WonderCon 2026: Full Schedule

2:00pm PDT

Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

From the team behind Darrington Press's Daggerheart, this workshop focuses on how to facilitate collaborative, exciting, impactful stories with players around the table. Game designers Spenser Starke (Alice Is Missing, Kids on Brooms) and Rowan Hall (Sunderfolk, Candela Obscura) lead a hands-on environment to hone participants' proficiency in running story-forward games like Daggerheart.

Special Guests

Spenser Starke

D-01, WonderCon Special Guest

Spenser Starke is a WGA screenwriter and the senior game designer at Darrington Press. He is best known for Daggerheart, Alice Is Missing, Candela Obscura, and Kids on Brooms. Additionally, he has worked on video games like Sunderfolk and is currently adapting a number of tabletop... Read More →

Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

2:00pm PDT

Creators Assemble: Charisma Check, A Networking Event

Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

North 152

Tabletop roleplaying and board game creators, publishers, performers, game shop owners, teachers, and library workers have brought greater acceptance to TTRPGs and fan culture. Attendees can take a break from hectic convention life to experience speed-dating-style networking with diverse TTRPG and board game professionals and enthusiasts from all backgrounds. This year's lineup includes Ivy B., Celeste Barclay, Bryan Borgman, Reuben Bresler, Kade Brittain, Doriam Couto, Ruel Gaviola, Sammy Glicker, Candice Harris, Lemar Harris, Cody Heath, Anais Morgan, Momo Meas, Ryan Omega, Amanda Pand8ngel, Jenni Powell, Ross Thompson, Andrea Santoyo, Anjuli Smith, Dustin Staats, and Joseph Young, along with TTRPG and board game educators and enthusiasts Matt Atherton, Joel Bakker, Joe Barrette, Moni Barrette, and Dan Wood.

Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
North 152

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, Fandom, Seminars & Workshops | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, Fandom, Seminars & Workshops

2:00pm PDT

Slugblasting Is Not a Crime 2: Slambulance!

Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

North 153

In this actual-play session of the award-winning Slugblaster RPG by Mythworks, the L0ZRS sneak off on their hoverboards to a dangerous dimension hosting a wild spring break party and encounter more than they bargained for. Will they escape dangerous metasaurs and mathpanthers before the cops and/or their parents show up? Players Jackson Lanzing, Max Isaacson, Mayanna Berrin, David Telstra, and Alex Klimavich are joined by slugmaster Edward Doty (director, Life Is Strange: Two Moons Rising, Little Nightmares: Sickly Sweet) and a surprise guest or two in this new adventure from the upcoming Slime, Warp, and Solder expansion.

Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
North 153

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games

3:00pm PDT

Alternative Career Options in Video Games

Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Room 303AB

Many people today aspire to work in the ever-growing and popular video game industry. However, not everyone has the skills in art, design, writing, or programming that typically form the core creative teams that conceive and develop the games. But there is hope! The game industry is full of many types of jobs and needed skills that may not directly affect the creative vision but are just as important to the success of the team and the game. Game industry professionals with nontraditional backgrounds share their experiences and answer questions about what it takes to leverage unique skills into a potential career in games.

Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Games, Video Games

3:00pm PDT

Our Seats at the Table: BIPOC Representation in Tabletop

Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

North 151

A Jordan Lambert (blogger and dungeon master, Blackness and Dragons), Cai Kagawa (game consultant and game master), Kai Grayson (screenwriter and game master, Roles for Initiative LA), Kawika Aguilar (actor and writer, Snowbright Studio), Markeia McCarty (nerd culture and gaming host, Something Scary, Critical Role), and Masood Haque (comedian and actor, The Rivals of Waterdeep, Idle Champions) discuss being people of color in the world of professional tabletop gaming: what it takes to get a seat at the table, to move into positions of power, to generate momentum, and to maintain hope.

Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, BIPOC | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, BIPOC

4:00pm PDT

Crowdfunding Best Practices for Tabletop Games

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

North 153

Crowdfunding continues to be an effective way to bring funding to tabletop games, with multiple campaigns launched each week that bring tabletop games directly to players. Industry experts Andrew Marks (senior producer, Riot Games), Kailey Bray (executive producer, Kappa House Productions), Peter Vaughan (co-founder, Cardboard Alchemy), and Ivan Van Norman (founder, Hunters Entertainment) discuss best practices and trends and share stories from recent tabletop game crowdfunding campaigns.

