Hours of Operation
The schedule is subject to change prior to and during Cosplay America.
PRE-REGISTRATION
PICKUP
Thursday: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
REGISTRATION
Friday: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am – Noon
MARKET EXPO
Friday: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
CONVENTION OPERATIONs HOURS
Friday: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 11:00pm
Sunday: 10am – 6:00pm
programming Schedules
Programming is subject to change prior to and during Cosplay America.
friday
| Friday 12:00 PM |
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PL007
Corsets and Cosplay
Main Duae Cat, Aries What do canon cosplay, original cosplay designs, and historical costumes all have in common? They might involve a corset! This panel talks about some of the basics of making cosplay corsets, discusses some of the myths around corsetry, and show some finished corsets and corsetry material. |
|
PL006
Behind the Dreams: Organizing Cosplay Contests
Programming 1 Mythril-Arts What does it take to run a cosplay contest? This panel covers judge selection, registration, stage logistics, prize sponsorships and more—all aspiring coordinators, judges, and anyone curious about the process are welcome! |
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PL016
How Do I Even Make That?: Cosplay Planning
Programming 2 Squirrel (Verb) The hardest part of any new project is knowing where to start! Come learn how to deconstruct a reference image, decide on materials, tackle impossible design elements, and find the right resources. |
|
FW001
Intro to Machine Sewing
$TBD
Workshop 1 This workshop introduces the basics of using a sewing machine. We will talk you through the process of sewing, show you around the machine, and walk you through basic stitches. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 10) Requires a separate purchase. This workshop is a required prerequisite to take our other sewing machine workshops if you have not used a sewing machine before. |
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FW007
The Come-pleat Package
$TBD
Workshop 2 FeyMeggan Let's make pleat boards to save our brains and fingers from all that math. Knife or box pleat friendly these simple, compact boards save time and frustration for you projects. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
|
FW004
Hand Embroidery 101
$20.00
Workshop 3 Lady Latham This workshop teaches you 4-5 embroidery stitches, stabilizers, and how to transfer your designs. See the stitches up close, practice, and start a project. You'll learn stitches that you can use to create your own designs. Workshop fee will be collected directly by the instructor. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
| Friday 12:30 PM |
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GW001
Foam Armor Series - Bracer
$TBD
Workshop 4 Sayakat Cosplay Come learn the best materials, tools and techniques for your foam projects from Sayakat. A bracer will be made during this session. Participation in all 3 workshops in this series is advised if you have not worked with foam before, as techniques will build upon each other. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
| Friday 01:00 PM |
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GP001
Dye 101 - Intro to Dyeing
Main December Cosplay Did you know that dyeing is a chemical process? Come get scientific with it and learn the basics of dyeing textiles with December. |
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PL013
Fabricating Fandom, 3D Printing for Cosplayers
Programming 1 Wolfgang From digital blueprints to con-ready props, 3D printing is revolutionizing cosplay! This panel dives into the techniques and materials that take your builds to the next level—think ABS over PLA, stronger assemblies, and professional finishes. We’ll cover where to find and modify models, how to troubleshoot common issues, and which filaments work best for armor, weapons, and intricate accessories. Whether you're starting your first print or pushing into pro territory, you'll walk away ready to bring your fandom to life—layer by layer! |
| Friday 02:00 PM |
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GP002
Cosplay, the Emerging Industry
Main Yaya Han Join Yaya Han for a spirited look at how cosplay went from a niche fan activity to a commercial Industry! From global companies using cosplay as a marketing strategy to cosplay-centric products available in mass retail, clearly cosplay has become more than just an amateur hobby, but how did it happen? Yaya Han has been at the forefront of the emerging cosplay industry and will share her experiences as fan and professional, talk about the recent changes our community has gone through, and ponder what the future of cosplay might hold! |
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PL023
Knit and Crochet Cosplay
