BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:stokercon2026
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com StokerCon 2026//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260603T140000Z
DTEND:20260604T020000Z
SUMMARY:Boardroom
DESCRIPTION:The HWA Boardroom. HWA Officers\, Trustees\, and StokerCon volunteers only.
CATEGORIES:CON OPS
LOCATION:Crawford\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3d901f44844dbdd2c2798c31ce982f7c
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/3d901f44844dbdd2c2798c31ce982f7c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T110000Z
DTEND:20260605T020000Z
SUMMARY:Boardroom
DESCRIPTION:The HWA Boardroom. HWA Officers\, Trustees\, and StokerCon volunteers only.
CATEGORIES:CON OPS
LOCATION:Crawford\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c3a7300bbfde93cec940b1cab0507df7
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/c3a7300bbfde93cec940b1cab0507df7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T160000Z
DTEND:20260604T230000Z
SUMMARY:Registration
DESCRIPTION:Check-in for StokerCon 2026! Receive your name badge and your swag bag. \n\nThis is also a good place to find someone who can answer your questions about the Con.
CATEGORIES:CON OPS
LOCATION:Third Floor Coat Check\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a71285591e271fe07532d17ab18f6238
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/a71285591e271fe07532d17ab18f6238
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T180000Z
DTEND:20260604T185000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b6eff56d990963aae82aedf8b3936f7f
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/b6eff56d990963aae82aedf8b3936f7f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T180000Z
DTEND:20260604T185000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fa5a71da9d6c30c3ccec751e1414fe5c
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/fa5a71da9d6c30c3ccec751e1414fe5c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T190000Z
DTEND:20260604T195000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:480f8579630c52c1e4f688d14c70e1c4
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/480f8579630c52c1e4f688d14c70e1c4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T190000Z
DTEND:20260604T195000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b5c1804dfca2c62d1cd7084f5d23d8b1
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/b5c1804dfca2c62d1cd7084f5d23d8b1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T190000Z
DTEND:20260604T195000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d3cc03cfdd8c13863e7a6760ade9939c
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/d3cc03cfdd8c13863e7a6760ade9939c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T190000Z
DTEND:20260604T195000Z
SUMMARY:Don’t Forget to Like and Subscribe: How to Work with Horror Influencers
DESCRIPTION:Lauded as the modern way to reach readers\, book influencers have seen great success with places like BookTok and Bookstagram\, where they frequently drive trends. Some influencers have even been able to become acquiring editors in their own right. But is engaging with an influencer the best choice for an author? What kind of etiquette should be expected between authors and influencers? Further\, how can authors protect themselves and spot scams? This panel will include discussions on proper behavior\, how to deal with problematic influencers\, and best practices to establish healthy professional relationships.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:495894ac38db4a883574dbabe7a964e8
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/495894ac38db4a883574dbabe7a964e8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T190000Z
DTEND:20260604T195000Z
SUMMARY:Welcome to the Darkive
DESCRIPTION:Rare books and literary archival collections can be fertile ground for academic research\, creative inspiration\, and documentation of the writing process and publishing industry. Join us for a panel that uncovers how primary source research in the University of Pittsburgh Library System’s horror studies collections has been used to generate and inspire both academic and creative works\, the processes behind this type of research\, and the value that creating your own archive can provide to the next generation of writers and researchers.\n\nThis panel is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh Library System\n\n
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3121894bde391e57a316cf5071a1751a
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/3121894bde391e57a316cf5071a1751a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T190000Z
DTEND:20260605T000000Z
SUMMARY:Dealers Room
