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Events

LexiCon was filled with a selection of diverse and exciting events, including panel discussions, workshops, gaming, filking, book launches, and more.

Hover over each event to see the event's descriptions, and use the 'Highlight by Tag' option to find the events that best match your interests. If you're a panelist or other participant, make sure you're logged into the site to see your personalised timetable. Remember some events require advanced sign up as places are limited.

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Friday

Hine-i-tīweka (Jupiter)Matawhero (Mars)Kōpū (Venus)Whiro (Mercury)Mangōroa (Milky Way)
9am
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10am
11amRegistration Opens (Foyer)
12pmDrop-in Activities and GamesDrop by when you arrive, play some games, and meet other members.
1pm
2pm
3pm
4pmBook Launch: Beyond the BackyardJoin us for the launch of Beyond the Backyard, a collection of science fiction and fantasy stories by intermediate school students from around New Zealand. For many of these brand new authors this will be their first publication, and we’re happy to be celebrating with them as their imaginations let us explore whatever is out there ... Beyond the Backyard.
5pm
6pmFan Film: Star Trek New VoyagesThe latest episode from the New Voyages / Phase II team - "The Holiest Thing", set between the original series and The Motion Picture and featuring Kirk's first meeting with Carol Marcus.PANEL101Join Darusha Wehm in taking the mystery out of being a panelist with PANEL101. Whether you'll be participating in your first panel at LexiCon, are an experienced panelist who wants some new tips, or are wondering whether to sign up at a future convention, this is the workshop for you.
7pmCON101Never been to a con before? Learn what it's all about, what those weird words we use mean, and how to get the most out of the weekend. CON101 is also an opportunity to get to know a few of your fellow attendees.
8pmOpening CeremonyThe convention begins!
9pmThis Giant Papier Mache Boulder is Actually Really Heavy…Three ordinary guys are thrust into the parallel world of an old sci-fi movie. Trapped in a low budget universe they must somehow fight their way home. Join us after the LexiCon opening ceremony to watch Taupō’s first viewing of the world’s biggest low budget space movie ever! (possibly). It’s got action, romance, sets, rickety props and questionable special effects. Luscious locations, lavish homemade costumes. This movie has it all! More details at thisgiantpapiermacheboulderisactuallyreallyheavy.com.
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9:30pm
10pmFilkingEvery night after the main programming is over, filkers gather to sing into the wee small hours. Filking is SF folk music, often Weird Al Yankovic style parodies. Everyone is welcome - you don't need to sing or perform yourself.
11pm

