Recent drone use in Ukraine & elsewhere. Synergy of drones, robotics and AI. What drones can do, combat, surveillance, auxiliary missions, the way forward. By Merle Robinson, NSDM staff.
Description:
Lecture discusses recent history of drone use in Ukraine and other theaters. Describes synergy of drone use with advanced robotic and artificial intelligence. What drones can do under the right conditions. Drone units, drone carriers, drones for combat, drones as wingmen and combat support for piloted combat aircraft, for surveillance and for auxiliary duties. Where we go from here. Presented by Merle Robinson, lead simulation designer and retired DoD analyst, on the National Security Decision Making Game staff. NSDMG team presentations have been enjoyed by more than 30K attendees since 1990, at GenCon, Origins, DragonCon & other gaming, government & educational venues.
Expert writers discuss East and Southeast Asian writing and media across science fiction, fantasy, and horror in prose, poetry, and tabletop roleplaying games.
Description:
Panelists: Bryan Thao Worra (moderator), Mary Fan, Grace P. Fong, Diana M. Pho, R.R. Virdi. Track: GCWS Multimedia.
Join Keith- the game designer & novelist known for creating the Eberron Campaign Setting for Dungeons & Dragons. Discussion of Eberron past & present, behind the scenes tales & what's next.
Description:
Keith Baker is a game designer and novelist known for creating the Eberron Campaign Setting for Dungeons & Dragons and the card game Gloom, as well as games such as Illimat, Phoenix Dawn Command, and The Adventure Zone: Bureau of Balance with his company Twogether Studios. Join Keith for a discussion of projects past and present, including behind the scenes tales of Eberron and a peek at what’s coming next from Twogether Studios!
EMP history, mechanism, worst-case potential. Capt. Mark McDonagh, USN/ret., a physicist with 12 years' Naval War College experience and currently on NSDM staff, separates fact from science fiction.
Description:
Electromagnetic Pulse, or EMP, has become a favorite boogieman of authors and screenplay writers depicting apocalyptic scenarios. But what is the real history and what is the potential for EMP weapons, terrorism and attacks? What is the mechanism and what affects the damage done? Lecture attempts to separate the facts, engineering and science from the science fiction. Presented by Capt. Mark McDonagh, USN/ret., a physicist with 12 years' experience at the Naval War College, on the National Security Decision Making Game (NSDMG) staff. NSDMG team presentations have been enjoyed by more than 30K attendees since 1990, at GenCon, Origins, DragonCon & other gaming, government & educational venues.
This will be an interactive seminar for new and experienced GMs/DMs to celebrate diversity in tabletop gaming and support others in the hobby.
Description:
Embrace the Initiative is a Tabletop Gaming RPG workshop/open forum to help teach and support dungeon and game master as they learn to be confident and comfortable leaders in their hobby. We will discuss the strength, flexibility, and fortitude they already have within them to help them grow as storytellers and be ready to adapt to new situations.
Swing by before the closing ceremonies to say hello to Writers' Symposium Guests, and Gen Con Guests including Ed Greenwood in a casual, wind-down event.
Writers discuss the incorporation of entertainment into troubled worlds.
Description:
Often in the hardest times, it is culture that provides people the energy to face them. From theatre to sports to group gaming, what does the inclusion of entertainment in your story say about your troubled world—and what does your world say without it? Join our panel of writers as they discuss. Panelists: Patrick S. Tomlinson (moderator), Richard Lee Byers, Jennifer Brozek, Gini Koch, K.B. Wagers. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
Attention all fan-fest coordinators! Are you looking to grow your convention and create a larger network of attendees and vendors?
Description:
Join me for a seminar on the importance of collaboration in creating a large fan-fest circuit. I'll be discussing three major steps that can help smaller events grow into larger events, including identifying your target audience and niche, leveraging the power of social media and digital marketing, and collaborating with other conventions and events. By working together, we can create a more diverse and vibrant convention scene that benefits everyone involved. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how collaboration can take your convention to the next level.
Fantasy and Historical Fiction: Where Do They Overlap?
Summary:
Writers discuss the cross-connections of fantasy and historical fiction in a modern context.
Description:
Historical fiction has been an integral part of fantasy from the very start of the genre and remains a core influence in the works of many prominent fantasy authors. How are authors inspired by history in classic and current works? What are the pros, cons, and pitfalls of historical influence? Join our expert panel of fantasy writers as they discuss. Panelists: LaShawn M. Wanak (moderator), Howard Andrew Jones, Diana M. Pho, Dedren Snead, R.R. Virdi. Track: GCWS Genre.
Writer Sandra Tayler teaches techniques for comprehensive marketing.
Description:
In a world of social media, creative work sells better if you frame your pitch with a story. Come learn from author Sandra Tayler how to present your work so it intrigues your potential audience. This works for everything from novels to artwork to Kickstarters to growing a social media following. Track: GCWS Classroom.