DESCRIPTION:OFFICIAL BOOKSELLER\nWhite Whale Bookstore\n\nVENDORS\nArwyn Sherman\n Black Cat Publishing\nCLASH Books\n​Creature Publishing​​​\nFalstaff Books\nThe George A. Romero Foundation\nGrendel Press\nJeff Deck\nJoe Belcastro\nKent Priore\nKenya Moss-Dyme\nLanternfish Press\nLeanna Renee Hieber\nNate Hoffelder\nRaw Dog Screaming Press\nRoyce Buckingham\nRuadan Books\nSeton Hill University\nSHP Comics\nStudio Hibernacula\nSuperstars Writing Seminars\nTantor Media\nWinding Road Stories\nWord Witch CC\n\n\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:DEALERS ROOM
LOCATION:Allegheny Ballroom I\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:28effce78a99b61f0cdeecf9aab36981
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/28effce78a99b61f0cdeecf9aab36981
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T190000Z
DTEND:20260604T205000Z
SUMMARY:HU: Medusa's Children Writing Horror from the Bones of Myth and Fairy Tale
DESCRIPTION:In this two-hour workshop\, writers will excavate the ancient narratives found in fairy tale and myth to discover the dark truths hidden inside these familiar forms. Trace the evolution of oral storytelling to traditional tale types\, utilize folkloric tools to unearth literary legacies and mythic motifs\, and crack the bones of contemporary stories to expose unexpected connections in both the monstrous and the mundane. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of mythic structure\, a toolkit of approaches for retelling and subversion\, and a series of transformative prompts designed to lead intrepid explorers through the labyrinth and into the dark wood.\n\nThis is a separately ticketed workshop. &nbsp\;For more information on Horror University and registration information see:&nbsp\;https://www.stokercon.com/horror-university
CATEGORIES:HORROR UNIVERSITY
LOCATION:Washington\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2fcb690b430202f36c93c6e1e0def72d
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/2fcb690b430202f36c93c6e1e0def72d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T200000Z
DTEND:20260604T205000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:05610ea7b517681211ed9cb0422e0577
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/05610ea7b517681211ed9cb0422e0577
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T200000Z
DTEND:20260604T205000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5db30787cc34ec3e96fd82fc74a968ac
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/5db30787cc34ec3e96fd82fc74a968ac
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T200000Z
DTEND:20260604T205000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e0b1019eeb603395c89b526b667f4dd6
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/e0b1019eeb603395c89b526b667f4dd6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T200000Z
DTEND:20260604T213000Z
SUMMARY:Open Mic Poetry Reading
DESCRIPTION:Our annual Open Mic Poetry Readings hosted by Linda D. Addison!\n\nOpen Mic is a great place to read your poetry to a supportive audience and to be inspired by hearing the poetry of others.\n\nEach poet reads for 5 minutes or less. \n\nThe host will loop around the room until we run out of time. All poets are welcome. \n\nNote that this session is schedule for 90 minutes.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Butler\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ae658175d8be127fc09bde2fbdc10a16
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/ae658175d8be127fc09bde2fbdc10a16
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T200000Z
DTEND:20260604T205000Z
SUMMARY:Something in the Water: Aquatic Horror
DESCRIPTION:Aquatic horror goes way beyond Jaws. Our fear of what might lurk in the dark water is almost primordial—maybe humanity’s first fear. This panel explores the history of aquatic horror in literature and film—and offers a glimpse into what the future may hold.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:826d6d96034b0d548f48ae647b0d449e
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/826d6d96034b0d548f48ae647b0d449e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T200000Z
DTEND:20260604T205000Z
SUMMARY:How to Get the Best Out of StokerCon
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to StokerCon! Now what? If you’re a first-time attendee\, new to the horror community\, or simply seeking a better handle on how to keep up with everything happening at StokerCon\, this is the panel for you. A group of StokerCon veterans and organizers will help you know what to expect\, how to plan your time\, what our different programming options offer\, and how to meet your favorite horror writers without scaring them. Drop into for a crash course on navigating the ins and outs of the HWA’s annual convention.
