Zenkaikon 2017: Full Schedule

10:00am EDT

Let's Talk about Cosplay Bullying

We have all been through it at least once. Let's get to the root of it so we can discuss ways to possibly end it.

Speakers

Jessica Grant

Panelist

What to say about me? I'm not really sure. I've been an avid gamer since I was 5 when I built my first computer with my dad. I started watching Anime when I was 8. Discovered fanfiction in middle school and off I went and became an Otaku. Fully in love with East Asian culture and... Read More →

Friday April 28, 2017 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Live 1 [Floor 2, Commonwealth 3]

Panels-Workshops, Fandom Studies, Cosplay

11:15am EDT

Costumes, Cosplay, and Character

Costumes, Cosplay, and Character - Wearing a costume can be more than just putting on a fancy outfit. It gives you the opportunity to truly inhabit the life of a character. By researching what was worn by your character you can learn a lot about who that person is or was. Learn how you can find greater depth in your cosplay or role play through costuming!

Speakers

John Medero

John has been attending and cosplaying at anime, sci-fi, horror, and comic book conventions since 2005. He went to San Diego Comic con in 2005, Wizard World Wizard Philadelphia in 2010, 2012, 2014, and New York City Comic Con in 2006, and 2010, and more recently cosplayed at Katsucon... Read More →

Friday April 28, 2017 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Live 1 [Floor 2, Commonwealth 3]

Panels-Workshops, Cosplay, Pop Culture

12:15pm EDT

Confidence in Cosplay

You should FEEL GOOD in no matter what cosplay you are wearing! Cosplay is a form of expression, so YOU decide who you want to cosplay and how YOU want to portray this character. Panel will discuss confidence, posing, how to handle bullies, and more.

Speakers

Jeannette Chambliss

Owner, Chinako Cosplay

Call me Bunny! I've been cosplaying for a LONG time and I love helping others with cosplay and staying positive. I've been a judge for craftsmanship and performance at two different conventions. Last year I had the pleasure of working with Ubisoft cosplaying as Sitara Dhawan from... Read More →

Flynn Melchiorre

Hi! My name is Flynn. I am a cosplayer, a writer, and a makeup artist! I'm into video games and anime. I am open to a lot of things, and I love meeting new people. Feel free to say hello if you see me!

Friday April 28, 2017 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
Live 2 [Floor 2, Commonwealth 4]

Panels-Workshops, Cosplay

2:45pm EDT

Ultimate K-Pop Dance Challenge!

Get ready to work yourself into a sweat with our favorite Korean dances. Bring your A game to dance not only fast songs (Insert BTS's Fire here), but songs TWICE their speed in the challenge round. Get some free candy at the end, and enjoy seeing yourself on YouTube later.

Speakers

Nikki Lynch

Alaya Purnell

Friday April 28, 2017 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Live 4 [Floor 3, Hickory]

Panels-Workshops, Anime, Cosplay, Pop Culture

10:15pm EDT

Making a Mermaid Tiara and/or Decorated Mermaid Bra

In keeping with this year's theme of under the sea, come make your own mermaid tiara and/or mermaid bra. Materials fee for tiara will cover tiara base, adhesives, decoration, bling, and instructions/supervision. Materials fee for bra will include adhesives, decoration, bling and instruction/supervision. Please supply your own bra. A small number of bras can be requested in advance, please include your size when you sign up for this, additional materials fee will apply.

Speakers

Amanda Collodel

Unicorns and mermaids, pirates and tiki, glitter and shiny things, hair and makeup, costuming, omg shoes, and of course: anime!

Lamia Creations

Costume Panelist, Lamia Creations

I sew, I craft, I bling, I embroider, I knit, and sometimes I even finish a project.

Friday April 28, 2017 10:15pm - Saturday April 29, 2017 12:15am EDT
Live 5 [Floor 3, Heritage A]

Panels-Workshops, Cosplay

9:00am EDT

Undertale: Q&A and More!

Have you ever wanted to know what it would be like to ask Sans about his ketchup addiction? Or maybe what Temmie is going to college for? What about Mettaton's big secret? Ask these questions and more at the first ever Zenkaikon Undertale Ask and Game Panel!

