Girls of all ages prepare to “get your geek on” at the third annual GeekGirlCon, taking over the Convention Center in Downtown Seattle on October 19–20.
Whether you are passionate about gaming, cosplay (role-playing with costumes), science fiction/fantasy movies and TV shows, comics, superheroes or real-world science and technology, this celebration of female geekdom is for you!
Last year, more than 3000 people attended the conference, and this year it looks to be even bigger. GeekGirlCon brings female geeks together to share their passion and enthusiasm. It also helps promote the role of women in geek culture and cultivate the next generation of diverse, confident geeks.
The ultimate goal is to bring everyone together — especially kids — to share their geeky quirks. “All of our programming is kid-friendly unless marked otherwise. About 20 percent of our attendees are children under the age of 10,” according to Susie Rantz of GeekGirlCon.
GeekGirlCon ‘13 will include celebrity and industry appearances by actress Denise Crosby, who played Lt. Tasha Yar on Star Trek: The Next Generation; puppeteer Karen Prell with Red Fraggle; Jane Espenson, writer from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Battlestar Galactica; comic book author Kelly Sue DeConnick; and professional cosplayer Chaka Cumberbatch.
Activities recommended for younger audiences include:
- A D.I.Y. Science Zone, where scientists will present hands-on experiments including spy chemistry, DNA extraction, knitting a Mobius strip and more.
- The costume contest! Cosplay is a huge a part of the Con experience. Dress up yourself or cheer on your favorite superhero, character or alter ego at 5 p.m. Saturday (Room 303). Prizes will be awarded so stop by the first level Info Booth earlier in the day to enter.
- If costumes aren’t your thing, explore the Gaming Floor (lower level) with a large offering of social and kid-friendly games to learn and play.
- Teens and their parents should check out the GeekGirlConnections Room for career-focused panels and booths about jobs in science and technology.
There are also more than 100 general panel discussions and demonstrations. Ones highlighted for younger audiences and their parents include:
- You and Your Connected Kid, noon. Saturday: This workshop will cover safety, privacy, identity, and plagiarism while being media-positive and encouraging. Teens and tweens will learn about different social media, online behavior consequences, bullying and trolling, and how to shine up that profile for college and career fields.
Edible Astronomy, noon Saturday: Participate in hands-on demonstrations of craters, planets, and more using all kinds of edible things you probably have in your house.
Home Geek Home, 2 p.m. Saturday: From commissioning comic book artists for art to adorn your walls, creating your own home decor with fabulous geek crafts, finding inspiration from Star Wars, you’ll hear tips on infusing your home with personality.
Ready-to-Wear Superhero, 7 p.m. Saturday: See a runway show of character-inspired fashions from comics, movies, television and video games. After the fashion show, our panelist-models will discuss how they put together looks, and go over tips for building your own.
Karen Prell: The Career of a Muppeteer, 11 a.m. Sunday: Karen Prell has been part of the Jim Henson family since 1980, performing first on Sesame Street, then as Red Fraggle on Fraggle Rock, and later as The Worm in the film Labyrinth. There will also be an exclusive performance by Red Fraggle!
The Family Who Games Together: Gaming with your Kids…AND Your Parents, 2 p.m. Sunday: This panel will discuss the assumptions, perceptions, trials and tribulations that come along with being a multi-generational gaming family.
Ladies of the '80s Sing Along, 4:30 p.m. Sunday: This 80s-tastic, sing-along/dance party features the iconic videos (with singalong subtitles) of Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, Blondie, The Eurythmics, Janet Jackson, Debbie Gibson, and Madonna.
If you go …
Where and when: GeekGirlCon ‘13 will be at the Conference Center at WSCC in Downtown Seattle on Saturday, October 19 (9 a.m.–11 p.m.) and Sunday, October 20 (9 a.m.–7 p.m.).
Tickets: Adults: $30 for 1-day pass, $45 for 2-day pass, Kids 5-10: $10 for 2-day pass, Kids under 5: free. Buy online or at the door.
Seattle writer, Kali Sakai is life-long geek, married to a computer nerd. Their son’s nursery reflects a Star Wars theme yet their daughter just loves all things pink and princess — it’s illogical.