Programming 1 Lady Gatita With the resurgence for Knit and Crochet as an art form, more crafters are starting to take their love of the fiber arts and using them to create cosplays. This panel will discuss the possibilities creating your cosplay using the fiber arts. |
|
GM001
Office Hours
Kitty Hawk Pros and Cons Cosplay (Pro), Maker Fishmeal Do you have a project you need expert advice on? Do you want to talk to one of our guests about their specialty but weren't able to make it to their programming because of all the awesome panels and workshops you had to pick between (we don't blame you!)? Come chat one-on-one with our guests in a casual setting and get your questions answered. |
| Friday 02:30 PM |
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PL011
Craft Hacks: Do More by Doing Less
Programming 2 keiraide Whether you're a beginner sewer or career crafter, you can always learn something new! If you're keen to discover some tips and tricks to level up your crafting, sewing, or (not) burning yourself with hot glue, this is the panel for you! |
| Friday 03:00 PM |
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GP003
Detailing on Foam
Main Avera Avera will run through some of the many ways to add details to your foam projects, including undercuts, overcuts and carving. |
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GP005
Cosplay and Mental Health
Programming 1 Malindachan, TurtleSmithy Cosplay Cosplay is a lot of fun, but it can be stressful too. Kyle and Malinda from Turtlesmithy discuss considerations and strategies for protecting your mental health as a cosplayer. |
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GW002
Ventilating Facial Hair
$TBD
Workshop 1 Pros and Cons Cosplay (Con) Can't grow your own facial hair? Store bought is fine. Con of Pros and Cons Cosplay will teach you how ventilating–a technique used to create natural looking hairlines on wigs–can be applied to making facial hair. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GW003P1
Leatherworking (Part 1)
$TBD
Workshop 2 December Cosplay December will give you a full crash course on leatherworking. Sessions will cover tooling and embellishment, dyeing and painting, and sewing leather. Students will leave with a fully finished leather pouch. You must attend all 3 sessions of this workshop. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 12) Requires a separate purchase. |
|
GW004P1
Mold Making and Casting (Part 1)
$TBD
Workshop 3 Pros and Cons Cosplay (Pro) Mold making and casting can be a great way to add organic shapes and dimension to your project, while also adding stability, rigidity or other fun textures. It is also an excellent way to make lots of one thing! Join this two-part workshop where attendees will walk away with their very own cottage-core themed diorama, decorated with things you cast! Part 1 - Intro to mold making. For this panel, attendees will learn how to make silicone molds, and set the base up to make small woodland themed figures. You must attend both sessions of this workshop. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GW005
Make a Foam Fantasy Phone Holder
$TBD
Workshop 4 Maker Fishmeal Maker Fishmeal shows you how to make a foam fantasy phone holder that will blend into your costume! Now you can find your friends at con again! At least...for as long as you have phone service... Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
|
GM002
Office Hours
Kitty Hawk Jenny Barclay, Sew Angry Do you have a project you need expert advice on? Do you want to talk to one of our guests about their specialty but weren't able to make it to their programming because of all the awesome panels and workshops you had to pick between (we don't blame you!)? Come chat one-on-one with our guests in a casual setting and get your questions answered. |
| Friday 04:00 PM |
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GP006
Beyond Social Media - Longterm Success in Cosplay
Main Yaya Han Learn from cosplay legend Yaya Han how navigate the ever-changing social media landscape and how to go beyond it! We’ll discuss the challenges cosplayers face when sharing content online, how to get out of the algorithm rat race and what strategies to implement to generate sustainable income. Come find out what it takes to achieve longterm success in cosplay! |
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GP007
Build on What You’ve Built: If You Can Do This, You Can Totally Do That
Programming 1 Jenny Barclay Ever thought about trying something new in cosplay but weren’t sure where to start? You might be more prepared than you think. In this panel, Jenny connects the dots between skills you already have—like knitting, origami, or paper mache—and new techniques you might not have considered, like chainmail, leatherwork, or felting. Whether you’re looking to expand your skillset or just curious what else your talents can unlock, this panel is here to spark new interests and boost your confidence to try something different. |
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PL015
Underpinnings, Understructures, and Making Them Work for You!
