GEYSERCON Programme
PROGRAMME DETAILS GeyserCon Youth Day Out FRIDAY 31 May (Friday workshops for students and teachers, see youngNZwriters for details) Programme Streams: Years 5-6, 7-9, and 10-13, and Teacher Development With International Guests: Laura VanArendonk Baugh, Alan Baxter, & Kaaron Warren
Facilitators:AJ Ponder, Eileen Mueller, Deryn Pittar, William Dresden, Darian Smith, & Chad Dick Convenors: Piper Mejia, Lee Murray, Paul Mannering, Lewis Morgan, & Jean Gilbert
With thanks to our sponsors The Wright Family Foundation, Creative New Zealand, SpecFicNZ  GeyserCon 2019 General Admission Draft Programme of Events
Activities are listed in chronological order. DISCLAIMER: Please note this is a draft programme only and as such presentations, panels, and panellists are subject to change. Final topics listed may vary according to the presenters’ preferences and expertise. FRIDAY 31 May 2019 Registration Open from 4pm The registration desk is the conference’s information central. See our volunteers at the registration desk to pick up your conference badge and get the updated programme, as well as sign-up sheets for kaffeeklatsches and workshops, and information about SJV voting. You can find out more about our anti-harassment policies and procedures here, and there will be a hotel map to help you find your way about. If you’re new to our community and you have any questions or queries, please drop by, say hello. We’d love to meet you. Opening Ceremony! Friday 31 May, 8:00pm in Tōtara and Kauri Grace Bridges and the conference committee, welcome our guests and attendees to the conference. Includes housekeeping and a preview of what’s to come. Auditions for the STAR WRECK radio-play announced. Radio-play STAR WRECK Various venues and times STAR WRECK a hilarious spoofy radio-play, written and directed by Paul Mannering. One of the best-loved items on our national convention programme. Join in the fun. No experience necessary! Be brave! Auditions on Friday 31 May, 9:30pm in Lobby Niche, and also on Saturday (just check with Paul). Rehearsals will be held on Saturday 5:00-6:00pm and Sunday 11:00-12:00pm in Cascade. Final performance in the Pōhutu Lounge at the Closing Ceremony. Mythology in SFF Friday 31 May, 9:30pm in Tōtara Moderator Grace Bridges introduces a panel on mythology (homegrown and far flung) in SFF. Join her and our expert panellists, Guest of Honour Laura VanArendonk Baugh, David Hair, and JC Hart. History of SFF in NZ Friday 31 May, 9:30pm in Kauri Stephen Litten introduces a panel of New Zealand SFF giants, Ross Temple and Maree Pavletich with a summary of fandom and conventions in this country, including successes and challenges facing our community. Campfire Stories Friday 31 May, 9:30pm in Cascade With introductions by Chad Dick, authors read us their campfire stories. Flash fiction and poetry. Space is limited. Sign-up required. Please contact Lee if you’d like to reserve a reading slot: leekiwi @ gmail.com
SATURDAY 1 JUNE 2019 Redwoods Ramble Saturday 1 June, Offsite. Meet 6:25am in the hotel lobby Weather permitting, Darcy Perry, Lewis Morgan & Lee Murray host a pre-breakfast run or walk through the Redwoods. Five km approximately. Moderate fitness required. Meet in the lobby. Sensible shoes and warm gear recommended. Making Monsters Saturday 1 June, 9-10am in Tōtara Moderator Lee Murray leads Guest of Honour Alan Baxter, Paul Mannering, Adrian Smith and Lee Murray discussing our favourite monsters in SFF and what makes them successful. High Fantasy Futures Saturday 1 June, 9:00-10:00am in Kauri Eileen Mueller (moderator); joins panellists Laura VanArendonk Baugh, David Hair, Mark Johnson, and Dan Rabarts, to discuss the latest trends in high fantasy fiction. Are dragons still the thing? Why are elves so popular? And what’s the deal with the monarchy? Found Objects - Kaaron Warren Saturday 1 June, 9:00-11:00am. 2 hours. Group will meet in Cascade (workshop continues offsite) This highly original workshop by Guest of Honour Kaaron Warren takes a small group offsite to discover ways into story through found objects. There is a small fee for this workshop. Boardgaming Various times in Fireside Lounge Join our Friendly Fireside Facilitator and other attendees for a boardgame in the Fireside Lounge. Games available at most times up