BayCon 2009 Preliminary Schedule

FRIDAY, MAY 22

Come help us officially open the 27th BayCon. The Bold Explorer, Chairman Tycho, will share stories of the search for Pyrocumulon and our Guests of Honor will share their impressions of the city.

What, exactly, is a hall costume? Does it require references that "everyone knows" or is it best if it's obscure? Our panelists discuss the whats, whys and hows of hall costuming, with an emphasis on civilian (non-military) costumes.

You're here! BayCon 2009 has begun! Now what? Our panel of veteran BayCon attendees will give their suggestions on how to cram the absolute maximum of fun into four days. They might even tell you how to squeeze more than three hours of sleep into the mix. This is also a great orientation for those new to BayCon or the Hyatt Regency hotel.

Ribbons. Everyone wants them. Some people have them. Our panelists will discuss where to get them, how to ask for them, and why we want them so badly. They might even have special ribbons for panel attendees. We're not allowed to confirm or deny that last point. You'll just have to show up.

The new Land of the Lost movie is merely the latest volley in the effort to cash in on our childhoods. Are we doomed to to watch our beloved memories be "reinterpreted" or should we simply lean back and enjoy Speed Racer? And is the pain of bad revisions offset by the awesome cool of the new Battlestar Galactica?

Over 20 million people in the U.S. suffer from diabetes. If you have questions about it or helpful advice to impart, join our knowledgeable panel for an open discussion about living with this condition.

From Dracula to Twilight, vampires are common elements in fiction. Join us as we discuss the various permutations and historical basis for the Children of the Night.

The fear of technology, technological illiteracy, and religion repudiating technology have been all too common in recorded history. The problems continue today, and may actually be more prevalent among people in positions of power. Come discuss the implications for individuals and society as a whole.

Predator drones now carry missiles. DARPA is testing military robots. Have we reached a point where SkyNet is unavoidable? Or will we be able to control our newest creations? And will we ever be able to remove the human element from the battlefield?

Our panel of Masquerade veterans will give you tips and tricks to improve your presentation.

Join others of like mind to discuss Christian Fandom.

One Laptop Per Child is a growing force for global basic education. Join like-minded folks for a casual discussion.

What do you need a moderator for, anyway? What makes someone a good (or bad) moderator? Expert moderators share their tips and tricks.

Let's Make a Movie is a series of four panel workshops that will actually script, cast, film, and edit a movie that will be finished and screened on Monday. In this session, Ed & Ryan will show previous movies created in in this process, including hilarious video introductions by the filmmakers. This is the best place to catch their work, and behold the genesis of one of the weirdest and funniest workshops ever tolerated by fandom! Learn about some of the weird and heinous behind-the-scenes stories! Feel free to ask the filmmakers questions afterwards, if they're brave enough to stick around!

Community-led Friday night Shabbat services.

Community-led Friday night Shabbat services.

Come join the vampires of San Jose as they band together to confront a new, unknown threat.

Come celebrate the triumphant return to the Lost Sky City of Pyrocumulon! Join us as we rediscover all the wonders, sights, and creatures that once inhabited this magical city. Meet the Guests of Honor! Listen as our Toastmistress Jennifer Brozek tells anecdotes of the stories her grandmother used to tell her about the lost sky city of her ancestor's day. We celebrate together on this, our return to Pyrocumulon.

The English Regency was just over a decade, but it has had a broad influence on everything from literature to music and dance. Don't worry if you don't know the steps — expert Alan Winston will teach you as he calls the dances.

18 and over, please.

Visit the oldest established floating casino in the world! Play exciting games of chance as you chat with BayCon's Guests of Honor. Win exciting prizes as we enjoy the freedom of the skies. All proceeds for the casino go the benefit The Alex Foundation, so don't be afraid to double down.

Join Barely Legal as they enhance the showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. 18 and over, please.