CONVENTION HOURS OF OPERATION:
Friday - 3pm to 9pm, Hotel Only
Saturday - 10am to 1am, Alumni Center
Sunday - 9am to 6pm, Alumni Center
BabelCon is a presentation of the Science and Engineering Education Foundation, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to using Science Fiction media to create interest in Science. You can find out more at www.BabelCon.org .
BabelCon 2009 is located at the LSU Cook Hotel & Lod Alumni Center. There are 3 new programming tracks, including the new Horror Track, Author Track, a hospitality suite with 24 hour movies and food, plus a full blown rock concert Saturday evening, hosted by the Consortium of Genius!
The SCI-FI Track media guest is Rekha Sharma, who played the cylon "Tory" on the new Battlestar Galactica; the SCIENCE Track has several scientists, including speakers from NASA, LIGO, and local universities, such as Dr. Charles Gramlich and Dr. Robin Roberts.
The ANIME Track features Tiffany Grant the voice actor for Asuka and Full Metal Alchemist; also, anime panel discussions, movies and other celebrity guests; the KIDS Track entertains tweens and older children.
The new HORROR Track is produced by The 13th Gate, the crew from our local attraction, ranked as the number one haunted house in the country! They will demonstrate costume design, perform makeup demos, give advice on creating props & decorations, and much more. Horror authors Whitney Lakin, M.F. Korn, and Allan Gilbreath will give several presentations.
The PARANORMAL Track includes Patrick Burns from TruTV's show "Haunting Evidence", the ghost hunters "S.O.U.L." (Seekers of Unexplained Louisiana), paranormal investigators "Louisiana State Paranormal Research Society", New Orleans ghost tour and expert
Kalila Smith, plus cryptozoologist Dana Holyfield.
In the FANTASY Track, the guest lineup is Elizabeth Donald, author of "The Dreadmire Chronicles"; T.A. Chafin, author of "The Nitpickers Guide to the SW Saga"; M.B. Weston, fantasy author of several books; Randy Richards, author of "Dreadmire"; former editor for Marvel & DC Comics (and a Star Trek book author), Bob Greenberger; plus award-winning poet Robin Mayhall.
This year BabelCon moves the RENNAISSANCE FAIR outdoors. Shows are planned, including belly dancing, SCA demos, medieval Knighting Ceremonies by the Queen, Ameoba Comedy Troupe, jesters, fire-eaters, unicyclists, and LARP games. There is even a new
FILKING Track, with the musical stylings of the Bedlam Bards and other musicians.
And speaking of games... in the 24-hour Game Room, attendees participates in the GAMING Track, with RPGA Network scenarios, Dungeons & Dragons miniatures, historic wargame recreations, card games, board games, video games, and LAN competitions. There is also "open gaming" for anyone that wants to play their own games, and several types of board games will be available for free play. The Wandering Men, local game designers, and Randy Richards, Dungeons & Dragons fantasy game author of "Dreadmire" will both give several talks and demos.
Saturday evening there is a COSTUME & COSPLAY COMPETITION, followed by a ROCK CONCERT with The Consortium of Genius, Slow Poisoner, and Green Orion Girls doing Star Trek dances. In the ARTIST'S ALLEY area, artisans will show their talents and draw pictures
for your fun and pleasure.
In addition, BabelCon has invited back a number of Fan Groups, including several associated with Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Stargate, Klingon Assault Group, Star Wars, Doctor Who, and the Vampire Lestat Fan Club.
