Seminars

We know that, for most of you, playing games is why you come to Origins. Still, when we get this many bright people together - gamers, designers, writers, theoreticians, historians, military experts, etc. – we can’t pass up a chance to put them in a room and get them talking about things we all love and want to know more about.

This year’s Seminar track promises to be a great one. The following are just some of the highlights. Don’t forget to check the Origins website (www.originsgamefair.com/events) for the full schedule of seminars – there’s Guest of Honor presentations, company Q&A’s and dozens of other seminar topics!

Here are just some of the Seminars we are planning at Origins this year:

The Teacher’s Hall Pass Program
Interested in learning how to use games in the classroom? Would you like to know what games are out there for helping the younger folks you know learn and grow? Come join the teachers, companies, and game designers of the THP seminar series, and learn something new! See the Teacher’s Hall Pass section for more information

The Origins War College
A world-class series of seminars on military history, battle simulation and international affairs. We have speakers come in from all over the world for this series, and it’s always an exceptional experience. Please see the War College page for more information and the full schedule.

The Influence of Zombie Movies on Gaming
We’ve all watched them.  As gamers we’ve all thought about what a great game that would be.  Whether as miniatures, table top, or LARP games, zombies just keep coming back.  What makes them so attractive to gamers.  Join this seminar discussion to find out.

GAMA Retailer Summit
Are you a retailer, who just hasn’t had time to get to the GAMA Trade Show? Interested in becoming a retailer some day? Join our GAMA Retail Division Board Members and expert retailers as they show you how it’s done, in our third GAMA Retailer Summit. You’ll walk the exhibit hall with other retailers, hear great speakers in our seminars, and chat with other retailers in the GRD Lounge. Nothing can replace the experience of GTS, but the GAMA Retailer Summit is the next best thing!

The Other 50% of the Population
Woman aren’t a hive mind, but our seminar panelists will attempt to discuss the things that turn women away from gaming, the kinds of things that might attract more women to the hobby, and attempts at inclusion that have and haven’t worked.

The Mayfair Classroom
Don’t know the differences between Seafarers and Cities and Knights? Love auction games, but don’t know where to find more (or play them better)? Then you’re invited to take a class at the Mayfair Classroom, seminars designed to spotlight a variety of games! Mayfair staff, game designers, and experts will be on hand to take you on a guided tour of games linked by theme, mechanic or more! Participants earn Mayfair ribbons for participation.

Arthur- Hero or Myth?  
Inside every legend is a grain of truth. Who was Arthur - Dux Britannia, Romano-British leader, or Celtic warlord?  Join Guest of Honor Phil Viverito for this intriguing seminar about one of our greatest heroic legends.

Mensa Information Session
American Mensa is an organization for smart people like you. We have more than 50,000 members in the United States and more than 100,000 members worldwide. The only requirement for membership -- a score in the top two percent on an accepted, standardized intelligence test. More than 150 Special Interest Groups allow members to pursue their interests -- from astronomy to quilting -- with other Mensans. Social events range from local game nights to intellectual events. There are also national events such as Mind Games where Mensans judge and critique games released in the past year and award the coveted Mensa Select seal to the top five. Our annual CultureQuest is an intense trivia test where groups compete for top honors. Colloquiums explore topics from cosmology to the science of humor. More information is available at www.us.mensa.org or at our booth during Origins.

And as I Reach Out for the Stars…
What is our attraction to space the final frontier?  Is it because it is the last great unknown or is it our constant desire to expand and feel we are in control of our environment?  Join this seminar with your opinion

Amorphous Blobcast
Amorphous Blob Games are proud to bring their Podcast to Origins 2008.   This event will be a taping of the show.  Ticket holders should expect to be asked to be part of an interview about Origins and convention gaming as well as other relevant topics.  Oddly enough prizes will be awarded.

So, You want to write for White Wolf?
Lead by our Alternative Products guru, Eddy Webb, this panel of White Wolf Developers and Freelancers provide tips and tricks for getting your work noticed by White Wolf. An in depth explanation of the Storyteller Adventure System and how to submit your pitches will be included in this seminar!

Hero Lab Authoring Kit Seminar
Hero Lab developers will give insight and instruction regarding the use of Hero Lab’s authoring kit, for users who would like to create data files for their favorite, or even original, game systems.

Chainmail Bikini & Iron Jockstraps - Gender in Gaming
An open discussion of the role that gender and LBGT issues are portrayed in gaming. Come with questions and the urge to share your opinions.