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
North 153

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games

4:00pm PDT

Tabletop Role-Playing Game Design for Publishing

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

North 151

There are fantastic tabletop role-playing games coming to store shelves. Industry experts Elise Rezendes (senior RPG producer, Darrington Press), Anais Morgan (product development specialist, Renegade Games), Kimi Hughes (owner, Golden Lasso Games), Johnny O'Neal (president, Brotherwise Games), and Spenser Stark (senior game designer, Critical Role) share how to bring storytelling to publishing in the tabletop game industry. Moderated by Ross Thompson.

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, Science Fiction & Fantasy | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, Science Fiction & Fantasy

5:00pm PDT

Discovering Careers in the Tabletop Game Industry

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

North 153

There are many kinds of jobs and roles in the tabletop professional space. It's more than just a game designer or marketing manager. This panel highlights the different roles that fill the roster of a tabletop game company and how they help create the games we all play.

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
North 153

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games

5:00pm PDT

From Daggers 'Till Dawn: A Daggerheart Actual Play

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

North 151

Outlaws, bandits, and brigands have been terrorizing the frontier settlement of New Hope, but there is a new sheriff in town. During a sunset duel, a supernatural threat arrives, and old enemies must work together to survive until dawn. This actual play uses the Daggerheart TTRPG system from Darrington Press and involves audience participation. Shaun Leonard (tabletop creator and game designer) will GM our story with Kylie Rose (tabletop creator), Kim Wong (actor), Kevin Roy (tabletop creator), and Kai Miller (actor/creator), combating their fanged foes.

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games

5:00pm PDT

Designer First-Play Friday

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

North 152

Ever wanted to play a board game before it becomes a hit? The First Play Game Lab offers a look behind the curtain with an open-house playtest session where attendees can dive into the next generation of board and card games, give input, and help shape the next big thing in gaming. Designers with prototypes to share are invited to grab a table. Whether a game is polished and ready for retail or just a wild new idea scrawled on index cards, it is welcome at this lab.

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
North 152

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games

6:00pm PDT

Dungeons & Dragons 101: How the Game Actually Works

Friday March 27, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

North 153

Curious about Dungeons & Dragons but not sure how it actually works? This beginner-friendly session breaks down the fundamentals of the world's most popular tabletop role-playing game in a clear, practical way. In Dungeons & Dragons 101, attendees learn what players actually do at the table, how dice determine outcomes, what a Dungeon Master is responsible for, and how storytelling and rules work together to create unforgettable adventures. The session walks through character basics, combat flow, skill checks, spells, and the rhythm of a typical session without overwhelming jargon. Whether you've only seen D&D in shows like Stranger Things or you're thinking about starting a group with friends, this session gives you the confidence to understand the mechanics and jump in. Curiosity—and maybe a sense of adventure—is encouraged.

Friday March 27, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
North 153

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Cosplay, Seminars & Workshops | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Cosplay, Seminars & Workshops

6:30pm PDT

Comic Book Law School®: The ABCs of Copyright and Trademark Law

Friday March 27, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT

Room 210

Creative passion and keen business sense don't always go hand in hand, and that's one of the reasons why many creators put off taking steps to protect their rights. But with an ever-growing appetite for new content and artificial means for laypersons to generate creative works with simple prompts, it has never been more important for creators to "get their ducks in a row" as soon as they can to protect themselves and their creations. But comics creators have their own Defenders they can turn to—and not just Jennifer Walters and Matt Murdock—as noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz (author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book) returns to WonderCon along with IP attorney Alana Friedman to bring attendees the information needed to protect their creative works. This Comic Book Law School session tackles the basics of protection and ownership of ideas, works of authorship, characters, names, and branding, giving creators information to help them protect their creative works from conception through publication and beyond. Attendees will participate in an interactive discussion about rights available to authors and creators under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, as well as some of the problems and pitfalls they may face, some important contract “dos and don'ts,” and (time permitting) a brief discussion on why written agreements can be unsung heroes and why not all generative A.I. programs are villains. Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. However, the seminar is presented for information and entertainment purposes only, and the information presented and opinions expressed at the seminars do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. [This program is approved for one credit of California MCLE.]