Programming 2 PaisleyandGlue Most makers know the basics about petticoats and corsets, but how can we achieve the exaggerated forms often called for in our cosplays? Explore materials, interfacings, and specialty garments that can help us achieve these larger-than-life shapes. |
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GM003
Office Hours
Kitty Hawk TurtleSmithy Cosplay, Avera Do you have a project you need expert advice on? Do you want to talk to one of our guests about their specialty but weren't able to make it to their programming because of all the awesome panels and workshops you had to pick between (we don't blame you!)? Come chat one-on-one with our guests in a casual setting and get your questions answered. |
| Friday 05:00 PM |
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ME001
Opening Ceremonies
Main Join us for the formal opening of our convention! We’ll welcome everyone back to the event, introduce our guests, and hand things over to our Contest Contest staff for our newly expanded Cosplay Runway Contest! |
| Friday 05:30 PM |
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ME002
Cosplay Runway Contest
Main The Cosplay Runway Contest is back and better than ever! It doesn't matter if you made your costume, bought your costume, or altered it...come and strut your stuff on stage for a chance to be crowned the winner! |
| Friday 07:00 PM |
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GP009
International Competitions in the USA
Main Pros and Cons Cosplay, Teca Cosplay There have never been more opportunities to compete on the international level but how do you know which one is best for you (or your costume)? Join cosplayers with first-hand experience as competitors, judges and organizers of national qualifiers in the USA as we go over all the existing options, discuss their differences and how to pick the one for you. |
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GP010
Cospay Foam Armor 101
Programming 1 Sayakat Cosplay Sayakat will guide you through the basics of foamsmithing, including types of foam, tools for the job, and how to assemble and finish your piece. |
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PL010
Cosplay Out of the Box
Programming 2 Lady Gatita Cosplay out of the box. As cosplay gets more popular, the more creative cosplayers become. More and more cosplayers are branching out from traditional screen accurate cosplays and opting to create something different. Let's get together and discuss all the ways we can cosplay from closet cosplays, mash ups , original characters, steampunk and the new trend of "core" fashions (I. E. Cottage-core regency-core, pirate-core, etc.) |
|
GW006
Bag of Holding
$TBD
Workshop 1 Sew Angry You've got to keep your stuff somewhere, so why not make your own bag? Sew Angry will walk you through sewing a curved cut to a straight cut and leveraging a pattern with seams featuring inset shapes, trim, and embellishments. Prerequisite: Intro to Machine Sewing workshop or prior sewing machine experience. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 10) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GW007
Painting 101 with Airbrushing Demo
$TBD
Workshop 2 TurtleSmithy Cosplay Color chemistry is, well, chemistry, so it pays to understand how to blend and contrast when painting on your fabric. Turtlesmithy Cosplay guides you through a session on color mixing and painting techniques, including working with an airbrush. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GW008S1
Intro to Electricity (Session 1)
$TBD
Workshop 3 Jenny Barclay Curious about how circuits work but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly workshop is the perfect jumping-off point! Jenny will walk you through the basics of electronics—from how LEDs light up to planning out circuits using a breadboard. You’ll get to experiment, ask questions, and learn by doing in a fun, no-stress setting. And best of all, you’ll leave with a costume piece you’ve lit up yourself! There will be 2 identical sessions of this workshop. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 12) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GW009
Worbla Flowers
$TBD
Workshop 4 Avera Worbla is sticky, and melty, and moldable. Hey, kind of like frosting! Avera Cosplay draws on her professional background as a cake decorator to show you how to make beautiful (though definitely not edible) worbla flowers. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GM004
Office Hours
Kitty Hawk Malindachan, December Cosplay Do you have a project you need expert advice on? Do you want to talk to one of our guests about their specialty but weren't able to make it to their programming because of all the awesome panels and workshops you had to pick between (we don't blame you!)? Come chat one-on-one with our guests in a casual setting and get your questions answered. |
| Friday 08:00 PM |
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GP011
It's Not Just Foam and Sewing: What I've Learned from Cosplay
Programming 1 Maker Fishmeal Cosplay is a really tough hobby - it takes persistence, bravery, and a sense of humor! Join Maker Fishmeal as they discuss what life skills and new philosophies they've discovered while making cosplay and other artwork. |
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PL021
Introduction to Sewing for Cosplay
Programming 2 Gravel Road Cosplay Join us for an introduction to sewing and becoming your own cosplay tailor. Hear tips for choosing patterns and the appropriate fabric to use. Learn to read a pattern and make size adjustments. Discuss the basics to decipher sewing patterns. |
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GP008
Ask a Judge
Cape Hatteras Sinistra Cosplay, Thelphenom, MewSakura Cosplay Break the ice and get to know your costume contest judges. This is a great chance to ask any questions you have before walking into the judging room! |
| Friday 09:00 PM |
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PL008
Cosplay in Heels: How to Walk with Confidence
Main Echo Waters Do you love heels but feel like they don't love you? Does trying to walk in heels make you feel like a baby deer? Want to learn to strut the con floor with confidence in your heels? As a certified heels dance instructor with over 10 years of experience I can help! This panel will go over exercises that will strengthen your feet and ankles to make walking in heels feel more secure and help prevent injuries or falls. We'll also discuss tips and techniques for walking, turning, and posing in your heels. Finally we will review the best way to care for your body after a long day of walking in heels. Bring your favorite heels and let's get to work on making you feel powerful in them. |
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PL030
Cultural Cosplay
Programming 1 Lady Gatita Discussion of mixing ethnic and cultural identity with cosplay. We will talk about ways to mix cultural identity while avoiding pitfalls when creating these types of cosplays, as well showing examples. |
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GP012
Danmei Pajama Party (18+)
Programming 2 Malindachan, December Cosplay, Yaya Han Stay up late with us as we kick back and play danmei-themed party games. Danmei pajama cosplay is encouraged, but not required! ID needed for entry. |
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PL002
SheProp Meetup!