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:db6a6a91225f1a25a83e77a06c228b1b
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/db6a6a91225f1a25a83e77a06c228b1b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T200000Z
DTEND:20260604T205000Z
SUMMARY:Meet Your HWA Chapter Chairs
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:80ce3915a1af3bd273c07997dcd4a315
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/80ce3915a1af3bd273c07997dcd4a315
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T210000Z
DTEND:20260604T215000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:02c9d87f1c52554c5677539da97f88c4
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/02c9d87f1c52554c5677539da97f88c4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T210000Z
DTEND:20260604T215000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:11ce427959ef872d07e5514a45d8c4c5
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/11ce427959ef872d07e5514a45d8c4c5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T210000Z
DTEND:20260604T215000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b7f58afdff3dd46359e0716ff228ccfa
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/b7f58afdff3dd46359e0716ff228ccfa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T210000Z
DTEND:20260604T215000Z
SUMMARY:No One Wants to Publish Mr. Hyde: Professional Etiquette for Horror Writers
DESCRIPTION:The horror writing community is a small world\, and you never know where a new publishing opportunity might come from. It’s important to be professional and to maintain good relationships and practices as a working horror writer. But what does that mean? What are “best practices” when it comes to engaging with agents and editors\, with publishers\, fellow authors\, and even in social media? Where is the line between personal and professional interactions? Our panelists will discuss these questions and more.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ecabd310c3bbbb0d5d38a21927bfa09d
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/ecabd310c3bbbb0d5d38a21927bfa09d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T210000Z
DTEND:20260604T215000Z
SUMMARY:Monster Evolutions
DESCRIPTION:The portrayal of creatures in horror has continuously changed to fit styles and tastes of the time. Through the lens of classic film monsters such as vampires\, werewolves\, and zombies\, we will explore how they evolve to fit different times and attitudes. This discussion will further examine how these portrayals have been reinvented in film and on the page as well as what new creatures are on the rise.
CATEGORIES:HORROR HISTORY
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:543f95fb675eb18b43f6e8584d3adedd
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/543f95fb675eb18b43f6e8584d3adedd
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260604T210000Z
DTEND:20260604T215000Z
SUMMARY:Demystifying the Stoker Awards
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ea6483802decd5f4ef6bba350890fa0f
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/ea6483802decd5f4ef6bba350890fa0f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T000000Z
DTEND:20260605T020000Z
SUMMARY:Opening Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:Come join the celebration of the start of StokerCon 2026! Meet our Guests of Honor\, HWA officers and trustees\, StokerCon Governing Board co-chairs\, and friends old and new.\n\nThis event is catered with a cash bar. The bar accepts credit/debit cards\, or\, if you are staying at the Westin\, you can charge drinks to your room. No cash accepted.
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Allegheny Ballroom II-III\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7f783e1dad524e1ba09e3c7a26b4e2db
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/7f783e1dad524e1ba09e3c7a26b4e2db
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T020000Z
DTEND:20260605T025000Z
SUMMARY:A Decade of StokerCon
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special late night panel to celebrate StokerCon’s 10th anniversary!\n\nLearn the history of the HWA’s annual conference from the people who pioneered it and carried the torch forward-a milestone assembly of con chairs from years past and present. Why did the HWA start StokerCon? What has it come to mean to the HWA and the horror community? Join in the discussion for memorable anecdotes and memories of our favorite event.
CATEGORIES:HORROR HISTORY
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3e80e000f7b99775c5aba168e5e60926
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/3e80e000f7b99775c5aba168e5e60926
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T030000Z
DTEND:20260605T035900Z
SUMMARY:Monster Mash
DESCRIPTION:A fun\, late-night programming piece\, not at all a serious discussion--though it might just get intense!\n\nNine participants and one host. Two teams of three. Three judges. An intrepid group who will strive to answer the age old question: "Which monster would win in a fight?" In each round\, each team will randomly be assigned a monster out of classic horror or folklore and a random setting will be chosen (or provided by the audience). Each team will then make their case for why their monster would defeat the other team's monster\, how their powers or characteristics would match up\, and how their environment might be a factor. After the cases are presented\, the judges will assess the arguments and decide the winner! Tongue-in-cheek! Outlandish! Deeply meaningful! Place yer bets and let fate decide!
