The Bridge is the central hub for Operations during CONvergence providing on-the-ground support 24/7, including lost-and-found, peacebonding, and answering any questions attendees may have. If you see something concerning or that makes you uncomfortable, stop by The Bridge or text us: 612-800-1677.
Saturday July 4, 2026 12:00am - Sunday July 5, 2026 12:00am CDT Hyatt 2, Mirage
Will you...come to our Space Cottage late at night? Don't go to bed. Come to our rave! We will have so much fun. It is so perfect, everyone will glow. We can have a dance or even two. We will be completely obsessed...together! **mature content** Participants: dj starfive
G--Dubbed--1968 A young boy trains as a ninja with a mysterious traveler (who is actually his father in disguise) to avenge his mother's murder by Lord Tokugawa.
A 45-minute, low-impact workout in the pool led by a certified water fitness instructor. Learn how to use water resistance to tone and strengthen and do cardio in a supportive way. You do NOT need to know how to swim. All levels of ability are welcome. Ages 12+ Participants: Christina Neitz
Saturday July 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT Hyatt 6, Pool
Return of the Munchkin Tournament! After a time away it returns--three rounds over the weekend with a finale consisting of the top six players from the three preliminary rounds. Bring all promo materials! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Amber Mullin
Do you want to attract birds, butterflies, and other pollinators to your yard? How much space do you actually need for the garden? What native species should you plant? Where can you find native plants? What resources are available to you to get started? Participants: Katie Heilman (mod), Arthur J Kneeland, Saz (Mdog) Kos, James Shaffer, Springyboii
Your feelings aren't fact. How can you talk with people who deny science and maybe actually reach them? Participants: Renate Fiora Hyer (mod), Jason Brown, Kendrick Edmund Hogue, Janelle Kloth
In anticipation of Dune Messiah, let's talk about our love for Dune--our favorite themes/characters, adaptations, and what we hope to see in the future. Participants: Jeff Grapevine (mod), Garrick A Dietze, Mark Goldberg, Sean C Novack, Dirk Ykema
Ever wanted to try a new art form but don't want to break the bank for something you're not sure you'll actually enjoy? We're here to teach you how to find supplies and basic training on a budget! Participants: Viga (mod), Allyson Cygan, Andrea Herman, Ren Nonnweiler, Erin Wilaby
From perseverance to self-worth, learning how to forgive to going "Plus Ultra", anime is full of genuinely good life lessons that can inspire us in the real world. Participants: J.C. Horvath (mod), Lyda Morehouse, Lathan Murrell
Were longswords as slow as it seems on TV? How do we know how knights fought in the Middle Ages? Does Thibault cancel out Capoferro? Scholars of historical European martial arts demonstrate sword fencing techniques from the 14th century onward. Participants: Paul David Bates, Kurt Fleschner
T. Aaron Cisco reads excerpts from their Afrofuturist and romantasy works, along with behind-the-scenes stories about writing life, media work, fandom, publishing, and the strange, funny, weird wild, and occasionally ridiculous realities of fantasy fiction. Participants: T. Aaron Cisco
We will be playing the classic deck-building game Dominion with various expansions. Build a deck on the fly to acquire the most valuable lands using treasure & power cards. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Carl Patten, Tammy Patten
Beginners Only. Join other early birds as you take terns trying to build the best wildlife preserve. With Subhead Pete teaching Wingspan, owl guarantee it won't fly over your head. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Pete Lane
LEDER Games' ROOT with all factions. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Carson Young
Players take on the role of citizens of Squalls End, visiting a legendary island to rescue as many cats as possible before the evil Lord Vesh arrives. It's a competitive, medium-weight, card-drafting and tile-placement game. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Eric R. Peterson
The Delian Tomb lay undisturbed until Queen Bargnot's goblins uncovered it. Within, relics of the fallen Caelian Empire point to the Cup of Iulius, a treasure said to transform its drinkers into fearsome warriors. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Liam of Wyldwolf Games
PG-13--Subtitled--2016 A high school boy with a talent for writing but no plan for life is cornered in the bathroom by a classmate. Is she asking him out? No. She wants to recruit him to help develop bishoujo games.