until 5:00pm. Colour Me Calm Various times in the Fireside Lounge Is your brain bursting? Have you had enough? Pull up a chair for some chill-out colouring time, featuring your favourite SFF images. GeyserCon Book Expo - LOBBY FRIDAY 31 MAY, 12:00Pm – 8PM Saturday 1 June, 12:00pm – 8:00pm sunday 2 JUNE, 12:00PM – 8:00PM MONDAY 3 JUNE, 10:00PM – 4:00PM The GeyserCon Book Expo will be open on all four days for purchasing books and merchandise. Atlantis Books is our official convention bookseller (consignment details coming soon). Eftpos will be available, although guests are encouraged to use cash for some items. Please support our Guests of Honour by buying and reading their work. If you haven’t already managed to get your book signed, bring it along to the Totara Room where Author Book Signings will be held in conjunction with the SpecFicNZ Meet-Up. SFF on Podcast Saturday 1 June, 10:00-11:00am in Tōtara Moderator Mathew Danaher, along with panellists Dan Rabarts, AJ Fitzwater and Darusha Wehm, and discuss the role of podcasting in disseminating SFF pop culture. Costuming in SFF Saturday 1 June, 10:00-11:00am in Kauri Join Guests of Honour Laura VanArendonk Baugh and Alena VanArendonk for a presentation / discussion on cosplay costuming. OMG YA Saturday 1 June, 10:00-11:00 in Cascade Join YA author and moderator Jamie Sands, Sharon Manssen, Sally McLennan and the rest of our expert panel as they talk about writing for YA audiences. What’s hot and what’s not. Kaffeeklatsch on Craft Saturday 1 June, 10:00-11:00 in Lobby Niche Mark Johnson leads an informal discussion on crafting good writing. How do we get the information in without an info-dump, foreshadow without clobbering the reader over the head with obviousness, develop page-turner story arcs and more. Geothermal Apocalypse Saturday 1 June, 11:00-12:00 in Tōtara Our expert presenter Peter Brownbridge, the Rotorua Lakes Council Geothermal Inspector, explains what a geothermal apocalypse might look like and what we should be preparing for in fiction, and perhaps in real life. Scripts to Screen Saturday 1 June, 11:00-12:00 in Kauri Join screenwriter moderator Jean Gilbert, and panellists Claire McKenna, Sean Monaghan and others as they discuss the challenges in bringing our SFF stories to the screen. SFFANZ AGM Saturday 1 June, 11:00-12:00 in Cascade President Norman Cates welcomes all members to the group’s AGM. New members welcome. Zines! Saturday 1 June, 11.00-12:00 in Fireside Moderator and author-artist Zee Southcombe introduces a session to get everyone started publishing zines. Accessible and fun for everyone. Kaffeeklatsch: Laura VanArendonk Baugh Saturday 1 June, 11:00-12:00 in Lobby Niche Grab a coffee and join Guest of Honour Laura VanArendonk Baugh in the Lobby Niche for an informal discussion about topics that matter to you. GoH Alan Baxter Saturday 1 June, 1:00-2:00pm in Tōtara Join Guest of Honour Alan Baxter in conversation with Paul Mannering. Writing Unstuck with Grace Bridges Saturday 1 June, 1:00-2:00pm in Kauri Author-editor Grace Bridges reveals her technique for avoiding writers’ block. This break-it-down system works for both plotters and pantsers and will help you rediscover your muse. GeyserCon RPG - Part One Saturday 1 June, 1:00-2:00pm in Cascade Lewis Morgan and Darcy Perry welcome everyone to our GeyserCon Interactive Role Playing Game (RPG) Experience. No experience necessary! With three dedicated time-slots over the course of the convention, these gaming sessions are suitable for beginners through to seasoned gamers. Drop in from time to time, or feel free to stay for the entire session. Opportunities to participate a little or a lot. Handmaids and other Tales… Saturday 1 June, 2:00-3:00pm in Tōtara Moderator Piper Mejia joins panellists AJ Fitzwater, Mary Brock Jones and others to discuss recurring socio-political and environmental themes in SFF&H as well as the revival of classic speculative texts and their ongoing relevance today. *May contain adult themes. Steampunk 101 Saturday 1 June, 2:00-3:00pm in Kauri Join local cosplay expert Karen Hansen of Steamcity Steampunk in an introductory session perfect for anyone interested in getting started in steampunk cosplay. Mapping Fantasy Worlds Saturday 1 June, 2:00-3:00pm in Cascade An expert mapmaking presentation from