EnchantiCon 2025

EnchantiCon 2025

11:15am CDT

Not the Droids: Finding Your Way Through the Star Wars Universe

Friday August 15, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Want to explore a galaxy far, far away but not sure where to start? Love Star Wars but want to dive in more? This is the panel for you. Not the Droids Podcast will be jumping to lightspeed to help you navigate the vast universe of Star Wars and help you on your path to the light (or dark) side.

Presenters

Dani Mione

Dani is a fan of all things, creator and host of the Creating Magic podcast and Not the Droids podcast. Dani can be found creating content, sewing, reading and exploring all the fantastical worlds. You can find her at @magicelleadventures on most platforms.

Mayuri Patel

Mayuri is a romance and fantasy fangirl who lives for swoony slow burns, epic magic, and the morally gray love interests everyone warned you about. She co-hosts Not The Droids podcast, watching every Star Wars thing in-universe (yes, even that one), and Spiced Volumes, where the... Read More →

Friday August 15, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Panel

12:30pm CDT

The Art of Shieldmaking

Friday August 15, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Join award-winning craftsman Matt DiGirolamo for a deep dive on how ancient shields were made, how to recreate them today, the health benefits of crafting, and some surprising parallels found in pop culture and video games!

Presenters

Matt DiGirolamo

Matt DiGirolamo (@theancientarmory) is a professional shield builder, historical researcher, and an award-winning craftsman. Having been involved with recreating shields from ancient history since 2016, Matt has branched out into cosplay and conventions as a panelist. His primary... Read More →

Friday August 15, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Demonstration

2:30pm CDT

How To Build A Dungeons & Dragons Character

Friday August 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Need a character for a game night, but you are new to D&D? We got you! Let's build a character from scratch who is ready for adventuring!

We will go over both the "old-fashioned way" straight from the Player's Handbook, but also the quick way on D&D Beyond!

Presenters

Jaine Torres

Jaine fell in love with fandom because of the love, acceptance, and friendships she has made. If you find her at the con say hi. She is a 'professional' DM, 'professional' con attendee, and professional nerd! Interests include but are not limited to: D&D, Pokemon, Harry Potter, fun... Read More →

Lara Griffith

Lara is a queer, autistic book and D&D nerd. She has organized panels at many conventions including LeakyCon and FanExpo Denver. Her default class is rogue, and The Unsleeping City is her favorite D&D campaign.

Kathy Kavanaugh

Kathy Kavanaugh, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and considers herself to be a “professional nerd” as she often utilizes narratives and themes from popular culture in clinical work. Kathy continues to grapple with how to engage with fandom in the wake of JKR’s transphobia and... Read More →

AJ Samett

AJ, cofounder of @D20_Cosplay, has been attending fan conventions for over 10 years, and has found a true love for the communities they create. Currently, they are one of the members of a Dimension 20 cosplay meetup group where they facilitate dozens of meetups internationally in... Read More →

Friday August 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Interactive

3:45pm CDT

Strengthening Family Bonds Through Fiction and Fandom

Friday August 15, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT

Family relationships strengthen through shared experiences and interests. During this session, father-daughter duo Jamie and Katie will share how fiction, fandoms, and cons have helped them build an incredible relationship. Co-host Derek will also share how he used these techniques with his young children after attending one of these sessions.

Presenters

Katie Smith

Katie is a passionate public speaker, swing dance instructor, and community builder. She’s been attending Mischief Management events since 2018, and is thrilled to return as a presenter. She has been a swing dance instructor for two years, helping people of all backgrounds discover... Read More →

Jamie Smith

Jamie was a regular attendee of LeakyCon starting in 2018 in Dallas and is a lifelong fiction fan. By day, he’s a technologist; by passion, a theme park enthusiast who grew up in South Lake Tahoe and has explored Disneyland, Disney World, and Universal Orlando. He’s always ready... Read More →

Friday August 15, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Panel

5:00pm CDT

Battle of the Plot! Should It Be Canon or Fanon?

Friday August 15, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT

Step into a space where you now control the narrative. Have a character in mind who shouldn’t have died, an event in a story that could have been done better, or a ship that should have happened? This is the place to hash them out! We call all fans of fantasy fiction to come together to discuss theories and storytelling decisions that keep us wondering why they did or didn’t happen. Vote on what should be considered fanon or canon!