Unlikely heroes are brought together for a shared voyage. Expect 60% combat, 30% roleplay, and a dash of new friendships. Bring a fifth-level character, a reason for your journey, and get ready for adventure! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Kort of Wyldwolf Games
A short taiko tasting for fans of the acoustic mayhem that is Harisen Daiko. Can't wait for the Sunday MainStage show? Need more taiko in your weekend? We've got you. Participants: Holly Johnson
Zines are important staples in the world of art, made to convey information, writing, art, or anything your mind desires. Come learn the many ways to make and fold your own zine or bring your own to work on! Participants: Echo Olsen
Kids discuss Roblox, including what they like and what they don't about the platform. Participants: Kenneth Justiniano (mod), Cassius Bastian-Stendahl, Kenzie Fleschner, Rey Wall
For first timers or veterans who are pretty sure they don't know everything, this panel will try to teach you everything you need to know. Participants: Rhea Wessendorf (mod), Nikki Armstrong, Brian Etchieson, Carly Preston
Come hear sci-fi author and therapist Lee Brontide discuss the rapidly expanding future of embedded cybernetics and what psychology has to say about the nuanced ways that cybernetics could impact mental health--with both real and fictional examples. Participants: Lee Brontide
What is a 401(k)? Why care about a credit score? How do I budget sequins for my costume? Perhaps our parents and public education have not taught us enough to be financially literate. Join a panel of people who share their insights around money. Participants: Laura Okagaki (mod), Jin, Ashley M Mages, Erin Wilaby
Depression can be a self-reinforcing cycle where it cuts us off from the things that sustain us! Let's talk about our experience of depression inside and outside of nerddom. Participants: Nybieee (mod), Renate Fiora Hyer, KitKat, Kiki Joy Latham, Natalya Rose
Discussing being a nerd and queer and how that intersects with loving and/or believing in cryptids. Open to believers and nonbelievers, you just need to love the topic of discussing being queer and how that relates to your interest in cryptids. Participants: Eddie (mod), skazka 9000, Lathan Murrell, AJ Pete, TG
Join puppet Herman the Dinosaur as he shares fun, kid-friendly stories about robots and imagination. With friends Angela the Paleontologist and Gregory the Clown, this lively hour brings laughter, learning, and playful storytelling for young audiences. Participants: Angela Fox, Charles Hubbell, Gregory Parks
Ravenscroft presents a concert of acoustic instrumental music from cyborg- and robot-related movies, shows, and games. Come in cosplay or your PJs, and bring your coffee or knitting. Ft. violins, viola, bassoon, recorders, guitar, saxophone, and percussion. Participants: Megan F, Chris M, Kathleen O, Kerry P, Eve Z
At the Grand Game Hall, fun turns foul as tokens vanish and prizes go missing. A trickster is cheating! Explore, solve puzzles, and outsmart them to restore fair play and fun for all. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Kelsey Ebbert
Explosive fun awaits in Quacks of Quedlinburg! As rival potion makers, you'll draw ingredients from your bag and add them to your swirling cauldron. Outbrew your opponents by pushing your luck while avoiding explosions! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Carl
A worker placement game where players run rival community theatres. Audition actors, mount shows, and hold fundraisers in pursuit of box office success and critical acclaim. This is a design in progress; feedback welcome. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Nate Metcalf
The Quiet Year is a map-drawing TTRPG in which you do not play as individual characters, but rather as greater societal forces. The map will evolve based on your decisions. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Diane Perry
QUEERZ! is a Super Sentai power fantasy against bigotry. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Laurie Seifert Williams
PG-13--Dubbed--1992 A group of superpowered warriors and Giant Robo are sent to stop a cabal bent on world domination. The battle will test their resolve and reveal the ghastly truth behind Earth's present prosperity.