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:15829b13e084713e6be743a34b8dff68
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/15829b13e084713e6be743a34b8dff68
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T110000Z
DTEND:20260606T020000Z
SUMMARY:Boardroom
DESCRIPTION:The HWA Boardroom. HWA Officers\, Trustees\, and StokerCon volunteers only.
CATEGORIES:CON OPS
LOCATION:Crawford\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7f8f7531590922eb16dcef742f13f52f
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/7f8f7531590922eb16dcef742f13f52f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T120000Z
DTEND:20260605T220000Z
SUMMARY:Registration
DESCRIPTION:Check-in for StokerCon 2026! Receive your name badge and your swag bag. \n\nThis is also a good place to find someone who can answer your questions about the Con.
CATEGORIES:CON OPS
LOCATION:Third Floor Coat Check\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e8a1abe5d120afd5840dc1a40b65e082
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/e8a1abe5d120afd5840dc1a40b65e082
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T120000Z
DTEND:20260605T122500Z
SUMMARY:Welcome To Librarians' Day!
DESCRIPTION:Meet the Librarians’ Day team and fellow librarians from across the country while enjoying coffee and bites courtesy of the University of Pittsburgh Library System.
CATEGORIES:LIBRARIANS' DAY
LOCATION:Pennsylvania Ballroom\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:be2143be6158ca3007ae18fe6f84db89
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/be2143be6158ca3007ae18fe6f84db89
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T121500Z
DTEND:20260605T133000Z
SUMMARY:Panel A: Conspicuous Consumption
DESCRIPTION:"Cannibal Horror in Italy"\nSpencer Stoller\n\n"“Everything is for Sale”: Commensurability and the Horror of Capitalist Forms in Stephen King’s Needful Things"\nEric Otto\n\n"Occult Wars in the Age of Aquarius: The Battle on the Bookshelf"\nKatherine Kerestman
CATEGORIES:ANN RADCLIFFE ACADEMIC CONFERENCE
LOCATION:Butler\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a0f480eca22d15c3d8508534299d0312
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/a0f480eca22d15c3d8508534299d0312
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T123000Z
DTEND:20260605T132000Z
SUMMARY:Brains! Brains! Brainstorming Ways to Engage Your Community
DESCRIPTION:Join HWA Library Advisory Council members in small group discussions to meet some of your fellow librarians\, share experiences\, and gather ideas for how to engage your community with the horror community. &nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:LIBRARIANS' DAY
LOCATION:Pennsylvania Ballroom\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:51db33dd30ce4465198baf8e783a0cdc
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/51db33dd30ce4465198baf8e783a0cdc
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T130000Z
DTEND:20260605T135000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1d1b4e379d39384a7ff4e5168a370c0f
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/1d1b4e379d39384a7ff4e5168a370c0f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T130000Z
DTEND:20260605T135000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8ce8489387ef30fdb00b7c52a0d44cf5
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/8ce8489387ef30fdb00b7c52a0d44cf5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T130000Z
DTEND:20260605T135000Z
SUMMARY:Adolescent Terrors: Writing Young Adult Horror
DESCRIPTION:Teens have been a staple in the horror genre for its whole existence\, but their role as victims vs heroes vs monsters themselves has evolved\, creating a breadth of teen portrayals in horror. How do writers go about writing stories about young people? How do Young Adult horror novels differ from Adult horror novels looking back? Join panelists as they discuss the potential of YA horror\, its growth over recent years\, and more.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:303f031feddedcff1ac1b7bafc4ea605
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/303f031feddedcff1ac1b7bafc4ea605
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T130000Z
DTEND:20260605T135000Z
SUMMARY:Are We Rehearsing for the Fall of Civilization?