Friday March 27, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 210

1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Games, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, Television, Web, Writers & Writing

7:00pm PDT

The Last Light of Barrowfield: A Candela Obscura Actual Play

Friday March 27, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

North 151

Kevin Roy (writer, producer, filmmaker) runs a live Candela Obscura session set in The Riverlands, joined by Shaun Leonard (actor, pro GM), Kylie Rose (pro GM, Dicescape), Lemar "TheconGuy" Harris (host, comedian, GM), Markeia McCarty (Critical Role, Something Scary), and John Wayne Constance (actor). In this audience-friendly actual play, investigators confront a haunted lighthouse, a grieving spirit, and an impossible moral choice.

Friday March 27, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Horror and Suspense, Mysteries & Crime Dramas | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Horror and Suspense, Mysteries & Crime Dramas

8:00pm PDT

Quests & Queries!

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Room 209

The Welcome Party—Alix Catherine, Cole Garrison, and Jason Patrick Galit (JPG)—host this afterparty game of wordplay and clever query crafting where participants answer questions and question answers. Kimberley Wong (actress and voice actress, Queen of Tears) and Movie Mija (Emily Baeza) (producer, filmmaker, and content creator) will test their pop culture knowledge and put that knowledge into practice by crafting new questions, generating different answers to the same questions, and breaking down questions to find the answers they seek. With guest host Law Sharma (actor and entertainment journalist), this education- and comedy-focused battle of wits emphasizes that the thought process behind crafting an answer is just as important as the answer itself.

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 209

1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Comics, Education, Fandom, Games, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Web

9:00pm PDT

Dreadful: Interactive Tabletop Terror!

Friday March 27, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT

North 151

In this interactive liveplay, the Dreadful Crew—Hailie Rose (TTRPG performer and content creator), Kai Miller (TTRPG performer and cosplayer), Kawika Aguilar (actor and writer, Snowbright Studio), Matt Caudel (actor and voice actor, TTRPG performer), and Morgan Moessinger (actor and TTRPG performer)—are ghost-hunting in a graveyard. While they roll for actions, the Dame of Dread, Sarah Durnesque (producer and game master, Pick Your Poison Productions), narrates, and the audience pulls blocks from the Dread Tower to increase the terror. If the tower falls, someone dies.

Friday March 27, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Horror and Suspense | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Horror and Suspense

11:00am PDT

Spotlight on Ben Brode

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

North 151

Ben Brode (Marvel Snap, Hearthstone), co-founder of Second Dinner and game director behind some of the most notable digital card games of the last decade, shares stories, humor, and behind-the-scenes design insights. From the early days of Hearthstone to the creation of Marvel Snap, he talks about how great card games are built and what he's learned about creativity, community, and taking big risks.

Special Guests

Ben Brode

WonderCon Special Guest

Ben Brode is one of the most recognizable card game designers, thanks mostly to his side gig as a rapper. Mostly known for leading the creation of MARVEL SNAP, Brode was also the first game designer and eventual game director of Hearthstone while at Blizzard Entertainment. As chief... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

11:00am PDT

Rolled Table: Improvised D&D Comedy

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT

North 153

The cast of the Knights of the Rolled Table podcast performs a completely improvised comedy D&D adventure in which audience members shape the story, make key decisions, and influence the fate of the heroes. Expect fast-paced fantasy, ridiculous characters, terrible puns, and spontaneous chaos from a cast with deep roots in the San Diego improv scene. Family-friendly and designed for adventurers of all ages—no two shows are ever the same. Carlos Guzman-Verdugo, Jeff Frank, Jen Stopper-Crespo, Matt Messerman, Zach Stones, and Chris Daily (Dungeon Master, Dungeonheads) bring the adventure to life.

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
North 153

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games

11:00am PDT

Designer First-Play Saturday

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 9:00pm PDT

North 152

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 9:00pm PDT
North 152

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games

11:30am PDT

The Game Pitch Review

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm PDT

Room 204C

The game pitch review is conducted by a panel of professional game developers who will offer their invaluable advice and insights to those seeking to further their dreams of making their game idea a reality. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch a game for around 5 minutes and then receive constructive feedback on how it went. This session will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis, and sign-ups will be taken on-site.