Cat in the Box is a "quantum" trick-taking card game for 2-5 players where card colors (suits) are not defined until played. Similar to hearts but with more strategy. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Eric R. Peterson
Memonek mediators arrive in an Orden village after hired guards vanish midseason despite full payment. Track them down and uphold the contract before tensions boil over! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Jordan of Wyldwolf Games
Gundam! Pacific Rim! Armored Core! Everybody loves giant mechs doing giant combat! Giga-Robo is a high energy board game that puts you in the role of a mech pilot fighting a Battle Royale in a destructible cityscape! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Ian Cross
Hosted by The Royal Manticoran Navy and HMS Hellhound. We've got the bridge, so come test your crew! Sign up daily at the Artemis Bridge in the Boundary Waters Promenade. Participants: The Royal Manticoran Navy
Birding with Nerds is back for its second year! Take a walk outside the convention, bring your binoculars, and join us for a walk down Loring Greenway to Loring Park. We'll point out cool birds in our immediate environment and share birding tips. Participants: Tanya Brody, CJ Mantel, Duck Washington
Have you ever watched PowerPoint Karaoke at CONvergence and said to yourself, "I want to try that!"? Now is your chance! Come to our open mic for a chance to get up and test your mettle against some of our classic slides! Participants: Windy Bowlsby, Angela Fox, Melissa Sue Kaercher, Andrea Ropella
Learn to Play Lorcana! Go through the basics and learn the various rules and card types available for the game. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Brandon Abel, Jaylynn Speidel
Return of the Munchkin Tournament! After a time away it returns--three rounds over the weekend with a finale consisting of the top six players from the three preliminary rounds. Bring all promo materials! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Amber Mullin
Have you ever seen a live performance with actors playing Klingons and wondered how they do it? Join us for some basic tips and helpful hints to get your best Klingon happening. Participants: Dawn Krosnowski (mod), Nathan Gerber, Lana Rosario, Laura Thurston
What are some of your favorite fantastical foods and drinks? How do you go about replicating them? Participants: Nybieee (mod), Scott Grandt, K.N. Hamann, Skylar Merritt Schwartz
In the past few years, the heat has turned way up for the relationships we have between the ghouls and the girls. Let's talk about our reception of this change to our "hear me out" lists. Participants: Lisa Hario (mod), Sonni de Soto, Mallory Glass, Charlene Holm, KitKat
What tribe of dragon would you want to be? What were your favorite twists in the series? Answer these questions and more, and offer your reactions to the latest book, The Hybrid Prince. Participants: Becca Justiniano (mod), Cassius Bastian-Stendahl, Kenzie Fleschner, Rose Grumdahl, Kierin McKay
On the 250th anniversary of American Independence, listen to the words of those who were there! Adapting for the first time 18th-century combat medic, historian, and POW David Ramsay, this reading is fully AI-illustrated. Participants: phillip andrew bennett low
Anita Kelling and Jay William Koelsch have been performing together for over 20 years. Their music ranges from British Isles folk to original compositions all with their unique moody flair. https://facebook.com/BriarFolkMusic Participants: Anita Kelling, Jay William Koelsch
Your favorite godless geeks are back again, and somehow it's been 14 years since this thing started?! Tim, Nick, and Molly will record an episode live with an audience! Come sit with like-minded folks for geeky atheist nonsense. Participants: Molly Glover, Nick Glover, Tim Wick
In a seaside town, rumors swirl of merpeople, but not the kind of which legends tell. A villain is turning people into half-fish monsters! As young superheroes, you must find them and put a stop to it. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Ben Stoddart
Welcome to the 145th Assassins' Guild Boffing Tournament! Compete against your fellow congoers by hitting each other with foam-padded weapons! Participants: Assassins' Guild Martial Arts Association
You're a space marine sent to the edges of the galaxy to deliver mankind's revenge on all aliens. Features dark humor, 30-second character creation, and fast-paced tactical combat. Drop-in/drop-out; priority to sign-ups. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: FLipsiDE
Yes, cute widdle Fluffy has been dognapped, and you must brave the flames of Heck to save her! A 5e D&D game with pregenerated characters. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Lee Stark
A break-in at a local CIA office has authorities baffled. Grab your fellow teenage mutant ninja friends and stake out the scene. A janitor reports a figure in metallic armor...what's really going on? NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Hunter Goetzman
Players help Grandma stack playful kittens into a pyramid. Roll dice, assign results to the board, and decide: push your luck or play it safe? You'll need wit, strategy, and a little bit of feline furtune to claim victory. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Eric R. Peterson
PG-13--Dubbed--1987 Nine of Japan's leading animators created short films exploring human interaction with robots and the consequences of creating life with one's own hands.
