Escape Velocity 2018

Radical developments in technology will forever alter the future of war. The advent of such emerging technologies as robotics, AI, VR, and synthetic biology may make war on Earth nearly unrecognizable, something from a distant world. Perhaps developments in space exploration and travel may bring these new forms of combat to new worlds. This panel will assemble a super-awesome collection of experts to discuss bleeding edge technologies and how they will change warfare. The panel will draw examples from Sci-Fi, and a particular emphasis will be placed upon considering space war in the future.

Wernher Von Braun presented fantastic drawings and a narrative of space stations and lunar landers to Collier’s magazine in the 1950s to spark the drive for space exploration. From Apollo to the current International Space Station and our views toward returning to the moon and going to Mars, much of our national vision traces back to the inspiration of those stories. What does current science fiction such as The Martian suggest about our future plans and potential for success?

Come learn how game designers think about the future of warfare and political conflict. Jason Matthews (co-designer of Twilight Struggle), Christopher Weuve (career naval analyst and wargame designer), and Merle Robinson (DOD analyst and wargame designer) talk about challenges of designing conflict simulations for both the commercial market and for the military and intelligence communities.

As humanity continues to industrialise and advance technologically, deposits of accessible minerals are being exhausted, leading to concerns of global shortages of rare materials over the next 40 years. But many minerals that are rare on Earth are abundant in space, and space-based-solar is an order of magnitude more productive without night or atmosphere.

Will the industrialisation of space solve our resource and energy shortages of the future?

Learn how you can use miniatures, sets, costumes, green screen, and computers to create imaginative worlds on a budget.

Learn about Blerd-con, and how it is changing the convention scene.

Michael Terracciano and Garth Graham, the creators of the online graphic novel STAR POWER, love space! They want you to love space, too! Come share their enthusiasm for the cosmos in this very accessible, beginner-friendly chat about what makes outer space so wonderful. It's easier to get into stargazing and the wonders of space than you think!
This informal, fun chat about what makes space so fun, and how accessible it really is for beginners, is a perfect fit for both sci-fi enthusiasts and amateur stargazers.

This panel is designed to help individuals understand how comic books can help heal past traumas. Blending science with science fiction and pop culture. This panel uses scientific data and research to apply the use of comics to heal past traumas. Kenneth's Book, "Heroes, Villains, and Healing" addresses this research and its application.

This panel seeks to answer burning questions about the law in Star Wars: If Han shot first, is he a murderer, or was he in imminent fear for his life? What law, if any, binds those in rebellion against the Empire (or the Republic)? Are clones people? What are their rights (and the rights of robots)? Who owns R2D2 and C3PO? Can Darth Vader really just alter a deal? And much more . . .

Michael Terracciano and Garth Graham are the creators of the online graphic novel STAR POWER, a serialized sci-fi space adventure. They want to share the tips and tricks they've learned in creating a cosmic tale that blends both science fiction and science fantasy, space physics, and space magic. Want to know when you should do more of one than the other? Is it okay to do both? Garth and Michael will share what they've learned over their fifteen-year careers in online comics!

We will have a cash bar available for all attendees before the Costume Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony.

Get there early to get your seats and your participation props!

Attendees must be 18+ -- IDs will be checked!

Who’s ready to do the Time Warp with us again?  The University of Mary Washington’s one and only Cult Classic Movie Club, the Rich Weirdos, is coming to National Harbor to perform a shadow cast like you’ve never seen before.  With talent and passion like this, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to see our dazzling cast in action.  So tighten your corsets, ready your calls and joins us for a sweet long night you’ll never forget.  We can’t wait to share our love of Rocky Horror with Escape Velocity!

Attendees must be 18+ -- IDs will be checked!

This presentation will explore elements of the challenge, obstacles, and efforts to envision sustainable future worlds and transitions in science fiction film. For decades, scientists have provided reports and warnings of growing global environmental and health threats – global warming, water crises, species extinctions, resource depletion and conflicts, overpopulation, and hunger. These concerns have in turn been the source of highly emotional international, national, and local policy debates as to the nature of the problems and solutions and how these might play out in the future. Cinema, especially science fiction, has drawn upon many of these same concerns in constructing future worlds and scenarios. Many of these films have thrilled audiences with frightening apocalyptic landscapes and oppressive dystopias. Another sub-genre, what might be described as “techno-fantasy,” builds stories around convenient future technological solutions allowing for interstellar flight and colonies, nanotechnical Aladdin’s lamps, and future sources of unlimited energy. While such films may be entertaining, they are not necessarily stories about how humanity might build upon current knowledge and action to effectively address our actual global threats. This presentation examines the challenge of science fiction film in constructing scientifically plausible scenarios and visions of humanity’s transition to ecologically sustainable futures. While such cinematic visions and narratives do not easily fit into the expected action vehicles identified with “science fiction”, there is nevertheless a deep and increasing need for hopeful and plausible visions of how positive futures might evolve.
The presentation explores how imagination and scientific knowledge in film can provide not simply entertainment and escape but hopeful visions and inspiration for humanity's creation of a sustainable future world.

Everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves, and the time-honored tradition of Costuming and Pageantry is paramount to that expression. Come for a lively discussion of acceptance and empowerment, as we want everyone to know that Cosplay and Costuming can be enjoyed by all. Experienced costumers and cosplayers come together to celebrate Cosplay in all walks of life.

Astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution and future of life in the universe. NASA scientists study astrobiology to better understand our own Earth and the life that inhabits it. For example, by investigating how chemicals and minerals got to other planets, and where they are located (e.g. on the surface or deep inside), we may better understand how the essential compounds for life on Earth arrived and were distributed. The study of astrobiology also informs the search for exoplanets in habitable zones. If we understand how life arose on Earth, we may better identify distant planets that may support life (as we know it).

Come hear real NASA scientists talk about the various STEM fields that contribute to astrobiology, and how it is an integral part of many NASA missions, including the Mars Rovers, Cassini, and even Hubble.

The right color combination can make your costume POP. From the basics of color combinations to advanced shading, this panel will help you take it to the next level. We will be covering color theory in both make up and costumes.

Did you love "A Wrinkle in Time" as a child? Do you love it still? What did you think of the movie adaptation? This is an open forum group discussion of one of the most beloved science fiction stories of all time. Youth from the Little Phoenixes Foundation's RISE Dreamers group will participate and provide the insight of new readers in the 21st century.

You wake up on a dreadnought, looking over your empire to assess the damage. One sector was hit with a heavy push but your fighters held their ground. You examine the center of the galaxy, and with the latest fleetwide upgrade installed you decide to break a treaty and take it for yourself. The resources to be obtained are worth it and you have enough firepower and computer assistance to hit your target.

Not bad for a single turn of a board game, is it?

Board games have been exploring the concepts of space travel, discovery, and combat for decades now, but have had to overcome the physical limitations of an analogue 2-D medium to do it. How do these boxes of assorted bits of cardboard, plastic, and wood transport us into the deepest parts of the galaxy? We will discuss the good and the bad, and what we can do better to add a little sci-fi to your table.

If you have ever wondered where they get those wonderful toys, or how those armor peices fit so well, this is the discussion for you. With prime examples and top-tier props and costumes on display, our panel of experts will give a crash course in how they came to create some select peices and props.