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm PDT
Room 204C

1: Programs, Games, Video Games

12:00pm PDT

The Artistry Behind Tabletop Games

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

North 151

Art brings gaming to life, and illustration meets imagination in tabletop gaming. Industry illustrators and artists Kendall Hale (WonderCon special guest, illustrator and artist), Sam Rusk (tattooer and TTRPG artist, SINK!), and Kwanchai Moriya (illustrator and painter) explore the artistry behind creating captivating visuals for tabletop games, sharing insights and stories on bringing worlds and characters to life from concept to execution. Moderated by Ross Thompson.

Special Guests

Kendall Hale

E-01, WonderCon Special Guest

Kendall Hale is an illustrator and character designer currently living in Los Angeles. He is best known for his work on the trading card game Disney Lorcana, for which he has done the art on over 30 cards since its release in 2023. Kendall also works as a character designer in animation... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Art and Illustration, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Art and Illustration, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:30pm PDT

Designing Worlds: Careers in Games, Costumes, Sets, and Art Direction

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT

Room 300C

iAsia Brown (senior producer, gaming consulting), Juda Escalante (specialty costume manufacturer), Chris Gilman (founder of Global Effects), KC Mancebo (producer/art director Sailor Moon, Clamorhouse), David Tobocman (composer, film and TV) offer insights and advice on building careers in games, costumes, set design, and art direction. Moderated by Heather Cook (speaker and community builder, Microsoft).

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 300C

U: Updated, Action/Adventure, Costuming, Education, Games, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy | 1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Costuming, Education, Games, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:00pm PDT

Meet Tarzan Author Joe R. Lansdale plus Esteemed Guests

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Room 211

Three decades ago, Edgar Rice Burroughs' grandson found a lost Tarzan manuscript in a vault in Tarzana, California, and selected rising-star author Joe R. Lansdale (Bubba Hotep, Hap and Leonard) to complete it. Now, Lansdale is a legend in his own right, discussing new Tarzan projects as well as the 30th anniversary edition of Tarzan: The Lost Adventure, a convention exclusive debuting at WonderCon. The panel also features Llana Jane Burroughs, ERB's great-granddaughter, whose father recovered the lost manuscript and worked tirelessly to promote ERB's legacy. Next, Tom Akel of Rocketship Entertainment offers a glimpse at a new epic Tarzan comics project. Also on hand are Wolf Larson (former Tarzan TV star and VP of ERB Entertainment) and the ERB, Inc. team to discuss upcoming books, comic books, merchandise, and movie and TV series in development. Attendees will receive a Tarzan: The Lost Adventure 30th anniversary bookmark!

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 211

1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anniversaries, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Games, Historical, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

Designing Tabletop Board Games

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

North 151

Taking an idea from the prototype phase to the publishing shelf is no small feat. Game designers Moe Popular (Dark Heists), Manny Vega (Flamecraft), Ben Brode (Marvel Snap), Ian Clayman (Exploding Kittens), and Candice Harris (Rivals of Rock) share experience and advice about how to design tabletop games, from building your prototype, game development, and playtesting to publishing. Moderated by Ruel Gaviola.

Special Guests

Ben Brode

WonderCon Special Guest

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:00pm PDT

StoryQuest Live: Oops, All GMs

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

North 153

Anais Morgan (Renegade Game Studios), Mayanna Berrin (Dispatch), David Tilstra (StoryQuest), Reed Sights (StoryQuest), and Jordy Martin (StoryQuest) go on an epic D&D adventure where everyone is the dungeon master and the fate of the story is decided by the ring of a bell.

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
North 153

U: Updated, Games, Tabletop Games, Fandom, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy | D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Fandom, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Fandom, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy

2:00pm PDT

Shattering the Fourth Wall: Breaking into a Gaming Career

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

North 151

Gaming industry professionals lead an open conversation around recruiting, partnerships, and marketing. Attendees will learn how charities are helping to make a difference in gaming, followed by an open Q&A.

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, Fandom, Video Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, Fandom, Video Games

2:00pm PDT

Gaming Creator Connection

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Room 204C

The Gaming Creator Connection is an opportunity for game developers—whether currently working in the industry or aspiring to do so—to receive valuable advice, insights, and mentoring from seasoned veterans of the game industry representing diverse professional backgrounds. The GCC is a perfect opportunity to seek expert guidance in art/design, narrative, and business. Participants will have 15 to 20 minutes to speak with a mentor and will be able to rotate between mentors in their field of interest in order to maximize the amount of feedback.