Learn the basics of Daggerheart, Critical Role's narrative-focused alternative to D&D. Create a character to keep and walk through examples of basic gameplay. Intro only; no adventure. Drop-in/Drop-out; priority to sign-ups. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Timetwist
This elimination-style competition on a two-player glass tabletop arcade machine features games ranging from the classic to the bizarre. Space is limited. (1:30pm signup, 2:00pm start)
Come bet on sports mascots as they stumble, fall over, run into each other, and crawl down the field. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Michael Blomberg
Starring Roll is a dice-rolling, probability-wagering game where you run rival community theatres. One player rolls dice, but all players collect resources and then use them to mount productions. Still in design stages. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Nate Metcalf
Why gender a robot? What purpose does it serve? Does it help us form attachments? What does that say about how we view/perform gender in our everyday human lives? We'll address these questions and more as we explore our favorite cyber friends! Participants: Jules (mod), Lee Brontide, Naomi Kritzer, Jamie Riedesel, TG
Kids and teens discuss their views on AI. How do these views differ from peers? Have these views changed as new information has come out? Participants: Becca Justiniano (mod), Cassius Bastian-Stendahl, Azron Borchert, Henrietta Louise Buchan, Nick Fox
How do you introduce your loved ones to board games if they don't have any experience with them (or are littles or olds)? What games work well to get people hooked on the hobby? Participants: Renate Fiora Hyer (mod), Chris William Malone, Nybieee, Amber Raden, Nick the Board Game Librarian
Unconventional paths exist to working in STEM. You don't always have to have a PhD or go to school for STEM to work in the various fields. What roles in tech, medicine, etc., don't need advanced degrees or have alternate paths to success than schooling? Participants: Stephen Nein (mod), Michael Contos, Vanessa East, Saz (Mdog) Kos, Kerry T Peterson
Four panelists are given subjects on which they must speak for one minute without deviation, repetition, or hesitation. Participants: Lee Harris (mod), Windy Bowlsby, Molly Glover, Tim Wick, Matthew Kessen, Angela Fox, Nick Glover
This "internet meme cover band" is actually pretty original, with gender-neutral love songs full of heart and sass that can span multiverses or survive the zombie apocalypse, songs from and about video games, and other geeky surprises! Participants: Reverend Rebecca Nathaniel Elfprincess, Grenevic Sharladanel Stremski
Come join the Commander Social. What can be more fun than playing Magic: the Gathering and making new friends? NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Ross Prosser
In Wroth, each player represents a unique culture with a distinctive approach to battle and a variety of fighters with remarkable capabilities. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Chip Theory Games
Can you establish the kingdom's most prosperous territory and win the throne?! Compete for influence within the court to get the resources to build up and defend your lands against winter invasions! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Charles Roberts
Friends & Lovers is a new full-length polyamory rom-com for the stage written by John Heimbuch and directed by Kassy Skoretz. When Frankie and Avery meet at a convention panel about monsters, their attraction is instantaneous. (staged reading) Participants: John Heimbuch
Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Second Era is a strategy game of combat and character-building. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Amanda of Chip Theory Games
Spirit Island for folks who have played before and want a challenge. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: AJ Zozulin
The party needs to get info for the Wizard Sorten at the library. The Shagaspondium has gone into the Shadow Fell and info on what they may find there is desperately wanted. Join in and see what you discover in Elysium. Participants: Burl Zorn
Run! Run! Run! is a cooperative game where players act as cat archaeologists exploring an Egyptian pyramid while fighting off mummies. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Eric R. Peterson
Revenants Hollow, once steeped in arcane secrets, has fallen silent. The ground cracks and restless wails echo through its streets. What dark truths lie within, and will you survive to uncover them? NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Jake Rafter
The Delian Tomb lay undisturbed until Queen Bargnot's goblins uncovered it. Within, relics of the fallen Caelian Empire point to the Cup of Iulius, a treasure said to transform its drinkers into fearsome warriors. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Liam of Wyldwolf Games
Beginners Only. Stuck at the airport with a delayed flight? Camping out for must-have concert tickets (do people still do this?) Come learn some quick-play card games that are potent portable boredom busters! Taught by our very own Subhead Pete! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Pete Lane
NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up!