Saturday

Hine-i-tīweka (Jupiter)Matawhero (Mars)Kōpū (Venus)Whiro (Mercury)Mangōroa (Milky Way)
8:30amRegistration Opens (Foyer)
9amThe State of Genre PublishingDiscussing the various publishing options for authors: traditional publishers, small presses, self publishing and more. With Marie Hodgkinson, Darian Smith, Sean Monaghan, and Leigh K Hunt.The Language of Science Fiction and FantasyPanelists Emma Lindhagen, Lee Murray, Jack Newhouse, and Mark Johnson discuss the language of science fiction and fantasy, from constructed languages and SFF in translation, to words invented or redefined by science fiction ("robot", for example, or "clone") and how authors approach naming fictional cities, animals, and more.Card GamesDrop in to play a variety of card games (Gloom, Fluxx, etc).
10amBook SetsIf you like this you might like that, but with a difference. The panel has to make a set from books or authors suggested by the audience, but the set can match in any way they like. With Matt Morris, June Young, and Simon Litten.SpecFicNZ AGMThe Annual General Meeting of SpecFicNZ, the national organisation of creators, writers, editors and publishers of speculative fiction in and from New Zealand. For more information on SpecFicNZ, see http://specfic.nz/.Ecosystems in SFFSFF imagines strange new worlds and alien life forms, but how does that imaginary ecosystem fit together? Whether it's magical creatures hiding in Fiordland or a whole new planet, living things and their physical environment constantly affect each other. How can we create believable ecosystems in SFF, and what happens when the delicate balance of an ecosystem is disrupted? Botanist and science communicator Octavia Cade, Seanan McGuire, author of the Incryptid series, and Meryl Stenhouse, who has a background in parasitology, discuss the portrayal of ecosystems in SFF.
11amA Conversation with Christian NicolsonFind out what it takes to make a really heavy papier-mâché boulder and a low budget, high action movie in New Zealand then take it to the world. In the spirit of old sci-fi, where special effects were basic, Christian Nicolson’s goal was to expose the simplicity of it all. Using a low budget as a means to be creative rather than a restriction, he and the team had fun with the script and visuals, creating a quirky, fun, dramatic, beautifully shot movie that remains true to its origins. Dan Rabarts talks to Christian about his vision, the challenges and all things papier-mâché.NZ in 20202020 is getting closer and closer... So New Zealand in 2020 (the bid to hold a WorldCon in New Zealand) is heading down towards the vote, to take place in 2018 in San Jose. We would love to show you where we are, and enthuse you about this large but rewarding project. We would love to have your input and help!Stories in our CitiesThe way SFF approaches city based stories is different on the national, local, even community level, and Aotearoa is no exception. Rem Wigmore, Eileen Mueller and Andi Buchanan explore how Aotearoa urban landscapes fit (or don’t) into the Fantasy genre, and what our authors do to make them unique.Co-operative GamesTabletop gaming with co-operative games.
12pmGoH Speech: Seanan McGuireGuest of Honour speech by renowned Californian urban fantasy and SF horror writer, filk singer, and cartoonist Seanan McGuire. Introduced by Cassie Hart.Costuming/Cosplay for BeginnersWhere to get started with costuming. With John Howell, Maddy Thompson, and Connie Takarangi.Star PeaceOur envoys have come to bring peace between the Star Wars and Star Trek fans. Kodi Murray, Grace Bridges (and other panelists tbc) discuss the similarities between the two, and why it really is possible to love them both.Market Setup
1pmLunch Break
