VillaCon 2023 Panelists and Topics
Panels will run for 45-minutes, with an additional 15-minutes allotted for a Q&A session
Galactic Tribe & Wakanda Alliance
10AM – 6PM | 1st Floor, Room 115
An all-day rotation of panels that will cover various subjects regarding afro-futurism, Black identity, comics and media, and environmental justice.
God & Gaming, by Dr. Don Monnin
10 AM – 11 AM | 1st Floor, Recital Hall
This presentation will consist of the viewing of the first episode of a six-part series called “God and Gaming.” Video games are embraced by all walks of life, and its sense of community is one of the best aspects of modern human connection. “God and Gaming” hopes to bridge the gap between religion and the gaming culture as the two hosts, Fr. Blake Britton and Bobby Angel, discuss a Christian approach to a traditionally non-religious arena.
D&D 5th Edition Character Creation, Hosted by Eddie Mas
11 AM – 12 PM | Ground Floor, Room 12
Attendees will be introduced to new and experienced table-top roleplaying guests and learn how to make a character for the popular game Dungeons and Dragons. Attendees can look forward to playable races, classes, and ability scores while learning how to make their characters with a variety of dice. Towards the end of the panel, attendees can participate freely in a one-shot fantasy game where they will be able to practice what they have learned as their newly-created character.
Cosplay Veterans Tell All, by Michelle Insalaco
11 AM – 11:45 AM | 1st Floor, Auditorium
Just getting started in the world of cosplay? Always had a question you wanted to ask someone who has been doing this longer than you? Want to learn more about conventions outside NY? This is your time to ask! This will be an open Q&A session for people who want to ask cosplayers who have been doing this for over 10 years.
Unleash Your Super Saiyan Through Resilience & Self-Belief, by Duncan Kirkwood
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM | 1st Floor, Recital Hall
Through stories from popular anime, video games, and comic book movies, participants will get an understanding of how overcoming setbacks helps on the journey to success. The talk will center around themes of resilience and grit and provide practical tips on how to strengthen their ability to persevere through adversity in school and in life.
Addison Henderson Meet & Greet and Q&A
12 PM – 1:30 PM | 1st Floor, Auditorium
Learn more about Addison Henderson, an award-winning actor, director, producer, and writer from Buffalo, NY. Henderson worked closely with famed actor Chadwick Boseman on some of the highest-grossing films of all time, including Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame. Henderson also wrote, directed, and starred in G.O.D. (Givers of Death), which was filmed entirely in Western New York and premiered at the North Park Theatre in 2022.
Marvelous Muppet Madness, by Jay Ramos
12 PM – 1 PM | 1st Floor, Recital Hall | Ages 18+
Learn more about the history of Jim Henson’s Muppets, ranging from Sam and Friends (1955) to The Muppets Mayhem (2023). Prepare for small jokes and some topics that are inappropriate for children (ex. the Muppet Show’s pilot being named Muppets: Sex and Violence).
Classic Science Fiction, by Todd Baker
1 PM – 2 PM | 1st Floor, Recital Hall
discussion of the early years of the science fiction genre: 1920’s – 1950’s. We’ll consider the early writers, editors, magazines, and books that moved science fiction from the pulp era (with its rockets and bug-eyed monsters) to an era of maturity (with depictions of nuclear war and how we would live in the future).
Cosplay Photography 101, by Kat McCabe
2 PM – 3 PM | 1st Floor, Auditorium
Participants will learn the ins and outs about cosplay photography from a professional cosplay photographer Kat McCabe. Learn some tips and tricks to help make your next cosplay amazing! The official cosplay contest of VillaCon 2023 will take place immediately following this panel.
How to Babygirl-ify – An Example of Tumblr, by Salem Saloman
2PM – 3PM | 1st Floor, Recital Hall | Ages 18+
Fandoms have a rich history of fixating on certain characters, especially on Tumblr. During this panel, participants will dive into this phenomenon and learn about the science behind the fixation on these characters. In other words, this panel will explain why people “babygirl-ify” these characters.
Useless PowerPoints, by Ashley Mercurio
4 PM – 5 PM | 1st Floor, Recital Hall
Spend an hour going through some of the most bizarre and unique PowerPoints out there. Some will be educational, others will make you laugh, some may make you question why this panel exists. One moment participants will be viewing a presentation about the history of Kingdom Hearts, while the next may be about types of spiders that exist in Australia…there might even be a presentation on Ashley’s favorite Villa professors.
Don’t Break Anything II: The Second Coming, by Jake Steinbroner
6:30 PM – 8 PM | 1st Floor, Auditorium | Ages 18+
The most popular comedy panel in WNY returns to VillaCon for round 2! Get ready for the worst knee-slappers you’ve ever heard in this panel. Come for the unique brand of comedy, stay for the train wreck you just can’t turn your eyes away from.