PG-13--Subtitled--1995 A trio of speculative short films: A pair of engineers explore an abandoned space station. A lab technician mistakenly takes pills that curse him with deadly flatulence and has to flee from the army. A young boy dreams of firing a cannon for his homeland.
Building a pantheon can be an important part of worldbuilding. How do you go about doing so without making yet another version of the same old gods? Participants: Kenneth Justiniano (mod), Eddie, Lisa Hario, Satish Jayaraj, Jamie Riedesel
Former CONvergence Guest of Honor and local filmmaker Troy LaFaye moderates this panel discussion and Q&A featuring locally based women filmmakers discussing their craft, their work, and the film industry. Participants: Troy Antoine LaFaye (mod), Kari Layland, Vanessa M. H. Powers, Jennifer Prettyman, Jolanta Young
The nerdcore could rise up, it could get elevated...or has it passed its prime? Come talk about this subgenre of hip-hip and promote your favorite artists and tracks. Participants: Cetius d'Raven (mod), Kelly Brimbor, Nathan Gerber, Ashley M Mages
Libraries are more than books--they're safe havens, community hubs, archives of knowledge, and launchpads for curiosity. As funding and access become battlegrounds, it's time to rediscover why libraries are irreplaceable. Participants: Jeff Grapevine (mod), Andrea Herman, Jennifer L Klumpp, Morgan Strickland, Nick the Board Game Librarian
Who is Santa's favorite Doctor? Which snack food does Captain America prefer? Does Sailor Moon think Star Wars or Star Trek is better? A panel of improvisers tackles fun and geeky debate topics as a persona based on a prop or costume piece! Participants: Eric Thompson (mod), Alison Anderson, Garrick A Dietze, Angela Fox, Jason Kruger, Andrea Ropella, Megan M Slawson
We've chosen your time period to travel to, as you are statistically the most receptive to our weird noise. Also, guitars, keyboards, basses, and drums were banned around 2035. Enjoy them while they last! Participants: Jenny Case, Reynold Kissling, Keith Lodermeier, Mitch Miller
Play as Marvel's greatest heroes and fight to escape the depths of Planet Hulk. Face deadly challenges, outsmart sinister villains, and lead your team to freedom! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Hunter Goetzman
In Wroth, each player represents a unique culture with a distinctive approach to battle and a variety of fighters with remarkable capabilities. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Chip Theory Games
Learn a variety of different origami patterns of varying skill levels. Try them all and leave with your own paper creations! All ages but younger kids may need some extra help. Participants: Susie Kline
Blood on the Clocktower is a social deduction game where a group of players must work together to find out who among them is the demon before it's too late. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Aurora Corgan
Exploding Kittens is a fast-paced, kitty-powered version of Russian Roulette. Players take turns drawing cards from a deck while attempting to avoid drawing an Exploding Kitten card. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Eric R. Peterson
Elena Koval has been kidnapped. You and your fellow mercenaries, all former spies and operators, have been hired to get her back. You'll need all your skills, because there are...complications: VAMPIRES! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Fred Wagener
Watch as talented artists are given impossible challenges! Could you create a CONvergence-themed amusement park in 30 minutes? How about designing a new Doctor Who costume in five minutes? These artists create the impossible! Participants: Jerry Belich, Christopher Jones, Melissa Sue Kaercher, John Kovalic, Tim Wick
Standard and Modern tourney (can change to just Modern, depending on interest); eight players each. Bring your own legal deck and sideboard. Top two performers from each event will be invited to a (free!) special draft on Sunday at 11:00am. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: The Sleever Hive
The Cerulean Ruins has been a Site of Special Arcane Interest (SSAI) for years. But today, someone snuck past the Institute's guards for some unscheduled tomb raiding. Your job: stop them. Fast! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Chris J Mortika
Oye, beltalowda unte beltawala! Lang Belta is the creole language of the Belt in The Expanse universe, created by linguist Nick Farmer for the show. Be sure to come to class for study resources and an in-person lesson. Kom! Du wang wit milowda! Participants: Melanya
Starring Roll is a dice-rolling, probability-wagering game where you run rival community theatres. One player rolls dice, but all players collect resources and then use them to mount productions. Still in design stages. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Nate Metcalf
PG-13--Subtitled--2003 On the day of his brother's wedding, Pepe Benengeli is set to compete in La Vuelta, a cycling competition with a stage set in his hometown.