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2pmSeanan and Paul Talk ZombiesBy popular demand. Seanan McGuire is the author of the Newsflesh series, which follows bloggers twenty years after a zombie apocalypse. Paul Mannering is the Wellington-based author of the Tankbread series in which intelligent zombies rule the world, living on a steady diet of cloned people called Tankbread. Together, they're talking zombies. Like anything else Paul is involved in, this is unlikely to be suitable for the young or the squeamish.Introductions to SFFWant to introduce a friend - or a child - to the genres you love, but don't know how to ease them in? Lee Murray, Dylan Howell, Neil Sanson and Barbara Howe share the works that introduced them to SFF, and offer suggestions about where to start.Writing Science; Writing Science FictionIn these days of pseudo-science, intelligent design and climate change denialism, just how important is accurate science to science fiction? What responsibilities do writers have, and what are the different tips and tricks we can use to better use science in our stories? Join us as our panelists Octavia Cade, Cat Langford, and Meryl Stenhouse talk about their inspirations, challenges, and the differences they find between writing science and writing science fiction.Character GamesLight RPGs, like Munchkin or Dead of Winter.Market Packup
3pmDiverse Families in SFFFamilies aren't just the nuclear variety. Science fiction and fantasy have space for all kinds of families - queer families, step families, chosen families, extended families, polyamorous families, and more. AJ Fitzwater, Daphne Lawless, Emma Lindhagen, and Jenni Sands talk about some of their favourite examples, and what they'd like to see more of.The Big World of Fantasy MiniaturesFantasy and SF Tabletop Miniature Gaming with John Howell, Darcy Perry and Lewis MorganWhen Your First Draft is a Mess: Editing and YouTips for editing your work with Grace Bridges, Art Protin, and Kaaron Warren.
3:30pmBook Covers for Self-PublishersWhat you need to know about book covers, whether you're hiring it out, DIY or in between, with cover designer Leigh K. Hunt.
4pmScience Fantasy and Cross-Fertilising GenreWhere does Science Fiction end and Fantasy begin? If your dragons are aliens, which is it? Talking about work in the grey area between genres with Kaaron Warren, Charlotte Earle, Neil Sanson, and Alex Lindsay.
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Publicity for AuthorsJoin experienced publicity wrangler Elizabeth Heritage for a practical introductory class on writing a media release, pitching to journalists (which is a lot less scary than it sounds), and getting coverage of your book in mainstream NZ media. We will cover overarching issues as well as detailed practical guidance, including an up-to-the-minute who’s who of book media in Aotearoa. This class is suitable both for self-published authors and for traditionally published authors who are looking to give their work an extra boost. We welcome complete beginners and those who are wanting a refresher on the ever-changing book publicity landscape in Aotearoa. Places are limited so please sign up in advance, and bring note-making tools (laptop, pen and paper, etc) of your choice.
Quick GamesDrop in for quick games like King of Tokyo or Splendor.
5pmDoctor Who Companions: The Adventurers, The Lost, and The PenguinSince kidnapping Ian and Barbara from Shoreditch in 1963, the Doctor has shared his adventures with a wide range of fellow travelers. John Toon, Kodi Murray, and Lynelle Howell discuss the changing role of the companion.Corrupting Children to our Genre: YA and SFFHKaren Healey, Belinda Crawford, Tracy Joyce and Eileen Mueller talk about their favourite science fiction, fantasy, and horror for young adults, and discuss whether YA fiction is a 'gateway drug' to SFFH.
6pmConcert Setup / Dinner BreakFan Films: Star Trek ContinuesTwo episodes of the remarkable fan film series continuing Kirk's original five year mission - "Come Not Between the Dragons" and "Still Treads the Shadow".Dinner Break
7pm
8pm
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Masquerade Entrant Assembly
9pm
10pmChronesthesia and AFK: ZergWe're screening the SJV-nominated romantic comedy with time travel, Chronesthesia, preceded by the SJV-nominated short AFK: Zerg.FilkingEvery night after the main programming is over, filkers gather to sing into the wee small hours. Filking is SF folk music, often Weird Al Yankovic style parodies. Everyone is welcome - you don't need to sing or perform yourself.Night SkyTake a look at the night sky above Taupō through a telescope. Organised by Keith Smith - meet at the main hotel reception at 10pm. Subject to suitable weather conditions.
11pm