graphic designer and cartographer Ava Fairhall. Limerick Workshop Saturday 1 June, 2:00-3:00pm in Fireside The Masquerade Show (Totara Room from 8:00pm) involves a limerick performance with prizes for Best Costume and Best Limerick. In preparation for the showdown, we’re hosting a limerick writing workshop for anyone short of ideas. Come along and create a limerick to ‘tell the story’ of your costume. Kaffeeklatsch on Strategies for Getting Published Saturday 1 June, 2:00-3:00 in Lobby Niche Australian writer and screenwriter Claire McKenna leads an informal discussion on strategies for getting published. How to find a literary agents, how to approach publishers, markets and more. Grab a coffee and in in the conversation. GoH Kaaron Warren Saturday 1 June, 3:00-4:00pm in Tōtara Guest of Honour Kaaron Warren in conversation with Lee Murray. Cosplay Make-up SATURDAY 1 JUNE, 3:00-4:00PM IN KAURI Join cosplay make-up expert Adrian Joseph for this demonstration/presentation with tips and tricks to create character through make-up. GeyserCon RPG - Part Two Saturday 1 June, 3:00-4:00pm in Cascade Lewis Morgan and Darcy Perry welcome everyone to our GeyserCon Interactive Role Playing Game (RPG) Experience. No experience necessary! With three dedicated time-slots over the course of the convention, these gaming sessions are suitable for beginners through to seasoned gamers. Drop in from time to time, or feel free to stay for the entire session. Opportunities to participate a little or a lot. Crime and Punishment in SFF Saturday 1 June, 4:00-5:00pm in Tōtara Dan Rabarts moderates a panel on crime and punishment in SFF. Panellists include Guest of Honour Kaaron Warren, Darusha Wehm and Darian Smith. The Graphic Novel in SFF SATURDAY 1 JUNE, 4:00-5:00PM IN KAURI In this one-hour presentation, an experienced graphic novelist (to be confirmed) discusses the recent renaissance of the graphic novel, trends, the New Zealand scene, and challenges and opportunities for illustrators. Poetry Slam Saturday 1 June, 4:00-5:00pm in Cascade SFF&H poets, including Immi Paterson and others, regale us with their spoken word performances. Moderated by Piper Mejia. Poets can sign up in advance or on the day. Time is limited, so don’t miss out. To Boldly Go: Ships in SFF Saturday 1 June, 5:00-600pm in Tōtora Moderator Sean Monaghan hosts a panel of expert guests including Kodi Washere, Dave Hadwin, Carleton Chinner, and Alena Van Arendonk as they discuss the Millennium Falcon, Serenity, the Enterprise and more. Make Your Own Steampunk Ray Gun Saturday 1 June, 5:00-6:00pm in Kauri Local cosplay expert Karen Hansen of Steamcity Steampunk facilitates a workshop where attendees can make their own steampunk ray gun from everyday materials. Great fun for all the family. No experience necessary. $5 covers cost of materials. Radio-play STAR WRECK Various venues and times STAR WRECK a hilarious spoofy radio-play, written and directed by Paul Mannering. One of the best-loved items on our national convention programme. Join in the fun. No experience necessary! Be brave! Auditions on Friday 31 May, 9:30pm in Lobby Niche, and also on Saturday (just check with Paul). Rehearsals will be held on Saturday 5:00-6:00pm in Cascade and Sunday 11:00-12:00pm in Cascade. Final performance in the Pōhutu Lounge at the Closing Ceremony. Masquerade Show with Limerick Performances & Photo Booth! Saturday 1 June 8.00-9.30pm in Tōtara Jebraun Clifford hosts an evening of Cosplay and Performance, featuring our Guests of Honour Alena Van Arendonk and Laura VanArendonk Baugh. Fanfilms Saturday 1 June, 8:00-9:30pm in Cascade An opportunity to view clips and short films created by local creatives, or excerpts of films entered in the SJV awards. Moderated by Piper Mejia. Nice Evening for an Interactive Role-playing Game Saturday 1 June 9:30 to late in Totara A live action role playing game in action. Perfect for first-time gamers to observe and for others to join in. Moderated by Darcy Perry with Lewis Morgan, Jamie Sands, Grant Stone and AJ Ponder. Filking Saturday 1 June and Sunday 2 June from 9:30pm until late in Cascade Facilitated by Gary Freeman, this is a popular convention activity where well-known tunes are given revised SFF lyrics and performed live. It’s great fun and open to all members. Come along and join in.
