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badgeribbons*10% OFFUse code DRAGON25. Expires 12/31/25.custom badge ribbons, and badge ribbon packs. Savings apply to merchandise only; gift Discount has no cash value. No cash or credit back. pc/nametag reserves the right to modify or discontinue this discount at any time without notice. Subject to applicable Terms of Use Slayed Your Cosplay? Make It Legendary with Matching Custom Ribbons!Represent your fandoms, characters, or those hilarious inside jokes only true fans understand. More than just ribbons, they’re tradable fandom trophies. Collect, trade, and conquer the Con pcnametag.com800.369.8622

Dragon Con Progress Report 2025 | Published by Dragon ConAll material, unless otherwise noted, is © 2025 Dragon Con, Inc. and may not be reproduced without permission. All other artwork is TM and © 2025 by respective owners. Dragon Con, 5044 Clark Howell Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30349Phone: 404-669-0773 (M–F 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 • ATLANTA, GEORGIA • WWW.DRAGONCON.ORGCover © 2025 Dragon Con, Inc. Progress Report © 2025 Dragon Con. All Rights Reserved.Places to go, things to do, and people to see!FEATURED GUESTSFAN TRACKSChoose your own adventure with one (or all) of our fan-run tracks.Moments you won’t want to miss and have to see for yourself!SPECIAL EVENTSLearn from the masters and pick up some new skills while you’re at it.WORKSHOPSGAMINGJoin gamers from across the Universe in our world of gaming.INSIDEbadgeribbons*10% OFFUse code DRAGON25. Expires 12/31/25.custom badge ribbons, and badge ribbon packs. Savings apply to merchandise only; gift Discount has no cash value. No cash or credit back. pc/nametag reserves the right to modify or discontinue this discount at any time without notice. Subject to applicable Terms of Use Slayed Your Cosplay? Make It Legendary with Matching Custom Ribbons!Represent your fandoms, characters, or those hilarious inside jokes only true fans understand. More than just ribbons, they’re tradable fandom trophies. Collect, trade, and conquer the Con pcnametag.com800.369.8622Announcements ................................................................................................ 2Guests ................................................................................................................... 5 Featured Guests ............................................................................................. 5 Attending Professionals ...............................................................................28Performers ......................................................................................................... 30 Vendors ..............................................................................................................34 Fan Tracks .........................................................................................................40Special Events & Contests ...........................................................................54 Art Show ..........................................................................................................54 Art Show Anime District ............................................................................... 56 Blood Drive .....................................................................................................56 Comic & Pop Artist Alley ..............................................................................58 Friday Night Costume Contest ..................................................................60 Georgia Philharmonic Orchestra ................................................................61 Hallway Costume Contest ...........................................................................61 The Late Night Puppet Slam ......................................................................62 Masquerade Costume Contest ..................................................................62 Night at the Aquarium ..................................................................................64Parties .................................................................................................................73Workshops ......................................................................................................... 74 Beginner Magic with Curt Anderson and Jon Armstrong................... 74 Practical Self-Defense with Keith A. Decandido ................................... 74 Swordplay and Stage Combat with Robert Chapin .............................. 75 Writers Hourly Workshops ..........................................................................76 Writer's Two-Day Intensive Workshop with Jody Lynn Nye ............... 78 Tai Chi Workshop with Erin Gray ............................................................... 79Gaming ...............................................................................................................80Convention Services ......................................................................................88 Disability Services .........................................................................................88Travel Information ..........................................................................................90 Hotels ...............................................................................................................90 Transportation ................................................................................................90

2PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAannouncementsWelcome to the Progress Report, #DragonConFam:As this handy dandy progress report hits your inbox we hope you are as pumped as we are for what is shaping up to be another unforgettable Dragon Con! When you aren’t combing over the guests, vendors, artists, and more…please take some time to catch up on our important announcements and sleep. Sleep is always the answer, except for at Dragon Con of course! So what do you do now? While it may be too early to start packing, you certainly can start getting ready by using this progress report to begin your planning! Just a quick reminder that we will continue to cap attendance giving everyone a little more room to move around and experience all that Dragon Con has to offer. We have also worked hard this year to address some of the challenges with unbadged folks entering the hotels so we are very hopeful that while the cap has not changed, it will feel better than last year. As part of that overall attendance cap, we will have a very limited number of one-day memberships for all days of the show for purchase on August 1st at 10 AM EDT. Mark your calendars now; these will go fast, particularly the much sought after Saturday membership. Dragon Con is thrilled to unveil its official spirits partnership with Atlanta Hard Cider and Distillery and Old Fourth Distillery, bringing fans exclusive access to premium, locally crafted beverages that celebrate the spirit of the convention—before, during, and after the event. As part of this exciting collaboration, fans will be able to purchase Dragon Con Vodka from Atlanta Hard Cider and Distillery and Dragon Con Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Old Fourth Distillery - each one specially curated to capture the energy and creativity of the Dragon Con experience. These exclusive offerings join our continued partnership with Monks Meadery, who will debut a brand-new collectible can design for the 2025 event, adding even more flavor and flair to your Dragon Con celebration. Raise your glass to fandom—Dragon Con 2025 is about to get even better. How can you get your hands on these fantastic products you might ask? I’m so glad you asked. While online orders continue, you can avoid shipping fees by picking them up at local liquor stores around the footprint of the convention. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us on August 1 at Atlanta Hard Cider and Distillery in Marietta for a night of trivia and a chance to win some great prizes including memberships, Dragon Con swag, and a coveted host hotel reservation. AND pick up your bottle of commemorative Dragon Con Vodka while you are there. Last year, I spent a couple of hours each night exploring the convention, making new friends and reminding myself of an aspect of the show I rarely am able to see. Let me tell you, that was a wonderful experience that both reinvigorated my love of what we do but also has been a catalyst to some of the work we have done this year to enhance the nighttime activities, adding some diversity in musical and visual offerings. I hope you are able to see and feel these changes and enjoy even more. If you are too tuckered out to experience late night Dragon Con, I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND, but I do highly encourage you to take even one night to get out and explore - it may change your perspective and is definitely worth the tradeoff in sleep. This year I am particularly excited about our new Hip Hop Party Friday night. Kick off Dragon Con 2025 and celebrate the Year of the Dragon (yes, we know it is the Year of the Snake, but we are a little partial to dragons) with bold beats, big energy, and great vibes. Show your moves, meet fellow fans, and start the Con with unstoppable spirit!There is still time, albeit not too much, to make your last minute plans to join us for what will surely be a wonderful year. If you haven’t made your travel arrangements head over to https://www.dragoncon.org/travel/transportation/ where you will find discounts on air travel, info for reserving a parking spot, and links to help make your trip to Atlanta a memorable and smooth one.For the latest updates and information, our official social media channels will report any changes or important announcements. Please follow our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages to stay in touch.We look forward to welcoming you to Dragon Con 2025 in just a few short weeks!

3INFOFOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORG • We are excited to announce that Disability Services is getting its own area for Badge Pick Up and accommodation interviews. Eligible fans requiring support from the Disability Services team will enter the Capitol Ballroom South from the hallway between Atlanta meeting rooms and Capitol. This location will allow quicker service and enable us to better support our community. • Do you like a nice beverage with your Dragon Con? We've got something for you! We've partnered with the folks at Atlanta Hard Cider/Atlanta Distillery and Old Fourth Distillery to bring you two new products - Dragon Con Vodka and Dragon Con Straight Bourbon Whiskey. And of course we can't forget our friends at Monk's Meadery who have produced a limited edition can this year to satisfy all your collecting needs. Keep an eye on social to learn where you can stock up on these products around the show. • A limited number of one day badges will be available at 10a ET on August 1. Last year most days sold out so please make plans to grab them early. • The Walk of Fame will be closing one hour early Monday, now closing at 4p.IMPORTANT INFORMATIONA friendly reminder that it's Courtland Grand (Not Sheraton) - thanks to DCTV for that little earworm. The Courtland Grand Hotel, Trademarked by Wyndham will again host our Badge Pick Up, welcoming most everyone coming to Dragon Con.Speaking of Badge Pick Up, please bring your QR code you receive during your membership purchase and a valid government-issued photo ID with you to Badge Pick Up.Already have your Dragon Con membership, but can't find the confirmation email? Or maybe you need to make sure your badge name is correct? We are here to help! Click here (https://purchase.growtix.com/eh/Dragon_Con_2025) to have your confirmation email resent so you can have your handy dandy QR code ready for Badge Pick Up.Click here to sign your waiver and make sure your badge name is correct so you can avoid unnecessary wait times onsite. If you are having any trouble, feel free to reach out to the office at dragoncon@dragoncon.org and we will be happy to help!We take harassment very seriously at Dragon Con. Our goal is to be the most accepting convention in the world regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or planet of origin. There’s space for everyone to be who they want to be here in the Dragon Con community. We continue to focus on Rule #7: DON'T BE A JERK. For more information about our convention policies, please visit our website.Shuttle buses will be available again this year, including the popular dedicated shuttle between the host only hotels. Additionally, we will have special shuttles available for the exclusive events.Please note: Service dogs are welcome at Dragon Con, but emotional support animals and therapy animals are NOT permitted in Con space. Please see our policy.COURTLAND GRAND HOTEL - BADGE PICKUPYour quest to an amazing Dragon Con begins at Badge Pick Up in the Courtland Grand. All memberships must be purchased online via our membership provider: Leap. This includes single day and multiple-day memberships. Visit https://www.dragoncon.org/buy-now/ for more information.Please note that there is an attendance cap for Dragon Con for 2025. There will be a limited number of single day memberships for each day. They will go on sale August 1 at 10a and when they run out - no more will be added. If there are memberships available as we get to the convention, they'll be available for purchase - but online only. Sure, you can do it while you stand in line, or while waiting in Atlanta traffic (but not if you are driving of course), but the hard-working volunteers handing out badges will not be able to complete a purchase for you. They'll be busy scanning QR codes, verifying identification, and handing out badges to get you in and out as quickly as possible.Memberships can be picked up at Badge Pick Up in the Courtland Grand Hotel on the very bottom level. It's at the corner of Courtland St. and Andrew Young International Blvd., one block south of the Marriott.And the hours of operation:Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Saturday/Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

4INFOPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GA

5FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGDON AGUILLODon Aguillo is a comic artist and illustrator whose work includes projects with DC, Image, Marvel, Boom, Dark Horse, Disney/Ravensburger, Upper Deck, and indie creators.JARROD C ALBERICHIndependent comic book creator. Creator/writer of Hamilton vs. Burr: A Werewolf Tale. Published comic writer for Z2 Comics. Trading card artist for Marvel Comics & Upper Deck Trading Cards. Cover artist & inker for White Rocket Books. US Air Force combat veteran.CHARLIE JANE ANDERSCharlie Jane Anders is the author of Lessons in Magic and Disaster. Her other novels include All the Birds in the Sky, The City in the Middle of the Night, and the young-adult Unstoppable trilogy. She is also the author of Never Say You Can’t Survive.KEVIN J. ANDERSONKevin J. Anderson has written in the Dune, Star Wars, and X-Files universes, Clockwork Angels with legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart, and the Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series. He has edited anthologies, written comics and games, and served as co-producer on Dune: Part Part Two and the Dune: Prophecy TV series.CURT ANDERSONCurt Anderson is a master of deception, both on and off stage! He has toured the world preforming magic for decades. Recently he returned to the academic world of communication where he studies communication and human deception. He has a master’s degree and is presently working on his PhD.JON ARMSTRONGJon Armstrong stars in Magicians: Life in the Impossible. You have seen him amaze on The Today Show, cause Penn on CW’s Penn and Teller’s Fool Us to exclaim his act as “the most original I’ve ever seen!”, and wow Jay Leno on The Tonight Show.PARIS K ARROWSMITHParis Arrowsmith’s career has spanned stage, voice acting, and screen. After moving to LA, he started working as a podcaster on No Latency and freelance TTRPG writer for R. Talsorian Games.ERIC R. ASHEREric R. Asher is the author of over 30 titles, including Steamborn, the Vesik series, and The Theme Park at the End of the World. He is currently living in St. Louis, Missouri, where the local folklore often finds its way into his Mason Dixon: Monster Hunter rural fantasy series.DANE AULTDane Ault is the artist behind Monkey Minion Press, an art company he runs with his wife and business partner, Ashlie Hammond. Monkey Minion Press has been publishing art books, kid’s books, and all manner of POPaganda, science, and space-related art prints and posters for over a decade.HAWKINGS AUSTINHawk worked in radiation for 30 years. He has written in engineering, science, martial arts, history, and fantasy with seven novels published. He speaks on topics as diverse as pop culture science, Irish mythology, Catalan history, warfare in the middle ages, plasma physics, space environments, and nuclear survival.NOAH BAILEYNoah Bailey is an illustrator, designer, and comic book artist. Bailey is known for his self published and independent work in Station Grand, Infinite Horrors, and Diabolical!; the latter his personal comic anthology magazine. He is a frequent collaborator with Michael W. Conrad on Double Walker and Tremor Dose.DAVE BAKERDave Baker is an Eisner nominated writer/illustrator. His works include Star Trek Voyager: Seven’s Reckoning (IDW), Forest Hills Bootleg Society (Simon and Shuster), Mary Tyler MooreHawk (Top Shelf), Night Hunters (Floating World), and Everyone Is Tulip (Dark Horse). He has also worked on Godzilla and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.guests

6GUESTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GASAMANTHA BÉARTSamantha Béart is a classically trained actor, and a BAFTA nominee and GANG Award winner for their role as Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3.JOHN BEATTYJohn Beatty is an American illustrator who has worked for Marvel and DC Comics, primarily as an inker. Beatty spent 20 years inking such titles as Captain America, New Mutants, The Punisher, Secret Wars, The Nam, The Adventures of Superman, Batman, JLA, and many more.ANDY BELANGERAndy Belanger works as a freelance cartoonist/illustrator. He does work in the mainstream comic market, plus a wide variety of work for the Canadian Film and Television industry. In the mainstream comic market, Belanger has worked for such comic publishers as DC Comics, Wildstorm, Devil’s Due, and Boom!JOE BENITEZJoe Benitez is the creator, writer, and artist of the steampunk graphic novel series Lady Mechanika. His previous work has included art duties on hit comic books such as Titans, JLA, Supergirl, and Superman/Batman for DC Comics; Weapon Zero, The Darkness, and Magdalena for Image Comics; and Soulfirefor Aspen Comics.CHLOE BENNETChloe Bennet is an American actor, model, and singer. She starred as Daisy Johnson / Quake in the ABC superhero drama series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and voiced Yi in the animated film Abominable and the television series Abominable and the Invisible City.ADAM BERRYAdam Berry is an executive producer and co-star of Kindred Spirits on TLC, with friend and paranormal partner Amy Bruni. He is also a former star of SYFY’s hit show, Ghost Hunters, and contestant on Ghost Hunter’s Academy.DR. JOHN BRADFORDDr. John Bradford is chief executive officer and principal engineer for SpaceWorks Enterprises in Atlanta. He is an expert in the human exploration of space, hypersonics, and the commercial space industry. He is an industry thought leader and strong advocate for commercial development of cis-lunar space.ANDY BRASEAndy Brase has done art for many titles including Magic the Gathering, Alien, Predator, Star Wars, Doctor Strange, Punisher, Fantastic Four, Assassin’s Creed, Dragon Age, Swamp Thing, Dark Sun, Kull, Spider-Man, Hulk, Daredevil, The Darkness, and more, including book covers for stories by George RR Martin and Neil Gaiman.BREEDBREED is a professional artist whose work has been featured by Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Zenescope Entertainment, 20th Century Studios, IDW, Source Point Press, Counterpoint Comics, Stranger Comics, Action Lab Entertainment, Mountaineer West Productions, UpperDeck Co./MCU, Kymera Press, Entity Eye Entertainment, Warrant Publishing, and various film/TV production companies.JENNIE BREEDENJennie Breeden is the creator of the daily journal webcomic The Devil’s Panties. It is not satanic porn... honest.PATRICIA L. BRIGGSPatricia Briggs is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson and Alpha and Omega urban fantasy series.JUNE BRIGMANJune Brigman has enjoyed a long and varied career as a cartoonist, drawing such comic book titles as Alpha Flight, Supergirl, and Star Wars. She is the co-creator (with Louise Simonson) of the Power Pack series from Marvel Comics.CHUCK BROWNChuck Brown is an Eisner and Ringo award winning comic book writer. He is the current writer for Aquaman. He has written Bitter Root (co-creator), The Punisher, Black Panther, and Wolverine. He is also the writer and creator of The Quiet Kind and On the Stump.AMY BRUNIAmy Bruni is a historical researcher and paranormal investigator in the shows Ghost Hunters and Kindred Spirits. Amy Bruni has more than 20 years experience searching for things that go bump in the night.BRIAN BRUSHWOODBrian Brushwood has spent 20 years touring the U. S. with his award winning magic show. 1,000 live shows later in 2008, he started hosting Scam Schoolfor Discovery, Hacking the System for NatGeo, and The Modern Rogue on YouTube. Brushwood’s newest adventure is his podcast World’s Greatest Con.BOB BURDENAtlanta’s Eisner award winning comic artist, graphic novelist, and screenwriter, Bob Burden, created the world’s first surrealist superhero, Flaming Carrot, leading to Mystery Men, which became a feature film.

8GUESTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAGREG BURNHAMGreg Burnham is a writer based in Norcross, Georgia. He and artist Marcus Williams teamed to produce two children’s books, and then in 2016 produced the very successful indie sci-fi action-adventure Tuskegee Heirs. As part of the Milestone initiative, he has worked on a couple DC Comic properties.JIM BUTCHERJim Butcher is the author of The Dresden Files, Codex Alera, and his new steampunk series, The Cinder Spires. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs.JACK CAMPBELLJack Campbell (John G. Hemry), retired U.S. Navy officer, writes the series Doomed Earth, New York Times bestselling Lost Fleet, Genesis Fleet, Lost Stars, and Pillars of Reality. His latest books are Destiny’s Way, In Our Stars, The Empress of the Endless Sea trilogy, and Rendezvous with Corsair.JOSIE CAMPBELLJosie Campbell is a television writer/producer and comic book author. She is the creator of I Heart Skull-Crusher and writer for Shazam. Campbell is the executive producer for the Starfire! animated series, and head writer/producer for My Adventures With Superman and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.JOSHUA CASSARAJoshua Cassara is an exclusive artist for Marvel Comics best known for his work on X-Men, X-Force, and X Lives of Wolverine. He is the current artists for the Deadpool/Wolverine ongoing series.CATIEOSAURUSWriter-educator Cate “Catieosaurus” Osborn has collaborated with Wizards of the Coast, Critical Role, Kobold Press, Chaosium, and Foundry VTT while pushing accessibility at every table. Her upcoming book, The ADHD Field Guide for Adults, builds on bylines in Playboy and The New York Times.JONATHAN CHAFFINJonathan Chaffin is a designer who loves horror-literature, pop culture, and Polynesian pop art. He has done merch and design for Hooters of America, Netherworld Haunted House, Rumba Seattle, and more. He, his wife Allison, and incredible volunteers produce Inuhele: Atlanta’s Tiki Weekend and The Atlanta Tiki Homebar Tour.LIPWEI CHANGLipwei Chang is a comic artist and illustrator from Malaysia. He has been actively involved in several projects of illustrations and comic pages, with his comic art style.A.C. CHARANIAAs the former NASA chief technologist, A.C. Charania served as one of the senior advisors to NASA’s administrator on technology strategy and innovation. He held prior roles at Reliable Robotics, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and SpaceWorks Enterprises.D.G. CHICHESTERWriter D.G. Chichester is famed for his Daredevil run, including The Fall of the Kingpin, Fall from Grace, and the recent Black Armor. He co-created the Midnight Sons and Nightstalkers, pioneered Marvel’s CyberComics, and introduced Clive Barker’s Hellraiser to comics. Chichester authored stories for Nick Fury, Punisher, and Judge Dredd.CINDA WILLIAMS CHIMANew York Times bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima writes fantasy stories for teens of all ages, including The Heir Chronicles, The Seven Realmsquartet, and The Shattered Realms series. Her newest duology, The Runestone Saga, marries Norse mythology and witchcraft with swordplay (axeplay?) romance and cut-throat politics.TRACIE CHINGTracie Ching is an illustrator known for her bold colors and cross-hatching style. Ching has created packaging art for Hasbro, covers for Penguin Randomhouse and TIME magazine, and film posters for Disney, Netflix, Lucasfilm, and Marvel. She is founder and principal mentor of the biennial We Create Mentorship program.WESLEY CHUWesley Chu is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 14 published novels, including The Art of Prophecy, Time Salvager, The Rise of Io, and The Walking Dead: Typhoon. He won the Astounding Award for Best New Writer.BECKY CLOONANBecky Cloonan is a comic book artist, writer, and three-time Eisner winner. Best known for her work writing on Wonder Woman, Batgirls, and Gotham Academy, she was also the first female creator to draw a full issue of Batman. Most recently, she co-created the smash hit series SOMNA at DSTLRY.MIKE COLTERMike Colter is best known for his roles as Lemond Bishop in The Good Wife, Malcolm Ward in Ringer, and Luke Cage in Marvel’s Luke Cage, The Defenders, and Jessica Jones, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He can currently be seen playing David Acosta in the CBS/Paramount+ series Evil.

9GUESTSFOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGMICHAEL W CONRADMichael W. Conrad is a writer that has contributed to the legacies of many major characters including: Wonder Woman, Batman, Superman, Godzilla, Nightwing, Doom Patrol, and countless others. Conrad’s own personal work includes such published graphic novels as Tremor Dose, Double Walker, and Neptune.DAVID ZEB COOKDavid “Zeb” Cook was hired in 1979 to work at TSR as a game designer where he wrote the D&D Expert Rules, Oriental Adventures, the AD&D 2nd Edition, Planescape, novels, and more. In 1994 he moved to videogames, designing for Fallout, City of Villains, and Elder Scrolls Online.SEAN COPELANDSean Copeland is the lore historian lead for Story & Franchise Development at Blizzard Entertainment. He supports all creative partners so they can create award winning games, goods, and cinematic content for Blizzard’s blockbuster franchises.JOE CORRONEYJoe Corroney has been illustrating Star Wars artwork for Disney and Lucasfilm and Star Trek artwork for CBS Studios since 1997, as well as a host of other properties. New Star Wars artwork and various other licensees are in the works for publication later this year.WILLIAM HUNTER CRESSALLHunter is a writer and director working in Birmingham, Alabama. He, with his partners Brian Pace, David Woods, and Phil Sutton, run Obvious Notion a multimedia production company.SHAWN CRYSTALShawn Crystal got his first job while in school, Resident Evil: Fire and Ice, a miniseries for Wildstorm. Around five years ago, Marvel hired Crystal on Deadpool, living his childhood dream. He is currently an artist for Marvel Comics and Valiant Entertainment.PETER L CUTLERPeter Capn, Cutler, artist for New Legends’ Tiki Zombie, has done work over the last 30 years for ABS inc., Con-Tees, Galactic Press, East Cobber, and Guy Gilchrist production, and is working on his own Spookie Kookies art, books, and many other items.VINCENT D’ONOFRIOVincent D’Onofrio is a legendary actor and filmmaker. His credits include Full Metal Jacket, The Whole Wide World, Men in Black, Men in Black: The Series, The Cell, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and Jurassic World. He has recently been seen playing Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.KATHLEEN O’SHEA DAVIDKathleen O’Shea David started working with puppets at a young age. Along the way she has learned few more skills. Her puppets are in various collections. She is an equity stage manager with an MFA from Yale. She is a published writer and editor of various works.KAREN DAVIDKaren David is an actress, singer, and songwriter best known for portraying Princess Isabella Maria Lucia Elizabetta of Valencia in Galavant, Layla in the The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior, Princess Jasmine in Once Upon a Time, Grace in Fear the Walking Dead, and in Legacies as Emma.FON H DAVISFon Davis appears on BattleBots, The Movies that Made Us, Prop Culture, Cake Masters, and Superfan Builds. He has worked on over 45 feature films including The Nightmare Before Christmas and the Star Wars series. More recently, Davis has been directing shorts and worked on Godzilla, The Mandalorian, and Interstellar.DELILAH S DAWSONDelilah S. Dawson is the New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Phasma, Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade, Bloom, Guillotine, The Violence, the Minecraft: Mob Squad series, the Blud series, the Shadow series (written as Lila Bowen), and the Tales of Pell, written with Kevin Hearne.SAM DE LA ROSA /.Sam de la Rosa/. has held years of regular jobs for Marvel providing inks and finished art on various Spider-Man titles, Venom Lethal Protector, Venom Separation Anxiety, Captain America, Black Panther, Squadron Supreme, Iron Man, What-If, Dr. Strange, Daredevil, The Thing, Spider Woman, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars.JERRY E DECAIREJerry DeCaire has illustrated top shelf character titles for Marvel including Deadpool, Wolverine, Thor, etc. He is currently working on his own production, The Which-When Man. For 10 years he has performed drawing exhibitions in every major city in the US.KEITH R.A. DECANDIDOKeith R.A. DeCandido has written tons of novels, short fiction, and comics in licensed universes from Alien to Zorro, and also in worlds of his own creation. His new series, Supernatural Crimes Unit, will debut in 2025 from Weird Tales Presents. He also writes about pop culture for Reactor magazine.TOM DEFALCOTom DeFalco is a comic book writer and editor well known for his association with Marvel Comics, with long runs on Amazing Spider-Man, Thor, Fantastic Four, and Spider-Girl, where he created Mayday Parker/Spider-Girl.

10GUESTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAVANESA DEL REYCuban artist Vanesa R. Del Rey began her career doing concept art for animation. Her work in comics has been described as dark, gritty, and mysterious with great dominance of figurative work. She has illustrated Scarlet Witch, Spider-Women Alpha, and Daredevil Annual (2016). Redlands is her first creator-owned series.FRANCINE (FRAN) DELGADOFrancine Delgado is a Costa Rican-Canadian artist with over a decade of experience. Art director, character designer, and cover artist, she has worked with MARVEL, Disney, and IDW. Inspired by manga and European comics, her bold storytelling and intricate designs bring characters to life in feature films, TV, and comics.COLIN DONNELLColin Donnell is the lead of Irreverent, is known for his work on screen in NBC’s Chicago Med and CW’s Arrow, and starred as Russell Hammond in the musical adaptation of the acclaimed show Almost Famous at The Old Globe. His Broadway work includes Violet, Anything Goes, and Jersey Boys.COLLEEN DORANColleen Doran is the New York Times bestselling artist for the Neil Gaiman graphic novel Troll Bridge and Stan Lee’s autobiography Amazing, Fantastic, Incredible Stan Lee, which earned a Young Adult Library Services Great Graphic Novels for Teens nomination. Books she has illustrated have won Eisner and Harvey Awards.MARNIE DORIANMarnie Dorian is a multi-talented artist and cancer survivor whose journey inspired her creative path. She writes and illustrates children’s books, sculpts in clay, creates hand-crafted latex masks, and specializes in fine art acrylic paintings. Dorian accepts commissions and has been appearing at conventions over the past year.GUY DORIAN, SR.Guy Dorian Sr. is a comic book artist, toy designer, and cinematic art designer with over 30 years of experience who has worked for some of the largest mainstream companies in the world, including Marvel, DC, IDW, JusToys, 20th Century Fox, Marvel Entertainment, and Storm King Productions.DAN DOS SANTOSCreating covers for Brandon Sanderson, Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, and more, Dan dos Santos is one of the most recognized artists in his field. With hundreds of book covers to his credit, his vision has helped shape what the Fantasy market is today.FRIGGATRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA TREATMENT NURSE DOWNEY,The Friggatriskaidekaphobia Treatment Center and nurse character was created in 2002 by Margaret Downey to teach critical thinking skills in an effort to end unfounded and irrational superstitions. Downey is the Skeptics Dragon Con parade coordinator.TIM DWNIETim Downie has worked on such films as The King’s Speech, Paddington, War Machine, Transformers: The Last Knight, Horrible Histories: Rotten Romans, and Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose. TV credits include Good Omens 2, Outlander, and Geek Girl. Baldurs Gate 3 marked his gaming debut playing Gale.TIM DOYLETim Doyle is an illustrator and printmaker from Austin. He self-published Amazing Adult Fantasy and was the art director/lead designer for Mondo. He has produced art for Marvel, Dark Horse, Cartoon Network, Studio Canal, and art directs poster series for bands such as Metallica, Failure, and “Weird Al” Yankovic.DARRIN LEE DRADERDarrin Drader is a professional tabletop role-playing game designer with 25 years of experience in the field. He has written for Wizards of the Coast, Paizo Publishing, Legendary Games, Bastion Press, and many other publishers.ELONKA DUNINElonka Dunin is a professional game developer, author, cryptographer, and TEDx speaker. A leading expert on the world’s most famous unsolved codes, such as Kryptos at CIA Headquarters.SCOTT G EDGINGTONScott G.C. Edgington, Ph.D. is a planetary scientist studying the giant planets of our solar system. His specialties are atmospheric science, remote sensing, and spectroscopy. Much of his career was spent working at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab on the Cassini Mission to Saturn, Europa Clipper, InSight, Perseverance, and Psyche.TOMMY LEE EDWARDSTommy Lee Edwards has illustrated comics like Mother Panic (co-created with Gerard Way), Turf (co-created with Jonathan Ross), Grendel Kentucky, Jupiter’s Legacy, and Marvel 1985. Edwards has written for Gatchaman, Batman, Hellboy, and Vandroid. He has collaborated with the Hughes Brothers as the concept artist on The Book of Eli.JEFF ELLOJeff Ello (aka jello) is a filmmaker, technologist, and creative enabler with an entirely unhealthy knowledge of film and media production, visual effects, streaming, virtual, AI, and all of the technology behind the scenes.

11GUESTSFOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGSTEVE ENGLEHARTSteve Englehart is an Inkpot Award winning comics writer and novelist known for the comics series Spider-Man, Captain America, Superman, The Fantastic Four, and Batman, and for his novels The Point Man, The Long Man, and The Plain Man. He has been named Favorite Writer at the Eagle Awards.ERANGA-DEranga D works as a freelance illustrator out of Birmingham, Alabama. He does cover and pinup work in the mainstream and indie comic market. In his time in comics, he has worked with Dark Horse, Dynamite, Scout Comics, Black Caravan, and contributed covers to several indie Kickstarters.JOANNA ESTEPJoanna Estep is the critically acclaimed illustrator of such titles as The Fantastic Four, X-Men, New Mutants, Spiderverse (Marvel Comics), Bitch Planet(Image), Death Head (Dark Horse), and The Thrilling Adventure Hour (Boom!/Archaia). Her work has earned her the S.P.A.C.E. Prize, and nominations for Eisner and Harvey awards.MELISSA FAHNMelissa Fahn has voiced hundreds of characters, including Edward on Cowboy Bebop, Gaz on Invader Zim, Rika on Digimon Tamers, Ninamori on FLCL, Haruka on Noein, Kristy on Digimon Data Squad, Tia on Zatch Bell, Betty Boop, Hello Kitty, and many more.BILL FAWCETTBill Fawcett & Associates has packaged and edited over 400 science fiction novels and two oral histories of the Navy SEALs. He co-authored the official Mycroft Holmes Mysteries and has written almost a dozen books, many on mistakes in history. Founded Mayfair Games and designs board and computer games.ODED FEHROded Fehr is known for roles in films like The Mummy and Resident Evil franchises, and television shows including Star Trek: Discovery, Once Upon a Time, and NCIS. He has also voiced characters in the shows Young Justice and Batman: The Brave and the Bold, and video games like Destiny 2.MELISSA FLORESMelissa Flores has written for Marvel, Image Comics, Boom!, and Oni Press, on The Dead Lucky, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Radiant Pink, Spider-Gwen: Smash, Biker Mice From Mars, Power Rangers Prime, and more. Flores voices the characters Kat Ranger and Gia Moran in Power Rangers: Battle For the Grid.TANA FORDTana Ford is the artist on Marvel’s Silk. She has done work on Gwenpool, Star Trek, Jem and the Holograms, VenomVerse, and The Amazing Spider-Man. She is the creator of the award winning lesbian comic book series DUCK! She recently collaborated with writer Nnedi Okorafor in the Black Panther universe.STEPHAN FRANCKAward nominated animator/writer/director/comic book creator, who supervised the animation of Marvel Studio’s What If...? season 1, and is currently directing new episodes. He was a supervising animator on the The Iron Giant, and contributed story to Despicable Me. His graphic novel earned a Russ Manning Award.MATT FRANKMatt Frank is known in both Japan and America as the Kaiju King working on Godzilla comics for IDW since 2011. Frank has also worked on Ultraman, Gamera, Power Rangers, Transformers, Mothra: Queen of the Monsters, as well as pinball machines, Blu-Ray releases, and more!CHANDRA FREEChandra Free is the creator of The God Machine graphic novel series and co-founder of Machina Corpse imprint. She illustrated on books like John Carpenter’s Tales For A Halloween Night, Fraggle Rock, and The Graphic Canon. She has also worked on TTRPG books like Carbon Grey and Planet of the Apes.ESTHER FRIESNERMultiple Nebula Award winner Esther Friesner has published over 40 novels, more than 200 short stories, plus poetry and nonfiction. She has edited 11 anthologies including the Chicks in Chainmail series for Baen Books. Her YA credits include the Princesses of Myth series for Random House.KURT FULLERKurt Fuller is a character actor who has appeared in many television, film, and stage projects. He is known for his roles in the films No Holds Barred, Ghostbusters II, Wayne’s World, and Scary Movie, and for his television roles playing Coroner Woody Strode in Psych and Zachariah in Supernatural.BRYAN SCOTT FYFFEBryan Fyffe creates moody and naturalistic art inspired by gothic horror, nature, science, and themes. His work is a mix of hand drawn elements fused with a variety of photographic textures.

12GUESTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GACHARLES E. GANNONDr. Charles E. Gannon‘s 25+ bestselling books have won the Dragon, ALA Choice, and Compton Crook Awards. He is best known for the hard sci-fi Caine Riordan series (4 Nebula and 2 Dragon finalists) and the Vortex of Worlds epic fantasy saga (the most recent was a 2023 Dragon finalist).BRIANNA GARCIABrianna is an illustrator and comic artist currently working on My Little Pony comics and the Disney Lorcana trading card game. She has worked on interiors for Disney Princess comics, covers for Captain Marvel, Feral, and illustrations for Butterbean’s Café, Disney Imagineering, and done storyboard work for Warner Bros Animation.ANDREW E.C. GASKAAndrew E.C. Gaska is the multiple award winning lore/adventure writer for Free League’s Alien RPG. A franchise consultant to 20th Century Studios on Alien, Predator, and POTA, he is the lead writer for two Choose Your Own Adventure graphic novels and the Terminator and Planet of the Apes RPGs.JUAN GEDEONJuan Gedeon started working as an assistant at an art studio at 19, moved to Mexico at 23 to work in animation, and started working in American comics at 25. He is known for his short run on Venom for Marvel and created The Jurassic League for DC.GIL GERARDGil Gerard has starred in made-for-television movies and feature films. He is best known to SF audiences as Capt. William Buck Rogers in the SF TV series, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. His other roles include several movie and TV series appearances including Beyond, Bone Eater, and Ghost Town.JUSTIN GERARDJustin Gerard is an independent artist who has worked for clients such as Disney, Dreamworks, Warner Brothers, Blizzard, and Random House. His work has explored the fantasy worlds of Beowulf, King Arthur, St. George, The Hobbit, Magic the Gathering, and Dungeons & Dragons.ANNIE STEGG GERARDAnnie Stegg Gerard is an oil painter based in Northern Georgia, deeply inspired by the 18th-century Rococo masters. Her award winning art has been exhibited in galleries and featured in projects for clients such as Disney, Hasbro, Wizards of the Coast, Easton Press, Netflix, HarperCollins, and more.DONATO GIANCOLAGiancola describes himself and his work as a ‘classical-abstract-realist working with science fiction and fantasy’ and lists Hans Memling, Jan Van Eyck, Velázquez, Caravaggio, Vermeer, Piet Mondrian, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Titian as his favorite artists.JOHN GIANGJohn Giang is an acclaimed cover and concept artist, whose covers include: Spider-Man, Batman, and Last Ronin; and film credits include: Rogue One, Avengers, TMNT, and Transformers. Giang has jammed with Marvel, DC Comics, Paramount, Disney, Lucasfilm, and Hasbro.HENRY GILROYHenry Gilroy is a television screenwriter and producer. He is best known for co-writing the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. From an early age, Gilroy loved comic books and animation. Gilroy is also the author of several Star Wars comic books and the first Bionicle trilogy.BILL GOLLIHERBill Golliher has been a writer and artist for Archie Comics for 30 plus years. Golliher has worked on scripting and illustrating quite a diverse set of titles for the company: Betty and Veronica Friends Forever, Veronica, Jughead’s Diner, Archie 3000, Dilton’s Strange Science, and many more.STEVE GONSALVESSteve Gonsalves is a long time member and paranormal researcher for The Atlantic Paranormal Society based out of Rhode Island. Gonsalves is a paranormal researcher and is best known for his role as an investigator and tech specialist for the hit television series Ghost Hunters and Ghost Nation.MICHAEL A. GORDONMichael Gordon is a writer, editor, publisher, and podcaster. His creator-owned comic, Tiki Zombie, has been running for over a decade. He can also be regularly found saying “Howdy!” on the BatChums, Earth Station Who, and Dragon Con Report podcasts.STACEY GORDONStacey Gordon is a puppeteer best known for hosting immersive puppetry experiences, creating paper puppets for HP, operating a whimsical ice cream truck where puppets tell jokes and serve the treats, and portraying Julia, Sesame Street’s first autistic Muppet--all with the approval of her parents!CHRISTOPHER P GOREChris Gore is the founder of FilmThreat.com and host of Film Threat on YouTube. Author of several books, notably The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide. Gore was a regular on G4TV’s Attack of the Show; and is also a filmmaker of My Big Fat Independent Movie and Attack of the Doc!

13GUESTSFOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGDANIEL GOVARDaniel Govar is a comic, children’s book, and fantasy artist known for covers and interiors (Star Wars, Marvel, DC, etc). Currently Govar is the illustrator for Naomi Novik’s three-book Temeraire omnibus, artist for various Star Wars card sets for Topps, and is doing illustrations for the World of Eragon.KEVIN GRAZIERKevin Grazier Ph.D. is a planetary physicist researching large-scale simulations of the early Solar System. He was an investigation scientist on the Cassini Mission to Saturn, is a research scientist at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY, and has been a science advisor for TV and films.STEPHEN GREENStephen Green is an artist and penciller residing in Savannah, Georgia. Despite various rumors, he did not attend school there. His work has been featured in Dark Horse Presents, The Legacy of Luther Strode, Hellboy and The B.P.R.D., and Lobster Johnson.GREENDRAGONStage director, public speaker, and singer Kirsten Z. Cairns is chief operations officer for TheOneRing.net. Often seen at events as a panelist for TORN, a performer, or interviewing cast members, Cairns brings knowledge of literature, music, theatre, and fantasy to all her interactions with fans and celebs!EMMA GREGORYEmma Gregory is best known for Minthara from Baldur’s Gate 3, and providing voices for animations and audiobooks in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.JEN L. GREYJen L. Grey is a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy, romantic fantasy, and paranormal romance. Known for angsty fated mate stories packed with action, she has published over 60 novels, with several series translated into foreign languages.ANDREW LEE GRIFFITHAndrew Lee Griffith is a pop culture artist best known for his stints as the lead artist on books such as Transformers, G.I. Joe, Star Wars, and Micronauts. He is currently working on Godzilla and the creator-owned comic SIGNA, as well as Magic the Gathering.STONER GUMPDaniel Gossard, AKA StonerGump. Author of Herbally Infused and Chronically Bemused, as well as the sequal Herbally infused and Chronically Bemused the Masterpiece. Elevated funny man and head astronaut.H.C. WARNERH. C. Warner has worked extensively over 30 years in the mediums of painting, print design, screen printing, murals, commercial exterior, interior conceptualization and design, sculpture, and film. Aside from his painting/sculpture compositions, Warner curated and installed the first Dragon Con Comics and Pop Art Show 20 years ago.BOB HALLFor Marvel, Bob drew Spider-Man, Thor, What If, Squadron Supreme, The Avengers, and Emperor Doom. He co-created the West Coast Avengers. He was a Marvel editor in 1978. At Valiant, he wrote and drew Shadowman and created Armed and Dangerous. For DC, he wrote and drew Batman/Joker graphic novels.AMANDA HAMONAmanda Hamon is a senior designer working on Dungeons & Dragons at Wizards of the Coast. An award winning tabletop game designer and developer with more than a decade of experience, Hamon leads the creation of Fifth Edition books from conception through publication and beyond.ROBERT E HAMPSONDr. Robert E. Hampson is a neuroscientist by day, science fiction author by night, and a brain wrangler 24/7. When he is not decoding how memories work or building brain-computer tech, he is busy imagining futures where science fiction becomes reality.YAYA HANYaya Han is a cosplayer, designer, and author with over 400 costumes, two US Network TV shows, countless magazines, books, newspapers, and appearances under her belt. Han is the first cosplayer to bring branded cosplay-focused sewing and crafting products and a Yaya Han sewing machine to the mass retail market.SCOTT HANNAScott Hanna is an inker in the comic book industry who has worked with DC Comics and Marvel. He started his career with Eternity Comics and worked for DC for five years. He has worked for Marvel Comics for almost 14 years and inked almost every major character.CHARLAINE HARRISCharlaine Harris has been published since 1981. Her works vary from conventional mystery to urban fantasy to alternate American history. She has been the recipient of the ThrillerMaster Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Malice Domestic, and the Grand Master Award from Mystery Writers of America. She is still standing.

14GUESTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAIAN HARRISWriter, director, and comedian Ian Harris is known for his spot on impressions and cutting-edge, socio-political commentary fueled by science and skepticism. He has two one-hour comedy specials, ExtraOrdinary and Critical & Thinking. Harris is currently finishing a feature film he wrote and directed, called StandBy.AJ HARTLEYA.J. Hartley is the international bestselling author of 26 novels in various genres. Recent work includes Hideki Smith, Burning Shakespeare, Cold Bath Street, Impervious, Cathedrals of Glass, and Sekret Machines with Tom DeLonge. He is Professor Emeritus of Shakespeare at UNC Charlotte and hosts a J-rock focused YouTube channel.JOHN G. HARTNESSJohn G. Hartness is an author, publisher, and editor from Charlotte, NC. He is the author of multiple series, including the award winning Quincy Harker, Demon Hunter series. He is also the publisher of Falstaff Books and founder of the SAGA Genre Fiction Writers’ Conference.COLTON HAYNESColton Haynes landed the role of Jackson Whittemore in the 2011 MTV series Teen Wolf. Beginning in 2012, he was a recurring member on The CW’s Arrow, playing Roy Harper, a street thug who idolizes the Arrow and later becomes his protegé, Arsenal.TOM HEINTJESTom Heintjes is the co-founder and publisher of Hogan’s Alley magazine, one of the leading magazines on contemporary and classic cartooning. He is a former managing editor of The Comics Journal and for years wrote biographical essays for Will Eisner’s Spirit magazine for Kitchen Sink Press.KATJA HERBERSKatja Herbers is a Dutch actress best known for portraying Dr. Helen Prins on the WGN America series Manhattan, Emily Grace in the HBO science fiction series Westworld, and Dr. Kristen Bouchard in the CBS/Paramount+ supernatural series Evil. Herbers also played roles in The Americans, The Leftovers, and Manhunt: Unabomber.LEANNA RENEE HIEBERActress, playwright, ghost tour guide, and author for Tor and Kensington, her Strangely Beautiful saga won awards and her nonfiction, A Haunted History of Invisible Women: True Stories of America’s Ghosts, was a Bram Stoker Award finalist. She has been featured on Mysteries at the Museum and Beyond the Unknown.KENNETH HITEKenneth Hite has written 100+ TTRPGs, including Trail of Cthulhu, The Dracula Dossier, Bubblegumshoe, and Vampire: the Masquerade 5th Edition. Half of the multiple-award winning podcast Ken and Robin Talk About Stuff, he lives in Chicago with two cats and his wife, Sheila.BILL HOLBROOKBill Holbrook is the creator of three daily comic strips: On the Fastrack seen through the eyes of Dethany, the corporate Goth. Safe Havens is a science fiction fantasy set in a genetics lab. In 1995 he began a strip called Kevin & Kell, the internet’s longest running daily webcomic.STEVE HORTONSteve Horton is the New York Times bestselling writer of Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns, & Moonage Daydreams, which won two Eisners for art and coloring.TINI HOWARDTini Howard is a comic book writer and swamp witch from the Carolina Wilds. Currently, she writes Euthanauts, Assassinistas (with Gilbert Hernandez), and Hack/Slash: Resurrection, with occasional stories for two of her favorite things: Rick and Morty and WWE. Previous work includes Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink and The Skeptics.MEGAN HUTCHISONMegan Hutchison is an illustrator of Rockstars for Image, co-creator and illustrator of An Aurora Grimeon Story: Will O’ the Wisp for Archaia, and is debuting OGN Vesna. In addition, she is a cover artist for Boom!, Valiant, and Black Mask.STEVE JACKSONSteve Jackson has been designing games for 45 years and has no plans to stop. His creations include Munchkin, Illuminati, the GURPS and The Fantasy Triproleplaying systems, Ogre, Car Wars, and Zombie Dice. By the time you read this, he expects to live in Atlanta.GEORGES JEANTYGeorges Jeanty is an Eisner winner and NY Times bestselling artist for the critically acclaimed Buffy the Vampire Slayer. His art can be seen at Marvel on Xtinction, Captain America, and Star Wars: The High Republic. He is currently working on Disney’s Star Wars: The Mandalorian.PAUL JENKINSPaul Jenkins has been creating, writing, and building franchises for over 30 years in the graphic novel, film, and video game industries. Over the last two decades Jenkins has been instrumental in the creation and implementation of literally hundreds of world-renowned, recognizable entertainment icons.

15GUESTSFOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGLES JOHNSONLes Johnson is a physicist, author, and chief technologist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. His recent books include Crisis at Proxima (Baen), A Traveler’s Guide to the Stars (Princeton University Press), and the forthcoming Pluto: The Dark World (completing Ben Bova’s Grand Tour series, Tor).DAVE THE REVEREND JOHNSONDave The Reverend Johnson is a comic book artist best known for his work on the covers for the title 100 Bullets.DAN JOLLEYDan Jolley has written comic books, media tie-in novels, original novels, video games, TV pilots, and dramatic podcasts for DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Harper-Collins, Simon & Shuster, Activision-Blizzard, Ubisoft, and Sega. He wrote the main story for the world-wide bestselling game Dying Light.CISSY JONESCissy Jones is an award winning actress best known for her BAFTA Award winning performance in 2016’s indie game darling Firewatch, as Lilith Clawthorne in Disney’s The Owl House, and nine separate characters in Telltale’s The Walking Dead: The Game series, including Katjaa, Jolene, and Norma.DAVE JONESDave Jones is best known for portraying Halsin in Baldur’s Gate 3.CATHERINE LEE JONESCatherine Jones owns a costume making company based out of Atlanta, GA. Her shop works primarily with the tv, film, and video game industry. Jones’s shop specializes in sewing leather, creating knitwear, repairing sewing machines, and 3D modeling for garments.OMEGA JONESOmega Jones is an actor, tabletop GM, designer, streamer, and host. He has worked with companies including Wizards of the Coast and World of Darkness and created the theme song for Critter Hug, a Critical Role talk show. Recent credits include Heroes’ Feast and Faster, Purple Worm! Kill! Kill!RICHARD KADREYRichard Kadrey is the NYT bestselling author of the Sandman Slim series, which was included in Amazon’s 100 Science Fiction & Fantasy Books to Read in a Lifetime. He has been nominated for the Locus and BSFA awards, appeared in Year’s Best Horror, and written for comics, film, and games.LIANA KANGASLiana Kangas, comic artist and writer, has worked on titles such as Star Wars Adventures, RAZORBLADES, Tyranny Rex & Future Shocks, Joan Jett, Blondie& RZA, with many more announcements to come. They have drawn original titles for TRVE KVLT, She Said Destroy, and co-wrote Seeds of Eden.SIMON KASSIANIDESSimon Kassianides is an actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter, known for his roles in British and US television series, as well as film. He has made notable appearances in shows like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Mandalorian, and Blood of Zeus. He also voiced Stentor in Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey.BILL KEELAstronomer Bill Keel is the author of The Sky at Einstein’s Feet and The Road to Galaxy Formation. He hosts overnight live astronomy sessions and has spoken on cosmology, extrasolar planets, citizen discovery in astronomy, science in the Firefly and Avatar universes, spy satellites, and astronomical tourism.JASON KEITHJason Keith is an Eisner Award nominated color artist, who for the past 15 years has colored exclusively for Marvel Comics. Credits include The Avengers, Hulk, Wolverine, Amazing Spider-Man, Mighty Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Ghost Rider, Ultimate Avengers, Star Wars, and Darth Vader.SHERRILYN KENYONDefying odds is what #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon does best. She has placed more than 80 novels on the NYT list in all formats and genres. With more than 70 million books in print, her series include: Dark-Hunters®, Chronicles of Nick®, Deadman’s Cross™, and The League®.T. KINGFISHERT. Kingfisher, aka Ursula Vernon, is the author of more than 40 books, comics, and the occasional podcast. Her work has won the Hugo, Locus, Nebula, and Dragon Awards. She lives in New Mexico with her husband, cats, and chickens.MICHAEL KINGSTONKingston began his career by selling his comics out of his backpack at wrestling shows. Headlocked Comics is now the premier brand for wrestling comics featuring collaborations with the biggest names in wrestling. Credits include Tales from the Road, Vampiro: Rockabilly Apocalypse, Friday Night Bigfoot, and the licensed WWE comic.

16GUESTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GANANCY KNIGHTNancy Knight authored novels, short stories, produced plays, film scripts, and edited anthologies. She served as director of Writers’ Track for 26 years. She was awarded the Hank Reinhardt Award. Georgia Romance Writers named an award after her for mentoring writers. She received the Polaris lifetime achievement from Falstaff Books.GINI KOCHGini Koch writes the fast, fresh, and funny Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series for DAW Books, as well as many other novels, novellas, novelettes, and short stories in all the genres and under a variety of pen names, including G.J. Koch, Anita Ensal, Jemma Chase, A.E. Stanton, and J.C. Koch.MARY ROBINETTE KOWALMary Robinette Kowal is the author of The Spare Man, Ghost Talkers, The Glamourist Histories series, and the Lady Astronaut Universe. She is a four-time Hugo Award winner and part of the award winning podcast Writing Excuses. Her fiction appears in Uncanny, Tor.com, and Asimov’s.MIKE KUNKELMike Kunkel is a cartoonist known, among other things, for his work on Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam! and for his creator-owned Herobear and the Kid, for which he has won two Eisner awards.CRAIG KYLEComic book writer, film producer, and media creator Craig Kyle is best known for his work with Marvel Comics, including X-Men: Evolution (co-creating the character X-23), New X-Men, and X-Force. Kyle produced and wrote various Marvel animated films, including Hulk Vs. and Planet Hulk, and co-wrote the screenplay for Thor: Ragnarok.ALEC LACHMANAlec Lachman, aka AlecTheBard, is a professional game master, TTRPG designer, and content creator with 400K followers across platforms. A celebrity DM for D3atSea and D&D in a Castle, Lachman crafts unforgettable adventures while engaging a vast online audience.CHERALYN LAMBETHCheralyn Cher Lambeth is a professional costume, prop, and puppet builder, whose work includes films (The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Hunger Games), television (Dinosaurs!, Homeland), live properties (Star Trek: The Experience, Avenue Q), video games (Fortnite: Battle Royale), and books (Haunted Theaters of the Carolinas, Introduction to Puppetry Arts).ELOY LASANTAEloy Lasanta is an RPG creator (i.e. Part-Time Gods 2E, Pip System). He has also contributed to other TTRPGs like the Firefly RPG, Into the Motherlands, and video games like Subterrain: Mines of Titan and Dream Tactics. Lasanta has undoubtedly left his mark on the tabletop and video game industry.MAGGIE LAWSONMaggie Lawson is an American actress who is best known for her role as Detective Juliet Jules O’Hara in the television series Psych, and its subsequent film series. From 2018 to 2019, she held the recurring role of Natalie Flynn in the third and final season of Fox’s Lethal Weapon.RIKI LECOTEYRiddle is an internationally recognized cosplayer from Canada who has been cosplaying for 20+ years. While she continues to cosplay, she has transferred the skills she learned from cosplay to working 30+ films for Marvel, DC, and some of Netflix’s biggest shows such as Cobra Kai and Stranger things.MINDY LEEMindy Lee has an extensive and varied career in the entertainment industry. From video games to animation and beyond, she brings her experience and talent to the world of comics – recently as the co-creator and artist of Bounty, and the artist of Crimson Lotus, both published by Dark Horse Comics.CREEES LEECreees Lee is a variant cover artist and is the interior artist for Black Mask’s Lab Raider. He has worked for Image, Dynamite, and Chapterhouse Comics.LINDA LESSMANN REINHOLDLinda Lessmann Reinhold, with Barry Windsor-Smith, formed The Gorblimey Press in 1974. She was staff colorist at Marvel Comics New York offices in the mid 1970’s. In the 1980’s-90’s, a colorist at First Comics and Marvel Comics. Today she often assists her husband, Bill Reinhold, on various comic projects.SCOTT LOBDELLScott Lobdell is an American comic book writer and screenwriter known for his work on numerous X-Men series for Marvel Comics, various DC Comics (Teen Titans, Superman), and comics for other publishers, including the Hardy Boys: Undercover Brothers series by Papercutz or Fathom by Aspen MLT.

17GUESTSFOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGTEDDY LONGTheodore Robert Rufus Long (born September 15, 1947) is an American former professional wrestling referee, manager, and authority figure best known for his tenures in NWA, WCW, and WWE.LEIGHANN LORDLeighann Lord is a stand-up comedian who has performed at Dragon Con. She is the author of Dict Jokes and Real Women Do it Standing Up. Lord has also been a co-host on StarTalkRadio, with Neil de Grasse Tyson. She has been on Comedy Central, HBO, and Showtime.COMFORT LOVEComfort and Adam are a creative duo who both write, draw, and design. They are the creators of The Uniques and Rainbow in the Dark. They also wrote a massive how-to book for Random House called The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing Comics.ANT LUCIAVery few alternate visions of established characters have captured the imaginations of fandom like the DC Comics Bombshells. When Ant Lucia unveiled his designs for such characters as Wonder Woman, Batwoman, Harley Quinn, and the rest in the series the popularity exploded!JONATHAN MABERRYJonathan Maberry is a New York Times bestselling multi-genre novelist, comic book writer, anthology editor, executive producer, and editor of Weird Tales Magazine.ERIN MACDONALDErin Macdonald, PhD is known for her work as the Star Trek franchise science advisor. In addition, she is a writer, speaker, producer, voice actor, and has written on Star Trek: Adventures, a baby board book Star Trek: My First Book of Space, and has voiced her own character.REBECCA MADERRebecca Mader is an English actress, best known for her roles as Charlotte Lewis in the ABC series Lost, as Zelena, the Wicked Witch of the West, on ABC’s Once Upon a Time, and for her appearances in the Devil Wears Prada, Fringe, 30 Rock, and more.SEAN MAGUIRESean Maguire is an English actor who can currently be seen playing the role of Robin Hood in Once Upon a Time.MARI MANCUSIMari Mancusi is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 30 sci-fi/fantasy books for kids, teens, and adults, including many Disney tie-in books.AASIF MANDVIAasif Mandvi is an actor, comedian, and writer. He was a correspondent on The Daily Show from 2006 to 2017. Mandvi’s other television work includes the HBO series The Brink and the CBS/Paramount+ drama Evil. His film roles include Mr. Aziz in Spider-Man 2 and Commander Zhao in The Last Airbender.BRIANNA MARIEBrianna Marie is the co-producer, co-creative lead, and all-around scheduling manager of Dungeons and Randomness, an actual-play podcast driven by player choices. The podcast has been going strong for over a decade, and the community is her favorite part.GAIL Z MARTINGail Z. Martin writes urban fantasy, epic fantasy, steampunk, and more. Urban fantasy series include Deadly Curiosities and Night Vigil. Epic fantasy series include Darkhurst, Chronicles of the Necromancer, The Fallen Kings Cycle, The Ascendant Kingdoms Saga, and Assassins of Landria.JASON MASSEYStarting Dungeons and Randomness 13 years ago, Jason has been a professional dungeon master since then. He has hosted hundreds of sessions of D&D, and many other tabletop games.EDDIE MCCLINTOCKEddie McClintock starred for five years on Syfy network’s Warehouse 13. He appeared in a recurring role on Bones, as well as MacGyver, Supergirl, Agents of Shield, Backstrom, and Modern Family.MARK MCDONAGHMark McDonagh is a physicist and retired Navy submarine force Captain who has been running the National Security Decision Making Game since 1990. He lectures on emerging technology, modern weapons, geopolitical topics, and military history with expertise in the American Revolution, WWII, the Cold War, and history of submarine warfare.CLINT MCELROYClint McElroy is a podcaster, comic book writer, and former radio personality known for The Adventure Zone, a role-playing podcast. He is also a four-time New York Times bestselling author for The Adventure Zone graphic novels and recently released the book, Goldie’s Guide to Grandchilding, all from First Second.TRAVIS MCELROYTravis McElroy is a podcaster, actor, producer, humorist, and four-time New York Times bestselling author known for The Adventure Zone; My Brother, My Brother and Me; and Shmanners.

18GUESTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAGRIFFIN MCELROYGriffin McElroy is a podcaster, four-time New York Times bestselling author, and actor known for The Adventure Zone, Wonderful!, and My Brother, My Brother and Me.JUSTIN MCELROYJustin McElroy is a podcaster, four-time New York Times bestselling author, and actor known for The Adventure Zone and My Brother, My Brother and Me.ROBERT DUNCAN MCNEILLRobert Duncan McNeill is an American actor, producer, movie director, and television director who is best known for his role as Lieutenant Tom Paris on the television show Star Trek: Voyager. Other credits include the film Masters of the Universe (1987) and producing the TV series Chuck.AMY MEBBERSONComic artist and toy designer for Disney and Hasbro. Best known for Disney Princess and My LittlePony comics. Also the creator of viral Disney fancomic Pocket Princesses.MARK MEERMark Meer is known for his work on Bioware’s Mass Effect trilogy, voicing Commander Shepard, Blasto, the Vorcha, and Niftu Cal. Other voice credits include the Baldur’s Gate and Dragon Age series, Hinterland Studio’s The Long Dark, ChaosForge’s Jupiter Hell, Beamdog’s MythForce, and Starro the Conquerer in WB Games’ Gotham Knights.TRAVIS SCOTT MERRILLTravis Scott Merrill currently works as a specialty costumer and break down artist with IATSE local 479. He has worked on some of the biggest budget movies in the world. You can see his art in professional theater, television, and blockbuster movies.JASON METCALFJason Metcalf is a comic book artist known for his dynamic linework and detailed illustrations. With credits at publishers like DC, IDW, Valiant, and Zenescope, he has brought iconic characters to life. His work blends classic and modern styles, making him a sought-after talent for covers, interiors, and concept art.JONBOY MEYERSJonboy Meyers is an illustrator, cover artist, concept designer, world builder, sequential artist, and creator for toys, animation, video games, comic books, and film. Projects include League of Legends for Riot Games, Star Wars Concept/Ideation for Hasbro, Spawn for Image/Todd McFarlane, Teen Titans for DC, and Inhumans with Marvel.JOHN JACKSON MILLERJohn Jackson Miller is a New York Times bestselling author of novels and comics for Star Wars, Star Trek, Batman, Battlestar Galactica, and Marvel. His new novel tying into the Tim Burton Batman movies, Batman: Revolution, releases in 2025 from Random House Worlds.ANDREA LORENZO MOLINARIAndrea Lorenzo Molinari, Ph.D. is co-writer of The Shepherd graphic novel series. Molinari is editorial director for Scout Comics and was submissions editor/editor for Caliber Comics, an editor for Amigo Comics, and has edited books published by Action Lab Entertainment, Behemoth, Second Sight, Cosmic Times, and New Friday Comics.MIKAL MOSLEYMikal Mosley is an avid convention goer and costume designer. He has presented at several major conventions over the past 10 years, such as Dragon Con, MomoCon, and San Diego Comic Con. His professional costume credits include building costumes for the WWE, NFL, and various tv shows.TONY MOYTony Moy is an international artist known for forgotten history WWII comic The 4Forty2nd about the most decorated Japanese American regiment in US history. He creates artwork for Marvel Snaps, D&D, X-files, and more. He teaches watercolor and streams on Twitch and Paint Bros.JAMES C MULLIGANJames Mulligan has been a Disney artist for over two decades, with properties featuring everything from the classics to recent favorite Frozen. His design, fine art, and gallery work includes Playboy, Coca-Cola, Fox, Dreamworks, Warner Brothers, the Chuck Jones family, Marvel, DC, Lexus, and the Elvis Presley Estate.BOBBY NASHBobby Nash is an award winning author, artist, and actor. He writes novels, comic books, short stories, screenplays, audio dramas, and more. Nash is a member of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, International Thriller Writers, and Southeastern Writers Association.KIRSTEN NELSONKirsten Nelson is known for her starring role as Police Chief Karen Vick on Psych. Nelson’s career includes roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Fugitive, Frasier, Ally McBeal, The West Wing, Just Shoot Me!, and Boy Meets World. Her film credits include War of the Worlds directed by Steven Spielberg.

20GUESTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GANOOLIGANHaiNaNu nooligan Saulque is an artist, comic creator, and graphic designer based in Sacramento, Ca. From the cartoons of his youth to films he missed by decades, from golden age comics to classic newspaper strips, you will find a creator who has immersed himself in what he loves.JODY LYNN NYEJody Lynn Nye lists her main career activity as spoiling cats. When not engaged in this worthy occupation, she writes fantasy and science fiction. She has published over 50 books and more than 200 stories. Nye teaches writing seminars and is coordinating judge for the Writers of the Future Contest.TIMOTHY OMUNDSONTimothy Omundson is an actor notable for his supporting roles as Sean Potter on the CBS television series Judging Amy, Eli on the syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess, Carlton Lassiter in Psych, King Richard on the ABC musical comedy series Galavant, and Cain in The CW’s Supernatural.KURT OPSAHLKurt Opsahl is associate general counsel for cybersecurity and civil liberties policy for the Filecoin Foundation. Opsahl has worked almost 30 years on technology law and policy, representing internet startups in the dot-com boom, protecting digital rights at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and now focusing on protecting the decentralized web.JUSTIN CHRISTOPHER ORRJustin Orr aka “JUSSCOPE” is a concept artist and animator from Northern California. He has worked in numerous artistic fields including animation, gaming, and advertising. He has worked with companies such as Nickelodeon, MTV, Wild Brain, and TBS, and has spent time in Japan as a concept artist.LANA PARRILLALana Parrilla was a regular cast member in the fifth season of the ABC sitcom Spin City from 2000 to 2001. She later starred in Boomtown, Windfall, Swingtown, Miami Medical, and 24. Recently, Parrilla starred as The Evil Queen/Regina Mills in the ABC fantasy drama series, Once Upon a Time.BOB PENDARVISBob Pendarvis has metallic prints of over 20 different illustrations taken from his Ana and Jamie books.DIANA PETERFREUNDDiana Peterfreund is the author of over a dozen for adults, teens, and kids, including Secret Society Girl, the Killer Unicorn books, Omega City, and the Clue mysteries. Her latest YA mystery kicks off a series about a teenage detective descended from Edgar Allan Poe.ROBERT PICARDORobert Picardo is noted for his role as the Holographic Doctor on Star Trek: Voyager, also starred as Commander Woolsey on Stargate Atlantis, making him the only actor to play regular roles on both franchises. He is also well known for his roles on China Beach and The Wonder Years.VAN ALLEN PLEXICOVan Allen Plexico, designated a Grand Master of Pulp Literature, is best known for the Sentinels illustrated superhero novels and comics, 1960s crime novels, and The Shattering space opera universe. His White Rocket Entertainment network features video and podcast channels covering James Bond, Babylon 5, The Avengers and more.ROBERT POPEWith over 35 years in comics, animation, and children’s books, Robert Pope has drawn a who’s who of cartoon favorites, including the Peanuts gang, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Batman, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, Johnny Bravo, and many more for DC, BOOM, IDW, Simon and Schuster, Disney Publishing, and others.BENNY POWELLBenny Powell is a publisher, writer, and artist most known for the hit White Widow comic and upcoming spin-off I Make Boys Cry. He is also the creator and writer for Wayward Legends, Darchon, AMPED, Duel Identity, Wayward Sons, Markiplier, and dozens more.LIVIO J RAMONDELLILivio Ramondelli’s art credits include a longtime run illustrating Transformers for IDW publishing. He also created the acclaimed original science fiction series The Kill Lock, published at the same studio. He is currently illustrating variant covers for the new era of Transformers in the Skybound/Image Comics era.DAVID RAMSEYDavid Ramsey is an actor and martial artist, best known for his roles in Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, and The Flash as John Diggle/Spartan, Anton Briggs on the Showtime TV series Dexter, and the film Mother and Child (2009) as Joseph.NORM RAPMUNDNorm Rapmund is an inker who made a name for himself during the early years of Image Comics. Rapmund then moved to Marvel where he worked on titles Wolverine, Fantastic Four, and Rogue. He later became known for his work with penciller Ian Churchill on Coven, Superman/Batman, and Supergirl.

21GUESTSFOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGTRINA L. RAYCurrently the deputy science manager and investigation scientist for the radar instrument on NASA’s Europa Clipper Mission. She worked 20 years on Cassini-Huygens Mission to Saturn (specializing in Titan), and started her career working on Voyager. She is an active public speaker, invited to give many talks around the nation.BILL REINHOLDBill Reinhold is a graduate of the American Academy of Art and has been a professional comic book artist since 1981. Over his long career he has worked for Noble Comics, First Comics, Marvel Comics, DC comics, and others. Reinhold is currently illustrating the graphic novel The Flying Column.AARON REYNOLDSAaron Reynolds is the four-time Webby award winning author of Effin’ Birds, a comic strip pairing intricate artwork with mundane daily frustrations read by over a million people every day. His first book, Effin’ Birds: A Field Guide to Identification, hit bookstores in 2019 and is a bestseller.ROY A RICHARDSONRoy Richardson has worked for all the major publishers. Currently, he is the inker of the new sci-fi series Captain Ginger from Ahoy Comics. He is also the inker/letter/colorist for the Mary Worth comic strip, over his wife June Brigman’s pencils.AFUA RICHARDSONAfua Richardson is an American illustrator, author, musician, singer, songwriter, and mentor. In 2007, she made history as one of the first Indigenous Afro-American female artists to work for Marvel Comics as a penciler, inker, and colorist, earning the Nina Simone Award for artistic excellence.EMILY BETT RICKARDSShe is known for her role as Felicity Smoak on The CW series Arrow. She has reprised the role in the Arrowverse shows The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, and Supergirl, and voiced the character on the animated web series Vixen.CORINNE ROBERTSCorinne Roberts is an illustrator working in comics and children’s books (Bug Bites, Drawing Dragons, and the Out and About series). Her other illustration projects include the Wanderlust Deck and Dragon Calendar series.DARICK ROBERTSONDarick Robertson is a comic book artist, writer, creator, and executive producer whose works include co-creating the award winning Transmetropolitan, and the comic that inspired the show The Boys. Robertson has illustrated for both Marvel and DC on characters including Batman, The Justice League, Wolverine, The Punisher, and Spider-man.ANDREW ROBINSONAndrew Robinson has painted covers for all the major publishers, illustrating such titles as Batman Detective, Hawkman, Starman, Superman Rebirth, Ironman, Hydra, Star Wars, Black Panther, and The JSA. He is a multi-award winning, NY Times bestselling illustrator for his painted work on The Fifth Beatle.NAOMI NAO ROMERONaomi Romero is a character designer for animation and illustrator for children’s literature. They have worked for DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, Sesame Workshop, Illumination Studios, Hasbro, Spin Master, and more. Romero is the current artist for the new baby dragon plush for Dragon Con.SCOTT WILLIAM ROSEMAScott Rosema is a comic book artist known for his work with Marvel, Archie, DC Comics, Warner Bros. Dreamworks, Disney, Hanna-Barbera, Cartoon Network, Space Ghost, Batman: The Animated Series, X-Men Adventures, Spider-Man, Jonny Quest, Scooby Doo, Looney Tunes, Dexter’s Laboratory, Dungeons & Dragons, and more.TIM RUSSTimothy Darrell Tim Russ is an American actor, film director, screenwriter, and musician. He is known for his roles as Lieutenant Commander Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager, as Frank on Samantha Who?, and as Principal Franklin, a recurring character on the Nickelodeon live-action teen sitcom iCarly.KATEE SACKHOFFKatee Sackhoff is an American actress known for playing Lieutenant Kara Starbuck Thrace on the Sci-Fi Channel’s television program Battlestar Galactica, as Sheriff Vic Moretti in the Netflix series Longmire, and as Amunet in The Flash.STEVE SAFFELSteve Saffel edited SF, fantasy, and horror for Random House, Marvel, and Titan, with creators like Eric Flint, N.K. Jemisin, Stan Lee, Robert McGinnis, Scott Sigler, and Alex White. He has worked on Alien, Halo, Conan, Mass Effect, Spider-Man, Star Wars, and more.ROBERT J. SAWYERRobert J. Sawyer has won the Hugo, Nebula, and John W. Campbell Memorial awards; all for best science fiction novel of the year. The ABC TV series FlashForward was based on his Aurora Award winning novel of the same name, and he was one of the writers for that program.

22GUESTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAGREGG SCHIGIELGregg Schigiel is the creator, author, and illustrator of the Zooperhero Universe chapter book series and Pix graphic novels. He has done character design for SpongeBob SquarePants and The Patrick Show, was a regular contributor to SpongeBob Comics, and worked as a penciller, writer, and assistant editor for Marvel Comics.CHRIS SCHWEIZERCartoonist Chris Schweizer has received three Eisner Award nominations for his graphic novels series The Creeps and The Crogan Adventures, written the Pirates of the Caribbean comic series, and drawn titles like 6 Sidekicks of Trigger Keaton, Mars Attacks, and Harley Quinn: Black + White + Redder.WILLIAM SHATNERWilliam Shatner is an actor and novelist who gained worldwide fame and became a cultural icon for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk, in the television series Star Trek from 1966 to 1969, Star Trek: The Animated Series, and in seven of the subsequent Star Trek feature films.SCOTT SIGLER#1 New York Times bestselling author Scott Sigler is the creator of 15 novels, six novellas, and dozens of short stories. He gives away his stories as weekly, serialized audiobooks, with over 40 million episodes downloaded.JAMES SILVANIJames Silvani is a writer and Disney Comics artist best known for his work on Darkwing Duck. Silvani’s latest work is Pirates: A Graphic History.RIKKI SIMONSRikki Simons is most famous for being the voice of the robot in a dog suit, GIR from Invader ZIM.CORY SMITHCory Smith is an American comic artist and illustrator who has worked on some of the industry’s biggest titles, such as IDW’S TMNT, Wolverine, Ghost Rider, Conan the Barbarian, Star Wars, Spider-man, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Currently, Smith is working Fantastic Four for Marvel.DIETRICH O SMITH,Dietrich Smith is an illustrator with work spanning in the field of comics for two decades. He has illustrated a variety of stories involving iconic characters such as Superman, Spiderman, Shaft, Army of Darkness, League of Legends, and a bevy of others.ANNE SOWARDSAnne Sowards is an executive editor at Penguin Random House, where she primarily acquires and edits fantasy and speculative fiction for the Ace and Berkley imprints. The talented authors she works with include New York Times bestsellers Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Kim Harrison, and Louis Sachar.MICHAEL A. STACKPOLEMichael A. Stackpole is an award winning novelist, game designer, computer game designer, podcaster, editor, screenwriter, and graphic novelist.T. ALEXANDER STANGROOMT. Alexander Stangroom is chief operations officer at the ENNIE award winning TTRPG publisher Kobold Press. Stangroom is a TTRPG designer whose credits include titles by Modiphius and Wizards of the Coast, as well as a professional GM with over two decades of experience.KIM STEADMANKim Steadman is a systems engineer working in the space industry with over 26 years of experience in spacecraft operations. Currently she is a surface mission planner for the Dragonfly Mission to Titan. She has also worked on Opportunity, Curiosity, Cassini, and Perseverance.TJ STERLINGTJ Sterling is a former Marvel and DC creator that has worked in several spaces within the comic industry, as well as the indie space with his fan favorite comic company RAE Comics. Sterling is also a teacher at the Joe Kubert School of Comic and Cartoon art.S. M. STIRLINGS.M. Stirling was born in France in 1953 and has lived in Europe, Canada, Africa, and Santa Fe. Stirling published his first novel Snowbrother in 1984. His latest books are To Turn the Tide and The Winds of Fate from Baen, and The Lords of Creation from Arc Manor.WILLIAM STOUTWilliam Stout is an illustrator/film designer. He has murals at the San Diego Natural History Museum, the San Diego Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Walt Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Fantastic Worlds – The Art of William Stout, will be followed by a box set of Stout’s comics-related art.SORAH SUHNGSorah Suhng has been a contributing artist to the comic book industry since 2007. She is owner and creator of Karnal Sin and the popular Karnal Confessions series as well as the Aurora comic book series .

24GUESTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAERIC TALBOTEric Talbot is a comic book writer and artist known for his work on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series under Mirage Studios. He co-created the graphic novel The Melting Pot along with Kevin Eastman and Simon Bisley, which was used as the basis for the film Heavy Metal 2000.DAVE TANGODave Tango is a member and paranormal researcher for The Atlantic Paranormal Society based out of Rhode Island. Tango is a paranormal researcher and is best known for his role as an investigator for the hit television series Ghost Hunters and Ghost Nation.LAUREN THOMANLauren Thoman is the author of the speculative mysteries I’ll Stop the World and You Shouldn’t Be Here. She lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and two children.ADAM BRYCE THOMASAdam Bryce Thomas is a comic artist and illustrator, most notably for IDW’s Sonic the Hedgehog, DC’s recent Sonic/ Justice League crossover, and many other titles.ZOE THOROGOODZoe Thorogood is a comic creator and concept artist from the UK. She is best known for her award winning creator owned books The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott and It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth, which she has both written and drawn.ERIC TRUEHEARTEric Trueheart is best known for writing on Nickelodeon’s heartwarming cult classic Invader ZIM.JAMES W TYNDALLJames W Tyndall is a Canadian - American comic book artist that has had the honor of working on covers for various titles including Deadpool, X-Men, Aliens, G.I. Joe, Transformers, The Boys, Witchblade, Vampirella, Lady Death, My Little Pony, TMNT, Archie, Grimm Fairy Tales, Red Sonja, Godzilla, and Danger Girl.CHRIS UMINGAChristopher Uminga is a Connecticut based painter and illustrator. He has spent the last 10 years developing a unique style that blends together creepy and cute. You can find the influences of classic movies, Saturday morning cartoons, graffiti, and low brow/outsider art in his work.UPLOADS OF FUNUploads of Fun is known for their off-beat family comedy videos. Their mission is to build a community for all people through laughter. With an audience of over 11 million across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, Uploads of Fun shows the world that fun is a language we all speak!TOMA VAGNERToma Vagner is an award winning NYC-based artist and illustrator. Vagner is known for creating tour visuals for Harry Styles worldwide tour in 2018, as well as her series of illustrations Disorders. Clients include Google, The New York Times, Bloomberg, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, LUSH, Red Bull, and others.KEYLA VALERIOKeyla Valerio is a Puerto Rican-Dominican artist. Her journey began in 2016 with Source Point Press, before expanding into cover art in 2021. Her illustrative credits include Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Power Rangers Unlimited, Power Rangers Prime, Stranger Things, White Boat, Vicarious, and Rise/Cult of Dracula.TREVOR VALLETrevor Valle is a commercial FAA licensed drone pilot, a former paleontologist and science writer who has appeared in documentaries on History Channel, National Geographic, and in IMAX, and a professional GM, TTRPG writer, creator, game tester, and a cast member and player on multiple Twitch and YouTube Actual Plays.CARL J VARNADOCarl Varnado is a narrative designer, educator, and creative director. His work includes Need for Speed: Unbound, Dragon Age: Veilguard, Street Fighter 6, and Wylde Flowers. Varnado is the founder of the Black in Gaming Awards and is one of the creators of Knarrative.com, a premium educational African centered portal.JHONEN VASQUEZJhonen Vasquez is a writer/artist who, in the before times, created comic books like Johnny the Homicidal Maniac and SQUEE! And then went on to ruin the world by creating Invader Zim and its follow up movie Enter the Florpus, seen by upwards of seven people. He is currently sentient.DEXTER VINESNative Atlantan Dexter Vines is one of comics’ most prolific and well respected artists/inkers with over 25 years of experience. Vines has worked for almost every major comic publisher, including Superman/Batman, Civil War, and Wolverine: Old Man Logan. His recent projects include Ahsoka and Mace Windu.CHRISTIAN WAGGONERChristian Waggoner is known worldwide for his Star Wars Reflection series paintings. He has been working with Lucasfilm over 12 years. His uniquely enhanced, photo-realistic style makes viewers wonder how he achieves such detail with a mere brush and canvas.

25GUESTSFOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGB. DAVE WALTERSB. Dave Walters is best known as host and DM of Invitation to Party on G4 TV, and DM for the cast of Stranger Things on Netflix Geeked. He is a contributor to the Marvel Multiverse RPG: The Cataclysm of Kang, and X-men Expansion, Dungeons & Dragons, and Vampire: The Masquerade.GARRETT WANGGarrett Wang is best known for his role as Ensign Harry Kim on Star Trek: Voyager. Wang’s other work includes Star Trek: Of Gods and Men, Into the West, Demon Island, Star Trek: Voyager Elite Force (game), The Auteur Theory, Hundred Percent, Ivory Tower, Angry Cafe, and Flesh Suitcase.JEAN MARIE WARDJean Marie Ward writes fiction, nonfiction, and everything in between. Her credits include a multi-award nominated novel, numerous short stories, and two popular art books. The former editor of CrescentBlues.com, she is the author interviewer for BookBale.com and a frequent contributor to the online convention ConTinual. Learn more at JeanMarieWard.com.JEFF WARDJeff Ward is an actor and theatre director. He is best known for his role as Deke Shaw in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Buggy the Clown in One Piece. He also played Roy Hardaway in the Netflix miniseries Brand New Cherry Flavor and Seth Marlowe in Channel Zero: No-End House.MICHAEL WATKINSCEO and EIC of Highburn Studios, Michael Watkins is a creator and illustrator with over 20 years experience in the comics industry. He is known as creator of Guardians and for his work on Transformers and Sonic the Hedgehog. Additionally, he is also a voice actor and avid martial artist.TONI WEISSKOPFToni Weisskopf has been the publisher of Baen Books since 2006. Weisskopf has been a guest speaker at many writers workshops and science fiction conventions across the country. She is also interested in space science and serves on the Board of Advisors of the Interstellar Research Group.SKIP WILLIAMSSkip Williams hails from Lake Geneva, also the birthplace of the D&D game. In a 40 year career in tabletop gaming, Williams has accumulated many credits, including Gen Con, Dragon magazine, the RPGA Network, Polyhedron newsine, and four versions of the D&D game, the Planescape, Greyhawk, Ravenloft, Dragonlance worlds.MARCUSTHEVISUAL WILLIAMSStationed in Atlanta Ga, he spends most of his time toiling away late nights on everything from illustrating comic art, fan art, children’s books, to random character commissions. He is excited about the direction of his comic properties, and looks forward to creating more forms of visual entertainment and stories.KEITH WILLIAMSKeith Williams, comic book inker. Assistant editor of Spider-Man group of books. As an inker, he has worked for Marvel, DC, King Features Syndicate, Valiant, Dark Horse, Avatar Press, Moonstone, and now Power Comics, inc., A Kid and a Comic, and Green Archer Comics.ROBERT WILSONRobert Wilson IV is a comic artist and illustrator living in Dallas, TX. He is the co-creator and artist of Heartthrob at Oni Press with writer Christopher Sebela and colorist Nick Filardi. He also co-created Knuckleheads at IDW / Monkeybrain with Brian Winkeler and Like A Virus with Ken Lowery.ADAM WITHERSComfort and Adam are a creative duo who both write, draw, and design. They are the creators of The Uniques and Rainbow in the Dark. They also wrote a massive how-to book for Random House called The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing Comics.DEBORAH ANN WOLLDeborah Ann Woll is an actress, model, and Dungeon Master. She is best known for her roles as Jessica Hamby in True Blood and Karen Page in Daredevil and Daredevil: Born Again. She provided the voice and motion capture of Faye in the video game God of War: Ragnarök.ALYSSA WONGAlyssa Wong is a Nebula, GLAAD, and World Fantasy Award winning writer best known for their comic work at Marvel and DC. Wong’s comic credits include Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Deadpool, Spirit World, Psylocke, and Captain Marvel. They most recently released their first prose novel, Star Wars: Espace from Valo.DEREK YANIGERDerek Yaniger is a toothless hillbilly that has got a way long history of scratchin’ out art for lots of king-sized bigwigs like Marvel Comics and Cartoon Network. But nowadays he strictly digs the gigs that let him beat his own bongos.THOMAS ZAHLERThom Zahler is a comic creator who created the Cupid’s Arrows and Warning Label webtoons and Love and Capes and Time and Vine. His latest is The Ghost Whiskerers for Storm King, about cats that see ghosts. He also works for My Little Pony and is drawing Rocketship’s Angry Birds.

26GUESTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GATIMOTHY ZAHNTimothy Zahn is the author of 16 Star Wars novels, the Cobra, Quadrail, Sibyl’s War, and Dragonback series, Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil, The Icarus Twin, The Icarus Job, and A Call to Insurrection (with David Weber and Thomas Pope). Upcoming books: The Icarus Changeling and The Icarus Needle.CHARLES ZAMBRANOCharles Zambrano is a Emmy award winning multifaceted artist specializing in make up face paint, body paint special effects for live events, television, and film. Zambrano partakes in cosplaying through aspects of creating face and body paint looks for other performers and cosplayers as well.JIM ZUBJim Zub is a writer, artist, and art instructor who has worked for a wide array of publishing, movie, and video game clients, including Marvel, DC Comics, Disney, Capcom, Hasbro, Cartoon Network, and Bandai-Namco. He also teaches drawing and storytelling courses in Seneca College’s award winning animation program.CHRISSIE ZULLO UMINGAChrissie Zullo Uminga is a Connecticut-based illustrator and a full-time drawing machine. She has worked for Marvel, DC, and Lucasfilm to name a few, primarily in comic book illustration. Known for her variant covers, some titles Chrissie has worked on include X-Men, Marvel Mutts, Deadpool: Petpool, and Amazing Spider-Man.

Zombie Prom Hilton Grand SalonViral UprisingFriday 10:00 PM

28PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAAttending Professionals • Brent Abell • Mary Abreu • Stephen Adams • Becky Albertalli • Jer Luke Alford • Ayla Almee • amberthysts cosplay • Jess L. M. Anderson • Sean Anderson • Stephanie Anderson • AnEternalEnigma • Corey Applegate • Dr. April Armes • AshSaidHi • Davis Ashura • aSwanNamedEmily • Jotham R Austin, II • Kevin Bachelder • Michael Bailey • James Osiris Baldwin • Sam Baltrusis • Griffin Barber • Paul Barrett • Randyn Bartholomew • Aretta Baumgartner • Davey Beauchamp • Leigh Bennett-Conner • Jamie Bernstein • Kaitlin Bevis • April Billingsley • Faydra Black • Judy Black • J.D. Blackrose • Jennifer Blackstream • Bobby Blackwolf • Brandy Blanton • Charles E. Blue • David Boop • Jon Boutelle • Jay Boyce • Brad Bradley • Mark Braught • Jonathan Brazee • Bill Bridges • Bethany Brookshire • Matthew J. Brown • Rachel A. Brune • Doug Burbey • Raychelle Burks • Andrew Burn • Tyra Burton • Darin M. Bush • James J. Butcher • D.J. Butler • Kevin Cafferty • Ryan Cahill • Jessica Cail • Jez Cajiao • Barrett S Caldwell • R. E. Carr • Raymond Daniel Carr • Alison Carrier • Wendy Carson • Nat Cassidy • Cathalson • Jamie Chambers • Robert Chapin • Michael Chatfield • Marc A Childs • Paige L. Christie • Richard J Chwedyk • Crystal Cleveland • Pamela Cole • Gerald L. Coleman • Aaron D Colgrove • Cam Collins • Joshua Colwell • Joe Compton • Ryan A Consell • Sophia Corde • Jason Cordova • Scott R Cramton • Tom Cravens • Ryan Crissey • Katie Cross • Mike Crugnola • Stephanie Crugnola • Chris Cummins • Paul B Currie • Kaycie D. • Alex Damon • Ron Daniels • Jolie Darrow • Veronica Dashiell • Kevin A Davis • Robert Davis • Dean's Lyst • Liz Delton • Ernest Dempsey • Lali DeRosier • Tyler Desjardins • Steffi Diem • Matt Dinniman • Lucienne Diver • Beth Dolgner • Elizabeth Donald • Brian Doob • Jason Dorough • Addie Dove • Patrick Dugan • Hope Dugan • Jordan Duncan • Marc Alan Edelheit • KD Edwards • Kevin Eldridge • Haileigh Enriquez • Jess Eppstein • Ben S Eppstein • Richard J Estep • Christine Evans • Kacey Lyn Ezell • Todd Fahnestock • Michael Falkner • Jim Farmer • Richard Fierce • Emily A Finke • Scott Fleming • Tom Fleming • Dustin Fletcher • Sean Fletcher • Noret Flood • John L Flynn •Justin Lee Ford • CL Fors • Matthew M Foster • Alicia Fox-Lenz • Barr Foxx • Anthony Francis • Adam Friedman • Birma Gainor • J. B. Garner • Jenna Garrett • Rich Gatz • Zayne Geisler • Kyla Gibney • Clay Gilbert • Jennifer M Gilley • Venessa Giunta • Vandiver Elizabeth Glenn • Dwayne K. Goetzel • Richard Michael Gomez • Nicoli Gonnella • Emily Goodwin • John Goodwin • Laura Grabowski • Cece Grayson • Craig Greathouse • Jennifer J Greco • Andrew Greenberg • Daniel Griffith • Darrell Z. Grizzle • Stuart Grosse • Dr. Nicole Gugliucci • Valerie Dawn Hampton • K.T. Hanna • Isabelle Hardesty • Scott Harris • Will Harris • Timothy R Harrison • Anna Harrison • Laura Hayden • Drew Hayes • Jeff Hays • Tracie Hearne • Rick J Heinz • Neil Hellegers • May Hemmer • Tony P Henderson • Lucas Hernandez • Henry Herz • HeWhoIsSteve • Edward Dickson HIcks • Robert Hill • Andrew Karl Hirsch • Madaug Hishinuma • Sam J. Hodge • Greg Hodgin • David Hoffrichter • Kali Holder • Jeffrey Hubbs • Christian Hubicki • John Hudgens • Storm Humbert • Walter H. Hunt • James A. Hunter • Topher Hunter • Eunice Ibama • Gogo Incognito • Chris A. Jackson • Kristin Jackson

29FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGPROS • India R Jackson • Matthew Jarrett • Logan Jenkins • G. S. Jennsen • Ai Jiang • Bernadette Johnson • ChristaCarol Sunshine Jones • Brodrick Jones • Charlie Kaufman • Kavura • Lindsey Kear • Philip D Keating • Charles Kelso • Darin Kennedy • Kris Kersey • Bethany DJ Kesler • John Gregory Keyes • Christina Nicole Kieffer • Roy Kilgard • Bethanne Kim • Sue Kisenwether • Chonkey Kong • Dakota Krout • Steph LaMassa • Erika Lance • Liz Landau • Matthew Lane • Ed Larson • Doctor LAW • Greg Leatherman • Oriana Leckert • DN Lee • K. N. Lee • Allora Lee • C.B. Lee • Rob Levy • Paul Lewis • Philip Ligon • K.A. Linde • Jeffrey Falcon Logue • Ginny Loveday • FT Lukens • Nich Lyle • Daniel Alexander Lyman • Tara Lynne • Courtney Lytle • Megan Mackie • Scott Macmann • Robert Madison II • Sarah Madsen • Terry Fredrick Maggert • Terry Mancour • Tré Da Marc • ToniAnn Marini • Cass Marks • Anya Martin • Audrey Martin • Alex Matsuo • Milissa Maxin • Dan McClellan • Charles A Mcfall • Morgan A. McLaughlin McFarland • Bob McGough • Lauren Catherine McGuire • Brett A McGuire • Rachel McNeal • David McRaney • Joseph Meany • Ben Meeks • Violette L Meier • Jason R Merrill • Stephanie Mirro • Katherine Monasterio • Daniel Montifar • Christopher G Moore • Casey Moores • David Moscato • Mr. Damon's Shadow Puppet Theater • Bill Mulligan • Mark Muncy • Amy J. Murphy • T.R. Naus • Nayr • Mark Robert NeCamp Jr • James P. Nettles • Matt Nitchie • Jeffrey Nix • Nancy Northcott • Bryce O'Connor • Megan O'Russell • Toki Odunade • Alix Oliver • Melissa Olthoff • Jon R. Osborne • Jon Padfield • James Palmer • Bec Palmer • JM Paquette • David Paris III • Sean M Patton • Muscle Nerd Jerry Peacock • Ken Peek • Rae Pendergrass • Matthew Scott Penick • Gabriel Perez • Sarah Philips • Shane Pierce • Shane Pittman • Berta Platas • Alex Platt • Noel E Plaugher • Gary Poole • Amon Otis Poston • Ashley Poston • Phillip Pournelle • Stefan Price • SK Prince • Marx Pyle • Cassandra Quave • Ellie Raine • Seven Rasmussen • Daniel A. Reed • Rachel Rener • Rose Reynolds • Tatiana Rice • B. A. Richards • Omisade Richardson • Steve Riekeberg • Ryan T Rimmel • Gray Rinehart • Aaron Michael Ritchey • Rob Roberts •Tamara Robertson • Merle S Robinson • Dennis Lee Robinson • Lezli Robyn • Brent Dr. EvilPenguin Roeder • Lenore Romas • Meredith Filak Rose • Mera Rose • Jynxie Rose • Cory Scott Rosenberger • Robert W Ross • M. A. Rothman • Stacey Rourke • S.L. Rowland • Ashley Ruhl • Tina Hesman Saey • Andrew Sagar • Dana Samborski • Jenn Sapp • Tony Sarrecchia • VivSai Sayborivong • Daniel Schinhofen • Anne Schlea • Jen Lil' Bit Schleusner • Stephen Seitz • Shawn Sellers • Bruce Sentar • Ingrid Seymour • Nash Sheard • Isaac Sheff • Jeri Red Shepherd • Channing Scott Sherman • David Sherrer • Lydia Sherrer • Aron Siegel • R Alan Siler • Tamsin L. Silver • Ernie Silverberg • Melissa Simpson • Allen Slonaker • Fr. Bryan Small • Wayland Smith • Fruity Snacks • Arley Sorg • Sarah J. Sover • John J Spearman • Teresa Spinelli • Kevin Stallard • Darcy Staniforth • Jessica Sarah Schonhut Stasik • Judy Stephens • Dot R Steverson • Brandon H. Strauss • Ian Randal Strock • Sunlight of Astora • Jordan Diana Swartz • Jam Tailor • Erin Nichole Taylor • Anthony Taylor • Sean H Taylor • Lee Terrill • Mandisa Lateefah Thomas • Jessica Threet • Lee Tien • Mel Todd • Alison Tracy • Jack Trammell • Trekspertise • Jesse A Trotter • Hayley Tsukayama • j m tuffley • TVsTravis • Kimberly Unger • Brian Urbanek • Forrest Valkai • Thomas Valley • Nicole Vanner • Marie Vibbert • Daisy Viktoria • R.R. Virdi • Jamie Waggoner • Constance G.J. Wagner • DL Wainright • RezMonk Walker • Jasmine Walt • Rilo W Ward • George T Watson • Sean Weiland • Dave West • Steve Wetherell • Alex White • Eric Whitten • Jennifer Whitworth • Katharine E. Wibell • Arras Marie Wiedorn • Valerie Willis • Sadie Witkowski • Marisa Wolf • Trisha J. Wooldridge • Vanessa Ionta Wright • Ben Yalow • Alexandra Yep • Jessi Ann York • Bryan Young • Hallie Zeller • Irene Augusta Zielinski • Mark Daniel Zoran

30PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAperformersATLANTA RADIO THEATRE COMPANYARTC performs audio drama, both live and in the studio. We supply the story, the music, the sound effects, and the voices. The listener fills in all the other details with their imagination.BLAIR CRIMMINS AND THE HOOKERSSupercharged hot ragtime jazz with a touch of rock and roll! Removing the “smooth" from jazz for over a decade in Atlanta Georgia, these vintage swingers will make a Hooker out of you!THE BLIBBERING HUMDINGERSGoofy nerd rock and salacious wit for geeks, wizards, LARPers, gamers, and all manner of hoopy froods. This music is not good for knitting to unless you are very smart. The gauntlet is thrown!BROBDINGNAGIAN BARDSThe Brobdingnagian Bards are back for a Dragon Con reunion! They take traditional Irish and Scottish folk songs, mix it up with Lord of the Rings music, and create a unique brand of Celtic Filk.CHARMING DISASTERCharming Disaster are a musical duo who perform playfully dark original songs inspired by death, crime, myth, magic, science, and the occult, combining vocal harmonies and clever lyrics with ukulele, guitar, and foot percussion. Their interactive, theatrical shows have been described as "dark cabaret" and "haunted vaudeville."CITY OF SOUNDCity of Sound are an independent cinematic-rock band known for their epic ‘in your face' live performances, dynamic orchestration, and adventure-like wall of sound. They have found a large following from playing DreamHack, Twitchcon, Vidcon, Rocket League Worlds, Esports Awards, and their recent headlining US Tour!CRÜXSHADOWSOne of the most notable dark wave bands internationally, The Crüxshadows' motto is "live, love, be, believe," and it serves as a reminder that while The Crüxshadows may write catchy songs, the band has depth that extends beyond the dance floor.CURTIS ELLER'S AMERICAN CIRCUSCurtis Eller is a banjo player and songwriter. With his band, The American Circus, he has cultivated a devoted international following based on spellbinding stage performances that combine a dreamlike vision of American history with explosive rock & roll energy. Their acclaimed new album Another Nice Mess is available now!DARKSHIFTCombining his love for electronic music and coding, Darkshift is also delving into the exciting realm of shaders to create captivating performance visuals and enhance live shows as a VJ.DJ SCAPEGOATDJ Scapegoat has been playing Dragon Con since 2015; from Bunny Hutch to the Vision Vogue Fashion Show, and the Apocalypse Rising track's Zombie Prom - From rock to pop, dance to metal, whatever fits the mood, his aim is to provide the chaotic soundtrack to the end of the world!DUST BOWL FAERIESDust Bowl Faeries, accordion-driven dark carnival music. Dust Bowl Faeries perform a faerie-tale fusion of dark cabaret and gothic polka music, infused with a dose of witchcraft and a dusting of woodland magic.CLEARLY GUILTYThese are the queers of Clearly Guilty! They're purdy, nerdy, and a little bit dirty. They do original music to celebrate those who feel underrepresented in fandom. Come find your anthem!

32PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAPERFORMERSKINNFOLKFeel-good Celtic folk for all! We play Irish traditional tunes and Celtic folk songs, tied together with plenty of on-stage banter. Audiences are encouraged to sing along with sea shanties or stand up and tap their toes! We have performed at Renaissance Faires, Celtic festivals, and plenty of rowdy taprooms.PALMETTO KNIGHTSFull contact unscripted Medieval Combat Tournament- Competitors fresh from the World Championships in Hungary will battle it out for your Entertainment.LAME GENIELame Genie plays video game music tracks in the style of rock/metal, ranging from retro classics to modern games. The band started in 2012, sticking to concerts and gaming convention shows. We have pivoted to having more of an online presence, releasing new music videos every week since 2020.MARQUIS OF VAUDEVILLEThe group is known the world over for their progressive, carnival-esque, punk-cabaret stylings, fusing timeworn elements of the old world with newfangled innovation, a sound they have dubbed 'melodic mischief' due to the music's mysterious, yet playful nature.MC CHRISmc chris is a rapper known for rap, nerdcore, hip hop, and comedy. His last album, mc chris is good music, charted on Billboard, debuting at #2 in the comedy genre. He is the only rapper that was ever an animator for Cartoon Network for five years.JASON CHARLES MILLERJason Charles Miller and his band! Performing songs from Godhead and his songs from various movies, TV shows, and video games that his music has been featured in.NEMESISNemesis is a 20+ year veteran of packed dance club floors across the US and an eleven-time Dragon Con performer. High energy music and an unstoppable force keeping the party going! Techno, house, trance, industrial, goth, 80's, current, and more! Dark Shift provides stunning visuals on massive screens.BETH PATTERSONBeth Patterson is a full-time musician, with a heavy dose of fiction writing (some archived on the Lunar Codex). She has nine solo albums and has appeared on over 200 recordings and films. She has performed in over 20 countries. Expect originals, filk, folk, and the occasional Rush song.TOM SMITHMostly comedy, most folk-rock, except the other stuff. The past couple of years have resulted in way more political songs than I ever envisioned. Lots of interaction with the audience, singalongs, and a whole lot of silly. Even the heartwarming stuff might invoke Cthulhu, so be ready for anything.CORWYN THE BARDBARIANSolo singer-songwriter. Acoustic, electric, and all points in-between. More rock 'n' roll than Ren faire. 10 official releases, including a five-song EP tribute to What We Do in The Shadows. 20 years of experience performing.

33FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGPERFORMERSTHIRD REALMThird Realm is an innovative DarkWave / Electro-Industrial project from Buffalo, New York. After back to back festival performances at Dark Force Fest (main stage performance in 2024), the project is keeping the momentum going with a new album out March 2025. They will be performing at the next Mechanismus Festival.TWIJITDJ's Twitch and DJIT, known collectively as TWIJIT, are the masterminds behind the wildly popular events Destination Unknown, Control, and Midnight City. They have spent the better part of the last 30 years DJing at some of Atlanta's most iconic venues.VICKI'S DREAMVicki's Dream delivers a high-energy, immersive experience blending rock, goth, and metal. With haunting melodies, driving riffs, and a theatrical narrative, the band brings to life Vicki's post-apocalyptic journey battling demonic forces to save humankind. Their intense stage presence and storytelling captivate audiences in a dark, cinematic world.AURELIO VOLTAIREAurelio Voltaire is often described as a modern day renaissance man. He is a singer, performer, author, creator of comic books, films, animation, toys, and home decor.WASTED WINEWasted Wine is the Southeast's most unique and eccentric violin shredding cabaret rock band. Humorous and danceable, Vincent Harris describes their music as "a bouncy burlesque-style romp" while former All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen depicts them as "a bastard child of David Lynch and Nick Cave."

34PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAvendorsWelcome to the ultimate vendor hall experience where Fandom Meets Commerce — like nowhere else in the Country, and like no other convention you've ever attended!This Labor Day Weekend, 2025 Dragon Con becomes home to hundreds of vendors from across the country, around the world — and even across the verse. Whether you're a lifelong collector, a casual fan, or a first-time con-goer, this is the place where fandom dreams turn into tangible treasures.Looking for that one-of-a-kind cosplay piece, a rare Pokémon card, a signed novel you’ve always wanted, or the board game you’ve been chasing for years? We’ve got it. Need new dice? We've got all the dice — including some you can eat! In our vendor halls you'll find the best selection of swords & lightsabers, T-shirts & toys, puzzles, comics, & collectibles, corsets, chain mail, & cosplay gear, Anime merch, artist prints, and so much more...And that’s just the beginning. Explore over 200,000 square feet of vendors and creators who can’t wait to meet you, share their work, and help you discover things you didn’t even know you needed. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for this year's exclusive merch! You also need to check out our reusable bags available on each floor as you enter the halls. The bag is limited print and just $5.00 so they will sell out fast!! Located in AmericasMart Building 2: floors 1–3 are packed with vendors from every fandom imaginable and floor 4: is home to our Comic and Pop Artist Alley— a curated space featuring the most outstanding creators and artists you’ll ever meetMany of our vendors are also hosting hands-on, make-and-take, workshops! Workshops are held on the 3rd floor in the pre-function area, and you can learn everything from beginner to advanced sewing, paper crafting, embroidery, paracord braiding, and so much more. Watch our social media the end of July for sign-up announcements — spots will go fast!Our Vendor Halls open each day at 10:00 AM, and we can’t wait to welcome every single one of you through the doors. Come early, stay late, and experience everything the ultimate vendor hall has to offer.See you there!

Extraordinary Scents for Extraordinary Peoplewww.BlackPhoenixAlchemyLab.comBLACK PHOENIX ALCHEMY LAB

36VENDORSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAEXHIBITORS, AMERICASMART – FIRST FLOOR • A Game Merch • Alkemie & Artistry] • Anime Gift • Arda Wigs • Art of Straya Obscura • Artcarp • Artemis Leather • Atlanta Sewing Center • Awl Father Wood Craft • Back to Earth Creations] • Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab • Blade Daddy • Blonde Swan Hats • Brittnee Braun Designs • Bulbag LLC • CDH Creations LLC • Case Ology • Chessex Manufacturing • Critical Hit Collectibles • Critical Hit Gaming Supplies, LLC • Diana Stein • Doctor Gus Designs • Edgework Imports Inc. • Elven Caravan • Esclair Studios • Fandom Metalworks • Figments and Fripperies • Flannel Panels • Forged Foam • Freakshow Unlimited • Galaxy Press • Geek Orthodox • Glitch Gear • Got Kilt • Holly Morningstar Art & Illustration • Honeck Sculpture • Horror Show Jack Productions • Imperial Quartermaster • In My Parents Basement • InterEtching] • Intergalactic Trading Co • Jason Engle • Lolita Collective • Magical Fashions • Meg's Mashables • Multiverse T-Shirts • New Age Discoveries • Night Phoenix Designs • Nightfall Forest/Sugar Lagoon\ • Nite Owl Workshop\ • NoFlutter Studio • Norse Foundry • Panakal Art Ltd. • Panda Cult Games • Pegasus Publishing • Pendragon Costumes • PixelThat • Pop's Socks • Ravenswood Leather • Rebel Base Comics & Toys • Reel Art • Resplendent Rogues • Shadows On The Wall • She-Jackal Arts • Sherrilyn Kenyon/Queen of all Shadows • Silver Leaf Costumes • Steve Argyle Studios • Stylinonline.Com • TG Comics 512 • Tairen's Lair & Authors Lair • Talon Dunning • Tasty Peach Studios • Tentacle Kitty LLC • The Charcoal Art of Michael C. Hayes • The Dragon's Keep • The Missing Volume • The Plushie Zoo • The Wasteland Gaming • Titan Games & Comics • Triangle Cards & T-Shirts • Ultra Sabers • Uniglitter, LLC • Unique Unicorns • William Stout • WizyakuzaEXHIBITORS, AMERICASMART – SECOND FLOOR • Akiba HQ • Alien Entertainment/Doctor Who Store • AllTru2U • Anime Palace • Armoured Wolf Productions • Art of Scott Spillman • Artoons • Bard & Broad • BearWolf Books • Blade Daddy • Borderlands • CCT Miami • Calou Calay • Cantina Comics & Cafe • Captured Curls • Claude Raymond Design LLC • Closet Geek LLC • Controller Chaos • Crafty Celts • Crazy Ed's Man Cave • Cross Country Collectibles • Cut/Sew Patternmaking • Daria Aksenova • Darwin and Wallace: A Nature & Fossil Store • Dbl Feature • Delicious Boutique • Drunken Dragon Hotel • Echo-X Llc • Emizart • Enso Rings • Fanboy Collectibles and Comics • Feather Wings by Uber Kio • Gamer Concepts • Gingee Girls Art • Haha Anime & Games • Hatcore.Com • House Of Anime • J & J Collectibles • J and J Enterprises • James Hill Studios and Gallery • Junior's Comic And Cards • KnoWhere Toys • Lets Bug Out • MNM Collectibles • Marmals • Midnight Fury Design LLC • Midnight Syndicate Soundtracks • Milton's Emporium • Mirkywood Emporium • Moss Fete • Neon Culture • Nerdy Novelty Design

37FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGVENDORS • Nigel Sade Fine Art • Obsidian's Caldera • Oh, Jessa! • Outer Rim Toys/Out of The Toy Box Jewelry • Oz Wars Toys • Patent Pop Art • Pawley Studios • Pawstar • pc/nametag • Pixel Empire • Plantcycled • Plastic Empire • Poetic Earth Handmade Journals • Posh Geekery • Posters And Comics • Pretty Spooky Handmade • Reliquary Arcanum • RootisTabootus • Ruth Nore Designs • Sam Flegal's Fateful Signs • Sarah Wilkinson Art • Scorched Design Co • Shadow Alley Press • Sparkle! • Spartamac Publishing, LLC • Starbase Atlanta • Steam Forged Studios • Steve Minty • Stl Ocarina • Super Sox Shop • Surreal Makeup • Tea & Absinthe • TeeTurtle • The Colorful Geek • The Evergreen Burrow • The Fairy Stitch Factory • The Paisley Poppy • The Stray Wolf • Trains of Thoughts Entertainment • Twilight Creations • Twisted Heroes • UCF Video Games • Unleash the Goddess • Where The Gods Live • Wolfhome Adventure Outfitters • World Of Strange • Wyrd ArmouriesDEALERS, AMERICASMART – THIRD FLOOR • A Punch In The Art • All The Dwagons • Anime Remix • Arsenal Models • Art of David Wong • Art of RavenWolf • Audela Nails • Bad Ashe Design • Bats In The Belfry Goods • Beautifully Dark Art By Deanna Davoli • Body Color Cosmetics • Chris A. Jackson • Chubby Bunny Studios • Coven Creations Art • Crescent Creepers • Crimson Chain Leatherworks • Crystal Bunny Designs • DanTheLefty's Leatherworks • Discotek Media • Dragon Hoard • Dream Kinz Studio • Fairywood Grove • Fearless Readers • Forbidden Knowledge • Frederick's Forge • Furry Feline Creatives LLC • Geeky Girl Stitches • Glassy Geek • Grave Markings • Hans Pins • Hypernova Publishing • Isabelle Hardesty • KC Writing LLC • Kimo Mikala Sewing • Kopes Kreations • Lady Gurumi - Crochet Art Studio • Liesels Hat Hutch • Lost Alien Collectibles • M. Lineham Art • Miniature Inspirations • Not Cool Co • OneSmolHurt • Only Ducks LLC • Palmer Creations • Paper Bones • Planet Comics • Random Smash • Shiny Things • Smokey Mountain Greenery and Oddities • SnacksFromJapan.com • Southern Celebrations • Spandex Splinters • Spooky Kid Studios • Spot Colors • Stardust Strings • Stephanie Romano • Studio Pen Pen • Stylinonline.Com • Sugar Lich • Sugarbplays DIY Cross Stitch • TMDCreations • The Art of Gabby Ramirez • The Dragon's Hoard Soaps • The MacBath • The Quaint Librarian • The Witchin Waifu • Urza's Toolbox • Whimsical Whiskers LLC • With a Grain of Salt • Wizard & Willow • Wonderbeam Trades • Zanti Jewelry • Zombie Gnomes LLC • Zombie Love Squad

38VENDORSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAEXHIBITORS, AMERICASMART – THIRD FLOOR • Aethon Books • Arca Noctis • Art Afterlife Skeletons • bernette/BERNINA • BG Artforms LLC • Baby Rabiez • Bead Geekz • Bob's Spicy World • Boxwood Board Designs • Bricker Builds • BumbleFly~N~ButterBees • Chicagoland Games: Dice Dojo • Cleromancy Games LLC • Comfort Kingdom LLC • Composite Effects (CFX Masks) • Cooling Vests by ThermApparel • CosyCat • Deviant Dollz • Dr. Mike's Shaving Emporium • Drawing the Dragon- April Adams • Dryad Tea • Edgework Imports Inc • Electrarelics • Evil Bunny Empire • Famore Cutlery/Specialty Product Sales • Fandom Laser by The 308 Collective • Fangoria Publishing LLC • Fantastical Menagerie • FireChilde Glass Studio • Geekify • Geeky Endeavors • Goliath Coins • Gryphon's Moon • Harebrained Design • Henna Illuminata • IONOX Media • Japanime Games • Kaleidoscope Shop • Kitsch and Crossbones • Mario's Comics • Meloria • Mindless Kreations LLC • Needlework Novelties • Pop Culture Rama • Pop N Toys • Popcycled Baubles • Power Up Candy • Precious Plunder • Press Start Games New England • Pride Kitty - Like A Cat • Quiltoni • Rumble and Roar Wandmakers • STL Brick Fanatics LLC • Scrolling Fantasy • Sew Nerdy Bags LLC • Shockwave and the Crone • Sidestreet Book Market • Silver Comet Productions LLC • Snarkfish T-shirts • Sorensen's Precision Diceworks • Stitchwalker Leather • SwitchfaceArt • TOTO-O (Dinsky Doodles LLC) • Tangled Earth Arts • The Game King/Graded Power • The Mana Pool Bazaar • The Truffle Cottage LLC • Viciouskill

40PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAALTERNATE & HISTORICAL FICTIONThe Alternate and Historical Fiction Track is the destination for all things bygone and never was. In addition to fan discussions of historical fiction shows and period pieces, there will be panels on history, book genres, and a range of contests and charity events. This year, our etiquette lesson will be on hand sewing, we will learn how you can keep a pirate entertained and race teapots with the Splendid Teapot Race and Demitasse Race. If you want to share your gift of gab, both Boasting Contests are returning, along with late-night Mad Libs, Outlander Trivia, and another trip with the Theatre on the High Seas. We have been catching up on The Gilded Age, American Primeval, For All Mankind, Bridgerton, Outlander, and Our Flag Means Death just so we can chat about them all. If cosplay is on your to-do list - we have got tips and tricks for Victorian and Regency outfits and sewing post-Joanns.We are also celebrating some fun anniversaries this year, with an extra special Tea Duel, the 25th anniversary of the 1632 universe, 10 years of Hamilton, and 45 years of Les Mis. We are also bringing back The Dragon Con Cotillion and planning on dancing the night away with our art-nouveau themed Temporal Formal.Join our track before the con on social media for a few pre-con surprises: on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/alternate history, our Twitter handle at DCon_AltHistory, Instagram @dcon_althistory, and Youtube at @alternateandhistoricalfict4179AMERICAN SCI-FI & FANTASY MEDIA Explore the best of genre storytelling in television and film—from the action-packed worlds of the MCU and DCU to the layered, thought-provoking realms of Dune, Foundation, and Severance. Whether you're drawn to multiverse chaos or quiet, cerebral sci-fi, this space dives into how these stories reflect our culture, challenge our assumptions, and keep us coming back for more.Throughout the weekend, enjoy guest panels, deep-dive discussions, and fan-favorite events like the Thursday night Geek Singalong and Sunday night Nerd Bingo for Charity. It’s a celebration of the bold, the brilliant, and the gloriously geeky—from masked heroes to mind-bending futures—all in one welcoming home for fans who love to think and cheer.AMERICAN SCI-FI CLASSICS “What’s that one? That one there, on your arm,” said Brody.“That’s from American Sci-Fi Classics Track in the Marriott, rooms M103-105,” Quint replied.“Eleven gazillion people went into that tube from the Hilton. The track room filled up with awesomeness in less than two minutes,” said Quint. “Alternative Nation dance party is on Thursday night, with DJs spinning only tracks from way back last century. Then they decide who would win if classic sci-fi monkeys fought classic sci-fi sidekicks. Then they do tributes to Mortal Kombat, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers–” “Wait, what was that you said about monkeys?” Brody said.“Then they unleash the revolution in sci-fi convention technology, the giant Roll-A-Panel d20, a custom made d20 that the audience rolls to decide what we talk about. Then they auction the d20 for this year’s Dragon Con charity. They have other custom d20s up for auction, too, like an all Nicolas Cage d20,” Quint replied.“I'm pleased and happy to repeat the news that we have, in fact, caught and killed a large predator that supposedly injured some bathers,” said the mayor of Dragon Con. “Predators? You’re one ugly mother –” said Dutch. “I’m just talking about Predators,” said the mayor. “This is the time and place to do panels about Xena Warrior Princess, Batman Forever, Batman Begins. And they give away prizes,” said the mayor. “Challenge of the Super Nerds. And there’s the Big Damn Game Show, and Fandom Feud. And we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws,” said Quint. fan tracks

41FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGTRACKS“You yell Jaws and we’ve got a panic on our hands on Labor Day weekend!” said the mayor. “What about the rest of Dragon Con,” said Brody. “When do you sleep?” “The rest of the con is for the other progress reports. The secret is not to go to sleep. Just remember the 6-2-1 rule. Every day take six showers, sleep one hour, and eat once,” Quint said.“I don’t think that’s right,” Brody said.“Then they celebrate the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live by doing table reads of their favorite sketches,” said Hooper. “Then they showcase a movie that some land-lubbers consider “not good,” Quint said. “Like Mac and Me or Miami Connection or Leprechaun in the Hood, but if you want to leave, you have to donate to Dragon Con’s charity to get out.” “We’re going to need a bigger Dragon Con,” said Brody. “As you see, it's a beautiful day, the con is open and the elevators are full and people are having a wonderful time. Dragon Con, as you know, means friendship,” said the mayor. Find Classics Track all over the Internet: https://www.facebook.com/groups/americanscificlassicshttps://www.instagram.com/scificlassictrack/https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanSciFiClassicsANIMATION The Animation Track welcomes fans, voice actors, industry professionals, artists, and creators of American and international animation and cartoons.This track covers animated storytelling that isn't Japanese anime, though there is often crossover, as with our Dragon Con Cosplay Contest and Cartoon Bebop Lounge. Details about the Cosplay Contest can be found in the Contests section of this Progress Report. Programming this year will highlight your favorite nostalgic comfort shows and indie obsessions! Besides fan panels and guest Q&As, expect one "helluva" sing-along, multiple live dance performances, and multiple cartoon game shows and trivia! Highlighted guests of the Animation Track this year include voices and production talent from Invader Zim! Remember to bring your cosplay, autographing pen, fan theories, and business cards to make connections through our love of cartoons, art, and the animation industry.ANIME-MANGA The Anime-Manga Track is dedicated to the enjoyment of art and animation produced in Japan, but loved worldwide. They are located in Hilton Galleria 4, and will feature panels and presentations that will highlight anime and manga, both old and new. Throughout the weekend, the track room will also showcase a variety of fan-created anime music videos along with honorable mentions from this year's Fandom Music Video Awards. Outside the track room, they are hosting panels that will feature guest appearances from some of your favorite English dub voice actors and directors. In partnership with the Animation Track, the team will host the ever-popular Cosplay Contest that celebrates the skill and hard work needed to bring animated characters to life. Details about the Cosplay Contest and Fandom Music Video Awards can be found in the Contests section of this Progress Report.APOCALYPSE RISINGThe Doomsday Clock is ticking closer to midnight, and the Apocalypse Rising Track at Dragon Con 2025 is your ultimate refuge for all things end-of-the-world! Prepare to thrive, not just survive! This year's track is packed with expert-led panels on survival, homesteading, and prepping. Learn essential skills like how to pack the perfect go-bag, how to protect yourself from chemical, biological, or nuclear contamination, how to hunt and gather food effectively, and how to communicate without modern infrastructure. Our diverse panel of experts will equip you with the knowledge to face any natural or man-made disaster head-on. These include our popular tactical medical panels led by healthcare professionals, offering cutting-edge insights into emergency medical care.But it's not all about survival! We celebrate the creative, humorous, and media sides of the apocalyptic genre too. Get a ghoulish undead makeover from our talented studio makeup artists and strut your stuff at the ever-popular Zombie Prom. This year's theme, "The Infected," invites you to dance the night away in a bio-hazard containment laboratory gone awry. Compete for prizes in our annual Prom King and Queen contest and showcase your best dead or alive post-apocalyptic cosplays!

42PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GATRACKSAnd there is much, much more! Prepare to join the fun and participate in our new “after dark” LitRPG dungeon crawl, where notable authors battle it out in a side-splitting game of elimination. Join seminars with post-apocalyptic and dystopian authors to learn how to create your own literary universe. Engage in panels for beloved shows like The Walking Dead, Sweet Tooth, and The Handmaid’s Tale, as well as exciting new releases like Dead City, Last of Us, and Silo.Stay updated by following us on Instagram (@dconapocrising), Twitter (@ar_track_dc), and Facebook (Dragon Con Apocalypse Rising Track). Don't miss out on the ultimate apocalyptic experience at Dragon Con 2025!BRITTRACKThe BritTrack's mission statement is to celebrate all Anglophiles and our love for media/pop culture of the United Kingdom at Dragon Con. We host panels, a party, and interactive events on the UK's music, animation, culture, literature, comics, movies, and television. The list includes: the Doctor Who universe, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Black Mirror, Agatha Christie, Hitchcock, Jack the Ripper, Six the Musical, Monty Python, Orphan Black, Red Dwarf, James Bond, Taskmaster, Ghosts, Paddington Bear, Sherlock, Space: 1999, Call the Midwife, British Cars, British New Wave Music, and many other UK topics.2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for BritTrack as we celebrate the return of Doctor Who to our screens—continuing the second era of Russell T. Davies and the second thrilling season with Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. We are also excited to celebrate 20 years of the New Series Doctor Who! We have packed the schedule with tons of Who-themed panels, including not one, but two trivia contests: one for adults and one just for kids!We are also honoring some true icons of British culture with special programming marking the 150th anniversary of Charles Dickens' death and a deep dive into the artistry of Alfred Hitchcock. And for the younger crowd, there is a delightful interactive panel featuring none other than Paddington Bear!Fan favorites are back in full force—get ready for the Vogon Poetry Slam, the Monty Python Experience, Felt Nerdy, and of course, the Ministry of Silly Walks contest. Plus, newer hits like Interactive Shakespeare, Team Trivia, Doctor Who-Themed Werewolf, Taskmaster (with the ever-clever Taskmistress Christina), and even Whose Line Is It Anyway? are returning to keep the laughs coming.We are also rolling out fresh programming this year: explore the history of New Wave music, uncover the mystery of Jack the Ripper, Dreamcasting James Bond, and dive into a completely serious discussion concerning the 50th Anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail (wink, wink, say no more).And naturally, it all leads up to the crown jewel of BritTrack—the legendary Doctor Who Ball on Sunday night. With a costume contest that involves prejudging on an earlier day/time, the winners will be announced at 11:30 PM! You won't want to miss it!Join us on our Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/BritTrack/) where we chat about all things BritTrack throughout the year and over the course of the convention weekend. Our Facebook group is very active with 4,400+ members and is one of the first places to get new and up-to-date information. We are also on the hunt for fan panelists, so check out the post in our Facebook Group to apply. Also, if you are a fan of Discord, we are part of the Dragon Con Channel (#hilton > #brittrack-discuss). As always, you can follow us on X (@brittrack) and on Instagram (@dcbrittrack) for more fun times and silliness. Finally, you can look us up on YouTube (@thebrittrackatdragoncon), where we have recordings of panels from previous years, many virtual panels, and some fun shenanigans.Details and more at british.dragoncon.org or on Facebook via The BritTrack @ Dragon Con.COSTUMINGWe are the original DIY of Dragon Con and we’re bringing back many of your old favorites as well as a few new surprises. First up are the Muscle Nerd Showdown and the Bunny Hutch Contest Thursday night to celebrate cosplayer fitness and creative bunny/Hef costumes, respectively.The Friday Night Costuming Contest, is returning to award the best designers and craftspersons with a grand prize of $500 and 3 nights stay at a host hotel for Dragon Con 2026. Saturday night – The Cults of Dragon Con is back and the prizes are even bigger this year! From Marriott carpet print to googly eyes, ribbon collections to dancing dinos, and flaming speakers to FedEx boxes, etc. we award the most original costumes based on favorite Dragon Con cults.

44PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GATRACKSStrut your amazing self on the catwalk of the Vision Vogue Fashion Show Sunday afternoon featuring crafty, geeky couture for whatever fandom you are into. The Mad Makeup Mashup has been a huge success thus far so it will return Sunday night for the makeup enthusiast in us all.We are proud to present Costuming Scavenger Hunt Bingo as our fundraiser for NAMI Georgia (National Alliance on Mental Illness)! At just two dollars per card, simply find great Dragon Con costumes and other geekery while marking them off on your bingo cards. What fun! Winners receive cool swag and all our gratitude.Let us not forget the hands-on workshops where select educators are offering amazing track workshops that provide an opportunity to learn a new skill for the low cost of materials reimbursement. Hey, we have not even mentioned the great exhibits, panels, meetups, and parties! We've got a full weekend of costuming learning and shenanigans waiting for you.More information and registration for the exhibit, fashion show, workshops, and all track contests is available on the website at: https://www.dragoncon.org/costuming-track/.DIGITAL MEDIAThe Digital Media Track at Dragon Con is an ever-growing and evolving phenomenon, captivating audiences in 2025! This vibrant community wholeheartedly supports creators, providing them with resources to unleash their unbridled creativity and share their visionary works. Prepare for an exhilarating experience as this year's event unfolds across two expansive rooms and online! Fans and aspiring creators will converge to witness the magic of their beloved shows come alive, engaging in captivating round-table discussions and immersive workshops facilitated by the field's most accomplished visionaries. Thursday bursts onto the scene with an adrenaline-fueled Dragon Con Comedy for a Cause - a hilarious charity fundraiser, karaoke, new live shows to kick your con off right, and that's just the beginning! We have a ton of new and returning pro’s but wait there's more! We have returning guests The McElroys and new guests Uploads of Fun! So brace yourself for an awe-inspiring lineup of mind-blowing content throughout Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, showcased in the captivating Hilton Galleria 6 and Hilton Galleria 7, all streaming live. For more information, make sure to tune in to our thrilling Twitch channels: Galleria 6 at https://www.twitch.tv/dcdigitalmedia and Galleria 7 at https://www.twitch.tv/dcdigitalmedia2 and subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@dcdigitalmediatrack9087 Prepare to find your community at the digital media revolution at Dragon Con 2025!DIVERSITY IN SPECULATIVE FICTION & LITERATURE FANDOM TRACK Get ready to blast off into a universe of imagination, inclusion, and epic storytelling! The Diversity in Speculative Fiction & Literature Track is back at Dragon Con—and this year, it’s supercharged with even more power, passion, and possibilities!Step into our expanded starship home in the Hyatt’s Hanover A&B, where we are unleashing 40+ hours of dynamic programming that celebrates every voice in fandom. From legendary creators to rising stars, we are bringing together bold perspectives and boundary-breaking narratives that span the metaverse!Last year was phenomenal—but this year? We're going beyond the beyond. Expect unforgettable panels, fresh faces, returning fan-favorites, and the kind of community vibes that make Dragon Con feel like home.Whether you're into Afrofuturism, queering the cosmos, indigenous futurisms, or re-imagining the hero's journey—we have got something just for you.Don’t miss a moment—join our Facebook group for behind-the-scenes updates, guest announcements, and sneak peeks into the fandom-filled adventure ahead:https://www.facebook.com/groups/DiversityInSpeculativeFiction/Come celebrate the future of fandom with us—bold, brilliant, and beautifully diverse. This is the Dragon Con experience you’ve been waiting for!ELECTRONIC FRONTIERS FORUMSElectronic Frontiers Forum at Dragon Con covers legal and societal issues, civil liberties, and the latest trends in information security, both online and anywhere technology is present. We examine the intersection of technology, law, activism, and society, and how it fits within the framework of a democratic society. We endeavor to bring together the best minds in law, technology, security, and advocacy to map out our shared future, while highlighting the risks and promises of technological progress.Major themes for 2025 will include updates on last year's discussions on police surveillance systems, brain-computer interfaces, and artificial intelligence, regulating social media, technology policy in schools, policy shifts in the current administration, and the explosion of data centers being newly constructed. Topics we plan to cover this year include The Science of Security, Update on Georgia Speed Cameras, License Plate Readers, Bumper Stickers, and Vehicle Fingerprinting, How Border Surveillance Tech Becomes Everywhere Surveillance Tech, Removing Personal Information About You From Google, How the

45FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGTRACKSTikTok Ban Backfired, AI Chatbots and Privacy, Legal and Constitutional Problems with the Take It Down Act, and many others. Returning favorites include Hacking 101 and 201, 10 Rules for Dealing With Police Encounters, the Learn to Hack Workshop, Web comics, and Famous Unsolved Codes. For more information, please follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/EFForums, or visit our archive website with schedules, audio, and video from past years at archive.efforums.net.FANTASY LITERATURELions, dragons, and griffins! Oh my! Join us for the ride of a lifetime! The best part of fantasy is that there is room enough for everyone! Here we celebrate all that literature and fantasy have to offer, bringing the stories to life via discussion, audio books, and cosplay! Explore the flavors of fantasy from cozy to romantasy to LitRPG and back again! These are the stories that unite us in our love of literature, bringing hope and joy in dark times and good times, creating the fandoms we call home. FILK MUSICFrom its humble beginnings as a misprint of "Folk," the controversy surrounding the exact definition of filk music continues into the present. Here at Dragon Con, we like to say that everything is filk! The Filk Music track is the music of fandom, whether it is a parody song about Cthulhu, a geeky sea shanty about your favorite Cosmere book, or an original piece about your love of Murderbot. We are the music by fans for fans, and we would love for you to join in with us, whether you want to sing with us (Open Filk), learn about making fandom music (workshops and panels), or listen to your favorite filk music artists (concerts). If you are looking for fandom music of all stripes, we have something for you!FILM TRACKWelcome to the Dragon Con Film Track. For years we have shared our love for film and filmmaking with the Dragon Con community. This year will be no different. We will have our regular collection of film discussions and filmmaking tutorials, but this year will be something special. We will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws in a very special panel discussion that will include a Jaws trivia contest, complete with prizes.MUSEUM | PERFORMANCES | WORKSHOPS| PUPPET.ORG1404 Spring St. | Midtown Atlanta3 Blocks from Arts Center MARTA StationKermit the Frog © 2025 Disney. All Rights Reserved. The Dark Crystal © 2025 The Jim Henson Company. All Rights Reserved.

46PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GATRACKSAs usual, we will be explore all aspects of film and filmmaking with our Film School 101 series, an acting series that explores the business side of acting, and advice from the professional directors, cinematographers, and producers. 2025 should be a great year to visit the Dragon Con Film Track. HIGH FANTASYThe High Fantasy track at Dragon Con is your home for classic stories such as The Lord of Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Wheel of Time. We also include newer favorites such as Game of Thrones, Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere, and The Witcher. We also like to dig deep into the mythological roots of high fantasy and how it inspires the stories we love. This year our Tolkien programming will take a deep dive into the second season of Rings of Power, the yearly check in with our friends at TheOneRing.net, and our beloved Evening at Bree celebration. We will also explore the way music plays an integral part of Tolkien’s worldbuilding. We will be celebrating the third and sadly final season of The Wheel of Time with a look into the history of the Amyrlin Seat and the historical and mythological inspirations Jordan used to create this power office. We are also going to take a look at Lan and what we love about him. It’s a big year for fans of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere. Not only do we have Wind and Truth to discuss, but it’s also the 20th anniversary of Elantris, Sanderson’s first published novel. There are two new seasons of Westeros set shows premiering next year. House of the Dragon will be joined by A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, based on the Dunk and Egg novellas. Look for speculation panels about both of these, plus discussion of the source materials. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published 125 years ago. This beloved children’s novel has been adapted into movies, musicals, anime, and more. In addition to the novel, we will discuss Wicked: Part 1, the latest take on L. Frank Baum’s story. But that’s not all! The High Fantasy track will also take a look at Hadestown, the modern musical spin on Orpheus and Eurydice, the 75th anniversary of the publication of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and genderqueer takes on the genre. HORROR TRACKIn the haunted tower of the Westin lurks Dragon Con’s Horror Track, DEADicated to all that haunts screen, song, and scribe alike. From the monsters we fear to the ones we cherish, the Horror Track is your source for tales of terror, psychological suspense, and the darkest edge of fantasy.This year’s offerings will include discussions on the cinematic legacy of H.P. Lovecraft, the whispering fears of cozy horror, the rural terrors of folk horror, Ghoulies and the tiny monsters craze of the 1980’s, the rising popularity of arthouse horror, and the perennial films of Blumhouse. We will celebrate the anniversaries of The Bride of Frankenstein, Fright Night, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. There will also be a tribute panel to the late visionary, David Lynch. All of this and much more — including the return of the popular Open Casket Party!Sponsored by Netherworld Haunted House.KIDS TRACKKids Track offers events, activities, and panels for Dragon Con families: kids of all ages, teens, and parents. Favorite annual events return, including the family fort building contest, character encounter, video game showdown, spooky story contest, Kids Track dance, family game night, more! New for 2025, Kids Track presents Dad’s Garage for family friendly improv shows and kids improv games. Activities for all ages include drawing tutorials, arts and crafts, and writing activities. Later in the evening, check out our Tough Topics panels for parents discussing difficult and timely issues for adults raising the next generation of fandom. All children under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian, and all children seven years and older must have a Dragon Con badge to attend Kids Track programming.MILITARY SCI-FI MEDIA The Military Sci-Fi Media Track (MSFM) is at the ready with military sci-fi, fun, and fandom at Dragon Con in 2025! We aim for the best in character, costuming, storyline, and social issue discussions from a variety of military sci-fi and space shows: Andromeda, Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Buck Rogers, Farscape, Firefly, Space: Above and Beyond, Space: 1999, Stargate, Starship Troopers, Personal Space, Space Force, The Orville, Pandora, Moonbase 8, Halo (the TV Show), and The Ark. Suit up and roll out with MSFM!Returning events this year include our low-key, chill annual get-to-know-each-other Onesie Mixer to kick things off on Thursday, an interactive MST3K-style episode panel, and for younger recruits, there is a games and crafts panel for some family-appropriate fun. MSFM also believes in mixing service and entertainment to do good deeds for a good time for all! Our Firefly party charity event is the Can’t Stop the Signal Dance, the MSFM Team Trivia night raises money while testing geek/nerd knowledge, and the MSFM main charity event is the annual Don S. Davis Memorial Charity Auction, all to benefit NAMI Georgia! For more information on these and other events/panels before the show, the MSFM Track is on X/Twitter under @MSFMTrack and on Facebook at our page, https://www.facebook.com/MSFMatDC/ Join the

48PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GATRACKSMSFM conversation in our Facebook group, where you can get the latest track updates, chat with fans of your favorite shows, and share your feedback! Visit us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/militaryscifimedia/Military Sci-Fi Media at Dragon Con: So Say We All!PUPPETRY TRACKWhen the first storyteller used their shadow on the cave wall to tell their story, the first puppet was born. As long as there have been people, there have been puppets. The Puppetry Track celebrates puppetry in pop culture and brings the magic of live puppetry to con-goers! Puppeteers from stage and screen will share their experiences and talents. See live performances for both children and adults (#PUPPETSHOW). Bring your own puppets for special “puppets only” events (#PUPPETSONLY), including The Magic Puppet Tea Party, Puppet Karaoke, Puppet Pitstop Workshop, and more! Get one-on-one instruction from professional puppeteers. See if you have what it takes to compete in the Ultimate Puppet Ninja Warrior challenge! Make your very own YODA puppet to take home. Visit our menagerie of fantastical creatures in the Sensational Shadow Safari! Dragon Con fan favorites Bob and Carl: The Sci-Fi Janitors will host the biggest puppet slam in the world, The Late Night Puppet Slam, jam packed with geeky puppet insanity and surprise guests! (Now featured in the book Puppet Slam! History and How-To!) PUPPET SHOW! ROBOTICS AND MAKERSShare. Connect. Inspire.The Robotics and Maker Fan Track is dedicated to exploring all aspects of Robotics and The Maker Movement. We hold informative panels, demonstrations, and competitions designed to feed your interest and increase knowledge on the practice and application of invention and engineering.We focus on technology and engineering based creative pursuits, ranging from 3D printing to machining and resin casting. Our goal is to build interest in the skills and creativity used in bringing new ideas to the public by delivering an eclectic mix of topics such as combat robotics, movie prop fabrication, fiber arts, underwater robots, scratch building pinball machines, and wearable technology.From special effects to space rovers, The Robotics and Maker Fan Track is your stop for all things created when tech meets imagination. The Build-and-Take Laser Sword workshop is back! Visit the Robotics and Maker Fan Track for the return of the popular hands on introductory circuit workshop! SCIENCEScience isn’t separate from pop culture—it’s woven into every epic tale and imagined future. The Science Track at Dragon Con isn’t just a celebration of science—it’s a deep dive into how it lives in our imaginations. Dive into the science behind your favorite movies, shows, books, and games—and come away seeing both the science and the stories in a whole new light! How can Severance help you understand the “you” that you are? Would Kaiju Mapping’s Godzilla Disaster Response research actually survive a thesis defense panel? How exactly would we build a Murderbot? Can scientists and engineers make a discussion of fiber arts exciting? Will you manage to wake up with us on Monday morning to learn about the effects of sleep deprivation? You will discover these things and much, much more!Come ready to discover the science you didn’t know was in your fandom and to challenge your assumptions about what is real and what might someday be!You will find some great family-friendly offerings at family-friendly hours of the day. A highlight of our kid-friendly content is the popular Hands-On Science Power-Hour! After the parade, take a walk through our science fair, featuring demonstrations for all ages.We are bringing back your favorite long-standing flagship panels, all in After Dark time slots for late-night discussions with mature audiences.Thursday: The Year in Science comes back for its 11th year running and the second time as an After Dark offering. We are also moving it to THURSDAY NIGHT - joining the ranks of exciting events which are making Thursday the new Friday!Friday: Last year, the brand new Science is Gross panel ran for nearly double the scheduled run-time and we are sooo here for that energy again. Gird your loins and steady your stomachs for more Gross Science stories and visuals on Friday evening!Saturday: You’ve laughed, you’ve cried, and you’ve learned frisky facts at The Solve for X Variety Show. It’s back again as our longest-running flagship panel - this time with a blend of Nerd Nite flavor!Sunday: Last but absolutely not least, Science v Movies continues into its 11th year running - this time in a new, larger ballroom to better accommodate the demand! Our scientists will be subjected to another year of hilariously contrived explanations of questionable movie science. Don’t miss the new location - check it out on the app for details!SCI-FI LITERATUREThe Science Fiction Literature track welcomes all fans of the written word. We host panels discussing writing, our favorites, and not-so-favorites. We talk about some of the science behind the fiction. We are a place for fans to meet

49FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGTRACKSnew friends and old, to discover writers new to them and rediscover those they might have forgotten. Over the years we have hosted a wide variety of authors and subjects. We are pleased to continue that this year.Our general theme this year is military sci-fi; what do you need to know to write it, a bit of how to, the different types. We will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Eric Flint's 1632 universe with a roundtable of writers. We will add to the Eye of Argon experience and once again present a live game of Dungeons and Dragons. Our mission continues to be to provide a home for science fiction fans who love a good book and a good discussion.SILK ROADJoin the Silk Road Track as we explore the rich cultures along the path of the Ancient Silk Road. From the Mediterranean, through the Indian Subcontinent, all the way to the Pacific - from ancient history to modern pop culture.The Silk Road Track offers a variety of panels and classes including literature, origami, dance, and martial arts, and hours of live-action film.Also, this year's K-Pop Dance Party will be bigger and better than ever - running for 4 hours, featuring videos and TWO DJs: DJ Tiger Scratches (Ayla of Antipode) & DJ ic3nin3!SKEPTICSThe Dragon Con Skeptic Track celebrates the world of critical thought, the examination of extraordinary claims, and the promotion of good science over the vast array of supernatural and paranormal claims. We offer live entertainment, topical discussion panels, and talks for science lovers, freethinkers, and skeptics who come each year to keep the flame of critical thought alive during Dragon Con. In 2025, we are excited to be joined by track favorites like master illusionists Brian Brushwood, Jon Armstrong, and Curt Anderson. As usual, there will be engaging talks, panels, comedy, and even a game show hosted by Ian Harris and Vandy Beth Glenn to challenge even our smartest presenters! Keep an eye out for news on the track website, http://skeptics.dragoncon.org/, and follow us on X (Twitter) at @SkepTrack, or visit our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/Skeptrack.SPACEIt has been a tumultuous year for almost anything space related and it shows no signs of letting up. As NASA's budget gets squeezed, many projects and missions are in jeopardy along with the associated jobs. This would have a very extended reach as NASA funds many research projects in conjunction with other countries, commercial industries, and universities. With these losses it could mean that the USA loses its space and space science dominance. Also that vast amounts of current knowledge could be lost when funding is removed from unfinished research.That is the 'could be' we face but for now there is still so much that has happened and progress continues on many of the missions we've delved into in past years. Curiosity and Perseverance are still rolling on Mars and discovering surprising things. The Europa Clipper is still speeding its way towards Europa, one of Jupiter's large moons.. Lucy is still on its way to the Trojan asteroids and Psyche, despite a necessary switch to its backup fuel line, is still on track to asteroid Psyche 16, which is believed to be the metal core of planetesimal and one of the most metal rich asteroids known. Work is still continuing on Dragonfly, Mars' helicopter's 'cousin' that will explore the Saturn moon Titan.By the time you read this the Rubin telescope will be live and scanning the entire southern hemisphere's sky every three days!! The discoveries Rubin makes will be amazing! The T Coronae Borealis nova that was expected a year ago still hasn't happened but we did get a nova of V462 Lupi. Also, could it be true? Has the missing mass of the universe been discovered?! There is always something happening in the universe and we love bringing it to YOU!STAR WARS“Can’t say I remember no At Attin,” or a Dragon Con that wasn’t fun…"All [we] ever wanted was a real adventure…" with stormtroopers & Jedi & Sith & rebels & Mandos & hot shot fly boys…to dance like the galaxy is watching…and to talk about Star Wars for days with friends that have become family. “If I say this is the greatest day of my life does it spoil everything?” We’re going to calibrate our enthusiasm, but we are so excited to chat about our favorite books with our favorite authors, Andor, rebellions built on hope, Tales of the Underworld, Ahsoka, Revenge of the Sith at 20, The Force Awakens turning 10, The High Republic, cowboys, pirates, witches, bounty hunters, adventures, costumes, droids, theories, comics, shows, movies, etc. from a galaxy far, far away.

50PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GATRACKSSomehow a certain Trivia Master will return in person (and we may give him two Trivia Finals to celebrate), William Shakespeare’s Star Wars fan reading will potentially have ewoks, and of course The Last Party on Alderaan will be rowdier than a Chandrilan wedding. “I'm not going to say "remember this," because I don't have to.” It's going to be wizard. We "have friends everywhere," so come chat about Star Wars with us before, during, and after Dragon Con on social media (Star Wars at Dragon Con on Facebook, and @swatdc on Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads). STAR TREKThe Dragon Con Trek Track for 2025 is approaching at Warp 10! (Don't turn into a salamander!)Returning for an encore performance, Subspace Rhapsody Picture Show & Sing-Along is the first-ever live shadow cast (as far as we know!) of the Strange New Worlds musical episode, Subspace Rhapsody. It was a blast last year, and it will be even better this season!Our voyage begins in Thursday night prime time with Encounter at Galleria 2/3 where you can mingle with other Trekkies and take in the iconic art and decorations of our Track room. Then on Friday, beam down for our Away Team Photo Scavenger Hunt, where you can pick up your directives to win some great prizes. Also returning are fan-favorite events like the Infinite Riker Games competition (now bigger than ever!), the hilarious Captain's Log Star Trek Improv Show, out-of-this-world Star Trek Puppet Shows (one for kids and one for adults!) with Felt Nerdy, and the glorious and glamorous Sixteenth Annual Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant! Later on, help us decide which episode is the Best of the Worst at The Fourth Annual Star Trek Salamander Awards!Did someone say GLORY? We've got two nights of Klingon Karaoke where you can send your vocal cords to Sto-vo-kor for the honor of your House! Today is a good day to duet! And don't forget the annual Ten Forward Party where you will have so much fun you will think you have joined the Q continuum.We are excited to make Dragon Con Trek Track 2025 an extraordinary experience that will warp you to the stars and beyond! Meet fellow fans and follow Track updates on our Facebook group, and chat with us on our Discord!https://facebook.com/groups/dragoncontrektrackhttps://discord.gg/De6TC8MTABLETOP GAMINGThe Tabletop Track presents panels on all things in pulp gaming! If you play a game that involves any kind of paper product—like a tabletop RPG, card game, or board game—this panel track is for you!Every year we have a theme, and this year’s theme is THE DUNGEON! In that regard, we have a great panel lineup that focuses on the dungeon. We will start off the year with What Makes a Dungeon a Dungeon? and Dungeon Ecology, as well as a panel on the Greatest Dungeons Ever Created. To speak on this theme, we have one of the original designers of some of D&D’s greatest dungeons—Zeb Cook!But it’s not just dungeons we’ll be talking about. We have live games, like those hosted by Dungeons and Randomness, as well as a frightening live game dreamed up by Obsidian Brews! Additionally, the voice cast of Baldur’s Gate 3 will return for a live-play event where they assume the roles of their characters from the most popular D&D video game of all time! And don’t miss the Improv Dungeons and Dragons game run by Mark Meer!As always, our corporate sponsor, Kobold Games, will be present to showcase their lineup for the year and to talk about the state of the industry. Alexander Stangroom, Kobold’s COO, will be at our panels, so be sure to drop in, say hello, and find out what’s new at Kobold Press.URBAN FANTASYThe Urban Fantasy track, where the real world and the supernatural meet, is pleased to announce we will once again host two showings of the live action Buffy Horror Picture Show.Thursday evening sees the return of our fan-favorite Supernatural Showdown competition panel, this year about recurring characters and their importance in the show.Late Friday night we will host Scary Tales and Spooky Music, with a few authors reading scary stories, followed by a short concert by Charming Disaster.Our literary programming will feature over 50 authors on panels covering topics such as the Fae, the sources of magic in urban fantasy, fairy tale and folklore retellings, Dark Academia, ghosts, vampires, witches, and solo question and answer sessions with Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Charlaine Harris, and Sherrilyn Kenyon. The Theater Lover’s Group will present a panel discussing plays and musicals with supernatural topics.In addition to our book/literary programming, we will host fan panel discussions over the television shows we cover on the track, including longtime favorites Buffy and Supernatural, the popular Ghosts (US version), Wednesday, The Sandman, and Wynonna Earp, as well as the new show The Librarians: The Next Chapter. Check our Facebook page for updates. See you at con!

52PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GATRACKSVIDEO GAMINGDragon Con Video Gaming is back at it again! We have got parties, panels, and pixelated perspicacity.Many of your favorite events will be returning this year, including The Science of Pokémon, Dub Your Own Otome, Giant Gameboys, as well as panels highlighting both fan-driven content and insights into the making of video games. Special guests include actors from many of the most popular video games includingBaldur’s Gate 3,Mass Effect,Final Fantasy XIV,and more!New for this year, the Video Gaming Track is pleased to announce panels onspeed-running, Cyberpunk, and more!WRITER'S TRACKINT. NEWS STUDIO - DAYAn anchorwoman, CARA, sits at a sleek news desk, looking into the camera. She speaks with authority and professionalism.CARA (looking into camera) Coming straight from Dragon Con, our correspondent Jed Dye has an on-the-scene report on the state of the Writers' Track. Jed?CUT TO:INT. DRAGON CON - WRITERS' TRACK - DAYJED DYE, a reporter holding a microphone, stands in the chaos of the convention. People in elaborate cosplays, from Dorothy Gale to Aliens, hustle past him. He struggles to maintain his composure as the crowd buffets him.JED (grinning, struggling to stay upright) Thank you, Cara. As you can—oof—see, it’s a madhouse here at the Writers' Track.The camera pans over to a pair of WRITERS sitting at a table, each hunched over laptops, typing furiously while glaring at each other suspiciously.JED (gesturing to the writers) The Fightin' and Writin' panel just let out and the writers are going wild!CUT BACK TO:INT. NEWS STUDIO - DAYCARA watches, nodding as she listens to Jed's report.CARA What else can you see, Jed?CUT TO:EXT. DRAGON CON - WRITERS' TRACK - DAYJED turns, now excited, spotting something off-screen.JED Oh wow! There seems to be a secret room over here. Hang on. Let me peek in. Oh my…He rushes over to a door, the camera follows him. He peeks inside, eyes widening.JED (whispering, leaning into the camera) Meetings with industry professionals and published authors! One-on-one! I’d heard about these ‘mentor meetings,’ but I didn’t think they’d have the audacity to pull them off!Excited shouting erupts in the background. JED looks over his shoulder.JED Wait… it looks like. Yes! The New York Times Bestsellers have arrived! Admirers and fans are clamoring to get in!JED backs up quickly, eyes wide with shock.JED Wait... stop! I’m not—The camera is jostled violently, then falls to the ground. Static and chaos ensue for a moment.CUT BACK TO:INT. NEWS STUDIO - DAYCARA Unflustered, speaks to the camera as if nothing happened.CARA Oh. It looks like we have some technical difficulty. Thanks, Jed, for that riveting report. Now, for the weather.

53FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGTRACKSX-TRACKX-Track 2025: Stranger, weirder, and even more unexplainable! Planning for X-Track 2025 is well underway, and we’re preparing for our most exciting year yet! Whether you're fascinated by ghosts, cryptids, UFOs/UAPs, or the strange corners of reality, X-Track is your home for the weird and wonderful. Our panel lineup features returning favorites and fresh new voices. We'll explore paranormal investigations, UFO sightings, cryptid lore, and best practices in research. Plus, we’re thrilled to expand our programming this year to include panels on modern magic, witchcraft, and pagan traditions—from practice and history to how they’re represented in pop culture. Expect lively discussions around fan-favorite shows like Stranger Things, Warehouse 13, and The X-Files. Whether you're into haunted histories or alien abductions, there’s something for everyone. Tarot readings are also returning this year, with pre-registration that will be linked on our Facebook page. And don’t worry—the ever-popular 80’s Prom Dance Party is back, and it’s a great way to start your Con! So bring your curiosity, your questions, and your dancing shoes—X-Track 2025 is calling, and it’s going to be a celebration of all things extraordinary. Stay updated at facebook.com/DragonConXTrackYOUNG ADULT LITERATUREWhether you are a regular at the Young Adult Literature Track or you are joining us for the first time, you will find something to get excited about! We will have discussions of your favorite books - from The Hunger Games to Divine Rivals, Silver in the Bone to Legendborn, and so many more. We also have a great line-up of authors ready to discuss topics like writing YA, fandom, and our books recommendations are always epic - including our popular LGBTQ+ YA panel. As always, we have a book club with an attending author and our fantastical YA Magic & Mystery Ball, formerly the Yule Ball, on Sunday night. So join us all weekend for amazing author guests and great discussion - we can’t wait to talk books with you!

54PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GA80'S PROM DANCE PARTYGet ready to relive the magic of the 1980s at X-Track’s ultimate throwback event! From big hair and bold fashion to unforgettable hits, we’re bringing all the best parts of the decade back to life. Our DJ will be spinning your favorite 80s hits all night long—power ballads, synth-pop, dance classics, and everything in between. Slip into your vintage prom dress, ruffled tux, or acid wash jeans and shoulder pads and strike a pose at our prom photo booth to capture every totally rad moment. Don’t forget to wear your comfy shoes—because you'll be moonwalking, electric sliding, and dancing the night away! Join us for a night of nostalgia, dancing, and fun Thursday, August 28, 8:00 PM to midnight at the Courtland Grand.THE 8-BIT BASHThe Dragon Con Video Gaming track is proud to present The 8-Bit Bash, featuring music from the golden age of video games (or, as most people would call it, the 70's and 80's).The 8-Bit Bash will tentatively be on Thursday night in the Westin (as if you needed another reason to come to Dragon Con a day early!)ART SHOWThe gem of the Hyatt is in the Grand Hall East/West as we bring you original art exploding at the Dragon Con Art Show!As Dragon Con celebrates its 39th year, we are honored to continue a proud tradition of showcasing world-renowned artists in one of the best art shows in the country. Over the decades, the Art Show has grown and evolved, but it has always stayed true to the integrity and spirit of Dragon Con. Each participating artist is juried and hand-selected from hundreds of applicants, ensuring a diverse, high-quality show featuring both seasoned pros and incredible up-and-coming talent. And speaking of diverse, we have the only dedicated Anime District in the con world. Going through the 100’s of applications our jury determines the best original anime artist and invites them to showcase their art in the Hyatt Grand Hall. Our dedicated volunteer team is always on hand to assist, answer questions, and help guide your experience. Our volunteers work so hard to bring you a world-class gallery, as the focal point of the Art Show, as well as individual artist set ups throughout the hall. We are more than just an art show…Dragon Con’s artists really step up to the plate offering engaging programming: From unique panels and workshops to one-on-one chats, our artists bring their A-game and love connecting with fans.One of our favorite events is our One-of-a-Kind art auction: Don’t miss this signature event on Monday, where every piece is a labor of love—and all proceeds benefit the Dragon Con Charity. This is your chance to get an original or one-of-a-kind piece and help our charity as well. In the past, we have auctioned custom-decorated birdhouses, plates, keepsake boxes, and a collaborative 4-part canvas painted by multiple artists throughout the weekend.Curating the love of all things art, we have a special program for our youngest fans!Joining the Comic and Pop Artist Alley we also offer each child a Children’s Sketchbook — a fun keepsake where kids events & contests

56EVENTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAcan collect signatures and even doodles from participating artists. Supplies are limited, so be sure to stop by early and find those artists in both the Comic and Pop located in the AmericasMart building 2, floor 4 and the art show in the Grand Hall of the Hyatt!The Art Show is located in the Hyatt, two floors down from the main level in the Grand Hall East/West. Be sure to visit our Guest of Honor, the legendary Donato Giancola, along with all of the extraordinary artists who are calling Atlanta "home" for Labor Day Weekend.Whether you’re discovering a new favorite piece or finally finding that perfect artwork you have been dreaming of, the Art Show is a must-see experience. The room hums with energy, inspiration, and connection — it’s more than an exhibit, it’s a celebration of creativity and community that not only boasts the spirit of Dragon Con but screams so much talent. Plan your visit, check out the full list of featured artists on our website, and make the Dragon Con Art Show a part of your 2025 journey.ART SHOW ANIME DISTRICTWelcome to the Anime District – A dynamic addition to the Dragon Con Art Show!In 2022, Dragon Con proudly introduced a brand-new feature within the Art Show: the Anime District — and it was an instant hit! Now entering its third year, this space has become a must-see destination for fans of original modern Japanese pop culture and original anime-inspired artistry.No need to hop a flight to Tokyo’s famed Akihabara district — we’re bringing a slice of it straight to you in Grand Hall West of the Hyatt, operating alongside the Art Show’s regular hours. From breathtaking illustrations of sakura blossoms and serene onsens to powerful depictions of quirks, slayers, and iconic anime scenes, there is truly something here for every anime enthusiast.Whether you are a longtime anime devotee or just starting to explore this captivating genre, you will find yourself drawn to the incredible talent of this juried selection of artists — carefully chosen from across the country (and beyond!). Each one represents the best of the best in anime-inspired art. The Anime District is a reflection of our commitment to growth, inclusion, and evolving fan interests, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome this vibrant community into our artistic family.Don't miss original anime-inspired artwork, limited-edition prints and collectibles, meet-and-greet opportunities with artists, and a unique vibe that blends East meets West in the heart of Dragon Con. So come wander the aisles, admire the stunning visuals, and support some of the most talented anime artists in the world, right here in Atlanta over Labor Day Weekend.AUTHOR SIGNINGSJoin our amazing Dragon Con authors in the Westin Overlook for a variety of scheduled signings and events, including a meet and greet with this year’s Dragon Award nominees! We will also be coordinating with some of the literary tracks so that we are able to offer signing showcases, which will feature several author guests from a specific track at once, making it even easier to find your old favorites and meet your new ones at the same time!Forgot your book copies? Bookseller The Missing Volume will be on hand to help with purchasing copies. Also, some authors in this area will have copies on-hand for direct purchase.Each year, Dragon Con assembles many of its willing guests for scheduled autographs (signings) in one area. Not every guest is willing – or able – to sign items. Autographs staged in our Author Signings area are always free. Limitations on number and type of items may be made, generally at the request of the signer, and sometimes due to time considerations. Prices are also determined by the signer.Autographs will be handled on a first-come, first-signed basis. We promote equal access for all attendees, but the first-come, first-served rule prevails, and all members will get their autographs in order of their arrival.BLOOD DRIVEGive the gift of life and donate blood at the Dragon Con Blood Drive. Dragon Con is a major donor for LifeSouth, which serves more than 40 hospitals in the Atlanta area and more than 150 hospitals in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. The Blood Drive will be held at the Hyatt on the Conference Room level. Don’t miss out this year! Appointments are encouraged but not necessary. Visit this link (https://donors.lifesouth.org/donor/schedules/center_view/52/1756252800) for more information or to make an appointment. Join them, give blood, and get a free T-shirt!

57EVENTSFOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGTHE ALL-AGES BOASTING CONTEST AND THE ADULT BOASTING CONTESTTell us a truth or spin us a yarn as - for this contest - the best storyteller wins. We’ve assembled a panel of master story crafters to judge your execution (but not your accuracy), so see if you can win the prize to be this year’s very best orator. We have 2 boasting contests, an all-ages one tentatively on Thursday and an adult one tentatively on Friday.. BUNNY HUTCH COSTUME CONTESTStart your Con with an ode to the mash-up at the Bunny Hutch Costume Contest. Put your spin on the classic Bunny or Hef; where creativity, originality, and construction will be considered. Appropriate for all levels; non-traditional costumes encouraged. Contest registration opens at 2:00 pm PST on July 1st and closes at 7:00 PM PST August 8th. 60 qualified entrants will be selected for judging on Thursday, August 28th, 5:30 - 8:00 PM; winners will be announced at the Bunny Hutch Party at 11:45 PM. Entrants must be dressed as a Playboy style bunny or Hef and have assembled, sewn, commissioned, or otherwise created their costume specifically for the contest. Entrants must be 21 or older to enter the contest. Full rules, categories, and application link are posted on the Dragon Con page under Contests. Learn more and post your progress pictures on the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DCBunnyHutchBUNNY HUTCH PARTYKick off your Con with this immersive, themed party where attendees are encouraged to celebrate their playful, spicy selves! Get creative and don your best spin on the class Bunny or Hef theme or come as you are - all expressions welcomed. Thursday, August 28th 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM; Marriott Atrium Ballroom. Attendees must be 21 or older. Attendees will be able to age verify (which will speed load into the party) between 2:00 - 8:00 PM, at the Marriott, Marquis Level, in front of the Marquis Ballroom. Charity Table, Ambient Performers, and more!DRAGON CON BURLESQUE: A GLAMOUR GEEK REVUEDragon Con Burlesque: A Glamour Geek Revue – Be sure to mark this on your must-do list for the weekend, because it's just dang fun: The internationally known burlesque dancer and producer May Hemmer is so excited to continue on this legacy and she is proud to introduce some of the finest Feel like you are always racing to get to panels?Cruise to the panels you missed digitally!Go back and watch the amazing content available with a streaming membership at DRAGONCON.TV!Scan the QR code with your mobile device.

58EVENTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAperformers and artists that this country has to offer. This show is just dripping with the most glamorous geeks you can possibly imagine! The infamous Cocoa Barbie from New Orleans, May Hemmer, shall be your mistress of nerdery at the fabulous Courtland Grand Hotel! This year your fabulous headliner is Trè Da Marc, an international boylesque artist. To find out show details, “teasers," and more, like the Facebook page at facebook.com/DragonConBurlesque. Auditions for this show have closed, but are held annually in March through the above mentioned Facebook page.CELEBRITY PHOTO OPPORTUNITIESDragon Con is pleased to offer the opportunity for attendees to be photographed with some of their favorite media guests! Leap Event Technology Epic Experiences will be handling these photo sessions throughout the weekend. Check the website at https://store.epic.leapevent.tech/dragon-con/2025 for more details. Guests will continue to be added as the show approaches. Guests may, at their sole discretion, also pre-sale autographs via the same platform so keep your eyes open for those opportunities as well if you would like to pay by credit card OR go ahead and lock in your autograph experience!CHARITY EVENTSFor 2025, Dragon Con will be raising money to support and bring awareness to NAMI Georgia. They work to empower affiliates to provide advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. We can’t wait to see what our fans will give to support this worthy cause. Dragon Con will match all donations up to $125,000!We run several auctions (from silent stylings to live audience) over the course of the entire Dragon Con weekend. If you have items you would like to donate to any of the auctions, our Charity booth is open every day of the convention; always accepting your treasured donations. The Dragon Con Hustle Virtual Run returns for its fifth year! Sign-ups will be available about a month before the show, so look to early August for more announcements. The Coloring Book volume 5 will be available at our Charity booth, as well as many coloring events throughout the weekend; especially at our famed Coloring for Charity nights. Every evening of Dragon Con we offer a space away from the crowds in a room with chairs to sit in, ambient chill music to listen to; with crayons & colored pencils for all fans to use. For more, the Dragon Con app has a CHARITY tag to make it easier to find all events benefiting NAMI Georgia!For more on Charity Events, and to keep up with the latest news and info, feel free to follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dragonconcharityevents/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DragonConCharity).COMICS & POP ARTWith over 200 illustrators, painters, and writers in attendance, Comic and Pop Artist Alley presents an extensive array of creators from the worlds of comics, animation, pop surrealism, and lowbrow art. Attendees have the opportunity to meet their favorite creators, get autographs, purchase comics and art, and attend fan panels over the course of four fantastic days. We are once again offering "how to draw" workshops for both kids and adults. And don’t miss out on live painting in the Alley happening throughout the extended weekend. Make sure to take advantage of our complimentary Kids Sketchbook program, available in Comic and Pop Artist Alley as well as the Art Show, where children twelve and under can take their sketchbooks to participating artists for free sketches.We are excited to bring back the Comics Programming Fast Track program, giving a limited number of comic fans the ability to receive Fast Track entry into AmericasMart Building 2 up to thirty minutes before the panel begins. Keep an eye on the Comics and Pop Art page as well as our Facebook page for details.Comics and Pop Art will again be conveniently located on the 4th floor of the AmericasMart, Building 2, in close proximity to the hundreds of exciting vendors in the Dragon Con Vendor Hall. The guest list features a wealth of amazing guests, including :Jim Shooter, Tom DeFalco, Steve Englehart, Becky Cloonan, Michael Conrad, Darick Robertson, Joshua Cassara, Cory Smith, Mindy, Lee, Tini Howard, Colleen Doran, D.G. Chichester,  Jonboy Meyers, Afua Richardson, Derek Yaniger, and many more! Additionally, the Atlanta Area Art Collectors will be back again this year with another amazing display of original art. We are looking forward to spending Labor Day weekend with you and enjoying the best that Comics and Pop Art has to offer!CONCOURSE STAGEDragon Con music fans have enjoyed the eclectic mix on the Concourse Stage for over 25 years, featuring local and national acts just outside the Art Show in the Hyatt Regency. With dozens of performances on the Hyatt Concourse Stage and a special Sunday night Concourse Presents concert in the Hyatt International Ballroom, you’ll find the perfect accompaniment to your Dragon Con experience! Join us for the best seats in the house to hear and meet your favorite Dragon Con Performers – plus this year we are adding Thursday and late night programming for our fans who love to DANCE! Be sure to add the Concourse Stages to your app to catch your favorite performers, dance lessons, and Late Night on the Concourse Social Dances!

60EVENTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GACOSPLAY PHOTOGRAPHYWe are proud to again partner with Bryan Humphrey (Mad Scientist with a Camera) to offer cosplay photo ops throughout the show to capture all of those special costumes. Even if you don't know his name, chances are you have seen the work of photographer Bryan Humphrey. He has been a staple at conventions for many years and his costuming photos have become some of the most iconic and well known in the hobby. Through the use of top-of-the-line professional equipment, dramatic lighting, and years of experience shooting costumers, Bryan's work at cons is often unparalleled in quality and scope. Bryan will be set up on the Marquis level of the Marriott Marquis (one level below lobby) from:12 Noon – 12 AM (with a break from 6 PM – 7:30 PM) Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and 12 Noon – 4 PM on Monday. Visit the website (https://www.dragoncon.org/things-to-do/photos-ops/) for details on pricing and availability.Want a chance to be photographed with the iconic Marriott carpet? Bryan will host a special charity photo shoot for $20 Wednesday evening 10 PM - 12 AM for groups of up to 15. Come get a great memory to take with you and support this year's charity - NAMI Georgia.COSTUMING SCAVENGER HUNT BINGOLike bingo? What about scavenger hunts? Do both with our wacky mashup of these two games! Simply find items until you get five in a row to win unique, cool swag. All proceeds go to this year’s charity: NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Georgia. Going on all weekend until Sunday at 8pm. Stop by Costuming Track room 301 to buy your bingo cards for $2 and play while you enjoy your con.THE DRAGON CON COTILLION: CROWNING OUR LAPIS LAZULI DRAGONWe are transporting the Con into a Regency-esque world where the finest Con attendees can join us for mingling, dancing, and the chance to win the esteem and blessings of our very own Director. Learn historical dance steps, take a turn on the floor and show off your period look or fanciest cosplay.CULTS OF DRAGON CON COSTUMING CONTESTIt’s a costume contest with a wacky twist: we pay tribute to the many Dragon Con cults we've seen in this wild evening of clever costuming. Whether it's Marriott carpet attire, dancing T-Rexs, googlie eyes galore, collections of badge ribbons, an homage to Fed Ex, flaming speakers, legionnaires, potatoes, … this is the stage to ham-up your unique cult costume. This year our top prize winner takes the Carpet Best in Show trophy and $250.Contest registrations are open to all ages and skill levels and begin at 5:30 pm. The show starts at 7:00 pm. See the Dragon Con App for locations. For a complete list of prizes visit us at: https://www.dragoncon.org/things-to-do/programming/contests/#cultsDRAGON AWARD NOMINEES MEET AND GREET On Friday evening from 7:00-8:30 pm, come to the Westin Overlook and meet and mingle with some of this year’s Dragon Award Nominees! The attending guests will be there to promote the works for which they are nominated. If you haven’t signed up to vote, we can help you out. There will be friends, fun and a cash bar.FANDOM MUSIC VIDEO AWARDSDragon Con's Fandom Music Video Awards are back! Mix, edit, and make magic in one of our seven categories.This is a video editing competition where participants create music videos featuring their favorite fandoms and media (including but not limited to live-action movies & shows, cartoons & comics, anime & manga, video games, and cosplay). Our judges will select the finalists, but the audience picks the winners! Categories include Adrenaline, Tribute, Shipping, Suspense, Upbeat, Drama, and Humor.For more details, go to: https://dragon.amvawards.org/Submissions are accepted until July 31stTHE THIRD ANNUAL FINAL FANTASY FISH FINDING SCAVENGER HUNT (AKA FFFFSH)The Dragon Con Video Gamingtrack is back for its third year of finding your favorite fish both IRL in the Georgia Aquarium and online in Final Fantasy XIV! Did you know that there are over 160 species of fish inFF XIV that can be caught and displayed in your in-game aquarium? Did you also know that many of those fish are based on real fish in the Georgia Aquarium? Do you have what it takes to find those fish and be an Expert Fin-vestigator?Saturday from 7:00 to 10:00 pm in the Georgia Aquarium (admission required).FRIDAY NIGHT COSTUMING CONTESTIn the Friday Night Costuming Contest (FNCC) entrants compete in Youth, Novice, Journeyman, and Professional Class categories in a costume contest focused on workmanship. Cheer on your favorites and vote for your Social Media Fan Favorite on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1673687012872120Judges will be looking at the costume itself, the workmanship, design, and inspiration. This will be open to groups and individuals, experts and novices, and costumes from mainstream or self-creative. All judges are costuming professionals with extreme costume backgrounds.

61EVENTSFOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGBe sure to come to see a spectacle of handmade wonder from every skill level and genre. Online pre-registration is now open! Please note that pre-registration is required to participate in this costume contest.For more information and to pre-register, please visit us at: https://forms.gle/G2H1CKGTCuAXCbT87 or https://www.dragoncon.org/things-to-do/programming/contests/#fridayTHE GATHERIt’s Friday night and the time is right! To gather the amazing authors and Lit community of Dragon Con as we celebrate our love of books! Hang out with your favorite authors and find some new ones! Rest assured that you will find amazing new treasures to take home -even better you can have the author sign them! Who will show? That’s a bit of a mystery! We have so many authors that the App won’t list them all! But rest assured our authors already know that they will be there. See you Friday night in the Hyatt’s International Ballroom from 8 to Midnight! Fantasy Literature will be posting the official list of authors on Social Media closer to the show.GEORGIA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA A special musical experience! Hear live symphonic versions of some of your favorite scores from iconic film and TV shows.For the tenth year, Georgia Philharmonic presents a musical night of beloved genre favorites. A perfect concert for kids of all ages, including adults! We feature magnificent scores from some of the best-known movies, TV, and video games everyone will know.HALLWAY COSTUME CONTESTContest staff will be taking pictures of folks who have great costumes but might be too shy to get up on stage for the Masquerade. Photos will be taken and then displayed at the Contest Registration table in front of the Centennial Ballroom IV in the Hyatt. Your correct name and badge number are needed in order to enter the contest. In addition, you may purchase a digital copy of your official entry picture for $10 – with the proceeds going to the Dragon Con charity of the

62EVENTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAyear, National Alliance on Mental Illness. On Sunday morning, contestant photos will be displayed on monitors near the Contest Registration table in the Hyatt in front of Centennial Ballroom for voting to take place. The voting takes place on the Dragon Con Masquerade Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DragonConMasquerade/), where the photos with the most likes on Sunday until 3 p.m. are the winners! Winners will be announced at the Masquerade on Sunday evening.THE HEROES AND VILLAINS BALLThe biggest and baddest party at Dragon Con returns!In previous years, we have had celebrity appearances, Dancing Deadpools, Lightsaber Limbo, Wil Wheaton's Walk of Shame, and our simulated Blood Rave.Costumes welcome, but not required.Tentatively Saturday night, Westin Peachtree Ballroom.(Note: If you are planning a group meetup or photoshoot for the Heroes and Villains Ball, please contact the Video Gaming Track atvideogamingfans@dragoncon.org).THE LAST PARTY ON ALDERAANDragon Con’s premiere house, pop, rock, EDM, anything, and everything music dance party is back, but with incredible real life DJs, not the Chandrilan Wedding DJ Droid. You never know who might show up, but you can bet the party will be jumping for hours. Alderaan might not have been such a peaceful planet after all, because we are definitely going to party like it’s the end of the world. (As always, check the app for final dates and times).DRAGON JUKE JOINT - HIP HOP DANCE!Kick off Dragon Con 2025 at the ultimate hip hop dance party! Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with bold beats, big energy, and great vibes. Show your moves, meet fellow fans, and start the con with unstoppable spirit!THE LATE NIGHT PUPPET SLAMDragon Con’s very own puppet ambassadors, Bob & Carl: The Sci-Fi Janitors, present a variety show of adult geeky puppet acts featuring the Guests and Pros of the Puppetry Track! Will Bob & Carl be able to keep the show clean or will they have to sweep up one dirty puppet show after another? Don’t miss the hilarity, humor, and jaw-dropping puppetry that has made this one of the most popular events at Dragon Con! (now featured in the book Puppet Slam! History and How-To as the biggest puppet slam in the world!) #PUPPETSHOW18+LIVE PERFORMANCES & DJSWe will again offer late-night DJed dances Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, beginning after the last concert and lasting until dawn, so you vampires can dance until the sun comes up!Traditional SF convention filk-singing will take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, during late-night hours. Filking will begin at midnight and will continue to the light of day.MAD MAKEUP MASHUPMakeup artists compete in this “against the clock” challenge! Contestants show off mad skills using only the ridiculous makeup assortment we provide to create a unique, often hilarious, look that is sure to wow. Our first place artist gets $100 in Dragon Con dollars! Arrive early to be one of our selected competitors. Models will be selected at random from our audience. See the Dragon Con App for location.MASQUERADE COSTUME CONTESTDragon Con is proud to present the largest and most spectacular Masquerade Costume Contest in the Southeast and one of the largest in the world! The 2025 Dragon Con Masquerade Costume Contest will be held in the Hyatt Centennial Ballroom, where talented performers will take to the stage to showcase their creative costumes and skits.The contest is not just about dressing up - it's about bringing characters to life through music, dance, puppetry, and more! Registration for the Masquerade will be available until Sunday at 3 p.m. by completing the online registration form. Don't miss this opportunity to see incredible costumes come to life and cheer on your favorite performers as they compete for top honors!. This form will require you to

SATURDAYAUG 30, 20257pm — 11pmGeneral Admission Limited AvailibilityThis is a private event and WILL sell out!For more Information, Details, and TicketsVISIT:www.georgiaaquarium.org/dragoncon

64EVENTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAagree to abide by the rules of the Masquerade, so please make sure you have read them before you register. You can also get help registering during the Con at the Contest Registration table located outside the Centennial Ballroom IV in the Hyatt on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Even if you have pre-registered, please remember that you must stop by the Contest Registration table to let us know you are here and to receive your backstage pass and instructions.MISS STAR TREK UNIVERSE PAGEANTWe are excited to have the 16th Annual Miss Star Trek Universe in the Grand Ballroom of the Courtland Grand Atlanta. This popular event has celebrity judges and is hosted Garrett Wang. All persons interested in being a contestant should email our pageant director Lucy at startrekpageant@gmail.com.MST3K NIGHT PRESENTS - JOE DON BAKER: BRUTE FORCE WITH A BADGEMystery Science Theater 3000 night returns with a special salute to the late action star, Jon Don Baker (Mitchell and Final Justice). Join the bots as we enter the school of hard knocks and Joe Don Baker is the teacher! There will be trivia, prizes, and a Joe Don Baker costume contest! The first 100 guests receive a badge and a punch in the gut! (Disclaimer: No physical punches will be distributed). It's a night of BOOZE, BLONDES, and BAKER! (Disclaimer: No actual alcohol provided).DRAGON CON NEWBIES TOURThe Dragon Con Newbies community is the first stop for first-time con attendees and veteran con-goers alike. It is a place where attendees can offer and receive advice, share resources, and pass along information to make the Dragon Con experience the best it can be for everyone.The group organizes guided walking and rolling tours of the convention on Thursday afternoon and they host Q&A panels on Thursday late afternoon and Friday morning. They run a Facebook group year-round to help fans walk the Dragon Con path from finding a hotel room to advice on getting a seat for that fan favorite celebrity panel and much, much more. They also promote the convention in fan channels throughout the year.Here’s a segment with DCTV, from a previous year’s tours: More information about Dragon Con Newbies group and their events can be found on their webpage at http://www.DragonConNewbies.org and in their Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/dragonconnewbies. (Just remember to answer those membership questions when you request to join just to prove that you're not part of SkyNet.)NIGHT AT THE AQUARIUMStep into a world of fantasy and adventure where incredible marine life meets the magic of Dragon Con. Enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Aquarium, where you can meet mesmerizing marine life up close, from graceful manta rays gliding through Ocean Voyager to the mysterious beauty of jellyfish in Tropical Diver.Show off your best Dragon Con look as you wander through glowing underwater worlds and snap stunning photos in front of vibrant aquatic backdrops, perfect for capturing your cosplay magic. At 8 PM, head to Truist Pier 225 for an exclusive live sea lion presentation, where these charismatic creatures will steal the show with their intelligence, agility, and playful personalities.Whether you’re a hero, villain, creature, or cosmic traveler, this one-night-only event is your chance to celebrate Dragon Con in an unforgettable setting. We can’t wait to see your most creative and captivating Dragon Con looks at this epic Aquarium adventure!To learn more and purchase tickets, visit https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/events/event/dragon-con/.OPEN CASKET PARTYGoth Night at Dragon Con is back with the Horror Track's 4th annual Open Casket Party! Return with us to our crypt in the Westin's Peachtree Ballroom for a night of Goth, post-punk, deathrock, and darkwave dance anthems: Sunday, August 31st from 10pm-2am. What sweet music they play!PAGE TO STAGE COSTUME CONTESTBe it cosplay or costume, the Page to Stage Costume Contest is here to celebrate the intersection of crafting skill, interpretation, and the stories we love. Join in the revamped Page to Stage Costume Contest where we bring characters to life! There are three pillars to contests: performance, craftsmanship, and interpretation. Our event focuses on the

65EVENTSFOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGinterpretation and skills it takes to bring the characters of stories out of the books and into the world. When: Thursday afternoon is prejudging and the show is Thursday at 8 pm.Where: In the Hyatt! Contestants: This is a PREGISTRAION event! (Info on the Dragon Con website.) This contest focuses on interpretation and craftsmanship so please be prepared to discuss why you made some of your choices. -For more details about participating go to the Dragon Con website ->Programming -> Contests and then to Page to Stage! Ready to register? Go to: https://forms.gle/cGu51UfUGPUc4oJf8. Feel free to email: Fantasy@dragoncon.org with any questions!Prizes: -Best in Show: $250 Check and a 3-night paid hotel stay in a host hotel -2nd place: $250 USD -3rd place: $150 USD -Best Interpretation: $50 Dragon DollarsTHE PALMETTO KNIGHTS TOURNAMENSThe Palmetto Knights (501 3-c), the Southeast’s premier medieval combat sports association, is thrilled to be returning for their 11th year to Dragon Con in Atlanta GA on August 30th, for the event’s celebrated Dragon's Cup Tournament! This is the 10th anniversary of the tournament. Not only that, several of the Competitors will be fresh from returning from the World CHAMPIONSHIPS in Visegrád, Hungary. WE MAKE ITYOU MAKE IT ICONICBring your favorite characters to lifewith our durable, lightweight woodencosplay props—perfect for display or all-day wear.LET YOUR FANDOM SHINELITERALLYOur 5" Glow Boxes cover agalaxy of fandoms. Withso many designs you’llfind the perfect way tolight up your space.SWAP IT. LIGHT IT. LOVE IT.A MATCH MADE INFANDOMCelebrate your favorite couple.These matched heart setsfeature characters thatcomplete each other, just likeyou and your player two. BOOTH #2626Our bestselling Interactive Light Boxes let youmix and match your favorite fandoms with ease.Just swap the front panel to change the vibe.WEAR WHAT YOU LOVE,HOW YOU LIKEFrom Anime, Video Games, andMore; there’s a pendant forevery kind of fan. Includes botha necklace and keyring—so youcan wear it or share it your way.UNLOCK YOUR HEART.CLAIM YOUR BLADEStep into the role of a true Keybladewielder with our handcrafted woodenprops, inspired by Kingdom Hearts. Lightweight, durable, and full of heart.ALLTRU2U ALLTRU2UDOTCOM.comwww.

66EVENTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAThe Palmetto Knights, open to all genders, leverage their expertise in historic battle effectiveness of tactics and weaponry, focusing on research applied in tandem with vigorous training, to bring the public the experience of foot combat from the Renaissance and Middle Ages. These competitions are unlike any other, drawing from practical application of scholarly martial studies to engage in non-choreographed competitions throughout the tournament. In all categories (Duels, Groupfights, Outrance), it is full contact no holding back with each competitor giving their all and trusting their armor to keep them safe for YOUR ENTERTAINMENT!! These competitions will have several internationally and nationally ranked gold medalist champions competing along with some of the best Teams in the USAThe Dragon’s Cup will have multiple teams, including the River Sirens, Awesome Possums, the Knights of Wakanda, Atlanta's very own Vanguard, and many others from around the country. Additionally the Palmetto Knights will be hosting various panels which will provide the opportunity for discussion and education based on their shared real world equipment and combat insights. Be sure to check out their schedule for the various panels and tournaments. For more information on the Palmetto Knights and their upcoming events, visit their website.DRAGON CON'S PIN-UPS BY THE POOL Dragon Con’s Pin-ups by the Pool Party – May Hemmer and her bevy of bathing beauties bring to you a poolside treat! Music, gorgeous ladies, and fun is what’s to be had at the poolside party as it returns to the Courtland Grand Hotel. Be sure to don your best poolside pin-up attire as there will be a pin-up competition! Your mistress of Ceremonies will be the incomparable Phoebe Nyx, and May Hemmer will be there with some her Burlesque Bombshells for Saturday night’s gorgeous Glamour Geek Revue. Sign-up for the pin-up competition are held the first 30 minutes of the party. All of it's fabulous prizes will be announced at facebook.com/DragonConBurlesque in August.LITRPG RAID EXTRAVAGANZEThe scavenger hunt style raid returns to Dragon Con! Our PCs (fans) will enter the Dungeon (Ballroom) to complete their quest cards as they interact with our amazing NPCs! (authors and narrators) For those of a generous shopping nature we will also have a Charity Auction to benefit the NAMI, the Dragon Con 2025 Charity. Be sure to check out the Dragon Con app to find out exactly when and where the Dungeon will open!ROBOT BATTLES™Robot Battles™ is the oldest robotic combat competition in the world, and just keeps getting bigger and better. For over thirty years, Robot Battles™ has made Dragon Con home and is proud to be back again this year, featuring two days of action-packed competition in four different weight classes. For rules and more details on being a part of Robot Battles™, visit their website (http://www.robotbattles.com/) and follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/robotbattles).If you love mechanical mayhem combined with the thrill of an ancient Roman spectacle (without the bloodshed, of course), this is the one robotic event of the year you do NOT want to miss!THE SENSATIONAL SHADOW SAFARI BEHOLD! Our brave puppeteers have scoured the globe to collect a phenomenal array of fauna who dwell in the in-between places of twilight, dusk, and gloom. Go on safari through our menagerie of strange, scintillating, and stupendous shadow creatures! Step right up into the exhibits and if your heart is brave and true, they might just nibble a few shadow snacks right out of your hand!SHERRILYN KENYON'S READER (AND FAN) APPRECIATION PARTYSherrilyn Kenyon and Friends: Costume & Book Signing Extravaganza! Dress as your favorite character and join #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon (and more than a dozen other of your favorite authors including Baen authors Marisa Wolf, Melissa Olthoff, Jason Cordova, Kacey Ezell, and Aaron Haskins) for a fun signing party where Sherrilyn will be launching her newest title: House of Ice & Shadows. Share laughs and talk with some of the most exciting established and beginning fantasy, SF, horror, and paranormal authors in the business. An annual Dragon Con tradition! Don't miss out.SPECTRUM: THE RAINBOW FLAG PARTYThis year’s theme is Could it Be Magic! Come out in your magical finest (whatever that looks like to you). Our party DJ Neon the Glowgo Bear starts you off with club versions of your favorite sci-fi tunes and quickly progresses to house music for an unforgettable evening of LGBTQ frivolity. So bring a friend, grab some drinks, and dance your magical butts off until 2:00 AM.*For the latest news and to meet other Spectrum Party goers visit our Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcrainbowflag*Costume not required. You must be 18+ to party, 21+ to drink, have a valid state-issued photo ID, and have a Dragon Con badge to enter. See the Dragon Con App for location.

68EVENTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GASPLENDID TEAPOT RACEYou can learn all about our classic Splendid Teapot Race AND the brand-new kid-oriented Demitasse League on our Splendid Teapot Race site or dragon-con-splendid-teapot-race.mailchimpsites.com. Signups are open for the 2025 Splendid Teapot Race on our site and aren’t needed for our Demitasse racers. TEMPORAL FORMAL: LA BELLA EPOQUEStep into the Golden Age of Elegance! Inspired by the grace and grandeur of the late 19th and 20th centuries, enjoy an evening of dance, vintage charm, and timeless style as we waltz through history! Whether you are gliding across the floor or enjoying the ambiance from the sidelines, this is your invitation to experience the charm of a bygone world!THE DECENNIAL ANNUAL TEA DUELThe American Tea Dueling Society is proud to present this year’s tournament in the sport of Tea Dueling. We are celebrating a decade of dunked cookies and battles of tea with competition and the unexpected. Duelists from the audience can sign up at the beginning of the tourney.MUSCLE NERDZ SHOWDOWNWhen the worlds of fitness and cosplay collide, you get a Dragon Con showdown like no other! The Muscle Nerd Showdown is a bodybuilding-meets-cosplay competition. This is a body-positive experience that promotes physical fitness and healthy living in the cosplay community. Participants spend a lot of time and effort working on their bodies to enhance their cosplay. Here, we seek to celebrate those efforts!Contestants are judged on their physique, costume, and presentation. From He-Man to Zangief, and from Lara Croft to Wonder Woman, watch as muscle nerds “flex” their creative (and actual) muscle for the chance to win the top prize. Prejudging starts at 4pm in the Marietta Room and finals are at 7pm in the International Ballroom, both in the Hyatt. Visit the website (https://MuscleNerdzFitness.com) to register.Our guest posers for 2025 are Brian Martinez and Ryan Chrissey. THE ULTIMATE PUPPETS NINJA WARRIORPUPPETS! CARDBOARD! ACTION! Do you have the skills, determination, and teamwork to guide a puppet across a treacherous cardboard obstacle course for glory?! Our panel of professional puppeteer judges will score each team. Sign up to participate and get trained by professional puppeteers during Ultimate Puppet Ninja Warrior Basic Training on Friday. The winning teams will be invited to face off in the Finals on Sunday. Who will become 2025’s Ultimate Puppet Ninja Warriors?!!VENDOR HALLSWelcome to the ultimate vendor hall experience where Fandom Meets Commerce — like nowhere else in the Country, and like no other convention you've ever attended!This Labor Day Weekend, 2025 Dragon Con becomes home to hundreds of vendors from across the country, around the world — and even across the verse. Whether you're a lifelong collector, a casual fan, or a first-time con-goer, this is the place where fandom dreams turn into tangible treasures.Looking for that one-of-a-kind cosplay piece, a rare Pokémon card, a signed novel you’ve always wanted, or the board game you’ve been chasing for years? We’ve got it. Need new dice? We've got all the dice — including some you can eat! In our vendor halls you'll find the best selection of swords & lightsabers, T-shirts & toys, puzzles, comics, & collectibles, corsets, chainmail, & cosplay gear, Anime merch, artist prints, and so much more...And that’s just the beginning. Explore over 200,000 square feet of vendors and creators who can’t wait to meet you, share their work, and help you discover things you didn’t even know you needed. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for this year's exclusive merch! You also need to check out our reusable bags available on each floor as you enter the halls. The bag is limited print and just $5.00 so they will sell out fast!! Located in AmericasMart Building 2: floors 1–3 are packed with vendors from every fandom imaginable and floor 4: is home to our Comic and Pop Artist Alley— a curated space featuring the most outstanding creators and artists you’ll ever meet

69EVENTSFOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGMany of our vendors are also hosting hands-on, make-and-take, workshops! Workshops are held on the 3rd floor in the pre-function area, and you can learn everything from beginner to advanced sewing, paper crafting, embroidery, paracord braiding, and so much more. Watch our social media the end of July for signup announcements — spots will go fast!Our Vendor Halls open each day at 10:00 AM, and we can’t wait to welcome every single one of you through the doors. Come early, stay late, and experience everything the ultimate vendor hall has to offer.See you there!MAIN VIDEO ROOMThe Main Video Room launches into the 2025 Dragon Con experience with a curated celebration of classic science fiction and fantasy from 1960 to 1989. Thursday night’s early programming kicks off tentatively at 6:00 PM with a vibrant lineup of nostalgic crowd-pleasers that set the tone for the weekend ahead. From cult favorite Flash Gordon to star-bound adventures like The Last Starfighter, Krull, and Battle Beyond the Stars, the opening night delivers high-energy spectacle, retro soundtracks, and cinematic charm with just the right dose of camp.Operating continuously tentatively from Thursday at 6:00 PM through Monday at 3:00 PM, the Main Video Room will serve as a cinematic time machine, honoring the legends that shaped genre storytelling. Attendees can expect everything from sword-and-sorcery epics and dystopian futures to rubber-suit monsters and practical effects wizardry. Whether you’re here for a nostalgic deep dive or discovering hidden gems for the first time, this room is built to transport you.ANIME VIDEO ROOMMeanwhile, the Anime Video Room celebrates the visionary spirit of vintage Japanese animation with a themed kickoff titled “Retro Realms and Mecha Dreams.” Starting Thursday at 6:00 PM, this showcase highlights genre-defining anime from the golden age of sci-fi and fantasy, including the explosive schoolgirl battles of Project A-ko, the surreal romance of Urusei Yatsura: Only You, and cosmic journeys like Space Adventure Cobra and Galaxy Express 999. Each title is chosen to evoke that special blend of imagination, absurdity, and wonder that only retro anime can deliver.The Anime Video Room runs on a full schedule tentatively from Thursday evening through Monday afternoon, immersing viewers in vintage VHS vibes, cel animation

70EVENTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAbrilliance, and bold storytelling that pushed genre boundaries. With a focus on anime released before the 1990s, the room serves both as an educational throwback for newcomers and a nostalgia-fueled haven for long-time fans. Expect a mix of classics, OVAs, and cinematic features that honor the legacy of sci-fi, fantasy, and the artists who brought it all to life—one laser blast at a time.VIDEO GAME COSTUME CONTESTThe Video Game Costume Contest is back for another year. We will be giving out Best in Show, 2nd place, & 3rd place prizes, as well as Honorable Mention, Judge's Choice awards, and - new for this year - the Audience Choice award.The Video Game Costume Contest judges on craftsmanship of the costume as well as screen accuracy of the character portrayed.Judges will be looking at the costume itself, the workmanship, design, and inspiration. This will be open to individuals, experts, and novices, and part of the judging process includes a description of the game and character being portrayed. All judges are costuming professionals possessing a wealth of costuming knowledge.Prejudging and registration will occur tentatively in Westin Augusta E-H, from 2:30pm to 5pm.You must be prejudged in order to participate in the contest.Pre-registration is not open to the public, but contestants may bring one handler with them to prejudging. Limited to 30 contestants on a first-come, first served basis.Please contact the Video Gaming Track at videogamingfans@dragoncon.orgwith any questions.VISION VOGUE FASHION SHOWThis is a ballroom event featuring both cannon character costuming and couture interpretations together on one runway. Vision Vogue Fashion Show is open to a world of

72EVENTSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GApossibility of fashion interpretation for the fandom world. This unique event features top-drawer talent who take the stage in their favorite character interpretations for your viewing pleasureIf you have crafted a cunning costume, built awesome alternate character couture, or want to share a unique styling twist on your favorite character at the show, please visit the website (www.dragoncon.org/costuming) for more details.WALK OF FAMEThe main Walk of Fame floor, which is in the Marquis Ballroom of the Marriott Marquis, hosts many of our media guests, and members are able to meet and talk to some of their favorites, and maybe even find their way to autographs and selfies. For fans who have never walked through the main Walk of Fame floor, this is the year to give it a chance. Sometimes little bits of Dragon Con magic happen when everyone least expects it. Maybe you’ll get the chance to hear guests do a dramatic reading, or holler re-enactments (or even challenges) at each other from across the aisles, or perhaps even attend an impromptu salsa dance class led by a guest. It’s a truly special place and really a lot of fun for guests, members, and volunteers alike! Prices and schedules are determined by the guests and details can be found at their tables during the event. Autographs will be handled on a first-come, first-signed basis. We promote equal access for all attendees, but the first-come, first-served rule prevails, and all members will get their autographs in order of their arrival.WRESTLINGWelcome to THE NEW ERA of Dragon Con Wrestling! Since millionaire Scott R. Crampton’s faction “Money and Fame” officially took over, what will this years DCW look like? Dragon Con's unofficial convention kick-off is back! Come see the top names in entertainment wrestling perform in the weirdest, wildest, wackiest wrestling show of the year. DCW is one of the highest-attended independent wrestling shows on the planet and always has a few surprises. Past surprise guests include Ric Flair, Diamond Dallas Page, Xavier Woods, Sting Lita, Kane, Ricky the Dragon Steamboat, Rikishi, WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long, Jake the Snake Roberts, and more! Who will show up this year?Dragon Con Wrestling admission is complimentary with your Dragon Con badge, but you need to get in line early! This is one of the Dragon Con’s hottest shows, boasting over 20 years of sellouts in the largest indoor ballroom in Atlanta!

73FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGTHURSDAY, AUGUST 28THSherrilyn Kenyon and Friends: Costume & Book Signing Extravaganza!Dragon Con Juke Joint120 Minutes: Alternative Nation Dance Party80's Prom Dance Party - Let's Dance!Bunny HutchThe 8-Bit BashFRIDAY, AUGUST 29THEvening in BreeK-Pop Dance PartyCan't Stop the Signal DanceZombie Prom: Viral Uprising!SATURDAY, AUGUST 30THThe Dragon Con CotillionCartoon Bebop DanceHeroes and Villains BallSpectrum: The Rainbow Flag Party10 Forward PartyThe Last Party on AlderaanSUNDAY, AUGUST 31STFamily Friendly DanceYA Magic & Mystery BallDoctor Who BallGoblin Dance PartyThe Open Casket PartyThe Temporal Formal: Belle EpoquePARTIESPRESENTED BY X-TRACKThursday August 28, 20258:00 pm - MIDNIGHTCourtland grandgrand ballroomFEATURINGLET’S DANCE!LET’S DANCE!LET’S DANCE!

74WORKSHOPSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GA • When: Friday, August 29th, 1PM – 2PM • Where: Hilton 404-405 • Cost: FREE! Fourth-degree black belt Keith R.A. DeCandido gives a guide to some basic self-defense techniques that can be useful in difficult situations. No previous martial arts training required. Recommend that attendees wear comfortable street clothes and shoes.This is a free workshop, so come on by and check us out!BEGINNER MAGIC WITH CURT ANDERSON AND JON ARMSTRONGWorld-renowned magicians Jon Armstrong and Curt Anderson are teaming up once again to teach Dragon Con members the art of magic!The first class is the Beginner Magic Workshop, where you’ll not only learn the secrets behind some mind-blowing magic, but also how to perform these effects for maximum amazement! Curt and Jon will teach you everything you need to know to wow your friends and family, and will provide one-on-one instruction to ensure you’ve got everything down before the workshop ends.The Beginner Magic Workshop will be two 90-minute sessions. The first session is on Friday at 11:30am. and the second session is on Saturday at 11:30am. No magic experience is necessary to take part, though those who are already magic fans will get to improve their skills and hear two pros talk shop.In the first session, participants will learn the foundation of illusion, and how to perform the mechanics and basic sleight-of-hand behind some incredible feats of magic, the psychological structure of building deception, and how to best perform in front of an audience. The second session will delve into more advanced techniques and skills, and Jon and Curt will review and help you perfect your work from the first session.EVERYTHING YOU NEED WILL BE PROVIDED! In addition, you will have access to digital instructions to brush up on what you learned after Dragon Con is over. As a special thank you for attending the workshop, you’ll also be given access to additional tricks to learn from the comfort of your own home. The workshop is open to almost all ages (10 years young or older) and skill levels.Sign up fast! This will be a very limited seating workshop to ensure every participant gets the personal instruction they need.Jon Armstrong and Curt Anderson are award-winning professional magicians whose combined credits include performing on The Today Show, Penn and Teller’s Fool Us, and Masters of Illusion as well as being a magic consultant on several shows, including Supernatural, Arrested Development, The Mentalist, and Shut Eye. You can learn more about Jon at cardjon.com and Curt at magicurt.com.workshopsPRACTICAL SELF-DEFENSE WITH KEITH R.A. DECANDIDO • The Beginning Workshop will be in 2 – 90 minute parts. • When: Friday and Saturday 11:30AM – 1PM (both days) • Where: Hilton 315 • Cost: $100 (This price covers both sessions.) • Class limit – 30 • All supplies providedSIGN UP NOW!SIGN UP NOW!

75FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGWORKSHOPSWORKSHOP 1: SWORDPLAY AND STAGE COMBAT WITH ROBERT CHAPIN • When: Friday – 10AM – 12PM • Where: Hyatt, Regency V • Cost: $50 • Class size limit: 30 peopleRobert Chapin (Ring of Steel, The Hunted) will again be bringing his epic sword-fighting workshop to Dragon Con! Learn the basics of swordplay and fight choreography in this hands-on two hour class.Robert is a swordplay / stage combat instructor in Hollywood with over 40 years of experience working on films like Hook and Army of Darkness. He has also worked with stars such as Karl Urban, Robin Williams, Marc Singer, John Saxon, Dante Basco, and Richard Lynch. Robert has taught classes at ULCA, Strausberg, the Inosanto Academy, Westside Fencing Center, Gascon Academy, National Wushu Training Center, various Highlander conventions, and has been certified with the SAFD, SBFD and FDC (societies of American, British, and Canadian Fight Directors).Please be on time, for safety reasons. Practice weapons will be provided. Bring comfortable clothes you can move in, sensible shoes, and water. Capes, puffy shirts, and a whimsical but tragic backstory are optional.Robert Chapin (Ring of Steel, The Hunted) will again be bringing his epic sword-fighting workshop to Dragon Con! Learn the basics of swordplay and fight choreography in this hands-on two hour class.WORKSHOP 2: EVEN MORE EPIC SWORDPLAY AND STAGE COMBAT CHOREOGRAPHY WITH ROBERT CHAPIN! (INTERMEDIATE) • When: Friday, 2:30PM-4:30PM (Setup@ 1PM) • Where: Hyatt, Regency V • Cost: $50 • Class size limit: 30 peopleNote: you must have taken the basic class or have prior experience with stage combat and swordplay.Robert Chapin (Ring of Steel, The Hunted) will take your epic sword-fighting skills to the next level with this choreography workshop! Learn to create your own epic fight sequence in this hands-on two hour class. Note that you must have taken the basic class or have prior experience with stage combat and swordplay.Robert is a swordplay / stage combat instructor in Hollywood with over 40 years of experience working on films like Hook and Army of Darkness. He has also worked with stars such as Karl Urban, Robin Williams, Marc Singer, John Saxon, Dante Basco, and Richard Lynch. Robert has taught classes at ULCA, Strausberg, the Inosanto Academy, Westside Fencing Center, Gascon Academy, National Wushu Training Center, various Highlander conventions, and has been certified with the SAFD, SBFD and FDC (societies of American, British, and Canadian Fight Directors).Please be on time, for safety reasons. Practice weapons will be provided. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in, sensible shoes, and water. Capes, puffy shirts, and a whimsical but tragic backstory are optional (for those who just can’t get enough cosplay at Dragon Con)!SWORDPLAY AND STAGE COMBAT WITH ROBERT CHAPINSIGN UP NOW!SIGN UP NOW!

76WORKSHOPSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAWRITER'S HOURLY WORKSHOPS • Cost for ALL seminars Fee includes All twenty seminars listed below. • $160 + tax (pre-purchase) • $200 + tax (onsite-purchase) • Cost for individual seminars • $8 + tax (pre-purchase) • $10 + tax (onsite-purchase) • Fee does not include a Dragon Con Membership. • No refunds for the workshop will be granted after August 1st. • Space is limited for each workshop. First-come, first-served.For more information, please contact the Dragon Con Office, 404-669-0773 during office hours, Monday thru Friday 9:00am-5:00pm EST. Or email dragoncon@dragoncon.org. The seminars cover everything from the very basics and writing in a franchise universe, up through plotting and characterization, and even cover presenting your manuscript and strategies for success in the age of digital publishing. Why hope for success when you can learn from working writers and guarantee it? FRIDAY SEMINARSSIGN UP NOW!10AM FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESSNew York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole will help you organize yourself so you have a head start on success when you sit down to begin your writing career. He will cover everything from how to plan projects, how to make time for writing, and the plethora of mistakes writers make which hold them back from becoming the best writers they can be.11:30AM THE COMPOST HEAP OF INSPIRATION – WHERE TO FIND IDEAS AND WHAT TO DO WITH THEM?This is the one question that every single creative hears over and over again? Where do you get your ideas? How did you even think of this? What inspired this piece of art or story? In this workshop Historian Bethany Kesler takes a look at what inspiration actually is and how the giant compost heap of ideas in your head can be translated into workable narratives on the page.1PM BUILDING A SOLID SERIES In this seminar, New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole will walk you through the steps of creating the basis for an enduring series of stories. He will go through the different types of series, the various presentations and when each is appropriate; as well as the rules for character, story creation, and growth that allows you to maximize the potential for greatness.2:30PM FIRST CHAPTER MILESTONES Explore the narrative beats you’ll need to cover in the first 5-10% of your novel. In this class, freelance editor Katherine Monasterio will walk you through all the gory details, including key character moments, plot points, foreshadowing, and more, all in the interest of keeping your readers reading. Locking readers into a story from word one is vital, and this class will teach you all you need to do just that.4PM WATCHING MOVIES TO MAKE YOU A BETTER WRITER We all watch movies, but decoding, analyzing, and understanding movies can help us become better storytellers; no matter the medium. In this class, Bryan Young, award-winning writer of work from Star Wars and Shadowrun to Doctor Who and BattleTech, will show you techniques used in the cinema and how you can adapt them to your writing style to make it more effective and keep you learning for your entire life.5:30PM IN OUR ROMANTASY ERA In Our Romantasy Era Romance books are on the rise in the time of escapism and romance aspects are slipping into fiction everywhere. B.A. Richards goes over how a little bit of romance can go a long way with readers. Learn the difference between the romance genres and all the tropes, how to build an organic relationship from strangers to lovers, and a quick 101 on writing intimate scenes on any spice level.8:30PM CRISIS CLINIC Writers all hit snags in the story that sometimes seem insurmountable. In this session, people get to describe problems that are killing their stories. A New York Times Bestselling author will offer practical solutions and work-arounds for everything, from writer’s block, to that pesky side character who just ups and wants to take over the whole story. This is the chance to get an expert opinion on how to get past those issues which are seemingly stopping your work dead in its tracks.10PM THE OPEN DOOR – WRITING SEX AND EROTICA (*MATURE CONTENT) Romance, Romantasy, and Erotica all demand a fairly graphic depiction of sexuality. In this seminar, writer B.A. Richards will discuss presentations and delivery of erotic content. How much is too much? When do you fade to black, or does the door remain open? How does a writer integrate the erotic into the story, so it becomes more than just titillation, and becomes relevant to the characters’ emotional journeys?

77FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGWORKSHOPSSATURDAY SEMINARS10AM CREATING READER ENGAGEMENT There is a difference between stories that readers just read, and stories that pull them in and won’t let them go. In this class, New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole will share with you sure fire techniques for drawing readers in and keeping them enthralled in the story from beginning to end.11:30AM PITCHING, SALES AND ACQUISITIONS FOR AUTHORS You’ve finished your novel or short story, and are now stepping up to pitch it to a publisher – so how do you make sure yours goes right over home plate?Your instructor Sean CW Korsgaard has been on the other side of the mound, working as an editor for Baen Books and several magazines, and is here to teach you what will make the difference between striking out and selling your work to an editor. He will teach you how to punch up your pitch1PM 21 DAYS TO A NOVEL New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole presents his three week program for preparing yourself to write a novel. This set of 21 exercises is broken down to give you everything from character creation to world building, practical plotting devices, dialogue development and character voice creation tools. This program is a practical, kick-in-the-pants place to start your career.2:30PM WRITING THE QUEER OR NERUOSPICY CHARACTER In honor of the 10 Year anniversary of the We Need Diverse Books Now movement, this workshop teaches you how to approach writing characters with different gender identities, sexualities, as well as characters with complexities like depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and autism. Authors B.A. Richards and Bethany Kesler will help you weave these character traits in a way that the story isn’t about their queerness or mental health, but just as a part of who the characters are that we get to meet in YOUR story.4PM HIRING A FREELANCE EDITOR You’ve finishing your book and now it is time to take your manuscript to the next level. Freelance editor Katherine Monasterio walks you through the ins and outs of hiring a freelance editor, including potential costs, common pitfalls, how to know when your work is ready, and much more.5:30PM PLOTTING New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole unravels the mysteries of creating compelling plots. A novel is a huge undertaking, written over weeks or months, and the plot has to hold it all together. From creating an outline to maintaining flexibility, this seminar gives you the insider knowledge that will separate you from all of your peers.SUNDAY SEMINARS10AM FINDING THE STORYNew York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole takes you through a series of exercises that will let you build a story from the barest spark through twists and turns. He’ll give you several story recipes and show you how you can work from them to create delightfully complex and engrossing stories.11:30 AM SETUPS, PAYOFFS, AND ENDINGSThere’s a delicate balance in the symbiotic relationship between the setups you offer in your story and the promises you make as a writer and the payoffs you provide. In this class Bryan Young, award-winning writer of works from Star Wars and Shadowrun to Doctor Who and BattleTech, will show you examples of good payoffs and endings and get you thinking about how you can better connect the beginning of your work to the end, to make a more impactful finale for your story.1PM ADVANCED CHARACTERIZATIONIf Characters are king, these techniques will teach you how to establish a dynasty. New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole reveals the advanced techniques he uses for creating characters of depth, intrigue and humanity, who manage to grow in realistic but seldom predictable ways. You’ll learn how to create the sort of characters that can carry whole sagas and keep readers locked in and waiting for each new book’s release.2:30PM FANTASTIC FIGHT SCENESIn this workshop, writer B.A. Richards will teach you how to write believable fight scenes. From everyday items you can use as a weapon, to anatomical rules when it comes to swords and guns, and even how to make and break your own sci-fi and fantasy weapons…you’ll have the tools needed to make your fight scenes believable and keep the reader wanting more.4PM BUILDING YOUR NOVEL WRITING TOOK KITBryan Young, award-winning writer of work from Star Wars and Shadowrun to Doctor Who and BattleTech, will guide you through building a tool kit of resources to help you get ready to embark on your novel, help you flesh out the world and characters, and leave you at the end with the tangible plans needed to move forward on your next book.5:30PM MAKING THE NEXT DRAFT THE BEST New York Times bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole gives you the needed tools to break down your novel, diagnose issues, and substantially improve your next draft. He’ll cover the basics from how to know if you need to do one more draft, and how to produce and package your book for sales. If you think your book isn’t quite there yet, or if you want to make sure everything is working the way it should, this seminar will provide you with techniques to answers to all your questions.

78WORKSHOPSPROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GABest-selling science fiction and fantasy writer Jody Lynn Nye directs this two-day workshop sponsored by Dragon Best-selling science fiction and fantasy writer Jody Lynn Nye directs this two-day workshop sponsored by Dragon Con. Jody has more than 50 published books and over 200 short stories to her credit, including collaborations with Anne McCaffrey, Piers Anthony, John Ringo and Robert Asprin. She has taught at Columbia College Chicago and at numerous writing workshops for more than twenty years, and is now the Coordinating Judge for the Writers of the Future contest.The aim of this workshop is to help aspiring writers to learn to practice their craft at a professional level. Students of every level are welcome, from beginners to those writers who are starting to sell their work. Among the subjects to be touched on during the two-day course are story structure, character development, world-building, narrative hook, research, description, collaboration, nonfiction, format, the business of writing, marketing and promotion.Guest lecturers will speak during the course on topics involving their expertise. Among her past speakers are Toni Weisskopf, Publisher of Baen Books; Anne Sowards, senior editor at Ace Books; Kevin J. Anderson, publisher of WordFire Press and bestselling co-author of the Dune series; Rebecca Moesta, co-publisher and author of the Young Jedi Knights series; Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, author of the Saint-Germain cycle; Lynn Abbey, author and editor of Thieves’ World; and Courtney Sarnow Lytle, an intellectual property attorney and law professor. The students are encouraged to ask questions after the experts’ presentations.The workshop will take place on Thursday, August 28, and Friday, August 29, 2025, in the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, from 9 AM to 5 PM. To sign up please visit the Dragon Con Store or contact the Dragon Con Office @ (404) 669-0773.Each participant is asked to submit a manuscript to Jody of 2,000 to 7,000 words of a completed short story or partial novel. Novels must also include a full synopsis. All manuscripts must be submitted in standard format, double-spaced in Courier or Times New Roman 12-point type, pages numbered in the upper right corner. No handwritten manuscripts will be accepted. Your cover letter must include your name, address, e-mail address and telephone number. Jody offers an individual written critique of your manuscript. Once you have been notified that you have a place in the workshop, this manuscript must be e-mailed as an attachment to Jody Lynn Nye by August 1, 2025. This is a change from previous years, in which a paper manuscript was required. Your manuscript will be shared with the other students to be workshopped in class unless you notify Jody otherwise, but she sincerely recommends that you participate in the group discussion.Space is limited to twenty participants, first-come, first-served. (Jody maintains a waiting list if anyone who has been accepted drops out.) Pre-registration is required. Cost is $300.00 per person + tax, for Dragon Con members (required). Participants will need to bring pen and paper, laptop, or voice recorder for taking notes, plus copies of their own work and single copies of critiques that they have made on their fellow participants’ manuscripts. (If you bring an electronic device, you may need an extension cord.) No videos of the workshop are permitted.If you have further questions, please write to Jody Lynn Nye at jodynye@yahoo.com. • When: Thursday & Friday, August 28-29, 9AM to 5PM • Where: Hyatt Regency Atlanta – Kennesaw Room • Cost: $300 plus sales tax • No refunds for the workshop will be granted after August 1st, 2025 • Class size is limited to 20 people, and pre-registration is required. Jody maintains a waiting list if anyone who has been accepted drops out. • Participants will need to bring a pen and paper, laptop, or voice recorder for taking notes, plus copies of their own work and critiques that they have made on their fellow participants’ manuscripts. • If you bring an electronic device, you may need an extension cord. No videos of the workshop are permitted.WRITER'S TWO-DAY INTENSIVE WORKSHOPSIGN UP NOW!

79FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGWORKSHOPS • Fri – 4PM – 5PM Hilton 404/405 • Sat – 2:30PM – 3:30PM Hilton 404/405 • Sun – 2:30PM – 3:30PM Hilton 404/405 • Fee includes only the class you select. • Each class covers the same material. If you want to attend more than one session, then add another Tai Chi Workshop to your Shopping Cart and pick another session. • Fee does not include a Dragon Con Membership. • No refunds for the workshop will be granted after August 1st, 2025. • Workshop sizes are limited to 25, and pre-registration is required.“Tai Chi is a powerful healing art, a moving meditation, and a non-contact martial art all in one. Once you learn Tai Chi and Chi Kung, you can practice these ancient Chinese healing art forms anywhere, anytime, and for the rest of your life. “When I discovered Tai Chi, I found an exercise that satisfied my physical, mental and spiritual needs equally. After 40 years of practice, I feel Tai Chi contains within its structure, principles that are key to unlocking our greatest potentials.” Erin GrayErin Gray’s one hour workshop will be an introduction to the theory and practice behind Chi Kung and Tai Chi. The first half of the class will include 10 simple Chi Kung exercises, combining breath and gentle movements. Chi Kung, the art of energy, is also the foundation behind Tai Chi. These Chi Kung movements will open and balance the channels of energy running throughout your body and improve the function of your organs. In the second half of the class you will learn the principles behind Tai Chi, and the first five movements of the Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan short form as taught to me by Grandmaster Marshall Ho’o at National Tai Chi Chuan Association in Los Angeles. Much like Yoga, Tai Chi calms your mind, enlivens your spirit, and strengthens and relaxes your entire body. Unifying mind, body, and spirit through the practice of Tai Chi develops awareness, and awakens your true nature which brings peace, balance, and happiness into your life.“Scientific studies show that Tai Chi helps chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, & diabetes. It also improves balance, prevents falls, & reduces stress,” says Dr. Paul Lam.Please wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in and be prepared to be either barefoot, wearing socks or flat shoes. If you have foot problems and have to wear your tennis shoes and inner supports, that’s fine.TAI CHI WORKSHOPSIGN UP NOW!

80PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAGaming returns to our permanent home, until we move, in AmericasMart Building 3Building 3 will close at 2:00 AM and reopen at 8:00 AM. Those dedicated gamers who need a space for gaming in the wee hours will find space reserved for them in the Westin Overlook area on the 6th floor from Midnight until 8:00 AM.The War College/National Security Decision Making Game, Live Action Role-playing games, Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator, Werewolf and other social deception games, Video Gaming Programming, and Table Top Programming remain located in the Westin Hotel in their traditional meeting rooms. All the gaming activities that were in the Westin remain in the Westin. Please consult this handy chart below to a quick look at where to go for your favorite gaming.Gaming Registration (and Help!) AmericasMart Building 1st Floor at entranceArtemis Spaceship Bridge Westin, 12th Floor Piedmont 7 + 8Board Games AmericasMart Building 3, 1st FloorCampaign Role-Playing Games AmericasMart Building 3, 2nd FloorCollectable Card Games AmericasMart Building 3, 1st FloorDemonstrations AmericasMart Building 3, 1st FloorLAN Gaming and eTournaments AmericasMart Building 3, 1st FloorLARPs Westin, 12th Floor, Piedmont Rooms 1-4Miniatures Games AmericasMart Building 3, 1st FloorNon-Campaign Role-Playing Game AmericasMart Building 3 2nd FloorOpen Gaming AmericasMart Building 3, 2nd Floor and Westin Overlook Save Point Games AmericasMart Building 3, 1st FloorTable Top Panels Westin, 7th Floor, Augusta 1, 2, 3Video Gaming Panels Westin, 7th Floor, Augusta A/B and Augusta E/F/G/HWar College / NDMG Westin, 7th Floor, Augusta C/DWerewolf / Social Deception Gaming Westin, 14th Floor, Ansley RoomsWe will have the usual maps included in our Quick Start Guide, our mobile app, and the Gaming Guide to help you navigate. There is also signage that will help direct you to the proper floor, meeting room, or area. If all else fails and you have trouble finding where you need to be please ask a helpful volunteer at Gaming HQ/Registration located In Building 3 of AmericasMart near the entrance, on the first floor Gaming Registration will be open Thursday at 4:00 PM and also every day of the convention at 8:00 AM.SAVE POINT GAMESSave Point returns with all your favorite free play games for the entire convention located on the first floor of AmericasMart Building 3.BOARD GAMINGKick off your Dragon Con weekend with nonstop board gaming starting Thursday afternoon at 4:00PM! For just $10, enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of games until 2:00 AM nightly through Monday afternoon at 5:00 PM when the gaming hall closes. Board Game Memberships are available for pre-purchase or on-site at Gaming Registration or the Board Games checkout desk. Board game access also allows access to Werewolf and other social deception games.gaming

81FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGGAMINGPlay to Win Returns!Back again this year, Play to Win gives you the chance to take home some of the amazing games you have played throughout the con. Browse our curated selection of Play to Win titles in the library, and enter the Sunday evening drawing for a shot at winning! Winners have until 2PM Monday to claim their prizes.Over 450 games await you.Explore the vast Dragon Con Board Games Library, featuring more than 450 games from top publishers and indie creators. Whether you are here to test your skills, relax and people-watch, or dive into a new favorite, our library has something for everyone.New in 2025: Chess Tournament!Joining our tournament lineup this year is Chess! Along with returning favorites like Settlers of Catanand Ticket to Ride. Ready to compete? Check out the full tournament schedule at gaming.dragoncon.org.Try Before You Buy.Thinking about expanding your home game collection? The board games area is perfect for learning new games and honing strategies before making a purchase. With a mix of modern hits and classic favorites, our knowledgeable volunteers are here to help you get started—even with the most obscure titles!ARTEMIS STARSHIP BRIDGE SIMULATORJoin a crew (or TWO) on our fully interactive Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator. It’s a LAN party/LARP/Escape Room mashup experience you can’t duplicate online!You and your friends assume the roles of Captain, Helm, Science, Weapons, Communications, and Fighter Pilots to operate the Terran Stellar Navy spaceship, Artemis.Captain: Channel your inner Kirk/Picard/Janeway and make the tough choices.Helm: Ahead warp factor 1, then slow to impulse and hard to starboard. Bring us behind the enemy fleet just outside torpedo range...Weapons: Load... lock... fire! Turn big enemy ships into small pieces. Just don’t fire nukes at point blank range; go for beam weapons instead.Science: Scan the sector, find the enemies, and check for secret intel and weaknesses. Watch out for cloaked ships.

82PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAGAMINGCommunications: Incoming message! Our space station is under attack! Taunt the enemy fleet leader to draw them away from the base, then call for reinforcements from other Terran vessels.Engineering: Power and cooling are the name of the game. Boost power to warp to get us there, to weapons for more boom, and to shields when we’re getting toasted! Give it all she’s got!Fighter: The Artemis can launch up to 2 single-pilot fighter craft to join the fight and add a bit more punch.Your crew’s success--or failure--depends on your ability to follow the Captain’s orders and work together to defend Terran bases against an alien invasion. This event is a 6 to 8 player experience, suitable for ages 10+. Don’t have a group large enough for a full crew? No problem! Sign up and join with another small party and make new friends! Tickets available at www.Jump2Warp.com or in-person at Westin Ansley Room 7.NATIONAL SECURITY DECISION MAKING GAMEThe fine folks from the National Security Decision Making Game (NSDMG) will return to the convention this year. If you pay attention to the news or current events, or have an interest in military and geopolitics, it is a hoot!They will be running different formats of their game, plus giving some great lectures and panels. They focus on contemporary, historical, and futuristic geopolitical, military, technological, and economic issues.In the NSDM political, military, and economic role-playing game: “You players are the congress. You over there, you’re the Cabinet. You folks in the corner are the Joint Chiefs. This guy’s the President. The scenario is: it’s the world as you know it today. Fix it. You may start now.”New issues and problems arise in every game with different nations in play, showing a range of real issues across the world and modeling a number of different political systems through which the players navigate. Can you affect Iranian policy as the US? Can you take-on the Ukraine playing Russia? As China, can you keep the West from interfering with your ascent to superpower status? And how do you solve a problem like Korea? Several of the games are earmarked specifically for science fiction and futuristic themes such as artificial intelligence and robotics, space exploration and exploitation, nuclear reactor disasters, electromagnetic pulse, supervolcanoes, and of course, pandemics.There are daily games held in the Westin in the August rooms C and D on the 7th floor.LIVE ACTION ROLE-PLAYING GAMESLive Action Role-Playing Games (LARPs): where theater meets tabletop gaming! This year, LARPs is pleased to offer events from our returning fan-favorite productions, as well as some exciting games that will be making their Dragon Con debut. For those LARP games that run continually throughout the year, we will have “display-only” tables staffed and ready to answer your questions. In AmericasMart Building 3. As the schedule is finalized, we will update the gaming registration website. We look forward to presenting many different opportunities in a variety of styles and formats for everyone, from the novice to the experienced LARPer, and even a few for those curious about LARPs. We invite you to step away from the game table and live the part. Be sure to follow us on Facebook (Dragon Con Live Action Role Playing - LARP Games) for updates! For more information, contact us at larps@dragoncon.org.WEREWOLF (SOCIAL DECEPTION GAMING)Long a staple of Dragon Con gaming, we have had our own dedicated gaming space since 2017. Are you ready to lie and deceive your friends? Check in to play games on the 14th Floor of the Westin, The Social Deception group at Dragon Con presents 4 days of Social Deception gaming! Our regular operating hours will be available 12:00 PM to 5:00 AM Thursday - Monday. The Social Deception group provides experienced moderators to give you the best social deception experience! Join us for your favorites – Ultimate Werewolf, Witch-hunt, Secret Hitler, Two Rooms and a Boom, and more! A social deception gaming library will be available. In addition, we will be giving away prizes all weekend! All that is required to play is a Dragon Con Werewolf board game sticker (and of course Dragon Con membership.)CAMPAIGN ROLE-PLAYING GAMESThis year, Campaign Gaming will be offering its 4 signature campaigns: Paizo’s Pathfinder Society (PFS, both 1e and 2e rules), Paizo’s Starfinder Society (SFS, using 1e rules), WotC’s D&D Adventurers League.(DDAL) including D&D On Demand, and Catalyst Labs’ ShadowRun Missions (SRM). In addition, we will also be offering Starfinder Society 2e Demo events for the new rule system, as well as Legends of Greyhawk Demo events showcasing the brand new campaign offering from WotC (which will be replacing Adventurers League at future shows).At present, we do not have a firm commitment on the specific events that will be offered, as release schedules for events have not been finalized by the various companies that offer Campaign style gaming. When current release schedules are available (ensuring the ability to provide the

84PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAGAMINGnewest event scenarios, while being able to guarantee these scenarios will be received in a timely fashion for the show), we will update the Gaming Registration website. All event scheduling should be available for the final Gaming Guide. Campaign Gaming will be in Atlanta’s Mart Building 3, 2nd Floor (note, all Gaming will be in Mart Building 3 this year, unlike previous years). Exact locations of each event will be updated closer to the show.COLLECTIBLE CARD GAMESDragon Con is excited to welcome back Sunmesa Events to present an extensive roster of Magic: the Gathering events including: Convention League, Foundations Sealed Bootcamp League, Sealed, Drafts, and Commander Play during all open hours of the Gaming Hall.Sunmesa Events and Dragon Con highlight Magic’s hottest format: Commander!With a dedicated Command Zone, players can get their 100 Card MTG fix all weekend long. Concierge Service, Random Prizes, and a stacked Commander Package. The Command Zone is where you will find it!MTG All Weekend Events include: MTG DraftsConvention League Play – Pay Once, Play all WeekendFoundations Sealed Bootcamp League – Come learn (and share) tips on building Sealed DecksCommand Zone – Daily, Thursday through SundayMTG Sealed including 2HG, 2HG Commander, 4 Pack Sealed, Chaos Mini Master, Trios Box Sealed, Mixed Sealed Plane Effect (With a different effect each round that alters the game!), and Re-Prerelease with a variety of sets.Sealed Commander w/ Preconstructed Decks including Pods and Grand Melee.Disney's Lorcana is back and better! Included will be constructed and sealed Lorcana events each day! Keep an eye on gaming.dragoncon.org as events are released.Rose Tatu Productions returns again to Dragon Con to teach and play card-based games throughout the entire con. These games may be fast and light or they can be complex and full of strategy. Also, we will be teaching many games that are played mostly with cards. The cards will tell you what they can do, but you decide how best to play each one. We will have many hot games such as Ark Nova, Dune Uprising, Terraforming Mars, Wingspan and Wyrmspan, along with classics like Vampire: The Eternal Struggle and Android: Netrunner. Come by and learn all of these games and more. Scheduled teaching and demo times can be found on the Dragon Con App or in the Dragon Con Gaming Guide. IMPORTANT! Register in advance to save a seat at the table! They do fill up fast. Dragon Con is also excited to welcome back SRG! Featuring the Supershow wrestling card game and demos all weekend long! Stop by anytime and learn a new superfun card game. Ever wanted to be a pro wrestler? Supershow: The Game brings the action of pro wrestling to the gaming table. Whether you are a wrestling fan, or you just enjoy exciting gameplay, Supershow has something for everyone. Want to live the dream of being a wrestler without the actual pain? Supershow. Want to lay into your friends with an assortment of colorful characters in a fast-paced fun game for all ages? Supershow. Want to be immortalized in a card game alongside many of the best wrestlers in the world? Supershow. Want to play an unpredictable card game where the winner isn't determined by who spent the most money or netdecked the best deck for the meta? Supershow.https://supershowthegame.com has the details, but we will teach you how to play and show you how you can get involved in a spectacle so big, it can only be called -- the Supershow.Drop-ins are always welcome! THURSDAY NIGHT: We'll be visiting our friends at Dragon Con Wrestling! Come watch that show and look for our table!Exciting news! Flesh & Blood TCG will be at Dragon Con for the first of many years! Flesh and Blood TCG at Dragon Con! Epic 1vs1 fantasy duels in the world of Rathe await! Join us for “Learn to Play” and Booster Drafts! All experience levels welcome, come enjoy the new modern classic TCG! Looking for a casual game? Sealed or Constructed? Stop by and check us out. Have you heard lots of good things about the game but don’t know how to play it? Stop by and we’ll teach you the fundamentals.Dragon Con is also excited to bring back many popular legacy card games such as: Highlander TCG: There can be only one! Lord of the Rings TCG: Check out our Cube Draft of one of the most popular licensed games ever we’ll even have Fellowship Block and/or Two Towers block Draft pack events on demand. Star Wars Unlimited Star Trek CCG 1st Edition, 2nd Edition and Tribbles! As well as other classics.

85FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGGAMINGLAN GAMES & E-TOURNAMENTSLAN Gaming will have all your favorite PC games, including STEAM and Battlenet access, plus classic and new titles on the Switch, NES, NES Classic, and PS4 consoles. Players need to bring their own headsets for PC gaming and are welcome to bring their own controllers for console gaming.eTournaments featured this year at Dragon Con PC and console gaming tournaments ranging fromMarvel Rivals to Super Mario Party Jamboree, Smash Bros UltimatetoStreet Fighter 6, Guilty Gear Strive to Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising,and more,there is a tournament for everyone.There will be free-to-enter challenge events over the weekend that anyone can try, with the top player each day earning some Dragon Con coins. All events, unless stated otherwise, will be Bring Your Own Controller. Online registration can be found athttps://start.gg/dragoncon2025, with the registration page opening up in the first week of June.MINIATURES GAMESLet’s sling some paint! Paint & Take will be in the same space with a new selection of minis!! Participate,take classes, and have some fun.Our minis this year will have aliens, mythical creatures, and even a skibidi toilet. You are gonna want to paint them all!Archon Studios is providing a huge selection of minis from their Dungeons and Lasers line, a few dragons, and a few new mimics for your collection. Wander: The Cult of Barnacle Bay,Shovel Knight: DungeonDuels, IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shadows of the Past, Batman the Animated Series. Warhammer 40K Hordes, Dragonriders, Classic BattleTech, Mantic Halo, Masters of the Universe Battleground, and more are returning and being added every week.Do not forget to come play BattleQuest!NON-CAMPAIGN ROLE-PLAYING GAMESThe plans are for multiple flavors of D&D and Pathfinder as well as Fate, Pendragon, GURPS, Savage Worlds, Shadowdark, and more. Every year new systems are created so come on over to experience the new and different. We are on 2nd floor of Mart building 3, conveniently accessible by elevator, escalator, stairs, habitrail, and teleport. Once there use your handy compass to find the east side of the floor.We are looking for people on both sides of the game master screen. Both players to explore the worlds created by others, and game masters to create those worlds for others to explore. Non-Campaign means a role playing game where you will play a character provided by the game master for generally one game slot.If you have any questions about the non-campaign role playing options you can contact us at noncampaignrpgs@dragoncon.org.TABLE TOP GAMINGThe Tabletop Track presents panels on all things in pulp gaming! If you play a game that involves any kind of paper product—like a tabletop RPG, card game, or board game—this panel track is for you!Every year we have a theme, and this year’s theme is THE DUNGEON! In that regard, we have a great panel lineup that focuses on the dungeon. We will start off the year with What Makes a Dungeon a Dungeon? and Dungeon Ecology, as well as a panel on the Greatest Dungeons Ever Created. To speak on this theme, we have one of the original designers of some of D&D’s greatest dungeons—Zeb Cook!But it’s not just dungeons we’ll be talking about. We have live games, like those hosted by Dungeons and Randomness, as well as a frightening live game dreamed up by Obsidian Brews! Additionally, the voice cast of Baldur’s Gate 3 will return for a live-play event where they assume the roles of their characters from the most popular D&D video game of all time! And don’t miss the Improv Dungeons and Dragons game run by Mark Meer!As always, our corporate sponsor, Kobold Games, will be present to showcase their lineup for the year and to talk about the state of the industry. Alexander Stangroom, Kobold’s COO, will be at our panels, so be sure to drop in, say hello, and find out what’s new at Kobold Press.VIDEO GAMING TRACKDragon Con Video Gaming is back at it again! We have got parties, panels, and pixelated perspicacity.Many of your favorite events will be returning this year, including The Science of Pokémon, Dub Your Own Otome, Giant Gameboys, as well as panels highlighting both fan-driven content and insights into the making of video games. Special guests include actors from many of the most popular video games includingBaldur’s Gate 3,Mass Effect,Final Fantasy XIV,and more!New for this year, the Video Gaming Track is pleased to announce panels onspeed-running, Cyberpunk, and more!DRAGON CON VIDEO GAMING PRESENTS - THE 8-BIT BASHThe Dragon Con Video Gaming track is proud to present The 8-Bit Bash, featuring music from the golden age of video games (or, as most people would call it, the 70's and 80's).The 8-Bit Bash will tentatively be on Thursday night in the Westin (as if you needed another reason to come to Dragon Con a day early!)

86PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAGAMINGTHE VIDEO GAME COSTUME CONTESTThe Video Game Costume Contest is back for another year. We will be giving out Best in Show, 2nd place, & 3rd place prizes, as well as Honorable Mention, Judge's Choice awards, and - new for this year - the Audience Choice award.The Video Game Costume Contest judges on craftsmanship of the costume as well as screen accuracy of the character portrayed.Judges will be looking at the costume itself, the workmanship, design, and inspiration. This will be open to individuals, experts, and novices, and part of the judging process includes a description of the game and character being portrayed. All judges are costuming professionals possessing a wealth of costuming knowledge.Prejudging and registration will occur tentatively in Westin Augusta E-H, from 2:30pm to 5pm.You must be prejudged in order to participate in the contest.Pre-registration is not open to the public, but contestants may bring one handler with them to prejudging. Limited to 30 contestants on a first-come, first served basis.Please contact the Video Gaming Track atvideogamingfans@dragoncon.orgwith any questions.THE 3RD ANNUAL FINAL FANTASY FISH FINDING SCAVENGER HUNT (AKA FFFFSH)The Dragon Con Video Gamingtrack is back for its third year of finding your favorite fish both IRL in the Georgia Aquarium and online in Final Fantasy XIV! Did you know that there are over 160 species of fish inFF XIV that can be caught and displayed in your in-game aquarium? Did you also know that many of those fish are based on real fish in the Georgia Aquarium? Do you have what it takes to find those fish and be an Expert Fin-vestigator?Saturday from 7:00 to 10:00 pm in the Georgia Aquarium (admission required)THE HEROES AND VILLAINS BALLThe biggest and baddest party at Dragon Con returns!In previous years, we have had celebrity appearances, Dancing Deadpools, Lightsaber Limbo, Wil Wheaton's Walk of Shame, and our simulated Blood Rave.Costumes welcome, but not required.Tentatively Saturday night, Westin Peachtree Ballroom.(Note: If you are planning a group meetup or photoshoot for the Heroes and Villains Ball, please contact the Video Gaming Track atvideogamingfans@dragoncon.org).

88PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GADCTVDragonConTV (alternately DCTV) is an in-house video production and television studio run by volunteers as part of Dragon Con. DragonConTV broadcasts original content, fan-submitted content, and live coverage of convention guest panels and performances. The broadcast is viewable during the convention on the five host hotels' in-house television channels, and online. Content is also viewable on-demand after the convention via streaming membership.Over the years, DragonConTV has become known to convention-goers for its parodies of popular culture and of Dragon Con culture itself. Volunteers produce new content for the convention each year, including "produced segments reporting on con events, parody music videos, skits, and a bevy of bumps." This content, along with a selection of previous years', is played in between guest panels at the convention and on the streaming broadcast.Want to be a part of the dragon, the myth, the legend? Submit your best skit, Bumper, comedy, fan film, and/or music video before August 1st. To learn more visit https://dragoncon.tv/pages/submissionsDISABILITY SERVICESDragon Con seeks to do its utmost to provide equal access to its participants with disabilities in accordance with state and federal law. The main location of Disability Services can be found in the Courtland Grand in the south end of the Capital ballroom near Badge Pickup. We can offer a variety of services to help you enjoy your Dragon Con experience, including wheelchair accessible shuttles between the hotels, electronic programs for your screen reader upon request, dedicated staff in Main Programming areas, and assistance through Badge Pickup for people with disabilities. We provide some standard accommodations based on seating requirements via stickers for your badge. If you need more information about our department or the standard accommodations we offer, please contact disabilityservices@dragoncon.org and check out the Wiki. The Wiki goes into detail on all of the services we offer, as well as information on navigating the con, hotel hazards, self-advocacy, accessible dining options around the con, and more.Dragon Con spans five hotels and six city blocks on a hill. If you have difficulty walking long distances, we strongly recommend you consider renting an electric scooter. Scooter and wheelchair rentals are available by contacting ScootAround Inc. toll-free at 1-888-441-7575, by email at info@scootaround.com, through their website (https://scootaround.com/en/dragon-con), or by fax at (204) 478-1172. Please contact them early.Dragon Con Disability Services seating policies for 2025 will still include a seating cap on disability seating. This is done primarily to maintain the safety of attendees waiting for seating, both in the regular line and DCDS seating areas. DCDS, as always, works to set a level consistent with federal requirements for seating under the ADA.To facilitate this limit, each seating area will provide a returnable seating confirmation (a raffle-type ticket) to each DCDS-approved attendee and one companion, beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of a panel. When the available seats run out, disability seating will no longer be available for that panel. In any situation where seats remain at the completion of the loading process, our existing policy will apply – we will do our best to accommodate attendees, but no seating will be guaranteed.CONSUITEThe Con Suite, located on the second floor of the Hyatt in rooms 223-226, does not exist. Con suite most certainly does not provide complimentary food and non alcoholic beverages for all attendees of Dragon Con, be they members, guests, or volunteers. You definitely can not reach the Con Suite by climbing up a flight of stairs in the secret, sticky, staircase located near the restrooms by the hamster trail. Con Suite will open up Friday when we get bored making y'all wait, and remain open until Monday around noon, when we run out of food, except when we decide to close for personal reasons. convention services

89FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, VISIT DRAGONCON.ORGSERVICESINFORMATION BOOTHSDragon Con can be A LOT in all the right ways. If you are new to the show (or just aren't sure on something), please visit our information booths located around the convention. The information booths, located in each of the five host hotels, are your one-stop centers for getting all your questions answered. The booths exact location will be available on the mini maps provided in the Dragon Con App. The volunteer team will be able to help you find where everything is located and help with just about any other question or request you may have. And if they don’t know the answer, they’ll send you directly to the person who does.COURTESY SHUTTLE BUSESDragon Con provides courtesy shuttle bus service between the five host convention hotels, the AmericasMart, and many of our partner Atlanta hotels. We are proud to again offer a dedicated shuttle bus that only travels between the host convention hotels, as well as special shuttles for the Night at the Georgia Aquarium. For a complete schedule, including times and locations, check our website, our Dragon Con Quick Start Guide, or reference your Dragon Con App.

90PROGRESS REPORT | AUG. 28 – SEP. 1, 2025 | ATLANTA, GAHOST HOTELSOur host hotels will again include the familiar surroundings of the Hyatt Regency Atlanta along with the legendary Atlanta Marriott Marquis, the Hilton Atlanta, the Courtland Grand Hotel, and the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel. The Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton are connected by tube-ways to make trekking through the hotels a breeze. All our convention hotels are convenient to MARTA’s Peachtree Center station. DCTV will be available at all five of our host hotels! Exact channels will be available closer to the convention. Although our host hotels are sold out, there is always hotel space available at our many Atlanta hotels!ATLANTA AREA HOTELSThis year Dragon Con has partnered with a recently increased total of 20 Atlanta area hotels, all located within a short walk, courtesy shuttle bus, or MARTA trip away! For a complete, up-to-date listing of available area hotels, including contact information, location, any special booking instructions, and reservation rate codes, please visit us at www.dragoncon.org/travel/hotels/.PARKINGParking is available throughout downtown Atlanta, and in limited supply at the various hotels. Be sure to check with your preferred venue for pricing closer to the convention. The parking decks around main hotels are approximately $10–$50 per day. We also recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through ParkMobile or Spot Hero. MARTAMARTAAll of our host convention hotels are convenient to MARTA’s Peachtree Center station. The Hyatt and Marriott can both be reached from the station via indoor walkways. MARTA has direct train service from Hartsfield Airport’s terminals with no transfers, with an approximate travel-time of 30 minutes from the airport to Peachtree Center. For complete Marta details, visit itsmarta.comAIR TRAVEL Hartsfield International Airport, just fifteen minutes south of downtown Atlanta and the convention district, is a two-hour flight (or less) from 80% of the population of the United States.Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounted* airfares for Dragon Con! Take advantage of these Travel Discounts. You may also call Delta Meeting Network® Reservations at 1-800-328-1111, Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Central Time and refer to meeting code NM4BN.*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed under this unique 800 number.*To book your discounted fare, please enter NM4BN in the Meeting Event Code option field. Airport sites:Hartsfield International Airport Official SiteFAA’s official Hartsfield site (includes major flight delays) ENTERPRISE & NATIONAL CAR RENTALDragon Con is proud to continue its partnership with Enterprise and National Rental Car. Dragon Con members are able to receive a booking discount no matter the date or location for the rental. You can book directly at https://elink.enterprise.com/en/dragonco.htmlNOTE: If you do not use the above link and access either Enterprise or National through their respective websites, you will need the following codes: Enterprise Code: XZ03A67 Pin: DRANational Code: XZ03A67travel information