Presenters

Abby Evangelisto

Abby Evangelisto is a YouTuber, cosplayer, and performing artist from Fort Worth, Texas. When they’re not playing accordion or working on their latest artistic project, they can be found reading kid lit, listening to 80’s new wave, and over-analyzing satirical media—sometimes... Read More →

Amanda Roth

Amanda Roth is a musician, nerd, marathoner, and arts administrator. By day, she works as a Production Operations Manager for From the Top. At night she can be found knitting, reading, or petting her cat.

Nana Kay

Your not-so-niche Chicagoland indie author known for poetry, prose, and even her satirically sassy video shorts about life and media. As a lover of storytelling, her work often explores philosophy, media, and culture to draw creative parallels to social happenings. If she’s not... Read More →

Lillian King

Lillian King is a writer, journalist, and fandom menace with a master's degree in folklore and a never-ending thirst for knowledge. When she's not writing Wolfstar fanfic, she's working on a Dumbledore libretto, playing roller derby, taking photos, or maybe even learning a third song... Read More →

Friday August 15, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Interactive

7:00pm CDT

Multi-Fandom Trivia! Hosted by Fantasy Fangirls

Friday August 15, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT

Attention scholars of myth and magic! We’re hosting a trivia game to rival all others, all about the fantasy worlds that we adore. The Fantasy Fangirls invite you to join them for an epic test of knowledge during EnchantiCon Game Night.

Answer sheets will be provided; we encourage participants to bring a writing utensil just in case! Fandoms will range and vary so be sure to bring your A-team and maybe find some new friends to join you. Teams of six or less recommended.

Presenters

Lexi

Lexi was climbing the corporate ladder in B2B tech marketing before she became a mom. Then her identity was wrapped up in motherhood for several years, and this rediscovered love for fantasy reading (plus the catapult into content creation) has largely helped her find herself beyond... Read More →

Nicole

As an entrepreneur/podcaster for 5 years, Nicole always enjoyed diving head first into things, gaining the title of “deep dive queen” from her husband. But in August 2023, she picked up ACOTAR, and the analyst part of her brain was immediately devoted to romantasy. Nicole is the... Read More →

Fantasy Fangirls

Fantasy Fangirls is a top-charts podcast known as the cure to your book hangover. Two sisters, Nicole and Lexi, deep dive into your favorite fantasy stories one series at a time. They discuss lore, characters, insights, and theories of beloved magical worlds — with lots of laughs... Read More →

Friday August 15, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Interactive

10:00am CDT

A Dungeon Master's Guide to D&D for Kids

Saturday August 16, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Interested in introducing youth to Dungeons and Dragons? Come learn some basic info about being a Dungeon Master, tips for working with youth, and tools to create content that feels safe and inclusive to explore!

Presenters

Bekah Gautrowski

Bekah Gautrowski is a Dungeon Master from Seattle, Washington who professionally hosts youth-focused D&D games for parties and events. She loves to use RPGs to build social-emotional skills in young people and let them stretch their creative muscles. She has two rescued greyhounds... Read More →

Saturday August 16, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Midway Suite 5

Panel

11:15am CDT

Makeup and Bodypaint Basics

Saturday August 16, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Feeling lost in the world of makeup? Join Makeup & Bodypaint Basics! Discover tips, tricks, and techniques to help your makeup look last all night—no magic required!

Presenters

Cynthia Eve Cosplay

Cynthia Eve is an award-winning pro cosplayer and crafter with 8+ years of experience. She loves to empower other cosplayers to grow as creators and performers.

Floral Laurel Cosplay

Floral Laurel Cosplay (Flora) is a St. Louis based cosplayer with 4 years of experience in costume design, creation, and makeup. Her most notable works have been characters from the Lore Olympus webcomic by Rachel Smythe, including Hecate, Minthe, and Dread Queen Persephone. Flora... Read More →

Saturday August 16, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Demonstration

12:30pm CDT

Dungeons & Dragons Show Fan Meetup

Saturday August 16, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Hi Intrepid Heroes! While we may not be nerdy voice actors, we still love some D&D shows, podcasts, streams and more! Come meet fellow fans! Dress as your favorite character! Join a ragtag party for epic adventures? Who knows, but take a chance and roll the dice!