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 204C

1: Programs, Games, Video Games

2:30pm PDT

Spotlight on Kendall Hale

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Room 213AB

Best known for his work on Disney's new trading card game Lorcana, Kendall Hale revisits the years of scrappy struggling to make it as an artist. From working on failed feature films to Ponzi scheme video game companies to finally breaking into major animated TV series (SpongeBob SquarePants, Haunted Hotel) and working on a hit TCG, Kendall shares a message of resilience and hope for aspiring creatives.

Special Guests

Kendall Hale

E-01, WonderCon Special Guest

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Games, Tabletop Games, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:00pm PDT

Watchers Cinematic Universe: New Sci-Fi/Fantasy TCG Debuts

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Room 213CD

The Watchers Cinematic Universe (WCU) uses a visceral and original sci-fi and fantasy approach to trading card gaming (TCG). This clean, balanced, and fast-paced game brings players back to the roots of TCG. Learn about the heroes and villains of this universe and how you can craft in this galactic war spanning world. Through bio-forging the most ferocious and intelligent creatures to populate the world of a TCG, you will help shape the expanding mythology of the WCU. The Watchers are descending. See the world premiere of the official trailer and meet creators Justin Waldner and Alexander Gray as they guide you through the WCU. Moderated by Gary Miereanu.

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 213CD

1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Animation, Fandom, Games

3:00pm PDT

Creating Seats at the Table: Producer and GM Responsibility for Diverse Spaces in Tabletop

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

North 153

Jordan Lambert (blogger and dungeon master, Blackness and Dragons), Kai Grayson (screenwriter and producer, Roles for Initiative LA), Kelly Lynne D'Angelo (dungeon master, D&D in a Castle; producer, Critical Role), Jade Valkyrie (player and producer, Feywild and Out), and Sarah Durnesque (producer and game master, Pick Your Poison Productions) discuss the responsibility of producers and DMs/GMs in professional and streamed tabletop games to create and maintain diverse tables. Moderated by LemartheConGuy (professional game master and convention host).

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
North 153

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+

3:00pm PDT

Venture Forth: An Immersive D&D Actual Play

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

North 151

The cast of Venture Forth—Russel Bartek, Rodney Campbell, Kat Harris Mojica, Rebecca Hausman, and Shane O'Loughlin—led by dungeon master Seth Fowler, demonstrate their role-playing prowess, keen storytelling skills, creative gameplay implementation, cohesive ensemble performance style, and the impact of their immersive ruleset in a homebrew one-shot session. Expect drama, laughs, and detailed descriptions of violence.

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Fandom, Games, Podcasts, Video Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Fandom, Games, Podcasts, Video Games

4:00pm PDT

Daggerheart: Behind the Scenes

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

North 153

Darrington Press's Spenser Starke, Rowan Hall, and Elise Rezendes discuss the creation of Daggerheart, the new fantasy tabletop role-playing game from the publishing wing of Critical Role, including a sneak preview of the upcoming Hope and Fear expansion. The roundtable discussion will be followed by a short Q&A in which attendees can pose questions directly to the creators.

Special Guests

Spenser Starke

D-01, WonderCon Special Guest

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
North 153

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

5:00pm PDT

Story Over Stats: The Narrative TTRPG Shift

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

North 153

Moderator Kevin Roy (RolePlay GrabBag, TV/film director) leads a discussion with Shaun Leonard (actor, tabletop creator), Kylie Rose (professional GM, editor, Dicescape), Ross Thompson (director of media and events, GAMA: The Tabletop Game Association), Kailey Bray (VP of marketing, Infinite Stories), and Ivan Van Norman (Hunters Entertainment) on how actual-play shows and streaming culture have fueled a surge in narrative-driven tabletop role-playing games, how that shift is influencing modern play styles, and how groups who enjoy tactical, crunch-heavy systems can incorporate stronger storytelling without losing mechanical depth.