Cape Hatteras Battle Angel Cosplay Come say hello to your fellow SheProp members, and get to know each other IRL at the beginning of the con! |
| Friday 10:00 PM |
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ME003
Twilight Market Swap Meet
Programming 1 Teca Cosplay The Twilight Market is a flea market/garage sale style event for attendees to trade and sell amongst the community. Items must be pre-owned goods only and will only be set-up during this time slot. Attendees will be granted a table on a first-come-first-served basis and must follow rules for allowed items. Signup is required in advance to bring items to swap. |
saturday
| Saturday 08:00 AM |
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GP013
Workout Hangout!!!
Main Sew Angry Wake up early, bring a mat or towel, and join Sew Angry for a bodyweights work out. You can follow her lead or rock your own routine with company. |
| Saturday 09:00 AM |
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PL001
Cosplay Contest Judging
Kitty Hawk Sinistra Cosplay, Thelphenom, MewSakura Cosplay Judging for the Cosplay Contest. Time slots will be provided via e-mail. |
| Saturday 10:00 AM |
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PL024
Lolita Wig Updos, Styling and Wear
Main Joei Reed Learn about braided updo wig styles suitable for Lolita and other fashions, and how to reduce pain points when wearing wigs. |
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GP028
Reshaping the Body
Programming 1 UNC Staff Triffin Morris, costuming professor from the University of North Carolina, will give an overview of reshaping the body's proportions using corsetry. Examples of corsets will be available for examination. |
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GP015
Parasol History and Construction
Programming 2 UNC Staff Rachel Pollock, costuming professor from the University of North Carolina, will give an overview of parasol history and fabrication. Topics will include the design, construction, and repair of parasols, different patterning methods for parasol canopies, and suggestions for making material and trim choices. |
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GW010
Wigs from Scratch
$TBD
Workshop 1 Pros and Cons Cosplay (Con) Making your wigs from scratch opens up an entirely new world of costume customization! With a few basic supplies, you can unlock even more options for wig styles and color combos that you can't buy online. Con from Pros and Cons Cosplay will guide you down the path of bespoke wig creation. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 11) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GW011
Foam Clay Detailing
$TBD
Workshop 2 Avera Foam clay can be molded and shaped into limitless designs to add details to your foam costume pieces. Avera Cosplay shows you the ins and outs of working with this material by walking you through decorating a set of foam horns. She will also discuss the pros and cons of various types of foam clay. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
|
GW004P2
Mold Making and Casting (Part 2)
Workshop 3 Pros and Cons Cosplay (Pro) Mold making and casting can be a great way to add organic shapes and dimension to your project, while also adding stability, rigidity or other fun textures. It is also an excellent way to make lots of one thing! Join this two-part panel where attendees will walk away with their very own cottage-core themed diorama, decorated with things you cast! Part 2 - Let the casting begin! Those attending the second part will use the molds they made to cast their own figurines. While the figurines cure, attendees will decorate their dioramas in preparation for displaying their figurines! You must attend both sessions of this workshop. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GW013
Save the Shoes! Foam Shoe Covers
$TBD
Workshop 4 Maker Fishmeal Maker Fishmeal shows you how to pattern and make removable foam shoe covers so you can reuse your shoes for various cosplays. Please bring the shoes that you would like to use as a base. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
| Saturday 11:00 AM |
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GD001S1
Fitting Office Hours (Session 1)
Main UNC Staff Join costume professors Triffin Morris and Rachel Pollock from the University of North Carolina as they walk through how to make fitting adjustments to garments. Volunteers will have the opportunity to sign up in advance, but everyone is welcome to watch the process and learn. |
|
GD003
Airbrush and Painting Demo
Programming 1 TurtleSmithy Cosplay Colors make everything more exciting, so come watch Turtlesmithy Cosplay demonstrate painting and airbrush techniques for cosplay. |
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PL014
Finish Hem!
