2010 Panels, Presentations
& Workshops
What can I learn at MechaCon?
What cultural event would be complete without panels, presentations & workshops? All weekend long, MechaCon offers attendees an opportunity to sit-in on demonstrations, discussions, question-and-answer sessions, chances to meet your favorite guests, etc.
Be sure to also check out our other schedules!
Main Events Schedule
Video Rooms
Console Gaming
Table-top Gaming
MechaCon Panel Schedule:
Friday, July 16th
The following is the schedule for Friday's panels and presentations.
1:00pm - Basic Cosplay Photoshoot Makeup
Presented by Itsuki
• Panel Room 2
3:00pm - Intro to Independent Film Making
Presented by Kevin McKeever
• Panel Room 3
Cosplay 101
Presented by Clover
• Panel Room 2
4:00pm - Makeup FX for Films
Presented by Changeling FX
• Panel Room 2
Lolita Fashion
Presented by Kelli Sarre
• Panel Room 1
Convention Safety
Presented by Brandon LeBlanc
• Panel Room 3
5:00pm - Asian Ball Joint Dolls
Presented by Melissa Roule
• Panel Room 3
6:00pm - Otakuism
Presented by Brian Pittman
• Panel Room 2
How to Startup a Comic Shop
Presented by Dominique Ducote
• Panel Room 1
7:00pm - Japanese Speech 101
Presented by Matteo Nagelberg
• Panel Room 3
8:00pm - Ballroom Dancing
Presented by David Adams
• Panel Room 2
10:00pm - Anime Bloopers with Lupin the 3rd & Jigen (18+)
Presented by Richard Epcar & Tony Oliver
• Panel Room 1
Who’s Line is it Anime?
Presented by J. Hewitt Hall
• Panel Room 2
Saturday, July 17th
The following is the schedule for Saturday's panels and presentations.
10:00am - Cosplay Presentation
Presented by Count D
• Panel Room 1
10:30am - Comic and Manga Production
Presented by Tommy Yune
• Panel Room 2
11:00am - Meet Vic Mignogna (Q&A)
Presented by Vic Mignogna
• Main Events Room
How NOT to Draw
Presented by Amelie Belcher
• Panel Room 3
Women in Anime
Presented by Ellyn Stern
• Panel Room 1
12:00pm - Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
(Q&A) with Chris Cason, Todd Haberkorn, Mike McFarland,
Vic Mignogna, J. Michael Tatum & Wendy Powell
• Main Events Room
The Future of Anime
Presented by Brian Pittman
• Panel Room 2
1:00pm - In the Name of the Moon
Presented by Ai no Shinobi
• Panel Room 1
25 Years of Robotech
(Q&A and signing) with Richard Epcar, Kevin McKeever, Tony Oliver,
Ellyn Stern, Dan Woren & Tommy Yune
• Panel Room 2
2:00pm - Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
(Signing) with Chris Cason, Todd Haberkorn, Mike McFarland,
Vic Mignogna, J. Michael Tatum & Wendy Powell
• Signing Room
Introduction to Japanese Writing
Presented by Matteo Nagelberg
• Panel Room 3
DJ Wildfire, the House Party & You
Presented by DJ Wildfire
• Panel Room 1
3:00pm - Westernization of Video Games and Anime
Presented by Brian Pittman
• Panel Room 1
4:00pm - ROBOTECH Unplugged
Presented by Kevin McKeever & Crew
• Panel Room 2
6:00pm - Adventures in Voice Acting
Presented by Tony Oliver
• Panel Room 2
Fireside Chat II (With a Vengence)
Presented by Ai no Shinobi
• Panel Room 3
7:00pm - How to Play Shogi
Presented by Hirohito Togashi
• Panel Room 1
Makeup FX for Films II
Presented by Changeling FX
• Panel Room 3
10:00pm - TMI with Amelie & Friends (18+)
Presented by Amelie Belcher
• Panel Room 2
Crossplay for Men and Women
Presented by Itsuki
• Panel Room 1
12:00am - Late Night Anime Dating Game (18+)
Presented by Juni
• Panel Room 2
Sunday, July 18th
The following is the schedule for Sunday's panels and presentations.
10:00am - Meet MechaCon’s Mascots
Presented by Jett & Zee
• Panel Room 2
Cosplay Wigs and Accessories
Presented by Clover
• Panel Room 1
Voice Acting & Directing
Presented by Ellyn Stern & Richard Epcar
• Panel Room 3
12:00pm - A Quarter Century of Robotech
Presented by Kevin McKeever & Crew
• Panel Room 2
2:00pm - Cosplay: Performance & Skits!
Presented by Clover
• Panel Room 1
Japanese Gothic Literature
Presented by Dominique Ducote
• Panel Room 3
3:00pm - Introduction to Leatherworking
Presented by Itsuki
• Panel Room 2
Do Anime Conventions Have a Future?
Presented by Kevin McKeever
• Panel Room 1
Panel Descriptions
Informative panels have always been and continue to be in high demand at anime events around the world. MechaCon has gathered a variety of panels on many different subjects for attendees to experience and enjoy!