DESCRIPTION:Why do we see so much post-apocalypse writing\, cinema\, television now? Why are these stories so popular? Are we unconsciously rehearsing for apocalypse? What do the many visions of the fall of civilization mean to you? This panel will discuss the current state of apocalyptic and dystopian fiction\, its place in the horror genre\, and what insights it provides into contemporary society.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:df59ab28f2747c813061d201629d1e87
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/df59ab28f2747c813061d201629d1e87
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T130000Z
DTEND:20260605T135000Z
SUMMARY:Out of the Shadows: the Evolution of Horror into Everyday Life
DESCRIPTION:In the 20th century\, horror moved out of the realm of antiquarians\, mad scientists\, old dark houses\, and forgotten villages–and into the modern world! Richard Matheson pioneered the idea of the common man as a horror protagonist in I Am Legend and The Shrinking Man and decades later\, Stephen King made the everyman central to the genre with characters such as Carrie White\, Jack Torrance\, Johnny Smith\, Stu Redman\, and others living ordinary lives invaded by horrors they never sought or contemplated. Ira Levin wrote about an ordinary young couple starting out in New York City in Rosemary’s Baby\, and Joyce Carol Oates wrote about teenage murderer\, Richard Everett\, in Expensive People. What made this brand of horror so popular. How has it influenced the genre? Did it hold it back creatively or help expand interest to general readers?
CATEGORIES:HORROR HISTORY
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6112c9b9ab5ede4cb1b155a82a855941
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/6112c9b9ab5ede4cb1b155a82a855941
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T130000Z
DTEND:20260605T145000Z
SUMMARY:HU: Understanding Tone and Word Placement in Poetry
DESCRIPTION:As a poet\, words are like gold. With so many lines\, or so few\, a poet must understand the weight each word has on every line. The goal of this workshop is to examine word choice\, tone\, and rhythm by looking at both classic and modern examples from Milton to Shelley to Lovecraft to Ginsberg. \n\nThis is a separately ticketed workshop.&nbsp\; For more information on Horror University and registration information see:&nbsp\;https://www.stokercon.com/horror-university
CATEGORIES:HORROR UNIVERSITY
LOCATION:Washington\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d0cb4574c94211affcc19fde8f166baa
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/d0cb4574c94211affcc19fde8f166baa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T133000Z
DTEND:20260605T142000Z
SUMMARY:How to Feature Horror at Your Library
DESCRIPTION:Hear librarians from across the country share their experiences featuring horror at their libraries\, from book discussions to writing groups to author events and more.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:LIBRARIANS' DAY
LOCATION:Pennsylvania Ballroom\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:964547a8377f5def0443c96f3b8cc01a
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/964547a8377f5def0443c96f3b8cc01a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T134500Z
DTEND:20260605T150000Z
SUMMARY:Panel B: "Strangely are Our Souls Constructed": On Frankenstein
DESCRIPTION:“Creation\, Grief\, Ambition\, and the Divine in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein\; or\, The Modern Prometheus (1818)” \nCynthia Pelayo\n\n"Created by Misogyny: The Bride Archetype in James Whale’s The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)"\nStephanie Wytovich\n\n"“I Am Fearless and Therefore Powerful”: Bisexuality\, Belonging\, and Reanimated Revenge in Frankenstein"\nGwendolyn Kiste\n\n"Frankenstein and his Creature: Narcissism's Tragic Consequences"\nGeorge Hagman
CATEGORIES:ANN RADCLIFFE ACADEMIC CONFERENCE
LOCATION:Butler\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:36c47a7868ad80ca96e737dc5d09302a
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/36c47a7868ad80ca96e737dc5d09302a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T140000Z
DTEND:20260605T145000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:27581dab61d298fa703f829383ce3e4b
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/27581dab61d298fa703f829383ce3e4b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T140000Z
DTEND:20260605T145000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:659945f9dc9695749900d11955da58f6
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/659945f9dc9695749900d11955da58f6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T140000Z
DTEND:20260605T145000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6bd06e7ed90b0771811e49b8f7f4858e
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/6bd06e7ed90b0771811e49b8f7f4858e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T140000Z
DTEND:20260605T230000Z
SUMMARY:Dealers Room
DESCRIPTION:OFFICIAL BOOKSELLER\nWhite Whale Bookstore\n\nVENDORS\nArwyn ShermanBlack Cat PublishingCLASH Books\n​Creature Publishing​​​Falstaff Books\nThe George A. Romero Foundation Grendel PressJeff DeckJoe BelcastroKent PrioreKenya Moss-DymeLanternfish PressLeanna Renee HieberNate Hoffelder\nRaw Dog Screaming PressRoyce Buckingham\nRuadan Books\n​Seton Hill University​​​SHP ComicsStudio Hibernacula\nSuperstars Writing SeminarsTantor Media\nWinding Road Stories\nWord Witch CC