Programming 2 FeyMeggan Let's talk about all the ways to cleanly finish your sewing project. From seams to hems to tools that make the job easier. Let's Finish Hem! |
| Saturday 01:00 PM |
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GD001S2
Fitting Office Hours (Session 2)
Main UNC Staff Join costume professors Triffin Morris and Rachel Pollock from the University of North Carolina as they walk through how to make fitting adjustments to garments. Volunteers will have the opportunity to sign up in advance, but everyone is welcome to watch the process and learn. |
|
GD004
Wigs 911
Programming 1 Malindachan, Pros and Cons Cosplay (Con) Don't panic! There's still time! Malindachan and Con from Pros and Cons Cosplay are here to sweep in and help you save your seemingly doomed wig's life. Feel free to bring your own critically injured wig for advice and practice! |
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PL020
Intro to Blender
Programming 2 Ian Finley An introduction to the most powerful, versatile (and free!) software for 3d modeling. We will explore two methods for turning reference images into models ready to print, with special attention to smooth surfaces and projected textures. |
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FW008
But Does It Burn?
$TBD
Workshop 1 FeyMeggan In the age of thrifted materials how do you know what you have? Through the power of fire, and power point, you too can identify that thrifty find. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
|
FW005
Hand Sewing 101
$20.00
Workshop 2 Lady Latham This workshop teaches 4 hand-sewing stitches, different styles of seams and finishing techniques. See the stitches up close, practice, and start a project. You'll learn stitches that you can use to create/modify cosplays. Workshop fee will be collected directly by the instructor. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
|
FW006
Kanzashi Inspired Folded Fabric Flower Hair Clips
$TBD
Workshop 3 Zlecky Participants will learn the basic skills to manipulate fabric to create the petal and leaf forms for Japanese kanzashi flowers. We will look at an overview of how this art is used in Japanese hair ornaments to make many varieties of flowers. Students will get materials to make one complete kanzashi and materials to try at least three different flower structures. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 12) Requires a separate purchase. |
|
PL001
Cosplay Contest Judging
Kitty Hawk Sinistra Cosplay, Thelphenom, MewSakura Cosplay Judging for the Cosplay Contest. Time slots will be provided via e-mail. |
| Saturday 01:30 PM |
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GW015
Foam Armor Series - Pauldron
$TBD
Workshop 4 Sayakat Cosplay Come learn the best materials, tools and techniques for your foam projects. A pauldron will be made during this session. Participation in all 3 workshops in this series is advised if you have not worked with foam before, as techniques will build upon each other. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
| Saturday 02:00 PM |
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GP016
How to Take Your Own Photos as a Cosplayer
Main Yaya Han Let Yaya Han show you the ropes of setting up high quality photoshoots on your own, in your home, with affordable equipment! We’ll discuss everything from creating a simple neutral background to building a full immersive photo set, how to set up flattering lighting, and how to edit photos easily on your phone. Every cosplayer should feel empowered to take their own photos! |
|
GP017
Dye 201 - Specialty Dyeing
Programming 1 December Cosplay December has shown us a wide range of dyeing approaches and worked with a plethora of materials. In this panel, she'll tackle some specialty dyeing techniques and considerations. |
| Saturday 02:30 PM |
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PL019
I Plastic-Wrapped Myself, Now What?: Patternmaking
Programming 2 Squirrel (Verb) From plastic wrap and masking tape, to aluminum foil sculptures, to paper prototypes. Come learn all about how to take a 3-dimensional shape and create usable pattern pieces for garments, armor, and even props. |
| Saturday 03:00 PM |
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GP018
Cosplay Contest Support Group
Main Pros and Cons Cosplay, Avera Cosplay Contest Essentials is a deep-dive into all things competition, from discussion on what cosplay contests even are, how to prepare yourself for being judged, to how to embody good sportsmanship and receive feedback. |
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GP029
Techniques for Texturizing Foam
Programming 1 Jenny Barclay There are many techniques for texturizing EVA foam, and Jenny Barclay will demonstrate how to utilize some of her favorites! |
| Saturday 03:30 PM |
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FW002
Crochet 101
$TBD
Workshop 1 Lady Gatita I will be teaching the crochet basics, Such as how to start and a few basic stitches. This hands-on workshop includes a small skein of yarn and a crochet hook to start your crochet journey. Premium workshop: Requires a separate purchase. |
| Saturday 04:00 PM |