Androids are often depicted in a future that promises to be equal for all, but that is often not true. What does it mean for artificial beings to be depicted as Black? How are androids and allegory intertwined? How does Afrofuturism explore these themes? Participants: T. Aaron Cisco (mod), Martin Peter Law, Nur-D, T'Yanna L Singleton
Have an appreciation for the creepy? Want your home to reflect your dark aesthetic? Join like-minded folks and hear of their journeys into finding macabre art to fit their style and tastes. Participants: Kelly Brimbor (mod), skazka 9000, Renate Fiora Hyer, Andrea Herman, Lathan Murrell
Along with his contemporaries H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard, Clark Ashton Smith was the third of the Weird Tales "Big Three". We delve into the life and work of this unjustly neglected fantasist. Participants: Patrick G Harrigan (mod), Matthew Kessen, Tim Uren
How can we as parents, friends, and family members best support the queer kids in our lives? Whether it's gender identity, sexuality, fashion, education, and/or social skills, there's more to support than unconditional love. Participants: Nick Fox (mod), Annie Fleschner, Kenzie Fleschner, Kiki Joy Latham, Eric Alexander Norton
After all those years living with and trying to understand humans, do you sometimes wonder if Lt. Commander Data ended up more human than some of us? How do we measure this man? Boldly go where no android-centric panel has gone B-4! Participants: Cetius d'Raven (mod), Susanna Holt, Wes Huntington, Rosewind, Skylar Merritt Schwartz
More exhilarating than reaching the summit of the Aggro Crag, more pleasing to the ear than a dial-up signal, with more hits than your favorite Slammer, Fistful of Datas is the Twin Cities' foremost '90s cover band. Participants: Maya Burroughs, Reynold Kissling, Mackenzie Lahren, Keith Lodermeier, Liz Lodermeier
Vladimir & Estragon took a terrible job in a dungeon in the hopes of facing off against the legendary hero Gygax. Will they find glory or despair? A staged reading of the 2017 Minnesota Fringe Festival hit! (Staged reading) Participants: Kyle B Dekker, Colette Feehan, Molly Glover, Matthew Saxe
The dragon to the south has been slain. Your clan has decided to abandon their current lands and spirits for the rich promise that lies beyond its lair. A low-level, introductory Daggerheart adventure. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: FLipsiDE, Timetwist
This cool pack of pigeons is seeking to pilfer some popcorn from Wrigley field. You know that the owner, Tomtit Cricketts, has the keys to the vault on his bird-son, and opening day is the perfect time to pull off this heist! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Courtana
Blood on the Clocktower is a social deduction game where a group of players must work together to find out who among them is the demon before it's too late. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Aurora Corgan
R--Subtitled--1983 Earth's only hope for defense against alien invasion is the Special Armored Battalion Dorvack, equipped with special mecha that convert between rugged all-terrain vehicles and humanoid forms.