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
North 153

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, Podcasts | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, Podcasts

5:00pm PDT

Not Another Horror TTRPG One Shot

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

North 151

A ragtag group of adventurers—including Cai Kagawa (performer on Transplanar), Harli Kane (model, actor, cosplayer), Jake Lionheart (music producer, composer), and Jes Wade (TTRPG producer, ChariTTRPGs)—attempt to survive a Dread actual play GM'd by Kim Tsuyuki (marketing manager/cast member, 5 GMs in a Trenchcoat) that brings the audience along for the thrill and, if they're lucky, a kill. Combining their collaborative storytelling skills, the cast will lean into horror tropes and spoof up the genre.

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games

6:00pm PDT

Career Paths into Game Development

Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Room 300A

As the business of video games now surpasses the annual revenues of both film and music combined, public interest in pursuing a career in the game industry has staggeringly increased in recent years. This has spawned a wide variety of educational and vocational options for individuals to pursue game development, but how exactly can someone get the knowledge they need and then find a job in this very competitive industry? Veteran game industry professionals discuss what it takes to launch a game development career and how there are many paths into the industry.

Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 300A

1: Programs, Games, Video Games

6:00pm PDT

Worldbuilding for Creators

Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

North 153

This panel explores how to craft a world that draws in audiences with some of the creative minds behind Darrington Press's tabletop role-playing game Daggerheart, along with other industry guests. Spenser Starke (Alice Is Missing, Kids on Brooms), Rowan Hall (Sunderfolk, Candela Obscura), Elise Rezendes (Session Zero System), and others examines their worldbuilding process in tabletop games, video games, film, TV, and beyond.

Special Guests

Spenser Starke

D-01, WonderCon Special Guest

Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
North 153

7:00pm PDT

How Video Game Films Git Gud

Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

Room 300A

There was once a time when fans would hear of a video game being adapted into another medium and forums would be ablaze with skepticism, jeers, and outright doubt. But with adaptations like Super Mario Bros., The Last of Us, and Sonic the Hedgehog filling theater seats, what has led to the change in fan perspectives? Derick McDuff (host of Underrated Movie Podcast), is joined by Tricia Aurand (award-winning screenwriter and podcast host), Thomas Craig (podcast host of Sick Burn Podcast), Kurosh Jozavi (games journalist and host of Savepoint Stories), Austin Olivia Kendrick (Emmy-nominated film/TV sound editor), and Jeremy "Jaymo" Strauss, (host of The Old Switcharoo) to address the fall and rise of video game adaptations, the tangible creative changes made to the adaptation process, and the growing trust fans are putting back into this industry.

Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 300A

1: Programs, Animation, Education, Fandom, Games, Historical, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Video Games, Web

7:00pm PDT

ProgCore: Classic Fantasy Meets Modern RPGs

Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

North 151

The TTRPG world is changing, abuzz about a return to "old school gaming." But what does that even mean in the modern age of role-playing games? ProgCore Fantasy creators Todd Stashwick (Picard, VisionQuest) and David Nett (Starter Kit, Hero's Journey Fitness) discuss with their collaborators—Drea Letamendi, Ph.D., Jason Charles Miller, Brian Ward, and Charity Stashwick (the Arkham Sessions; Batman: The Brave and the Bold; Final Fantasy XIV; Shout! Factory; screenwriter) about how to bring the joy of classic, old-school fantasy storytelling to RPG sessions while simultaneously caring for and protecting everyone at the table, regardless of the actual game you play.

Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games

7:00pm PDT

Running TTRPGs for an Audience

Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

North 153

Moderator Kevin Roy (RolePlay GrabBag, TV/film director) leads a discussion with Shaun Leonard (actor, tabletop creator), Kylie Rose (Dicescape, professional DM, editor), Ivan Van Norman (Hunters Entertainment), Kailey Bray (VP of marketing, Infinite Stories), Lemar "TheconGuy" Harris (host, comedian, GM), and Edward Doty (Life is Strange: Two Moons Rising, Critical Role: Campaign 1) on what changes when your tabletop role-playing game becomes a TTRPG show, and how Game Masters and players can balance entertainment, authenticity, and table safety when the cameras are on.

Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
North 153

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, Podcasts | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, Podcasts

8:00pm PDT

The Gauntlet: A D&D Comedy Adventure

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

North 153

Mighty heroes, taken from different pop culture realms, have been trapped in the Gauntlet by a mysterious game master. To secure passage home, they must race through arenas inspired by film, TV, and video game worlds and fight until only one hero remains. Shaun Leonard (tabletop creator and game designer) serves as the game master, Kylie Rose (tabletop creator) and Lemar Harris (actor/tabletop creator) are the competitors, and the audience helps decide who lives, who dies, and who gets the glory.

