Panels
We have an exciting selection of panels and presenters! See below for the schedule! All Panels will be in the XXX room. Schedule subject to change.
Saturday Panels (2024)
11:00 AM – A Q&A with NY Times Bestseller Jonathan Maberry
Spend an hour with NY Times Bestseller Jonathan Maberry – and 5-time Bram Stoker Award winning author (the Joe Ledger thrillers, Rot & RUIN, V-Wars, NecroTek, etc), comic book writer (Black Panther, Wolverine, etc), anthology editor, and editor of Weird Tales Magazine. Jonathan’s work has been developed for TV and film. He is also a writing teacher and founder of the Writers Coffeehouse.
12:30 PM – “Mastering the Craft of Nightmare Narratives: From Pen to Published”
Join local horror authors from the Horror Writers Association as they reveal the dark secrets of crafting tales that haunt readers long after the last sentence. Discover how to conjure fear through words, create unique monsters and build tension. Panelists will share their writing journeys, tips for the craft, and an insider’s view into getting published. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a fan of the macabre, this session will unleash your inner horror storyteller. Presented by the Horror Writers Association (HWA) San Diego chapter: Rachel Brune, KC Grifant, Lisa Kastner, Dennis K. Crosby.
2:00 PM – “Bloody Horror Trivia”
Oh, the horror of it all! Think you know you stuff around horror flicks? Come test your knowledge at the Bloody Horror Trivia and prove you’re the master of horror. Hosted by Alexandria Horn.
3:30 PM – “San Diego Haunted Gaslamp Stories”
U.S. Ghost Adventures Tour Guide, Dave Rivas shares stories of historical haunted locations in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter with a paranormal past. Presented by Dave Rivas from U.S. Ghost Adventures, who is the voice of Joey Drew from Bendy and the Dark Revival.
5:00 PM – “Medieval Torture: Myths and Truths”
Don’t make me use the thumbscrews on you! Join us for an engaging and insightful look at the medieval practice of torture. Learn about the common implements used, and why. Explore myths about medieval torture that perpetuate 600 years later! Recommended ages 12+. Led by an experienced, fun public speaker with over 20 years experience as a hobby medievalist and costumer. Presented by Rebecca Eusey.
6:30 PM – “The Rocky Horror Picture Show Panel Discussion”
A discussion on the history of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Starting as a low budget film adaptation of a musical. Leading to it’s emergence as a cult classic and Halloween staple. Presented by Crazed Imaginations, with Joe Valenzuela, Kasey DelaCuadra, Brandon Kennedy, Ray Crusberg. and Phoenix!
Sunday Panels (2024)
11:00 AM – “Name that _________! “
Group panel where we have attendees compete in a contest where they will hear a few seconds of a song from iconic thriller and/or horror tv shows, movies, and video games and try to name the source! Presented by SaltQueen Cosplay and Milktea Tiff.
12:30 PM – “Must-Read Tales of Horror”
Dive into the chilling world of horror literature with local authors of the San Diego Horror Writers Association. Learn about the voices who shaped the genre, the rich variety within the indie horror community, and hidden gem recommendations. You’ll hear why horror is having a comeback and dive into its diverse subgenres, from psychological terror to supernatural dread. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or new to the genre, this session will leave you with a reading list guaranteed to haunt your dreams. Presented by the Horror Writers Association (HWA) San Diego chapter: E.S. Magill, Chad Stroup, David Agranoff, David Neuhausel, and Cody Thompson.
2:00 PM – “Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse Rez Style”
Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse: Rez Style is a creative discussion of the Indigenuity of Indigenous people through a pop cultural lens made popular by George A. Romero and The Walking Dead. It is an exploration of the way that Indigenous knowledge, science, weaponry and values helped Indigenous communities survive in the aftermath of their own apocalyptic realities and how it has prepared them to survive anything, especially ZOMBIES. It is a fun and unique way to discuss Native History and the importance and usefulness of our Ancestral knowledge and indigenuity. Presented by Johnnie Jae from Grim Native.
3:30 PM – “Creating a Haunt with a Cause”
Discover everything that goes into building a haunt that also gives back to your local community. Learn about how to tie in educational components to a haunted maze. This session will focus on Fright for Future’s haunted maze of true terrors and how we can use gore and horror to make a truly impactful and immersive experience. Presented by Jaidacyn Madrigal, founder of Fright for Future.
5:00 PM – “Horror Movies of the 70s and 80s“
Do you like scary movies? Looking for a fantastic scare on Halloween night? David Neuhausel with Eunice Magill and Ingrid Luedtke will go over the best films from the 70s and 80s and why they are classics. We’ll also discuss which films had the scariest soundtrack! Whether you are familiar with all or just a few, come have some fun scares.
