October 17, 2026
Panels, events, and activities throughout the day — organized by location and time.
Convention Open 10am - 6pm Zombie Prom open 8:30pm - midnight.
What makes some movies iconic, and others vanish? Why are some dismissed, and others still referenced decades later? In Trending Terrors, we will look back at several of the most influential horror films in American history, and what made them so impactful on their audiences at the time. [ In this presentation, we discuss the genre of horror as a whole and how and why it is constantly evolving. We discuss what it means for something to be influential and why, and then apply that to the past to see how and what struck a chord in people then, and the implications that has for todays films as well. We will mostly focus on the correlations between cultural events and the subconscious fears they produce, and how those fears may be recognised and portrayed throughout the past 100 years or so. Presented by a very enthusiastic horror fan who just thinks this sort of thing is super interesting, there is a lot to unpack when it comes to why certain films can touch entire generations despite everyones individual experiences and fears. 18+ mostly due to language use, graphic references, and sensitive topics due to the nature of discussing horror as a genre ]
A look into the contributions of females to the horror genre.
In this 45 minute demonstration I will show you how to make your own version of my famous flayed cake. From molding the chocolate skull to carving the chocolate cake and wrapping it in homemade fondant flesh, I will take you from concept to corpse...and teach you easy to do tricks like deliciously realistic chocolate blood drizzled.
UNHOLY ENCOUNTERS: THE SILENCE BETWEEN SHADOWS Join author, paranormal investigator, and host Doug Owen for an exploration into the darker side of paranormal encounters—and what happens when unexplained activity stops being something you investigate and becomes something you have to survive. Drawing from the true events behind The Unholy Silence, Doug shares firsthand experiences from a year-long haunting that affected his home and family, along with insights gained through years of paranormal investigation and conversations with experiencers and investigators from around the world. The panel explores shadow figures, apparitions, intelligent hauntings, unexplained voices and sounds, objects moving on their own, possible mimic phenomena, and the unsettling question of whether some encounters may represent something far different from the traditional idea of a ghost. Doug will also discuss the challenges of separating genuine unexplained phenomena from coincidence, environmental causes, and misidentification—and why he believes paranormal investigators should begin by attempting to disprove an experience before declaring it paranormal. Audience questions and personal experiences are encouraged as the conversation examines one of the greatest mysteries surrounding the paranormal: When something answers back from the darkness… what exactly are we communicating with?
This is a workshop designed for those starting out with machine embroidery, curious about it, all the way to experienced. I share my tips and tricks I’ve learned in the last 10 years.
Looking for your partner in crime, sidekick, final girl, villainous soulmate, or Player Two? Join us for Cosplay & Costume Speed Dating, a fun, fast-paced way to meet new people, make connections, and maybe find a little romance along the way! Everyone is welcome! Come dressed as your favorite character, rock your favorite costume or cosplay, or simply come as yourself — costumes are encouraged, but absolutely not required. You’ll rotate through a series of quick one-on-one conversations, giving you a chance to meet a variety of people without the pressure of a traditional date. Whether you’re looking for romance, a connection, or just a fun way to meet someone new, you never know who might be sitting across from you. 🖤 All identities, orientations, fandoms, and experience levels are welcome. Your next great connection could be just one speed date away!