CATEGORIES:DEALERS ROOM
LOCATION:Allegheny Ballroom I\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9e7ccef471da772310c893624bebf5f1
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/9e7ccef471da772310c893624bebf5f1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T140000Z
DTEND:20260605T145000Z
SUMMARY:Better the Devil You Know: A Panel on the Value of Queer Villians
DESCRIPTION:The Bury Your Gays trope is a great example of how the queer community has been used to advance a plot while being punished for who they are\, even when their actions are heroic. Often we feel forced to only represent our queer characters as tokenized heroes. So why not claim our birthright to become a villain? This panel explores why queer creators should present both positive and negative representations of queer characters in horror.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0c8372cb6f9a963e8d78c80093c56664
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/0c8372cb6f9a963e8d78c80093c56664
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T140000Z
DTEND:20260605T145000Z
SUMMARY:Nevertheless We Persist: Resilient Souls Share Their Journeys
DESCRIPTION:Writers with lived experience and who face mental health challenges\, yet continue to write\, will share their journey. How do these challenges present themselves? How do writers deal with these challenges while typically playing multiple other roles (parents\, caregivers\, employees) yet persist to write and publish and stay engaged with the Horror Writing community? In a supportive\, non-stigmatizing environment\, panelists will discuss these experiences\, and how it expresses itself in their horror fiction. Is horror fiction itself a coping skill? Walk for a mile in their shoes and discuss how horror and hope intersect in facing mental health symptoms with courage and resilience.\n\nThis panel is part of the HWA Mental Health Initiative.
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:21e60c45f1b41f1d9f32d6dabe795731
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/21e60c45f1b41f1d9f32d6dabe795731
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T140000Z
DTEND:20260605T145000Z
SUMMARY:Pitch Session Panel
DESCRIPTION:Meet the Pitch Session Pitch Takers as they discuss what they are looking for in pitches\, what to do during a pitch\, and what not to do. The panel will include time for Q&A from the audience. &nbsp\;You do not have to be scheduled for a pitch to attend this panel. If you are thinking of pitching a work in the future\, you are encourage to attend this panel and learn about the process.
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8414f46ec53fb547cf01207ab232addc
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/8414f46ec53fb547cf01207ab232addc
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T143000Z
DTEND:20260605T152000Z
SUMMARY:Buzzing About Horror Books
DESCRIPTION:Join librarians and book reviewers as they share the buzz about a slew of exciting new and upcoming horror titles. Come for the book talks\; stay for the free books and swag!&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:LIBRARIANS' DAY
LOCATION:Pennsylvania Ballroom\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0f4f6579b54f5aab1b37578e19d4b566
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/0f4f6579b54f5aab1b37578e19d4b566
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T150000Z
DTEND:20260605T155000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:98b42462ec8c5c7e7e689b985b9049ca
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/98b42462ec8c5c7e7e689b985b9049ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T150000Z
DTEND:20260605T155000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b4d272494e830be2df6af1b17d44c8b0
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/b4d272494e830be2df6af1b17d44c8b0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T150000Z
DTEND:20260605T155000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c470bcdbc3a20c26bac989f14b8a33a1
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/c470bcdbc3a20c26bac989f14b8a33a1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T150000Z
DTEND:20260605T155000Z
SUMMARY:Bloodsplatters: Art\, Storytelling\, and Horror
DESCRIPTION:It’s more important than ever to support visual art made by humans. Join artists\, book designers\, cover artists and other creators in horror to learn more about their process and inspiration\, and also to discuss actionable ways to continue the support of art created by people.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:80010e45bee16b798d1a0c475f431916
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/80010e45bee16b798d1a0c475f431916
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T150000Z
DTEND:20260605T155000Z
SUMMARY:Working with Big 5 Publishers
DESCRIPTION:Is it everything it's cracked up to be\, and how do you know if it's the route you want to go? What realistic expectations and highlights do Big 5 authors have to share\, and what can new and established indie writers learn from them?