The Wyld Hunt cycle descends upon Axis! An impending catastrophe? A cleansing rite? No one alive can say. Regardless, it is horrific to witness and deadly for any caught in its wake. Join one of four parties to end the Hunt! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Wyldwolf Games
Are you Kiki or are you Bouba? Martin and Cristina discuss the history of Kiki and Bouba, a 100 year-old study about synesthesia and the origin of language. Vampires are Kiki, the blob is Bouba, and we are all nerds with too much time on our hands. Participants: Martin Peter Law, Cristina Peterson
Ah HoneyCon, that annual national gathering of honey lovers and producers. Little do they know that there are criminal bears amongst them, looking to STEAL ALL THAT HONEY. You are the bears. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Chris William Malone
Come join us to craft your own glowing lotus blossom lamp. Using pipe cleaners and soft string lights, you'll bring a beautiful light-up flower to life. Come relax, get creative, and leave with something uniquely yours! Beginner-friendly activity. Participants: Andrea Doughty, Caprice Stark
Star Trek is old enough to receive a senior citizen discount at the Klingon breakfast buffet. Revisit the beloved characters, innovative storytelling, and timeless themes that have made Star Trek a cultural phenomenon, inspiring dreamers and invention! Participants: Michael Scott Shappe (mod), T. Aaron Cisco, Cory Enriquez, Assad Khaishgi, Skylar Merritt Schwartz
Thirty-five years ago, Vampire: the Masquerade begat the World of Darkness. Let's celebrate by discussing our favorite aspects of the multigame world, the d10 system they used, and the horrors inherent in the setting. Participants: Kenneth Justiniano (mod), Kelly Brimbor, Lisa Hario, Jennifer L Klumpp, Rosewind
burnunit puts weirdo punk/folk and queer, singalong-friendly country bangers in a big, earnest blender and pushes the "CRUSH ICE" button. Check out her socials @burnunit or @yesjostark, and be sure to check out the GIRLFRIEND mixtape. Participants: Johanna Stark
Vogon poetry. Bilbo's Walking Song. Nevermore. The CONvergence Poetry Slam is here to celebrate words and nerds in an exciting competitive format! Show up, sign up, and if the lottery gods are kind, you may be drawn to read two three-minute poems. Participants: Kyle B Dekker, Cole Sarar
A worker placement game where players run rival community theatres. Audition actors, mount shows, and hold fundraisers in pursuit of box office success and critical acclaim. This is a design in progress; feedback welcome. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Nate Metcalf
The panel where we talk about anything and everything *except* the CONvergence Masquerade. If you are interested in everything *except* the masquerade, this is the panel for you! Participants: Molly Glover, Nick Glover, Melissa Sue Kaercher, Jeremy Stomberg
The Quiet Year is a map-drawing TTRPG in which you do not play as individual characters but rather as greater societal forces. The map will evolve based on your decisions. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Diane Perry
Project Titan: A Warforged Adventure is a D&D one-shot involving a team of Warforged Special Ops on a retrieval mission gone wrong. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Lee Stark
R--Dubbed--2022 Japanese people transported to other worlds are supposed to have special powers, right? So what's wrong with this guy? A helpful local takes him under her wing, but she may have an ulterior motive for helping him.
How do we survive, and how can we prepare to survive, the ongoing and upcoming world situation? Participants: Michael Contos (mod), Kendrick Edmund Hogue, Sherry Pofahl Johnson, Laura Okagaki, Johanna Stark
How does one play a constructed being in an RPG? Which systems lend themselves to construct PCs? What advantages and challenges are there to playing such a character? Participants: Kenneth Justiniano (mod), Scott Jamison, Jordan Lane Peacock, Jamie Riedesel, Eric Zawadzki
Do you have a particular playlist for any/all of your geeky pursuits? If so, you're not alone! Come listen to Guest of Honor John Kovalic and radio host Barb Abney discuss which of their hobbies got a soundtrack and how they're built. Participants: Barb Abney (mod), John Kovalic
Come laugh and cry with the MN Ren Fest's gothmost musical act! Give your sadness some stiff opposition! Participants: Chad Dutton, Aiden Milligan, Matt Schrampfer
Another year and another batch of the finest movie and TV scores we could round up! Find out which ones we picked from 2025! Participants: Dave Margosian, Kayla McGrady, Duck Washington
Want some new chrome for your body but don't have the cash for a ripperdoc? Don't worry, come to Sandbox! We will build and customize cardboard cyber arms to look like the coolest tech! Plus no pesky cyberpsychosis! All ages (under 8 with help) Participants: Arthur Ray Armstrong
A social deduction game where players are secretly Good or Evil, guided by a Storyteller. Good must identify and execute the demon; Evil deceives and eliminates others to gain majority. NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Kyle Smaagard
Come drink, brawl, and gamble at the Red Dragon Inn! We'll be including both the newest characters and classic friends. **mature content** NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Carl Patten, Tammy Patten, Charles Roberts
A dice-only game! Five players randomly choose their characters, their map, and their opponents. Two hours of pure D&D mayhem! **mature content** NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Laurie Seifert Williams
Tune your antennae to an intergalactic mystery in a most transmutational and revolutionary bar. Download new sensations, chill to sonic harmonizations, and bathe in our ultra-luminescent atmosphere. Open nightly.
