WonderCon 2026: Full Schedule

2:00pm PDT

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

In a world of fast edits and even faster social media virality, crafting educational social media content has become increasingly important; audiences are constantly looking for the next video or article to take their knowledge even further. This panel examines what it takes to craft unique and memorable educational content and how audience reactions can guide the creation of more impactful work. Host Jason Patrick Galit (JPG) (pop culture educator and consultant, InterMyth) is joined by Sarah Berman (manager and creative producer, The Pacific Pals), Goldie Chan (branding expert and author, Personal Branding for Introverts), Kurosh Jozavi (games journalist and host, Savepoint Stories), Cynthia Marie (TTRPG performer and lifestyle/mental health advocate), and Luke Richmond (artistic director, The Pacific Pals) to address appropriate research methods for content, differentiation through marketing and brand approach, and strategies for responding to anti-intellectual comments and bad-faith commenters on social media.

Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 300A

U: Updated, BIPOC, Education, Fandom, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Technology - Science - STEM, Web | 1: Programs, BIPOC, Education, Fandom, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Technology - Science - STEM, Web

8:00pm PDT

Dune: Psychology of the Hero's Journey and Losing Innocence

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

Room 207

In so many fantasy and sci-fi stories, the moment where the protagonist comes into their power is an event of excitement and unfettered joy. So why does it feel differently in Dune? This panel of psychology nerds and experts—Dr. James Poole (The Relational Nerd), Dr. Kile Ortigo (existential psychologist; author Beyond the Narrow Life), Dr. Isaac Taitz (president of All Mind Health) and David Carzell (actor, content creator)—explore various perspectives on what it means to grow up. While it can sometimes be a beautiful moment where we develop our independence and show the world our voice, it can also be a time of loss. Panelists will explore the loss of innocence in Paul Atreides as he becomes Lisan al-Gaib, the dream and humor he gives up, and what it means to fulfill a sense of duty and obligation to the world writ large. And be sure to be there at the start to be welcomed in by a psychologist who will lead attendees on a Bene Gesserit-themed mindfulness breathing exercise.

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 207

U: Updated, Books, Education, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy | 1: Programs, Books, Education, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy

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

8:30pm PDT

Life Drawing on the Go

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT

Room 210

Artists Brenda Chi (IDW variant cover artist, TMNT, Transformers, Godzilla Rivals), Don Nguyen (Pablo the Gorilla; sketchcard artist, Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars, Spongebob), Marcus Newsome (Lightning Strike, Sincere: American Nightmare; sketchcard artist, Marvel, Halo, X-files) and Nathaniel Osollo (Dark Mouse, Sewer Boyz) lead the audience in a life-drawing session featuring cosplayers Crystal Rose, Patricia Rabago, Warpath_Dylan, Jimmy Sherfy, and Jeanie Herger. Attendees are encouraged to bring their preferred drawing tools, whether digital or analog. All skill levels are welcome, and there may be surprises.

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 210

U: Updated, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Cosplay, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes | 1: Programs, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Cosplay, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes

1:00pm PDT

Set Decoration for Puppets

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

Room 300A

Set decoration for movies and television is hard enough, but what if the lead actor is made of felt and controlled by wires? Set decorators talk about the challenges of designing sets to work with puppets, and the puppeteers who move them, with Don Diers, SDSA (set decorator, The Muppets 2015), Julie Drach, SDSA (set decorator, Crank Yankers), and Bethany Barton (set decorator, The Muppet Show Special). Moderated by Michelle Hall, SDSA and Prerna Chawla, SDSA. Part of the Set Decorators Society of America's series of panels on film and TV set decoration.

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300A

U: Updated, Education, Fandom, Historical, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Television | 1: Programs, Education, Fandom, Historical, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Television

WonderCon 2026

2:00pm PDT

8:00pm PDT

12:30pm PDT

8:30pm PDT

1:00pm PDT

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