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
North 153

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games

9:00pm PDT

StreetPass OC: Nintendo Quizbowl XI Revenge of the Quiz

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT

Room 213CD

Nintendo Quizbowl invites attendees to test their Nintendo knowledge and make their way to the top of the hill. Hosts Kiet Pham, Ryan Lu, and Adam Shere lead a round of pain, laughs, and challenging video game trivia as participants compete for an opportunity to win prizes. Let the Quizzening continue!

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 213CD

1: Programs, Games, Humor & Satire, Video Games

11:00am PDT

Spotlight on Spenser Starke

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

North 151

Game designer and WGA screenwriter Spenser Starke (Daggerheart) and moderator Rowan Hall (Sunderfolk) discuss the intersection of the film and gaming industries. From selling his first tabletop game to a publisher to writing a screenplay for a major Hollywood studio, Spenser discusses what he has learned about working in both worlds.

Special Guests

Spenser Starke

D-01, WonderCon Special Guest

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

11:00am PDT

Designer First-Play Sunday

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT

North 152

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
North 152

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games

12:00pm PDT

How to ACTUALLY Start an Actual Play: Roundtable Discussion

Sunday March 29, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

North 151

Leading industry producers and creatives T.J. Chambers (executive producer/host, Mythical Entertainment), Jake Michels (creative director/co-founder, Good Time Society), Jes Wade (TTRPG producer, ChariTTRPGs), Reed Sights (StoryQuest), and Shane O'Loughlin (creative director, Venture Forth D&D) discuss what is involved in the foundation of a successful Actual Play. Attendees will find real-world context along with philosophical approaches and tips for aspiring creators. Led by Rebecca Hausman (producer/founder, Venture Forth D&D).

Sunday March 29, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, Podcasts, Seminars & Workshops, Web, Writers & Writing | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, Podcasts, Seminars & Workshops, Web, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

The Wandering Path: D&D Live!

Sunday March 29, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

North 153

It's quick-fire challenge time! Sharpen your knives and ready your stations. Mischa Stanton (Multitude), Bex Taylor-Klaus (Voltron: Legendary Defender), Mayanna Berrin (Dispatch), Lyn Rafil (Brimstone Valley Mall), and Ian McQuown (StarTripper!!) compete in the grim beastly baking show—a delicious D&D live play sure to delight.

Sunday March 29, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
North 153

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Action/Adventure, Fandom, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Action/Adventure, Fandom, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:00pm PDT

Rolling with Story: How to Improv in TTRPGs

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

North 151

A panel of tabletop improvisers discuss the benefits and limits of rolling with both the dice and the story as a player character and as a game master. The conversation covers session zeroes, making flexible characters, and the challenging role of the GM when it comes to saying "yes, and" or the dreaded "yes, but." Shaun Leonard (tabletop creator and improviser) hosts Kim Wong (actor and improviser), Sammy Glicker (actor and improviser), Kylie Rose (tabletop creator), and David Carzell (actor and improvisor), making it up as they go along.

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games

1:00pm PDT

Tabletop Games Pitch Panel

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT

North 152

This program features live pitches to a panel of experts: Ian Clayman (game designer, Exploding Kittens), Jon Cohn (game designer, Grind House), Ivan Van Norman (game designer, Outbreak Undead), and Nate Murray (game designer, Keep It 100). Pitches are open to everything from fledgling ideas to polished designs, with each designer having roughly 5–10 minutes to present and receive feedback. The goal of the event is to help designers hone their skills in presenting their game ideas and to receive feedback about the game concepts themselves, with a focus on education and skill development in the tabletop game industry. Moderated by Ross Thompson.

