignorance.
Panelists: Craig Wolf, Cary Osborne, Tommy B. Smith, Martha Steele, Laura J. Underwood
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Writing & Publication, Internet Life
Tags: Panel
Sunday, June 9, 2019 11:00 a.m. | Location: Oklahoma G
Virtual Reality: The Ethics and Morals of a New Medium
Virtual reality, like all new media of human interactions, opens a new can of worms regarding ethics. What are the limits of user privacy? How do we protect children? What kinds of applications may inform these choices?
Panelists: Mel. White, Dara Fogel, Ph.D., Maureen McHugh, Tim Morgan, Wm. Mark Simmons, Austin Tindle
Tracks: Internet Life, Culture & World Affairs, STEM
Tags: Panel
Sunday, June 9, 2019 2:00 p.m. | Location: Boomer B
Open Discourse and You
The latest installment in the ongoing discussion of censorship, political correctness, the rules of polite society, self-control, and freedom of expression. We'll briefly discuss the bad aspects of these behaviors that are alienating people and what we can do to encourage more positive interactions online and in-person. How can you express dismay without rage?
Panelists: Martha Steele, Tim Frayser, Michelle Muenzler, Marguerite Reed, Haileigh Todd, Craig Wolf
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Internet Life
Tags: Panel
Sunday, June 9, 2019 2:00 p.m. | Location: Sooner A
How Not to be the Creepy Person in the Corner
There she is, looking radiant in her Squirrel Girl cosplay. So what do you do now? You want to talk to her, but it feels awkward. How to approach this situation without coming across as "That Guy?" A candid talk on the increasing difficulty of meeting new people and picking up on social cues.
Panelists: Dan Erickson, James Hollaman, Kyros Cosplay, Travis Nance, Caroline Spector, Karen Thrower
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, General Interest
Tags: Panel
Sunday, June 9, 2019 2:00 p.m. | Location: University C
The Shining Women of Anime
Female protagonists are some of anime’s most fiercely capable, beloved, and admirable characters. Women and girls in anime reimagine cultural views on power, duty, beauty, wish fulfillment, and coming-of-age storytelling. How do empowering gender roles in anime create new twists on Japanese lore and its fantastic legends?
Panelists: Summer Rain Cosplay, Courtney's Cosplay, Sally Hamilton, Honor Lychee, PinkCherry Cosplay, Sarah Wiedenheft
Tracks: Anime, Culture & World Affairs
Tags: Panel