Cosplay 101
New to cosplay? Trying to get the basics down? This will be a general panel about all aspects of cosplay and craftsmanship. We’ll be talking about how to get started, patterns, sewing, wigs, make-up, where to get materials, and more!
Presented by Clover
Lolita Fashion
HEY YOU. Want the 411 on the cutest fashion EVER?
At this panel we will discuss the origins of the Lolita statement, the anatomy of a Lolita outfit, substyles of Lolita fashion (the gothic, the sweet, the classic), popular brands, and we will also take your questions. If you’re a curious beginner looking for some information and tips, want to meet other Lolita fans, or just want to come by and flaunt your Lolita spirit, come on down and hang out with us! Welcome to Kawaii Overload.
Presented by Kelli Sarre
Asian Ball Joint Dolls
Come join a panel covering the history of asian ball-joint dolls as they originated in Japan and spread along with what qualifies as an abjd, details like pricing, types, sizes, countries that carry them and other such things.
Presented by Melissa Roule
Do Anime Conventions Have a Future?
Oil is over $60 USD per barrel, airlines are raising fares while cutting services, inflation is on the rise, the economy is slowing and disposable income is on the decline. Can anime conventions survive, let alone grow, in this environment?
Presented by Kevin McKeever
Fireside Chat II (With a Vengeance)
With the success of last year’s session, the Ninja of Love returns for another frank and thoughtful discussion about life, love, and the anime that parodies it. Please join in and leave hesitation at the door. It’s time for us to honestly discuss what is truly important in life and how to get where we want to go. With motivation and dedication, anything is possible. A sincere evening where we discover that we can do the impossible and see the invisible!
Presented by Ai no Shinobi
How to Startup a Comic Shop
Obviously, no store in their right mind would want to reveal how much money they truly make or help anyone along in establishing a competing comic shop business. Luckily, Dom Ducote did his homework and in this panel, is happy to pass it along to all of the enterprising future business owners out there.
Presented by Dom Ducote
How to play Shogi
Come join Hirohiigo Togashi from Mechacon’s forums as he teaches you how to play the game of shogi. In addition, he will delve a little into the game’s history and origins.
Presented by Hirohiigo Togashi
Meet MechaCon’s Mascots!
Q&A with Mechacon’s very own mascots, Jett and Zee! Ask questions, get photos and signatures!
Presented by Jett and Zee
Convention Safety
Join MechaCon staffer Brandon LeBlanc as he talks about how to make your convention experience and safe one.
Presented by Brandon LeBlanc
Ballroom Dancing
Planning to attend the Formal Cosplay-optional Ball? Here’s your last chance to brushup on your ballroom dancing skills and etiquette.
Presented by David Adams
War Stories from the Conventions
Do you think touring around anime conventions is easy, glamorous and luxurious? If you think so you are in for a shock as Kevin McKeever tells you about the good, the bad and funny of life touring around anime conventions!
Presented by Kevin McKeever
Cosplay Presentation
Once the last stitch is done, and the Aquanet is empty, there is only one thing left to do, and that’s your Presentation. In this delightful and fun filled panel you will be guided on how to create, and execute a successful Skit that will catch the judges’ attention. You will also be given tips and pointers on how to pose for photographers to look your best.
Presented by Count D
Makeup FX for Film: Parts 1 & 2
Changeling FX has worked on films in Los Angeles, New York and here in New Orleans. We create all forms of prosthetics in foam latex and silicone for the actors. Also, we design full creature bodysuits. Our work can be seen in films as Day of the Dead ‘07, The Librarian 3, Scream of the Banshee, etc. We do demos of everything from blood guns to face casts. Anything you fear, we can bring to life.
Presented by Changeling FX
Voice Acting & Directing
Ellyn and Richard bring 30 years of experience to the table. Starting with Robotech, they will discuss voice acting and directing.
Presented by Ellyn Stern & Richard Epcar
Introduction to Independent Film Making
Join industry veteran Kevin McKeever as he shows you the ins and outs of getting a career started in the world of indy filmmaking!
Presented by Kevin McKeever
Adventures in Voice Acting
Join veteran voice actor, director and producer Tony Oliver for lots of fun and real information about what it takes to become a professional voice actor. Tony will touch on basic skills you need and give some helpful advice and exercises you can do at home. He’ll also answer all your questions about breaking into this exciting profession. A few participants will get the chance to step up to the mic and try their hand at voice-acting a character from some of your favorite anime and games.
Presented by Tony Oliver
DJ Wildfire, the House Party, and You
Find out more about MechaCon’s resident DJ Wildfire and everything that goes into making the house party bigger and better every year.
Presented by David Adams
ROBOTECH: Unplugged
The Robotech crew opens the floor to fans in a town hall-style discussion about upcoming new Robotech projects.
Presented by Kevin McKeever
Cosplay: Performance and Skits!
The best part about cosplay is really getting involved in the convention antics. Preparing a skit or performance is a real blast. In this panel we’ll talk about posing, writing and performing skits, and much more!
Presented by Clover
A Quarter Century of ROBOTECH
Join the Robotech crew as they cover the first quarter century of the animated series that introduced a generation to anime, and discusses upcoming new releases in the wake of the announcement of the live action feature film. We will also remember Carl Macek, the original producer of Robotech who started this whole phenomenon.