Presenters

Lara Griffith

Lara is a queer, autistic book and D&D nerd. She has organized panels at many conventions including LeakyCon and FanExpo Denver. Her default class is rogue, and The Unsleeping City is her favorite D&D campaign.

Kathy Kavanaugh

Kathy Kavanaugh, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and considers herself to be a “professional nerd” as she often utilizes narratives and themes from popular culture in clinical work. Kathy continues to grapple with how to engage with fandom in the wake of JKR’s transphobia and... Read More →

AJ Samett

AJ, cofounder of @D20_Cosplay, has been attending fan conventions for over 10 years, and has found a true love for the communities they create. Currently, they are one of the members of a Dimension 20 cosplay meetup group where they facilitate dozens of meetups internationally in... Read More →

Saturday August 16, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Meetup

1:45pm CDT

How to Create a Safe Tabletop Role-Playing Experience

Saturday August 16, 2025 1:45pm - 2:15pm CDT

TTRPGs are great fun when played well but just like any game, safety rules helps keep all of the players at the table comfortable. This special session aims to give a brief overview of how to introduce and utilize safety tools in your games. Open to Game Masters and players alike, we'll be discussing what it truly takes to cultivate a respectful and vibrant gaming community.

Presenters

Meadow Lawson

Meadow is a professional TTRPG Game Master, actual play performer, freelance writer, and game designer. She prioritizes delivering diverse, inclusive stories that are both entertaining and heartfelt. She's been a TTRPG performer for 4 years, a professional GM for 3, and designing... Read More →

Saturday August 16, 2025 1:45pm - 2:15pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Fandom Foundations

2:30pm CDT

Fantasy Worldbuilding Workshop

Saturday August 16, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

For writers of all experience levels that want to deep dive into their fantasy worlds! We’ll make maps and answer questions to uncover history, develop magic systems, and more to make your world pop off the page.

Presenters

Sarah Dittmeier

Sarah Dittmeier is a fantasy writer, copywriter, and freelance writing coach. She has two fantasy books under her belt and is currently working on a third. She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with a BA in creative writing. She’s taken everything she’s learned over the years... Read More →

Saturday August 16, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Panel

3:45pm CDT

Dragons Are Gay: A Queer Analysis of How to Train Your Dragon

Saturday August 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT

Put on your rainbow glasses, because we're analyzing How To Train Your Dragon from a queer lens. HTTYD is a beloved animated film, known for its score and touching story of friendship and acceptance. But when we look deeper, what other themes appear? And how do queer audiences see themselves and their experiences reflected through Hiccup, Toothless, and everyone in Berk?

Presenters

Autumn Brooke

Autumn is a musician and nerd from Texas, now living in Ottawa. She loves reading books, listening to fiction podcasts, writing music about queer media and playing with her con friends. Check out her music on her YouTube page at youtube.com/@autumnbrookesings and autumnbrooke.ban... Read More →

Shelby Kellogg

Shelby Kellogg is a poet, writer, and long time lover of stories in any of their forms, and dragons were their first special interest. They live now in Austin, TX, working on any number of various crafts with their two cat assistants.

Mel Roe

A writer in Austin, TX, Mel enjoys overanalyzing media in her spare time. She is most passionate about horror and anime these days, but fantasy and comic books still hold a dear place in her heart. She can be found working on projects under the love and care of her two cat superv... Read More →

Saturday August 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Panel

5:00pm CDT

Classing Characters

Saturday August 16, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT

Aragon is definitely a ranger, but what is his subclass? Princess Merida is a Moon druid. And Leslie Knope is a bard? Or maybe a battle master fighter? So many characters need their D&D classes! Let's go over some of your favorite characters and see where they fit in the D&D world!