Speakers

Deej Hinton

Staff, Staff Pool

Allen Riegel

Staff, Live Programming (Panels)

Saturday April 29, 2017 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Live 6 [Floor 3, Heritage B]

Panels-Workshops, Anime, Cosplay, LGBT-QIA, Video Games

10:00am EDT

The Fanperson's Guide to Dead Fandoms

You've begun to notice that your fan-art isn't popular anymore. That fanfic you began reading hasn't updated in three years. Your favorite cosplayer suddenly dropped the fandom they were known for. Face it, you're in a dead fandom. Our panelists know that it sucks, and we're ready to come along for the ride. Through various methods across many medias, this panel will help keep the spirit and excitement of dulling fanbases. Join two hopeless nerds on their quest to bring excitement and importance back to dead fandoms.

Speakers

Gavin Fernandez

Cosplayer, Featured Panelist, Educator, Manifest Dreamer Cosplay

I'm a fan of proper LGBT education, Star Wars, and giant mutated plants.

Saturday April 29, 2017 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Live 7/Autographs [Tellus 360 The Temple]

Panels-Workshops, Anime, Comics/Graphic Novels, Cosplay, Manga, Pop Culture, Sci-Fi, Tech/Internet Culture, Video Games

11:00am EDT

Keeping Fandoms Magic

Otaku, Bronies, Gamers, Whovians, Trekkies, and so much more fill the halls of Zenkaikon each year. How can so many different communities unite together? We'll take a look at some of the common controversies throughout various fandoms and the science behind what pits us against one another. Topics will include being a "real fan," internet trolls, and challenging public perception.

*A Keeping Friendship Magic presentation

Speakers

Forward Progress

Founder, Forward Progress

A student of all things fandom, Forward Progress is excited to return for his sixth Zenkaikon. His programming seeks to both educate and entertain by fusing social science with the shows, games, and media that we all love.

Saturday April 29, 2017 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Live 7/Autographs [Tellus 360 The Temple]

Panels-Workshops, Anime, Anthropology/Sociology, Cosplay, Fandom Studies, LGBT-QIA, Panel, Pop Culture, Tech/Internet Culture, Video Games, Gender/Feminist Studies

11:30am EDT

Makeup to Make Believe: A Guide to Cosplay and Drag Makeup

This isn't just your "no makeup" makeup look! Join seasoned cosplayers Elle Suda and The Batty Unicorn for a humorous and interactive adventure into the world of stage makeup, complete with live demonstrations. Have you ever wanted to know how to cover your eyebrows, get that realistic "anime eye" look, contour and highlight like a pro, or know the answer to that pesky question, "Just how important is makeup for cosplay?". Whether you're into cosplay, drag, or special effects makeup- it's all here!

Speakers

Elle Suda

Panelist and Cosplayer

Elle Suda is a cosplayer, artist and self taught MUA based in both Philadelphia, PA and New England. Upon discovering cosplay at a young age in 2011, she soon jumped into the world of crafting, sewing, and wig styling. From creating Mileena from Mortal Kombat's mouth to sickening... Read More →

Saturday April 29, 2017 11:30am - 1:00pm EDT
Live 5 [Floor 3, Heritage A]

Panels-Workshops, Cosplay, LGBT-QIA, Pop Culture

3:15pm EDT

Cosplay Makeup Class for Beginners

As Julius Caesar once said: "I came, I saw, I contoured." That's right, folks! Come to "Cosplay Makeup Class for Beginners," and learn how to put on simple cosplay makeup. We'll be covering topics such as applying foundation and concealer, contouring, winging that eyeliner, and more techniques to help you achieve that cartoon/anime look. Plus, there will be a live presentation, so you can witness how makeup can magically transform anyone into any anime character.

Speakers

Gam Pham

Julia Winnaye

Hi, my name is Julia, and I'm just your average 17 year old who loves to share her passion for the art of makeup and cosplay to the world. Instagram: @juliawinnaye

Saturday April 29, 2017 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
Live 4 [Floor 3, Hickory]

Panels-Workshops, Cosplay

5:00pm EDT

Forged in Foam: A guide to crafting armor & props

Want to learn to build your own prop? Create armor? Curious how to use wonderflex or worbla? Or create something out of foam? Velvet Rose Creations presents Forged in Foam: A guide to crafting armor and props! Learn about different types of materials, the costs, and how to use them!

Speakers

Serenity Zachariadou

Panelist, Velvet Rose Creations

Saturday April 29, 2017 5:00pm - 6:30pm EDT
Live 5 [Floor 3, Heritage A]

Panels-Workshops, Cosplay

7:00pm EDT

Your Makeup Is TERRIBLE!

