Con of Thrones 2018 announces programming schedule

Con of Thrones, the world’s premiere Game of Thrones convention, kicks off in just over a month. Now, organizer Mischief Management has released part of its programming schedule.  In addition to all the celebrity guests in attendance, attendees can also enjoy panels like these over the course of the three-day event.

Friday

The Great Debates: The Best Stark (12:00-12:50 p.m.)

Welcome to the Great Debates: the Con of Thrones epic battle of wits where anyone can be a contender! How does it work? Attend this weekend’s debates, step up to the mic and make your case for which Stark is the best in two minutes or less and wait for the audience to choose the winner. No sign-up necessary, just show up ready to battle!

The Wars to Come: Season 8 Predictions and Speculation (2:00-2:50 p.m.)

Are you ready for the end? Let’s predict and speculate on the final season of Game of Thrones!

The Queendom of Thrones (5:00-5:50 p.m.)

The depiction of women on Game of Thrones frequently inspires debate, and yet women dominate the story and are the show’s biggest fans! Here, panelists will discuss the complexity and challenges of loving Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire as a woman in fandom.

Saturday

Games of Thrones Cosplay on a Budget (11:00-11:50 a.m.)

Cosplay your favorite characters without having to break the Iron Bank. Our experienced panelists discuss a variety of topics including cheap alternatives to expensive materials such as worbla and leather, and sourcing great materials without having to pay the iron price.

How Game of Thrones Changed the World of Television (12:00-12:50 p.m.)

There’s no question that Game of Thrones has revolutionized the TV landscape, but how far does it go? And can the phenomenon ever be topped?

Game of Threads (3:00-3:50 p.m.)

Season 7 ushered in a new phase for our favorite characters and their costumes reflected the shifting power struggles. Join fashion designer Hogan McLaughlin in discussing the motivation and symbolism in each character’s sartorial choices.

You Spell or You Die: A Song of Ice and Fire Spelling Bee (6:00-6:50 p.m.)

Do you have what it takes to spell the hardest words in Westeros? If you think your maester taught you well, join the Ladies of FireandLunch for an ASoIaF Spelling Bee that will test you to your limits. If you’re not careful, you could end up as just another head on a spike! This is a traditional-style spelling bee with two knockout rounds and a sudden death final. There are prizes for the top three spellers!

Sunday

Cut But Not Forgotten (10:00-10:50 a.m.)

Fans often wonder, would Game of Thrones have been better without trimming book characters such as Lady Stoneheart, Arianne Martell, or Garlan and Willas Tyrell? This panel examines that contentious question!

The Spinoff Panel (12:00-12:50 p.m.)

The final season is almost upon us, but we’re far from done with Westeros since there’s a spinoff on the way! We’ll share everything we know about the future of Thrones, and imagine where we go from here.

Redemption and Anti-Heroes of Game of Thrones (1:00-1:50 p.m.)

The stories of antiheroes Jaime Lannister and the Hound have been called redemption arcs, but will there truly be redemption at the ends of their violent roads? Can assassin Arya earn redemption on her own blood-soaked path—and does she want it?

Remembering Ned Stark (3:00-3:50 p.m.)

In this session, we’re tackling a critical analysis of Ned’s actions, decisions, and motivations. Was he as honorable as we all remember? Does he have some skeletons in his closet? Does he deserve the praise heaped upon him by the fandom? And what can these answers say about our own views on honor, morality, and ethical behavior? Join us as we discuss and debate this iconic character.

And there’s more where that came from.

“Cut But Not Forgotten” should please book fans clamoring for an appearance by Lady Stoneheart, although I can see “The Spinoff Panel” being one of the more packed. Lots to discuss.

The second annual Con of Thrones goes down May 25-27 at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas, TX. Single-day and three-day passes can be purchased here. Hope to see you there!