SUNDAY 2 JUNE 2019 Zombies: Life after Romero Sunday 2 June, 9:00-10:00am in Tōtara Local zombie expert, Paul Mannering joins a panel which includes Alan Baxter to discuss the future of zombies. Is there still life in it, or has the genre been done to death? Character & Faceblindness Sunday 2 June, 9:00-10:00am in Kauri In this unique writing with diversity panel, author and screenwriter Jean Gilbert discusses how she creates characters in her fictional worlds, adapting skills which have helped her to navigate her real life into her fiction. Putting the Science in SFF Sunday 2 June, 9:00-10:00am in Cascade Moderated by author and scientist Robinne Weiss, our panel of experts talk about representing science in SFF: what writers and film-makers get wrong, and what they do well. Featuring Guest of Honour Laura VanArendonk Baugh, Claire McKenna, Jessica Voyek and AJ Ponder. Kaffeeklatsch: Kaaron Warren Sunday 2 June, 9:00-10:00am in the Lobby Niche Grab a coffee and join Guest of Honour Kaaron Warren in the Lobby Niche for an informal discussion about topics that matter to you. Fight Scenes with Alan Baxter Sunday 2 June, 10:00-11:00am in Tōtara Martial arts expert Alan Baxter explains everything you need to know about coming out on top in a fight scene — both on the page and in real life. Hot and Steamy in Rotorua Sunday 2 June, 10:00-11:00am in Kauri Darian Smith introduces a panel including novelists Mary Brock Jones, J.C. Hart, and others, discussing the growth of blended romance-SFF titles. Does this combination make for a happy partnership? Gaming with Kids: A Primer Sunday 2 June, 10:00-11:00am in Cascade Storyteller and gamer Lewis Morgan reveals how games can help children’s social and cognitive development. A great primer for teachers and parents. Boardgaming Various times in the Fireside Lounge Join our Friendly Fireside Facilitator and other attendees for a boardgame in the Fireside Lounge. Games available at most times up until 5:00pm. Colour Me Calm Various times in the Fireside Lounge Is your brain bursting? Have you had enough? Pull up a chair for some chill-out colouring time featuring your favourite SFF images. GeyserCon Book Expo - LOBBY FRIDAY 31 MAY, 12:00PM – 8PM SATURDAY 1 JUNE, 12:00PM – 8:00PM SUNDAY 2 JUNE, 12:00PM – 8:00PM MONDAY 3 JUNE, 10:00PM – 4:00PM The GeyserCon Book Expo will be open on all four days for purchasing books and merchandise. Atlantis Books is our official convention bookseller (consignment details coming soon). Eftpos will be available, although guests are encouraged to use cash for some items. Please support our Guests of Honour by buying and reading their work. If you haven’t already managed to get your book signed, bring it along to the Totara Room where Author Book Signings will be held in conjunction with the SpecFicNZ Meet-Up. Editor’s Pen with Eileen Mueller Sunday 2 June, 10:00-11:00am in the Lobby Niche Sign for a personal writing help from author-editor Eileen Mueller. Four fifteen-minute sessions available. Bring in your editing issue and let Eileen solve it for you. Sign up at registration or drop by and see if there is a free spot. GoH Alena Van Arendonk and Laura VanArendonk Baugh Sunday 2 June 11:00-12:00am in Tōtara Join Grace Bridges in conversation with cosplay-fantasy queens, Alena Van Arendonk and Laura VanArendonk Baugh. The Great Horror vs Thriller Debate Sunday 2 June 11:00-12:00am in Kauri Our teams of erudite debaters will argue both sides of the premise that SFF Horror stories are superior to SFF Thrillers. Which team will you root for? The Affirmatives or the Negatives? Which subgenre will win out and gain our eminent debaters the grand prize of a chocolate