Splounge’s resident DJ is ready to bring you another specially curated set to get your antennae waving, your pulsars vibrating, and refill your life meter to full hearts. Participants: DJ Macchines
Wanna use an audio with curse words? Wanna get a little dirtier in the choreo? Just prefer a room full of adults to perform in front of instead? Then come to the Cosplay Lipsync Battle 18+ Edition! Sign up at https://forms.gle/XAin5k9eEUSepLfE8 **mature content** Participants: Jera Of All Trades
R--Subtitled--2010 In 1955 Japan, seven boys in reform school on serious charges must band together to survive the sadistic guards and doctors. Even if they do survive, what kind of lives are waiting for them on the other side?
Mature, story-focused game for narrative roleplayers. Group consensus will set the rule system and content limits. Players beyond four will be split across two GMs. Negocios Infernales/Fiasco/Blue Beard's Bride/Last Caravan/Trophy Dark. **mature content** NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: FLipsiDE, Timetwist
Come watch an exciting performance by Nur-D, one of the fastest rising stars in Minnesota's music scene! He'll perform hits from his nine full-length projects, an electric mix of hip-hop and soul with a liberal dose of nerdy pop culture. Participants: DJ Hayes, Nur-D
Stop reading if under 18 because innuendo's coming...waiting...OK? Good. Grab your joystick and double-click on this panel! Well worth the character usage. Smash or Pass, you know it. This time with video games! Yeah! **mature content** Participants: Cory Enriquez, Christina Gregerson, Janelle Kloth
Play a grab-bag of superheroes trying to stop Doctor Magnethands from doing something evil in his Moon Base on the Moon. A drunk friendly party storytelling game. Each round lasts about 30 minutes; drop in whenever! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Tim Patton
Again, the punsters of CONvergence assemble without fear of flying fruit! Here, our puns are intended! Participants: Edward Eastman, Margaret Eastman, Brian LaBounty
The Dregs combine folk music, original songs, and comedy to create a unique blend of entertainment that will have you laughing and tapping your toes. **mature content** Participants: Susanne Becker, Trevor Hartman, Paul Score, Rian Vellichor, Tim Wick, Molly Zupon
Saturday July 4, 2026 10:00pm - Sunday July 5, 2026 12:00am CDT Hyatt 2, Regency Room
Play a grab-bag of superheroes trying to stop Doctor Magnethands from doing something evil in his Moon Base on the Moon. A drunk friendly party storytelling game. Each round lasts about 30 minutes; drop in whenever! NOTE: Event has limited seating that requires signing up at the Gaming Front Desk in the Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Promenade--stating attendance here DOES NOT sign you up! Participants: Tim Patton
R--Dubbed--2000 (Parody) A young man comes of age and pilots a giant robot while his father plots the end of the world. This classic fan parody dub is best enjoyed in loud groups. It doesn't matter if you don't know all the references, come sing along!
Saturday July 4, 2026 11:30pm - Sunday July 5, 2026 12:30am CDT Hyatt 4, Lake Harriet
Wanna play a goofy end-of-the-world dating sim? Better yet, wanna voice one of the ridiculous characters? Pop your name in and see if you get drawn! If doing a voice isn't your jam, no worries. You can join us in the audience for a perfectly silly time. **mature content** Participants: Filima, Nathan Gerber, Philip D Henry, Dawn Krosnowski
Saturday July 4, 2026 11:30pm - Sunday July 5, 2026 12:30am CDT Hyatt 2, Greenway FG