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
North 152

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Education | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Education

1:30pm PDT

Makeshift Mechanics with Long Lost Lore

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

Room 300C

Voices from the Long Lost Lore Twitch stream—Philip Schaeffer, Zane, and Lauren Montez—lead a TTRPG-focused conversation on mechanics, education, and combining these concepts to create a safe and entertaining experience. The first part of the panel focuses on crafting mechanical rules and statistics-driven dice choices that go beyond typical homebrew, while a scene-based one-shot brings Bethany Andres (cosplayer, darthpoolbby), Jason Patrick Galit (JPG) (pop culture educator, InterMyth), and Olivia Youngers (actress, Star Trek: Picard) to test a system built by the audience to its limits. Combining storytelling, TTRPG mechanics, and game education, this session incorporates audience participation that influences every aspect of the panel.

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 300C

1: Programs, Education, Fandom, Games, Humor & Satire, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Web

2:00pm PDT

Queer Gaming: Adventuring with Pride

Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

North 151

For decades, LGBTQ+ players have put their own spin on tabletop role-playing games and video games. RPGs give queer gamers the chance to create heroes and fantasy worlds in their own image, and it is now impossible for the industry to ignore the impact of their fandom. How can gaming give LGBTQ+ people the opportunity to reimagine themselves? How does queer culture flip the scripts in classic fantasy and sci-fi RPG genres? Where is queer gaming headed? Prism Comics and moderator Tara Madison Avery (Death Saves, Stacked Deck Press), engage in a lively discussion of these questions with panelists Matthew Michael Brown (gamer; marriage and family therapist, Queer Magic Therapy), Bryan Gomez (Twitch affiliate and cosplayer), Ray Lancione (Qweerty Gamers), Sonya Saturday (The Greatest Thing You've Ever Seen in Your Life, J.K. Rowling and the Ungrateful Fans), and Estella M. Stone (Twitch Pride Guild, Electronic Arts Creator Network).

Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, BIPOC, Comics, LGBTQIA+, Video Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, BIPOC, Comics, LGBTQIA+, Video Games

2:00pm PDT

The Legend of Taylore

Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

North 153

The Legend of Taylore is an actual-play D&D podcast based on the music, memes, and lore of Taylor Swift, as played by a group of nerdy television writers. Produced by D&D WGA strike day organizers, it is a great adventure for Swifties and non-Swifties alike, where characters encounter dangers, intrigue, and Easter eggs at every turn. Dungeon master Lindsey Allen (Marvel's Agent Carter, MacGyver) is joined by players Casey Fisher (Altered Carbon, Walker), Daphne Miles (Batwoman, DC's Legends of Tomorrow), Ray Utarnachitt (DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Stranger Things: Tales from '85), and Nick Bragg (Death and Other Details, Off Campus), and Katherine McNamara (Shadowhunters, Arrow) to offer insights into the world they have created and discuss their current season.

Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
North 153

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Action/Adventure, Fandom, LGBTQIA+, Podcasts, Writers & Writing | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Action/Adventure, Fandom, LGBTQIA+, Podcasts, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

The Power of Love: The Rise of Webtoons, Anime, and K-Dramas

Sunday March 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Room 209

Award-winning creatives, actors, and experts discuss webtoons, anime, and K-dramas that are exploding in the U.S. Rebekah Ganiere (Emmy-nominated, USA Today bestselling author and screenplay writer), Joe Ochman (actor, Digimon, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure), Angel Payne (bestselling author), Brianna Carter (author, graphic designer), and James Ganiere (Emmy-nominated director and producer) share their insights.

Sunday March 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 209

1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics, Fandom, Games, Movies, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Video Games, Web, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Let's Make a Board Game!

Sunday March 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

North 153

Creating your own board game is not only fun, it's also educational. Attendees learn about game systems and the iterative process, teamwork, time and resource management, research, critical analysis, and even science, history, math, and language development. This workshop takes participants through the rapid prototyping process for a board game, and by the end, they'll have the basics of their own board game. Led by Aaron Vanek, who has been teaching analog game design to middle-school students for ten years.

Sunday March 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
North 153

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, Kids, Seminars & Workshops | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Education, Kids, Seminars & Workshops

4:00pm PDT

Battle Bracket: Which D&D Class Will Win?

Sunday March 29, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

North 151

You are invited to help determine the greatest Dungeons & Dragons class of all time. Panelists present arguments for their favorites, and the audience chooses which classes move forward in the tournament. The bracket is set, but the audience chooses the victor. Shaun Leonard (tabletop creator and game designer) will moderate with Kim Wong (actor), and others, representing their favorite D&D classes.

Sunday March 29, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
North 151

D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games | 1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games

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