fish? Come along to find out. With adjudicator Chad Dick and debaters Steve McCleary, Silvia Brown, and others. Sculpting Workshop ($20, 15max) Sunday 2 June, 11:00-12:00am in Cascade Join our sculpting expert Darcy Perry (Duck Creek, Star Hat Miniatures) for a one-hour sculpting workshop in the Cascade Room. Small fee applies to cover materials. Numbers strictly limited. (May extend into the lunch hour). Zines (reprise) Sunday 2 June, 11.00-12:00am in the Fireside Lounge Moderator and author-artist Zee Southcombe introduces a session to get everyone started publishing zines. A reprise for those who missed out on Saturday and an opportunity to learn more for repeat attendees. Pokemon Go Walk Sunday 2 June, Lunchbreak. Join Jamie Sands for a Pokemon Go Walk over the lunch hour. Meet in the Lobby weather permitting. Sturdy footwear recommended. What’s up @ Weta? Sunday 2 June, 1:00-2:00pm in Tōtara Norman Cates presents the latest techniques on offer at Weta Workshop. RPGs in Literature; RPGs as Literature Sunday 2 June, 1:00-2:00pm in Kauri What's the link between literature and role-playing games? How has literature influenced gaming? What about the other way round? And do people really read the Dungeon Master's Guide for fun? Moderator Grant Stone leads a panel discussion on the many ways readers and writers have mixed literature and gaming and how both have influenced our wider culture. From Dungeons and Dragons to World of Warcraft, from Quag Keep to LitRpg - and beyond! Featuring Darcy Perry, Jamie Sands, and Lewis Morgan. Radio-play STAR WRECK Various venues and times STAR WRECK a hilarious spoofy radio-play, written and directed by Paul Mannering. One of the best-loved items on our national convention programme. Join in the fun. No experience necessary! Be brave! Auditions on Friday 31 May, 9:30pm in Lobby Niche, and also on Saturday (just check with Paul). Rehearsals will be held on Saturday 5:00-6:00pm and Sunday 1:00-2:00pm in Cascade. Final performance in the Pōhutu Lounge at the Closing Ceremony. Kaffeeklatsch: Alan Baxter Sunday 2 June, 1:00-2:00pm in the Lobby Niche Grab a coffee and join Guest of Honour Alan Baxter in the Lobby Niche for an informal discussion about topics that matter to you. CoNZealand 2020 Sunday 2 June, 2:00-3:00pm in Tōtara Norman Cates and the WorldCon committee report on events in the lead up to CoNZealand 2020. If You Build It, They Will Come Sunday 2 June, 2:00-3:00pm in Kauri Indie and traditionally-published author Eileen Mueller provides tips and tricks for building readership, including book magnets, ad campaigns, newsletters and more. Adventures in Middle Grade Sunday 2 June, 2;00-3:00pm in Cascade Moderated by AJ Ponder, and featuring MG authors Robinne Weiss, Linda Dawley, Kevin Berry and Karen Cossey who explain why middle grade fiction is not the baby version of YA. Kaffeeklatsch – Finding Your Tribe SUNDAY 2 JUNE, 2:00-3:00 IN LOBBY NICHE Australian writer Silvia Brown leads an informal discussion on finding your tribe talking about networking, community building, conventions, societies and more. Grab a coffee and join in the conversation. Mary Sue Through the Ages Sunday 2 June, 3:00-4:00pm in Tōtara AJ Fitzwater and Guest of Honour Kaaron Warren join YoungNZwriters emerging authors winners (to be announced) to discuss feminist themes in SFF texts (classics and contemporary) with our newest creatives offering their views on how they’d like to see women presented in our speculative fiction. Ink in SFF / Tattoo Demonstration Sunday 2 June, 3:00-4:00pm in Kauri Lewis Morgan leads a panel discussion around the perception of ink / tattoos / kiri tuhi and tā moko in SFF&H. Includes a live