Title: Opening Ceremony

Status: confirmed

Proposed by: Maia Bobrowicz

Description:

Come one and all to the Opening Ceremony for Contact: Swancon 2009!

The convention committee will introduce and welcome our guests and members, tell you about the key events planned for the con, and cover some necessary administrivia.

This will be followed by a "Guide to Swancon" session designed for new members but open to all. Experienced and friendly convention-goers will demystify the workings of Swancon, and explain how everyone can get the most from the panel programme, exhibitions, activities, competitions, games, sales, and socialising on offer over the 5 days.

Room Notes:

Tags: Equipment: AV, Format: Panel

Confirmed panellists: PRK, Maia Bobrowicz, Jaunita Landesse, Elaine Kemp, Jess Bridges, Richard Morgan, Trudi Canavan, Theresa Anns, Rob Masters , Leece, Stephanie Bateman-Graham, Linda Deegan, Christopher Phillips, Alistair McKie, Kathryn Linge, Terry Chilvers

One additional panellist has been suggested.

Rooms: Montana B, Montana A

Time: Thursday 7:30 PM

Title: Computers in SF

Status: confirmed

Proposed by: Anna Hepworth

Description:

From Orac to HAL to Skynet, come and discuss the various visions of computers in SF. Past, present and whatever they may hold in the future.

Room Notes:

Tags: Science fiction, Science

Confirmed panellists: Rob Masters , John Parker, Theresa Anns

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Cocktail Lounge

Time: Thursday 8:30 PM

Title: The Universe of Liad and the world of Korval

Status: confirmed

Proposed by: Elaine Walker

Description:

Codes of Conduct, Clans, Pilots, Healers, Dramliz, Terrans, Turtles, Sentient Trees, Spies, Scouts, Traders, Soldiers, Mercenaries, Juntavas, Gamblers, Scholars, Artists, Musicians, Romance and Wonder, Space Battles and Deepest Intrigue, Cultural Pioneering and Cats.

"Of the Great Houses, there are precisely 50. And then there is Korval"

"In an ally, considerations of house, clan, planet, race are insignificant beside two prime questions, which are:

1. Can he shoot?
2. Will he aim at your enemy?"--Cantra yos' Phelium.

There are already 10 Liaden books, and more short stories, and all are worthy of examination for anyone who likes richly tapestried worlds and splendid characters.

Room Notes:

Tags: Science fiction, Books & Literature

Confirmed panellists: Leece, Elaine Walker, Rob Masters , Paul Andinach

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Cocktail Lounge

Time: Friday 11:00 AM

Title: Art Show Judges Visit

Status: confirmed

Proposed by:

Description:

Room Notes:

Tags: Art

Confirmed panellists: Richard Morgan, Trudi Canavan, Theresa Anns, Rob Masters , Leece

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Other

Time: Friday 5:00 PM

Title: Gender Gap in Gaming?

Status: confirmed

Proposed by: Karen Babcock

Description:

Gaming is often seen a guy thing, but is it really true? How do men and women approach gaming differently? Does the type of game: card, board, video, arcade, PC or online matter? Do people play differently in same-sex versus mixed groups? What about when people don't know other players?

Room Notes:

Tags: Gaming

Confirmed panellists: Karen Babcock, Rob Masters , Leece, Mike O'Brien, Anneliese Bear

One additional panellist has been suggested.

Room: Montana B

Time: Friday 10:30 PM

Title: Ready, Steady, Genesplice!: Build a better Unicorn

Status: confirmed

Proposed by:

Description:

It's The Future and you're in the brainstorming session for the latest pet craze! Does the market want a cat with wings? A dragon? A pocket unicorn? Easy! Three artists take audience suggestions and turn them into visual reality in their own very different styles. But there's a twist - some of the artists have animal ethical and wildlife watchdogs observing and advising, so a leopard may well have to be replaced with a leopard slug! Vote for your favourite! Building a better unicorn was a great success at Genghiscon, and this year at Swancon with multiple artists and a game show format it looks to be even more fun!

Room Notes:

Tags: Format: Workshop, Icebreaker, Art, Equipment: AV

Confirmed panellists: Pamela Smith, Leece, Rob Masters , Colin Sharpe, Andy Phillips

One additional panellist has been suggested.

Room: Cocktail Lounge

Time: Saturday 11:00 AM

Title: I'd like that on a mug

Status: confirmed

Proposed by: Alicia Smith

Description:

A step through practical demonstration workshop of how to get your image onto a bunch of items - I'd like to show how easy it is for people who already have their image. I'm sure I only scratch the surface with my online shops and the fun I have with the weekly shirt competition. I'd like to give a taste as to how it's done.

Room Notes:

Tags: Format: Discussion, Format: Workshop, Equipment: AV, Art

Confirmed panellists: Leece, Rob Masters

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Cocktail Lounge

Time: Saturday 3:00 PM

Title: 10 Games

Status: confirmed

Proposed by: Callistra

Description:

Ten people speaking for four minutes on their favourite games

Room Notes:

Tags: General

Confirmed panellists: John Robertson, Rob Masters , Leece, Paul Kidd, Greg Tannahill

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Montana B

Time: Sunday 9:00 AM

Title: Molecular Gastronomy in the Fan Lounge

Status: confirmed

Proposed by: Rob Masters

Description:

Part demonstration, part practical workshop, this looks at how chemistry, physics and psychology can be combined to revisit the hows and whys of cooking, as well as how a knowledge of the underlying science can help create amazing new dishes.

Participate at your own risk!

Location: Fan Lounge

Room Notes:

Tags: Science

Confirmed panellists: Leece, Rob Masters

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Other

Time: Sunday 4:00 PM

Title: Wings of War

Status: confirmed

Proposed by: Terry Chilvers

Description:

Clear your guns...get ready for a dogfight.

Wings of War is a simple miniatures game of air combat in World War One. The world record game had 41 planes on the table. There is no Australian record. Yet (current world record is 37 pilots).

Each player manoeuvres their miniature plane (using a deck of cards) in a furious dogfight with the other players. Planes will be provided, as will an introduction for new players.

Ages: 12 and up

Room Notes:

Tags: Children, Gaming

Confirmed panellists: Terry Chilvers, Rob Masters , Leece

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Acacia

Times: Monday 12:00 PM, Monday 1:00 PM

Title: Closing Ceremony

Status: confirmed

Proposed by:

Description:

All good things must come to an end... come and farewell Swancon for another year.

Room Notes:

Tags: Format: Panel, Equipment: AV

Confirmed panellists: PRK, Maia Bobrowicz, Jaunita Landesse, Elaine Kemp, Jess Bridges, Richard Morgan, Trudi Canavan, Theresa Anns, Rob Masters , Leece, Linda Deegan, Christopher Phillips, Alistair McKie, Kathryn Linge, Terry Chilvers, Stephanie Bateman-Graham

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Rooms: Montana B, Montana A

Time: Monday 4:00 PM