Rubenstein 503

From Strand To Style: Navigating Cosplay Wigs

11:00-12:00

Are your outfit, shoes and props all set - but now you’re missing the wig to take your look over the top? Come join a seasoned wig commissioner as he offers tips and tricks to help navigate the vast world of cosplay wigs: how to find the perfect base wig, essential tools and techniques for styling, and how to have the confidence to bring it all together!

Not Your Model Minority!: Asian Media in Fandom Spaces

12:00-1:00

Not Your Model Minority! is a nonprofit made by alumni of Columbia College Chicago that uplifts the Asian, Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian, Desi American (APIDA) community through educational programming. This panel discusses current Pop Asian culture (such as anime & K-pop) and its connection to racial identity, in the Asian diaspora, and welcoming everyone (including non-APIDA allies) to learn how to stand in solidarity with the APIDA community through a presentation in the first half and a Q&A in the second half.

Movimiento Nortaku: How anime influenced Mexican music

1:00-2:30

A brief history on how anime influenced Mexican music! Plus new updates!

LittleSquidPrince: Itabagging 101

2:30-3:30

You have all of this merch of your favorite character, ship, fandom…so now what? In this panel, we will be talking about itabags, its history, Oshi-Katsu culture, the basics of itabagging, and how to get started.

Sean Sharp:Monster Suit Madness

3:30-4:30

If you're a die hard horror fan, a kaiju lover, or a haunter, you know nothing beats a highly detailed practical costume. Learn from Sharp Shot EFX how to design, sculpt, and assemble a head to toe creature suit to make your worst nightmares come true.

Cloister Club

Anime Formal Dancing

4:00-6:00

Want to show off some new skills? Come learn the basics of formal partner dancing! Two dance styles will be covered, but the options are limitless. 

Cosplay Contest

2:30-3:15 at MAX Palevsky Theater

Come to watch our cosplay contest in action and see the awards handed out to various cosplayers who entered the contest! Cheer on your favorite cosplays and see some beautifully designed cosplays.

Rubenstein 504

How Universities Got Game: Expansions of Video Games and Pop Culture

11:00-12:00

Professor Patrick Jagoda explores the rise of popular media industries how they spread into university classrooms. How did forms that were once considered elements of “low culture” yield programs in media analysis and design?

Enter the Hexagon: Intro to Hypnosis Mic!

12:00-1:00

Comprehensive introduction to the multi media franchise Hypnosis Microphone

Chicago's Cosplaying Hottie's Present Cosplaying As A Hottie 101

1:00-2:00

Ever was just trying to enjoy a fandom as a hot person but you get asked a million questions to "prove" that you're apart of that fandom? Ever felt like you love to cosplay but want to be apart of a community? Wanna just take a break from the con and play a few games? HAVE NO FEAR, CHICAGO'S COSPLAYING HOTTIES ARE HERE 💟 We're here for you to vent, laugh and take a break if needed.

How to Succeed as a VTuber starting Now! –by IRIAM

2:00-3:00

Becoming a VTuber often means costly models and complex setups. This panel shows how IRIAM makes it easy and fun with just your smartphone.

Energetic Protection For Gamers, Streamers & Cosplayers

3:00-4:00

“Energetic Protection for Gamers, Streamers & Cosplayers” explores how nervous system regulation and energetic awareness can safeguard your mental, emotional, and overall wellbeing in online and in person. Head Witch Lynsi of Crystal Case Apothecary, and Digital Media Strategist of Geek Therapeutics shares practical tools to manage overstimulation, ground your energy, and feel safe enough to be your authentic self in both digital and physical spaces.

Prof. Ada Palmer: A History of Robot Civil Rights in Manga & Anime

4:00-5:00

Japanese science fiction has long used robots and artificial intelligences to explore questions of civil rights, prejudice, and injustice. In much of that time, English language SF was translated into Japanese, influencing Japan's robot fiction, but rarely translated back... until 1995 when Japan's SF tradition poured back in anime & manga form, weaving together two traditions of robot fiction which, until then, had grown independently. The fusion of the two is now influencing new anime, manga, novels, live action TV, and even legal discussions of the legal status of LLMs.

3rd floor Theater

Anthony Wang: Half-Live @ UchiCon

12:00 - 1:00

Come watch Half-Live, a j-pop cover band, performing Unravel, Idol, SpecialZ, Bios, and more.

Santana Anthony

1:00 - 1:15

Come enjoy a performance of “Spark” by Winter, bringing my own energy and interpretation to the choreography. This performance blends sharp K-pop movement with emotion and stage presence.

Pep Band

1:15 - 2:00

It’s time for Sound! Euphonium in real life! UChicago Pep Band will perform your favorite anime, TV show, video game, and movie music from across the decades, including “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” “Mortal Kombat,” and “Sailor Moon.”

Rina Tennoji Live

2:00-2:30

Come watch はれ•DAY! Idols connect with their audience through the music of Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club’s Rina Tennoji! Bring your penlights, set them to white, and be ready to cheer them on!

neXus

2:30-3:00

Come enjoy a performance by UChicago's premier K-pop dance RSO, founded in 2019!

Start@Beginning! Debut idolfest!

3:00-4:00

Idol showcase for beginner idols of all kinds!

Kojo Daiko

4:00-4:30

Come enjoy a performance by UChicago’s Kojo Daiko RSO!

AniMelodies LIVE!!

4:30-5:00

Get ready for an anime music showcase! Momomich performs a set of classics and modern favorites you know and love.