Presented by Kevin McKeever & Crew
Tsuki ni Kawatte! (In the Name of the Moon!)
A discussion of Sailor Moon and how it has affected popular culture and anime. An open panel about everyone’s favorite Mahou Shoujo series, we’ll be talking about a range of topics including cosplay, fan productions, Japanese culture and much more. Hang out for a spectacular panel about arguably one of the greatest series of all time!
Presented by Ai no Shinobi
Cosplay Wigs and Accessories
Wigs are usually one of the toughest parts of a costume to craft thanks to the crazy designs of anime and video games, but they can be really fun to style! Learn about how to select, cut, color, accessorize and style wigs!
Presented by Clover
Women In Anime
Ellyn Stern explores the role of women in the world of anime, how it evolved, and what the future possibly holds. This is an interactive panel. Bring your heart and be prepared to share!
Presented by Ellyn Stern
How NOT to Draw with Amelie
Join Amelie as she humorously demonstrates all the common sketch book mistakes of newbees, and then demonstrates the correct way to draw. A crowd pleaser every time!
Presented by Amelie Belcher
Crossplay for Men and Women
If you’ve ever wanted to crossplay, but are worried about looking foolish, this is the panel for you. Done poorly, crossplay can make you prime fodder for bullies on the internet. Instead, come learn some tips and tricks to make your crossplay a success! This is for both men and women wanting to create the illusion of the opposite gender.
Presented by Itsuki
Westernization of Video Games and Anime
The design and release of anime games in both Japan and America has been changing dramatically. Why some games do and don’t get developed and why some games don’t get released in America will be the discussed. The Americanization of the Manga art form has also changed! We’ll analyze and discuss various authors and companies trying out the art form and how it impacts the manga market.
Presented by Brian Pittman
War Stories from the Conventions
Do you think touring around anime conventions is easy, glamorous and luxurious? If you think so you are in for a shock as Kevin McKeever tells you about the good, the bad, and the funny of life touring around anime conventions!
Presented by Kevin McKeever
Intro to Leatherworking for Cosplay
Come see how easy it is to use real leather to make your cosplay even more awesome! This panel discusses sewing with leather, staining, stitching, carving, and embellishing leather with imprinted designs, as well as tools and hardware.
Presented by Itsuki
Comic And Manga Production
A veteran of hit comics such as Speed Racer, Racer X, Robotech, & Danger Girl: Kamikaze, Tommy covers modern production techniques and new options available to hopeful comic creators.
Presented by Tommy Yune
Future of Anime
The manga industry has been going through a lot of change, having a significant impact on animes being developed as well as what comes out in America.
Presented by Brian Pittman
Basic Cosplay Photoshoot Makeup
Learn simple makeup techniques geared towards men and the considerations needed, compared to women, when it comes to applying makeup. Girls, bring your guy friends or come and learn and impart wisdom to them later.
Presented by Itsuki
Sou desu ka: Japanese Speech 101
A basic introduction to Japanese grammar and speaking language including the difference between it and English; the use of particles, nouns, adjectives, and verbs; simple greetings; the “etiquette” of Japanese language; and accents.
Presented by Matteo Nagelberg
Japanese Gothic Literature
A scholarly look at the gothic/horror genre of literature in Japan, focusing on the context in which Japan’s earliest gothic/horror literature was written, discussing symbolism in the genre and examining the works of authors such as Edogawa Rempo, Ueda Akinari, and Kyoka Izumi, as well as a few others.
Presented by Dom Ducote
Otakuism
Join us as we discuss a show called Geeks of Akihabara which shows many culutral impacts anime has had on Japan, and how everyday life is reflected in both anime and manga. We’ll discuss new technology called “cyberdolls” and a detailed analysis of dos and don’ts of cosplaying.
Presented by Brian Pittman
Introduction to Japanese Writing:
What are all these Squares and Noodles?
A brief overview of the history of Japanese writing and a basic introduction to the three systems of hiragana, katakana, and kanji; why there are three systems and why they are so obnoxious to learn (and how to make them easier).
Presented by Matteo Nagelberg
Anime Bloopers (18+)
with Lupin the 3rd & Jigen
Hilarious outtakes and bloopers of Lupin the 3rd, Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, and more!
Presented by Richard Epcar & Tony Oliver
TMI w/ Amelie & Friends (18+)
Join Amelie Belcher and friends as they discuss any and everything in this no-holds-barred 18+ only panel.
Presented by Amelie Belcher
Whose Line is it Anime? (18+)
An improvised dubbing panel using a series of clipped scenes from many animes. An emcee will call on members of the audience to lend voices to the select scenes.
Presented by J. Hewitt Hall
Late Night Anime Dating Game (18+)
Guess What? It’s back! Anime Dating Game returns for 2010!
Presented by Juni
Yaoi Night (18+)
Join us for a social event centered around yaoi! Meet new friends, watch yaoi classics, play yaoi-themed games and maybe even win some prizes to take home with you!
Presented by Itsuki