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c76adb15f29efd6332629ab9dce6c0da
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/c76adb15f29efd6332629ab9dce6c0da
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T150000Z
DTEND:20260605T155000Z
SUMMARY:Guest of Honor Spotlight: Speculative Musings: the influence of Linda D. Addison
DESCRIPTION:Guest of Honor Linda D. Addison is one of the most esteemed (and beloved) speculative poets of our time. Join Linda and fellow panelists as we honor her influence\, share advice about working collaboratively on projects\, discuss the growth of dark poetry\, and reflect on the importance of community within horror.
CATEGORIES:GUEST OF HONOR/LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT WINNER SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:56e32a3efd9a041422820cdde30b7593
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/56e32a3efd9a041422820cdde30b7593
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T150000Z
DTEND:20260605T165000Z
SUMMARY:HU: The Human Touch: Outwriting AI
DESCRIPTION:This workshop will present techniques to take your horror writing to a higher level\, so readers choose your stories over those “written” by AI. Topics covered include recognizing and avoiding horror clichés\, reworking familiar tropes\, mining everyday life for ideas\, writing with a deep point of view\, and developing a distinctive writer’s voice.\n\nThis is a separately ticketed workshop. &nbsp\;For more information on Horror University and registration information see:&nbsp\;https://www.stokercon.com/horror-university
CATEGORIES:HORROR UNIVERSITY
LOCATION:Washington\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:781863951f859c676fe115f0188075b3
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/781863951f859c676fe115f0188075b3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T160000Z
DTEND:20260605T165000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:122f5bbec93bd8b2c0ba17c6c8e788ed
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/122f5bbec93bd8b2c0ba17c6c8e788ed
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T160000Z
DTEND:20260605T165000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:13b3078fd49f84a205aca0f8ee35bc95
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/13b3078fd49f84a205aca0f8ee35bc95
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T160000Z
DTEND:20260605T165000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:153554521e37d5b31bc464fc47218ccd
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/153554521e37d5b31bc464fc47218ccd
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T160000Z
DTEND:20260605T165000Z
SUMMARY:Publishing and Promoting on a Shoestring Budget
DESCRIPTION:Indie presses have gotten slammed the last few years as funding for arts has been pulled in all directions\, but we're a scrappy bunch and where there is a will\, there is a way. Join panelists as they discuss what resources authors and publishers use to market\, publish\, promote\, and more without a large marketing budget. Together\, they’ll suggest strategies\, actions\, and practical tips to keep costs low and how to create more buzz to reach readers.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e4b6b613a5751fa19f633745bda9dfb3
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/e4b6b613a5751fa19f633745bda9dfb3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T160000Z
DTEND:20260605T165000Z
SUMMARY:Lifetime Achievement Award Spotlight: Creating and Developing Compelling Characters and Worlds with Jonathan Maberry
DESCRIPTION:Join LAA recipient Jonathan Maberry\, Justina Ireland\, Alma Katsu\, and moderator Dennis Crosby for a discussion of what makes characters fascinating and memorable\, especially over time in a series. Explore ideas and techniques for building worlds that readers want to visit again and again\, and characters they love to spend time with. How can authors grow characters and keep them interesting over multiple books and years?