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PL018
Cosplaying with Disabilities
Programming 2 Unseeleelee Presentation on ideas, accommodations and approaches to cosplay when dealing with limitations or special needs. Possible Q&A session. |
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GW003P2
Leatherworking (Part 2)
Workshop 2 December Cosplay December will give you a full crash course on leatherworking. Sessions will cover tooling and embellishment, dyeing and painting, and sewing leather. Students will leave with a fully finished leather pouch. You must attend all 3 sessions of this workshop. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 12) Requires a separate purchase. |
|
GW018
Weathering Clothes and Props
$TBD
Workshop 3 TurtleSmithy Cosplay Your costume is clean... a little -too- clean. TurtleSmithy Cosplay helps you apply various stages of weathering to your outfits and props with sanding, fabric fraying, and painting techniques. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GW019
Styling Long Wigs
$TBD
Workshop 4 Malindachan That hair! That long, beautiful hair! How does one achieve such stylish, impossibly long and dreamy hair? Oh, it's not real and you have to style it? Well, I guess it's a good thing Malindachan is here to help you do just that! Premium workshop: (Capacity: 7) Requires a separate purchase. |
| Saturday 04:30 PM |
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GP020
Sticky Stuff: Glue Overview
Programming 1 Maker Fishmeal There are many, many different glues. What is the best glue for your next cosplay? What is the best glue to fix your prop in the parking lot 10 minutes before your next photo shoot? Maker Fishmeal will share important tips and tricks from their popular book, The Ultimate Glue Guide. |
| Saturday 05:00 PM |
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GP021
Unified, Not Uniform: The Art of Group Cosplay (FKA Show and
Tell with Sewangry and Jenny Barclay)
Main Jenny Barclay, Sew Angry Join Sewangry and Jenny as they dive into the process of building group costumes that look cohesive, without sacrificing individual style. They’ll walk through their recent reverse mermaid costumes and showcase how they planned, designed, and executed two totally different builds that still feel like they belong together. From sketching ideas to coordinating finishing touches, this panel is packed with tips for anyone interested in how a group costume comes together. |
|
PL022
It's Got Pockets!!
Programming 2 That's so cosplay - Abbi Have you ever put on a costume and realized you don't have anywhere to stash your phone or other necessities for a day at the con? This panel will teach you how to make pockets in your homemade or store bought costume. It will also include suggestions for matching bags or pouches to your costume. |
| Saturday 06:00 PM |
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ME004
Costume Contest Staging
Main What, you think contests just happen? Participants will gather for a mandatory briefing with the contest judges in preparation for the main contest event. |
| Saturday 07:00 PM |
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ME005
Costume Contest
Main It's time to announce the winners of our costume craftsmanship contest! Our judges will announce the winners, give out prizes, and lead us in celebrating the hard work and talents of our Cosplay America 2024 contestants. |
| Saturday 09:00 PM |
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ME006
Gala
Main You are cordially invited to a most fantastical occasion! We welcome you to socialize with your peers and our guests for a night of music, snacks, and photo ops! A classy costume is not required, but we encourage you to don a formal or especially eye-catching outfit and compete in our regal showcase! |
sunday
| Sunday 09:00 AM |
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ME007
Cosplay America Feedback
Programming 1 How'd we do? What could we do better? What would you like to see next year? We're always open to feedback, but this is your chance to share your thoughts directly with the people who make Cosplay America happen. |
| Sunday 09:30 AM |
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PL003
Costume Contest Judging Feedback
Kitty Hawk Sinistra Cosplay, Thelphenom, MewSakura Cosplay The contest is over, but we're far from done learning. This feedback session gives our contestants an opportunity to speak with the judges and walk away with constructive feedback. |
| Sunday 10:00 AM |
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GP026
Scaling Props and Armor
Main TurtleSmithy Cosplay Most of us do not possess impossible cartoon or videogame anatomies. Once we come to terms with this dissonance, TurtleSmithy Cosplay can show us how to scale our costume designs to the proportions of our own bodies. |
|
GD005
Modifying Commercial Patterns
Programming 1 Sew Angry A common way to get started on a pattern for cosplay is to modify a commercial pattern. Sometimes you find a pattern that is close-- but this seam is over here, the sleeves are too baggy, and the hem is too short... but we can work with it! Sew Angry will talk techniques and approaches for this method of jumpstarting your costume pattern. |