Storytelling in the World of Darkness
This panel of White Wolf Staff and Freelancers host a Q&A for fans wanting suggestions about running games with our Product lines, along with providing suggestions on plot hooks and ways to add levels of excitement to your home game.

Games Women Love (and why we love them)
Being a woman doesn’t mean we all agree on what’s a good game and what isn’t. Sometimes you want a complicated relationship story, and sometimes you just want to blow things up. We’ll talk about why we love the games we love.

There Are No Bad Players, Only Bad Games
Or is it the other way around? Why do some players think of the GMs as ‘fun providers’? Why do some GMs expect the players to be thankful they were allowed to play in the game at all? Is it possible for players and GMs to work together in this? Veteran LARP writer ‘Uncle Don’ Ross talks about differences in player and gamemaster expectations in both live-action and tabletop role-playing games. Players and GMs are invited to bring their own experiences to the discussion.

The Palladium Megaverse
Learn the mechanics of the fast-paced and fun palladium game system. Included is an overview of all the Palladium campaign settings, ranging from fantasy to far future science fiction.

What is Your Plan Z?
When the Zombies rise up (yea, laugh now) and want your juicy body will you be ready?  How will you survive the Zombie onslaught with just the stuff in your house or will you have a Z.E.K. (Zombie Emergency Kit) Be Prepared!  Come enjoy this light hearted seminar.

The Art of Collaborative Storytelling
Is your GM a brutal tyrant whose only goal is to kill off as many PCs as possible? GM, are you tired of players who seemed determined to derail your every storyline? Maybe it’s time we all started working together toward a common goal.  Come and learn if this utopian vision of gaming is right for you.

Air Combat Seminar
Presentations and discussion led by Birds of Prey designer Tony Valle, and Fighting Wings system designer, J.D. Webster.  Air combat awards, discussion, and something new this year.

The Cycles and Myths of the Traditional Hero
Gilgamesh, Arthur, Joan of Arc, and Roland - what is a hero in society and where does our longing for heroes come from?  What about the ones that don’t seem to fit the traditional Hero pattern? Come voice your opinion at this open seminar.

Exalted & Scion Q&A Panel
Come ask Developers - John Chambers and Eddy Webb and their writing staff all about Exalted and Scion. Learn about upcoming books; ask those burning questions about the world setting that have been keeping you awake at night!

Genre-Palooza
What makes genres good? What makes them bad? Are they useful tools? Unnecessary straightjackets on creativity? Explore these questions, and more!

GM Mastery
Learn how to be a GM or just refine your existing GM skills. Topics include problem players, time management, campaign and scenario design, etc.

First Contact  
What do we do now?  What will the human reaction to meeting our first extra-terrestrials?  We come in peace, shoot to kill men.  Or “To serve Man”?  It’s going to happen someday folks if it hasn’t already.  Join this seminar and find out.

Boffer Boot Camps
LARP combat too often involves untrained and unskilled combatants trying desperately to imbue themselves with the essence of butt-kicking, but ultimately only succeeding in looking silly.  With the right training, though, even the most awkward of geeks can quickly learn how to own in any boffer combat system.

Leatherworking 101
Leatherworking is a craft that has been passed down and improved since the dawn of mankind.  Learn some of those skills today, and come away from the experience with a leather belt pouch to show for it!  Leatherworking 101 teaches the basic skills, such as cutting, punching, riveting, and sewing leather.

Chain Mail 101 - Basics
Developed originally as a form of armor, chainmail, or more simply, mail, is the art of weaving metal rings into sheets of pliable but resilient fabric.  Today’s applications range from protection to jewelry…and sometimes both!  Whether you’re looking for that new look to impress your hard-core friends, or need a little extra protection in your favorite LARP, we can teach you the skills required to get you started in the remarkable craft of mail!

Boffer Weapon Construction 101
Who hasn’t spent an afternoon whacking their friends and siblings with a stick?  The instinct to swing ‘swords’ is in us all, but getting your tetanus booster is no fun, so how about a safe alternative?  Learn to construct a safe replica of medieval weapons with this hands-on seminar, and the next time you whack your friends with a stick, they won’t complain as much...I swear it’s just as fun ;)

Garbing 101
Even with the assistance of a machine, creating and sewing a bit of garb for your favorite cosplay can be tricky.  Spend some time with our professional seamstress and learn the basic techniques involved in making garb…from fitting and cutting the pattern, to putting the pieces together in a neat, professional way.