tattoo demonstration. Covers that Kill Sunday 2 June, 3:00-4:00pm in Cascade Award-winning cover designer, Kate Strawbridge presents the dos and don’ts of cover design. Back Cover Blurbs with Lee Murray Sunday 2 June, 3:00-4:00pm in the Lobby Niche Struggling to make that cover copy zing? Author-editor Lee Murray will help you iron out the kinks and create a blurb that will have people opening their wallets. Four fifteen-minute sessions available. Bring your blurb in progress. Sign up at registration or drop by and see if there is a free spot. The Marvel Cinematic Universe Sunday 2 June, 4:00-5:00pm in Tōtara Moderated by Jean Gilbert this panel discussion will take us inside the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With Chieanne Patten, Jessica Voyek and Dave Hadwin. Short Fiction Sunday 2 June, 4:00-5:00pm in Kauri Dan Rabarts moderates a panel that features Gerry Huntman, Claire McKenna, Silvia Brown and Darusha Wehm in a discussion of the short form. SFFANZ AUCTION Sunday 2 June, 4:00-5:00pm in Cascade SFFANZ Committee auctions items in support of its activities. Come along and bag a bargain. SpecFicNZ Meet-up Sunday 2 June, 5:00-6:00pm in Tōtara President Grace Bridges and the SpecFicNZ Core invites members old and new to come along, meet your fellow members, and find out what the organisation has planned for the year. Author Signing Sunday 2 June, 5:00-6:00 in Tōtara Come along and get your new books signed by our writers while they’re all gathered in the Tōtara Room. Fandoms: What’s Trending Sunday 2 June, 5:00-6:00 in Kauri Moderated by Lorain Clark, Dylan Howell and a panel of young fans look at new fandom trends. What does the future of fandom look like? And what do we think of the new Doctor? GeyserCon RPG - Part Three Sunday 2 June, 5:00-6:00pm in Cascade Lewis Morgan and Darcy Perry welcome everyone to our GeyserCon Interactive Role Playing Game (RPG) Experience. No experience necessary! With three dedicated time-slots over the course of the convention, these gaming sessions are suitable for beginners through to seasoned gamers. Drop in from time to time, or feel free to stay for the entire session. Opportunities to participate a little or a lot. Sir Julius Vogel SJV Awards Sunday 2 June, 8:00-10:00pm in the Pōhutu Ballroom Join convenors Norman Cates and Lynelle Howell as they present SFFANZ’s Sir Julius Vogel Awards for Science Fiction and Fantasy for 2018. (Part of the Closing Ceremony) Closing Ceremony! Sunday 2 June, 8:00-10:00pm in the Pōhutu Ballroom Blowing kisses to our volunteers, our guests, and conference attendees. The finale of the evening will be the radio-play STAR WRECK, written and directed by Paul Mannering and performed by conference attendees. Filking Sunday 2 June from 9:30pm until late in Cascade Facilitated by Gary Freeman, this is a popular convention activity where well-known tunes are given revised SFF lyrics and performed live. It’s great fun and open to all members. Come along and join in.
MONDAY 3 JUNE 2019 GeyserCon Book Expo - LOBBY FRIDAY 31 MAY, 12:00PM – 8PM SATURDAY 1 JUNE, 12:00PM – 8:00PM SUNDAY 2 JUNE, 12:00PM – 8:00PM MONDAY 3 JUNE, 10:00PM – 4:00PM
The GeyserCon Book Expo will be open on all four days for purchasing books and merchandise. Atlantis Books is our official convention bookseller (consignment details coming soon). Eftpos will be available, although guests are encouraged to use cash for some items. Please support our Guests of Honour by buying and reading their work. After-Party Monday 3 June, 10:00-12:00Pm in the cascades room (Room open until 4pm) Come and celebrate the close of GeyserCon over a cuppa.
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