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PL026
Tanning Your Own Leather
Programming 2 Ev Cosplay Learn about different methods of tanning leather and see some examples |
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GW020
Smocked Pillows
$TBD
Workshop 1 Pros and Cons Cosplay (Con) Smocking is a type of fabric manipulation that will give your costumes some elegant texture! This workshop will cover smocking basics and helpful tools to take your projects further. Attendees will be able to practice smocking by making a small pillow. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 11) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GW021
Embossing for Boss Builds
$TBD
Workshop 2 Pros and Cons Cosplay (Pro) Do you have the perfect fabric but want to add some razzle-dazzle? Are you interested in learning even more ways to add a personal touch to your garments? Embossing is for you! Attendees at this interactive panel will learn to use various embossing techniques to amplify fabrics! Attendees will leave with their own embossed fabric swatches. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GW008S2
Intro to Electricity (Session 2)
Workshop 3 Jenny Barclay Curious about how circuits work but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly workshop is the perfect jumping-off point! Jenny will walk you through the basics of electronics—from how LEDs light up to planning out circuits using a breadboard. You’ll get to experiment, ask questions, and learn by doing in a fun, no-stress setting. And best of all, you’ll leave with a costume piece you’ve lit up yourself! There will be 2 identical sessions of this workshop. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 12) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GW023
Wig Transformation: Texturing and Spiking Wigs
$TBD
Workshop 4 Malindachan Your character wig probably isn't costume ready right out of the bag, but don't worry, Malinda-chan is here to help you defy gravity with some wigmancy! Premium workshop: (Capacity: 7) Requires a separate purchase. |
| Sunday 11:00 AM |
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PL025
Materials of Cosplay
Programming 2 Ziggy From Spandex to Cotton, Worbla to Eva Foam, there are many types of products you can use for cosplay! This panel will help you start planning and prep for future cosplay builds. |
| Sunday 11:30 AM |
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PL012
Crafting Cosplay the Eccentric Way
Main Ayla Craft Uncommon and unusual methods and materials for cosplay construction. Join Ayla Craft for a discussion on making things the weird way and learn how experimenting can boost confidence and free you from perfectionism. Leverage your strengths and skills to try new and exciting ways to Craft Cosplay! |
| Sunday 12:00 PM |
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GP023
Aging With Your Cosplay Hobby
Programming 1 Teca Cosplay No one is ever too old to cosplay but do you need to grow out of it? Join twenty-year cosplay veteran Teca as she discusses how you and your relationship with cosplaying can change with time and how to keep healthy mentally, physically and financially. |
| Sunday 12:30 PM |
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GP025
Prop Guts! Making Giant Props
Main Avera, Maker Fishmeal Cosplay is all fun and games until you have to make a prop that's the same size as you are. Can you even carry that 6 foot tall axe? And more importantly does it fit in your suitcase? Does it even fit in your car!?! Help! Avera and Maker Fishmeal walk us through the critical planning process for giant props and their guts. |
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PL005
Battle Ready: Armor Attachments That Work
Programming 2 Squirrel (Verb) Tired of falling apart all day? Velcro failing you again? Put the surgical glue down, and come change the way you think about crafting armor that will actually stay on. Includes specific methods you can steal for your next build. |
| Sunday 01:00 PM |
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GW016
Perfect Bias: Sewing With Bias Tape
$TBD
Workshop 1 Sew Angry Learn how to sew bias tape to finish edges on garments and craft projects. Sew Angry guides you through the fiddly but rewarding process of finishing your projects using this notorious fabric trim. Prerequisite: Intro to Machine Sewing workshop or prior sewing machine experience. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 10) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GW003P3
Leatherworking (Part 3)
Workshop 2 December Cosplay December will give you a full crash course on leatherworking. Sessions will cover tooling and embellishment, dyeing and painting, and sewing leather. Students will leave with a fully finished leather pouch. You must attend all 3 sessions of this workshop. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 12) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GW026
Foam Armor Series - Helmet
$TBD
