Things seem to be coming together for Montreal. This is a preliminary schedule, because other people may have issues that cause things to move, but we’ve been through one round of changes so hopefully this is close to firm.
Thu 14:00 – Don’t Main the Streams?
How does the mainstream media report on the world of SF? How is SF perceived, how can it be covered well, and what fandom can do to get its story across?
(Sam, Damien, Kate, Mike and anyone else I’ve forgotten who writes for mainstream newspapers, I’d love to hear your views on this.)
Fri 14:00 – The Future of Gender
From contraceptives to computers, is technology undermining traditional gender roles and if so where is this taking us?
Fri 20:00 – Future Sport
Yet more commercialism, leagues and spectator culture? Or is that merely a distraction from the growing number of guerrilla sports, hobbyist groups, and people who think ironing on a mountain top is a sport?
Sat 14:00 – Greatest Fan Writer Besides Me
Best Fan Writer Hugo 2009 nominees recommend the fan writers that you should read and why you should read them. An excellent introduction to the current fan writing scene.
(This is one of those panels that cries out for a list of web links to be published afterward. I will be suggesting that to my fellow panelists.)
Sat 18:00 onwards – Masquerade
I’ll be backstage helping the show run and doing video interviews with some of the costumers.
Sun 14:00 – Private Passions: The Many Interests of Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman talks about the many things that interest him.
Yes, I am introducing Neil’s GoH speech. Can I say how totally stoked I am about this? Woo hoo!
Sun 18:00 onwards – Hugo Awards Ceremony
I’ll be covering the whole event, including the pre-ceremony reception. Right now it looks like I’ll just be tweeting because of lack of wi-fi, but I’ll arrange for someone to be “in the studio” as well.
I have one other possible panel, but I’m not sure I will be able to make time for it. I haven’t listed other participants yet because I’m not certain that they will all be available.
OK, given that title for Neil’s GoH speech, I definitely need to talk with him beforehand about the “Finding Fandom” interview I’m doing with him the day before. ‘Cause I was going to hit on what things he’s a fan of, and that sounds like some significant overlap.
Tom:
What time is your interview? I should probably be there to check out what gets said.
You are going to be one busy lady. I don’t know how you are going to be at parties, eat and sleep during the convention. I know I am going to be busy with four panels and running a party.
Friday at 5:00pm.
Tom G:
Thanks, I’ll be there.