Presenters

Jaine Torres

Jaine fell in love with fandom because of the love, acceptance, and friendships she has made. If you find her at the con say hi. She is a 'professional' DM, 'professional' con attendee, and professional nerd! Interests include but are not limited to: D&D, Pokemon, Harry Potter, fun... Read More →

Lara Griffith

Lara is a queer, autistic book and D&D nerd. She has organized panels at many conventions including LeakyCon and FanExpo Denver. Her default class is rogue, and The Unsleeping City is her favorite D&D campaign.

Kathy Kavanaugh

Kathy Kavanaugh, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and considers herself to be a “professional nerd” as she often utilizes narratives and themes from popular culture in clinical work. Kathy continues to grapple with how to engage with fandom in the wake of JKR’s transphobia and... Read More →

AJ Samett

AJ, cofounder of @D20_Cosplay, has been attending fan conventions for over 10 years, and has found a true love for the communities they create. Currently, they are one of the members of a Dimension 20 cosplay meetup group where they facilitate dozens of meetups internationally in... Read More →

Saturday August 16, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Interactive

10:00am CDT

Story Structure in Fantasy: How and Why We Tell the Stories We Love

Sunday August 17, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

What makes a hero different from a protagonist? Does a fantasy require a magic system? What the heck is world building, and why would it be soft? That doesn’t sound right.

Welcome authors, dungeon masters, and storytellers of all types and backgrounds, to a program where we’ll discuss the defining characteristics of story structure as it relates to fantasy and how to use these tools to make your own stories shine.

Presenters

Briland Schack-Farnell

Briland Schack-Farnell is a lifelong fantasy enthusiast, constantly intrigued by the art of how and why we tell stories. In his life he has been a circus performer, an award-winning bartender, a collegiate guest lecturer, and much more. At EnchantiCon he will be representing Center... Read More →

Sunday August 17, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Midway Suite 5

Panel

11:15am CDT

Really Big Lizards: Dinosaurs, Dragons, and You

Sunday August 17, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Why are we so captivated by monsters? What do dragons and dinosaurs have in common, and what does our universal interest in really big lizards tell us about our shared primeval human experience?

In this educational presentation, we’ll learn how the oldest of dragon myths were inspired by real-life fossils and explore the philosophical implications of mankind’s fascination with dinosaurs and dragons. Dino nerds and dragon riders welcome!

Presenters

Geoff Hutton

Geoff Hutton, aka “Dream Quaffle,” has been performing and presenting in various fandom spaces for several years. If you’ve ever been to a convention, or any other gathering of nerds in festive outfits for that matter, you’ve probably met them. In addition to their wizard... Read More →

Abby Evangelisto

Abby Evangelisto is a YouTuber, cosplayer, and performing artist from Fort Worth, Texas. When they’re not playing accordion or working on their latest artistic project, they can be found reading kid lit, listening to 80’s new wave, and over-analyzing satirical media—sometimes... Read More →

Sunday August 17, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Panel

12:30pm CDT

Fantasy and Faith: How Religious Belief and Doubt Shaped Sci-Fi and Fantasy

Sunday August 17, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Faith and doubt inspired fantasy long before Lewis and Tolkien! Discover how new perspectives on religion influenced the very first fantasy and science fiction novels, from Frankenstein to Alice to Dr. Moreau.

Presenters

Eliza Sanders

Dr. Eliza Sanders earned a Ph.D. in English literature at the University of Iowa and is the author of Genres of Doubt: Science Fiction, Fantasy, and the Victorian Crisis of Faith. She has published her writing on motherhood at "Her View From Home" and is developing her first novel... Read More →

Sunday August 17, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Panel

2:30pm CDT

Not Just Tea Leaves: Trelawney, Tarot, and Trusting Yourself

Sunday August 17, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

This interactive session explores the intersection of divination, self-doubt, and personal power. Inspired by Professor Trelawney from Harry Potter, we’ll use reflection and group discussion to examine how intuition is often dismissed and how reclaiming it can lead to greater self-awareness and empowerment, regardless of your experience with tarot or divination.

Presenters

Camille A. Saunders

Camille is a neurodivergent, bisexual witch and relationship anarchist who offers sex and relationship therapy virtually across Washington state . She supports queer, neurodivergent, polyamorous, and witchy folks with anxiety, chronic illness, and communication struggles. Her approach... Read More →

Sunday August 17, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Midway Suite 5

Interactive