Workshop 4 Sayakat Cosplay Come learn the best materials, tools and techniques for your foam projects. A helmet will be made during this session. Participation in all 3 workshops in this series is advised if you have not worked with foam before, as techniques will build upon each other. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
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GM007
Office Hours
Kitty Hawk Malindachan, TurtleSmithy Cosplay Do you have a project you need expert advice on? Do you want to talk to one of our guests about their specialty but weren't able to make it to their programming because of all the awesome panels and workshops you had to pick between (we don't blame you!)? Come chat one-on-one with our guests in a casual setting and get your questions answered. |
| Sunday 01:30 PM |
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GP019
Professional Cosplay - Real Talk with Yaya Han
Main Yaya Han This is it! The ultimate lecture on how to take on cosplay as a career! Yaya will hold nothing back when she gives you the rundown on what it is like to negotiate with conventions, work with brands, how to diversify income branches and what it takes to be a professional cosplayer. There are no easy answers but Yaya will prepare you with real strategies, tips, and expectations! It is recommended that you attend her panels “Beyond Social Media” and “Cosplay, the Emerging Industry” before this lecture to get the full picture, and there will be time for a Q&A after the presentation. |
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PL004
Cosplay Contestant Show and Tell
Programming 1 Want to see those costume props and special effects close-up? Want to show off your work after all the stress is gone? This is the panel for you! If you participated in the cosplay contest, please come by with your costume to display your creation and talk through how you made it! Everyone is welcome to come watch and learn. |
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FW003
Drafting a Basic Underbust Pattern from Measurements
$TBD
Workshop 3 Duae Cat, Aries This is a workshop to draft a very basic underbust pattern and discuss how to alter it from the base pattern. Premium workshop: (Capacity: 15) Requires a separate purchase. |
| Sunday 02:00 PM |
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PL017
How to Cosplay with Comfort & Care
Programming 2 keiraide Conventions and cosplay can be taxing on the mind and body. Regardless of your age or ability, it's important to take care of your health! We will cover preventive care and aftercare, and how to be mindful of your needs while in costume. |
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GM008
Office Hours
Kitty Hawk Pros and Cons Cosplay (Con), Teca Cosplay Do you have a project you need expert advice on? Do you want to talk to one of our guests about their specialty but weren't able to make it to their programming because of all the awesome panels and workshops you had to pick between (we don't blame you!)? Come chat one-on-one with our guests in a casual setting and get your questions answered. |
| Sunday 02:30 PM |
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PL029
Wigging Out With Yarn
Programming 1 Lady Gatita This panel will be an introduction and discussion on creating wigs for your cosplays |
| Sunday 03:00 PM |
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GP022
Finish Your Cosplay!
Main Maker Fishmeal The hardest part of any cosplay build...finishing! Maker Fishmeal shares inspirational and educational tips and tricks from their upcoming book, Finish Your Cosplay! You too can find motivation for slaying your incomplete cosplays. |
| Sunday 03:30 PM |
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GD006
Patterning Foam Builds
Programming 1 Avera Avera will demonstrate the process of designing your own patterns for foam armor. |
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PL028
True (Cosplay) Crimes (18+)
Programming 2 Battle Angel Cosplay, Sheprop Members Are you guilty of committing cosplay crimes? Of course you are! Whether you’ve used hot glue to hem a garment, spray painted in your bathroom, dyed a sink bright pink, or “forgot to wear gloves, ” this is the panel for you. The members of SheProp talk about some of their mistakes, short-cuts gone awry, and (avoidable) crafting disasters. They will assure you that we are all only human and that even the most experienced makers are more than capable of making mistakes! ID required for entry. |
| Sunday 04:00 PM |
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GP024
Silk Painting
Main December Cosplay It's been done for centuries in Asia, it's been big in Europe for years and now painting on silk has become very popular in the US. December gives an overview of this beautiful traditional technique, as well as some tips and tricks. |
| Sunday 05:00 PM |
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ME008
Closing Ceremonies
Main Hot glue running cold... circuit breakers tripping... glitter in places best not elaborated... Yep, I think we're done here! Let’s get together one last time to send off our guests, reflect on the weekend, and get everyone (including you!) together for a huge 2025 group photo! |
Updated: May 17 11:02 PM