Sunday

Hine-i-tīweka (Jupiter)Matawhero (Mars)Kōpū (Venus)Whiro (Mercury)Mangōroa (Milky Way)
9amGeekCraftWhere the things we love and the things we craft collide. Come along and hear our panelists Cat Langford, Zee Southcombe, and Maddy Thompson talk about some of their crafty interests, including making dolls, zines, and SFF movie scenes in snowglobes.The Apocalypse 101Apocalyptic predictions are a new trend, fuelled by our new found ability to destroy civilization through nuclear war or climate change. Wrong! There has been a steady stream of apocalyptic predictions since at least 2800 BC. Predictions have been made by different cultures and different religions, they have been based on plausible scenarios, not so plausible, and then there’s been down-right crazy. So what’s up with that? Jenny Hammond presents a potted history of predicting The End of the World As We Know It, a.k.a., TEOTWAWKI.SFFANZ AGMThe Annual General Meeting of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Organisation of New Zealand inc. See http://www.sffanz.org.nz/ for more information about SFFANZ.Card GamesDrop in to play a variety of card games (Gloom, Fluxx, etc).
10amOut of the BackgroundWe all come from somewhere different, and these differences bring shape, flavour and colour to what we create. Join us for a discussion on how our diverse heritages and varied cultural backgrounds influence and inspire our creative endeavours; with Dan Rabarts, JC Hart, Zee Southcombe...Living the StorytellingLet Zebong, Teller of Tales, teach you the art of storytelling, and how this can improve your writing.
11amGhost of Honour SpeechElizabeth Heritage talks on behalf of Orville: rat, film star, legend, and LexiCon's Ghost of Honour. Introduced by Andi Buchanan.Classic SF Predicts the FutureWe often look back on classic Science Fiction to see if they "got it right." What are some great predictions which came true and why are we so obsessed with it? Moderator Alan Robson with Alex Lindsay, Kaaron Warren, and Paul Weimer.Building WorldsScience Fiction and Fantasy frequently involve the creation of new worlds - future worlds, alternate worlds, worlds outside our universe and worlds closer to home. Robin Johnson, Tracy Joyce, John McCormick, and Jack Newhouse talk about the make-up of their favourite constructed worlds, the process of world-building, and what they'd like to see more of.
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Ad Hoc GamingGrab a game and play!
12pm
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IFWG Double Book LaunchJoin us for the launch of two books by new Kiwi authors, The Locksmith by Barbara Howe and The Rejects by Ali Foster, both from Australian publisher IFWG Press. Introduced by IFWG publisher Gerry Huntman.Crossing Genres: Fantastical Mysteries and Paranormal RomancesA panel on the intersection of fantasy, detective fiction, and romance. Amber Carter, Marie Hodgkinson, Seanan McGuire, and Darian Smith talk about what happens when the fantasy genre gets out of its box and starts breeding with other genres.
1pmLunch BreakFan Films: Star Wars SelectionWe'll be screening some of the best recent Star Wars fan films, as chosen by the LexiCon concom.Lunch Break
2pmFGoH Speech: John ToonFan Guest of Honour speech by John Toon. John likes Doctor Who, comic books, Japanese monster movies, detective fiction, electronic music, and playing orchestral percussion - so we're sure there'll be something for everyone! Introduced by Darusha Wehm.Future of a SpacewomanTV and movies have imagined women taking many roles in space: from Princess to Communications Officer, President to Mechanic, Captain to Doctor. Mary Brock Jones, AJ Fitzwater, Karen Healey, and Daphne Lawless discuss how well current and previous portrayals stand up in 2017, and what they most want to see from future representations of women in space.Representation in Genre FictionWe all strive to be the heroes of our own stories, and seeing people like ourselves represented in our favourite genres is important and affirming. Jenni Sands, Rem Wigmore, June Young and Sally McLennan will share some positive representations of different genders, sexualities, disabilities, ethnicities and more.War GamesJoin us for tabletop battles.Colouring!Drop in for some relaxing colouring any time on Sunday afternoon. We'll have geeky colouring pages of varying levels of complexity and colouring materials to create your masterpiece (but feel free to bring your own as well!).
3pmThe Second State, They've More Than Snakes: Australia and UsCommunity-building, cross-fertilisation, shared resources, and how NZ and Australia are closer than we think. With Lynelle Howell, Gerry Huntman, Lee Murray, Ross Temple, and Paul Weimer.New Zealand In Space - and BureaucracyThe NZ space programme and what can keep you on the ground. It's not just technology you have to think of. With Simon Litten.In Conversation with Seanan McGuireA chance to ask Seanan all your burning questions, from fae and zombies, to Disneyland and her unusually fluffy cats.
4pmThe QuizAre you up to the challenge? Team up and pool your knowledge to answer questions spanning the full breadth of SF and fantasy. Hosted by Katie Boyle.
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In Need of Heroes?What comics (and related media) most resonate with us in 2017? Are we looking for social commentary or escapism? Panel with John Toon, AJ Fitzwater, Karen Healey, and Daphne Lawless.Trading GamesBuild a commercial empire, with games of trade.
5pmHard SF - Where Engineers Go To Die... and how to open it up for the rest of us. With Art Protin, Sean Monaghan, Mark English, and Mary Brock Jones.The Politics of Misery and Death: Why Are Dystopias So Damn Popular?It seems like every other book, comic or show is about the end of the world. How come? With moderator Jenny Hammond, Charlotte Earle, John Howell, Leigh K. Hunt and Jenni Sands.
6pmDinner BreakFan Film: Doctor Who - BesiegedA feature-length crossover with the Alien universe created by Scottish Doctor Who fans.Dinner Break
7pmCocktail PartyCatch up with friends before the Sir Julius Vogel awards, and try some of our specially themed cocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails available, cash bar).
8pmSir Julius Vogel AwardsPresentation of the Sir Julius Vogel awards, New Zealand's fan voted awards for various endeavours in the science fiction, fantasy or horror fields.
9pmClosing CeremonyThe final event of the convention. Join us to for performances, presentation of prizes, bids for 2019, and more.
10pmZonked Zombie PartyKnown in some quarters as the Dead Dog Party, the Zonked Zombie party is a final chance to catch up with old and new friends over a drink or two.FilkingEvery night after the main programming is over, filkers gather to sing into the wee small hours. Filking is SF folk music, often Weird Al Yankovic style parodies. Everyone is welcome - you don't need to sing or perform yourself.
11pm
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