Want to learn how to take your cosplay to the next level, but not quite sure how? One of the simplest but most overlooked elements of making a character come to life is, of course, the character themselves! This part often gets overshadowed by flashy costumes, elaborate wigs and large props, but really, it can be what makes or breaks a look, especially during a photoshoot. Their face, skin tone, bone structure, gender identity, etc. is equally crucial to the representation of the character, and we can show you how to bring out those qualities through the art of makeup! For beginner and intermediate skill levels.

Speakers

Samantha Crawford

Saturday April 29, 2017 7:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Live 6 [Floor 3, Heritage B]

Panels-Workshops, Cosplay

9:45pm EDT

Convention Nightmares: How We Survived

Connections are a place to make memories. We all have crazy stories. Join the Cosplay Crew as they tell their craziest convention and cosplay related stories, and how they survived.

Speakers

Aislin Glenn

Elizabeth Renda

Brandon Unda

Oksana Varshavsky

Cassidy Wells

Cosplay Crew

East-coast based cosplayer since 2008. Also known as Hikaru Cosplay and a member of the Cosplay Crew.

Saturday April 29, 2017 9:45pm - 10:45pm EDT
Live 4 [Floor 3, Hickory]

Panels-Workshops, Cosplay

10:00pm EDT

Pizza Rolls, Not Gender Rolls: Separating Gender and Cosplay

Back by popular demand, Pizza Rolls, Not Gender Rolls: Separating Gender and Cosplay returns for another hour of open discussion surrounding all things gender in the cosplay world. Swing on by to talk about what gender means to you when you cosplay, what kinds of experiences you've had surrounding gender in the community, what kind of stigmas you face- anything and everything, in a safe welcoming space for all. We're all here for support, love, care, and snacks in this crazy changing world we live in.

Speakers

Connor Wills

Panelist

Saturday April 29, 2017 10:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Live 1 [Floor 2, Commonwealth 3]

Panels-Workshops, Cosplay, Gender/Feminist Studies, LGBT-QIA, Pop Culture

1:00am EDT

Roleplay, Kink & Cosplay [18+]

Kink? Cosplay? Catgirls, lolis and magical boy, oh my! Are these things really unrelated? We think not! Come join in our discussion about our deepest, darkest, and most depraved fantasies about things you'd love to do as your favourite character, OTP or OC. Not so confident in your roleplay acting skills? Fear not, we work on that too! Cosplay couples encouraged to join. Sorry though, kiddos, this one's for the adults!

Speakers

Barry Brame

A performance art troupe for the impure of heart. Scintillating sinners, debaucherous dames, and naughty nerds of all genders and orientations, welcome! From the skinny and sexy to the voluptuous vixen, we’ll have you all. That includes you gentlemen folk as well!

Samantha Crawford

Sunday April 30, 2017 1:00am - 2:00am EDT
Live 1 [Floor 2, Commonwealth 3]

18 Plus Wristband Required, Cosplay, Fandom Studies, LGBT-QIA | Panels-Workshops, Cosplay, Fandom Studies, LGBT-QIA

9:15am EDT

Pepakura X Foam: Making foam armor with Pepakura Designer

Have you ever wanted to cosplay an armored character, but had no idea on where to start? Well then this panel is for you! The Pepakura Designer software essentially takes a 3D model and creates armor patterns based on the model that you can print out and use to bring the armor to life. It's is a great resource to have when it comes to building cosplay armor, especially if you're a beginner.
This panel will show you how to use the Pepakura Designer software, along with techniques for foam armor construction and painting. By the end of the panel, you will know everything you need to know to create your first (or next) armored cosplay!

Speakers

PT

Hi, I'm just some hobo with a glue gun.

Sunday April 30, 2017 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Live 5 [Floor 3, Heritage A]

Panels-Workshops, Cosplay

1:30pm EDT

Hot Glue Friend or Foe

To use hot glue or not? That is the question. We have all been there, half way through a con your cosplay starts to fall apart but why? There are lots of adhesives out there and sometimes we don't always choose the right ones. Come to learn about which glues work best for what and discuss what you could have done differently to prevent it from happening again.

Speakers

Greg Schrantz

Sunday April 30, 2017 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Live 5 [Floor 3, Heritage A]

Panels-Workshops, Cosplay