CATEGORIES:GUEST OF HONOR/LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT WINNER SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0f0e39fcffeec7eb16099a887e9dfb85
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/0f0e39fcffeec7eb16099a887e9dfb85
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T160000Z
DTEND:20260605T165000Z
SUMMARY:Female Asian Gothic: Fury and Metamorphosis
DESCRIPTION:Every Gothic fiction wave reflects the anxieties of its time and its cohort. What fears\, furies\, and transformations have emerged in the recent groundswell of Asian female horror? Join authors and editors as they discuss the influences that have shaped their works\, how the female Asian Gothic converges and diverges from other Gothic literature\, share recommendations\, and explore what’s next.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a8637e391b76ec77c318a667df8e1fa8
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/a8637e391b76ec77c318a667df8e1fa8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T163000Z
DTEND:20260605T174500Z
SUMMARY:Panel C: "Hell with the Lid Taken Off": Steeltown and the USA
DESCRIPTION:"Pittsburgh as Embodiment of Zombie Culture in Four Snapshots"&nbsp\;\nKevin Wetmore\n\n"Female Representation in the Living Dead Films of George A. Romero"\nVictoria Timpanaro\n\n"George A. Romero's Martin and Mental Health in Postindustrial Communities"\nAnde Thomas\n\n"Nihilism\, Gun Violence\, and The Long Walk (2025)" \nEmma Johnson-Rivard\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:ANN RADCLIFFE ACADEMIC CONFERENCE
LOCATION:Butler\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a332f3ea2074afed6b2b955cea74c613
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/a332f3ea2074afed6b2b955cea74c613
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T170000Z
DTEND:20260605T175000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2cbab83cf707d16a34f5f56f461b8cb6
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/2cbab83cf707d16a34f5f56f461b8cb6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T170000Z
DTEND:20260605T175000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3ddf9488526abb75ceb2580aba801f08
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/3ddf9488526abb75ceb2580aba801f08
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T170000Z
DTEND:20260605T175000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f286b1c36e68ac3b8d5b483759ee8c6d
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/f286b1c36e68ac3b8d5b483759ee8c6d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T170000Z
DTEND:20260605T175000Z
SUMMARY:Hooked on Horror (Again): Middle Grade Books
DESCRIPTION:Horror has long captivated young readers\, from those first spine-chilling stories around campfires to stories read with flashlights under the covers. Panelists will discuss their experiences with horror as young readers\, how they craft engaging yet age-appropriate stories\, and the unique challenges of writing for children. Topics will include what’s “too scary\,” representation\, and navigating sensitive issues like book bans and censorship in YA and Middle Grade literature.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f905350752dc0b619448b578c4e07bab
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/f905350752dc0b619448b578c4e07bab
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T170000Z
DTEND:20260605T175000Z
SUMMARY:Sell Your Books! Tips and Tricks for Hand-Selling Books
DESCRIPTION:Authors are stereotypically quiet and insular people\, working alone most of the time. How can an author best shift focus to meet people at signings\, conventions\, and events\, and more importantly\, sell their books? This panel will give authors a solid foundation on tactics and strategies on picking events to sell at\, the nuts and bolts of pitching your books to strangers\, and pitfalls to avoid for the experienced and inexperienced alike.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ff18f7cc1fbb86c98d664dd8f1f8e1bb
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/ff18f7cc1fbb86c98d664dd8f1f8e1bb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T170000Z
DTEND:20260605T175000Z
SUMMARY:Bizarro Fiction: The Wrecking Ball of Weird vs. the Boundaries of Genre
DESCRIPTION:In the early 2000s\, a new subgenre peeled itself off of horror and slithered forward\, picking up the detritus of other genres on its way. Bizarro fiction is the genre for people who don't like to color inside the lines. Too funny\, too weird\, too off-beat for traditional horror publishers\, the bizarro community coalesced around the same purity of storytelling as children: no boundaries\, no limits\, and an internal logic that assumed it didn't matter how things would happen in the real world. From surreal lit fiction to pulpy insanity\, and weirding up everything from spaghetti westerns to noir\, Bizarro has come into its own over the past two decades\, but still maintains a strong tie to its roots in the horror scene. How is the Adult Swim of literature helping shape modern horror? Let's talk about that.
CATEGORIES:HORROR HISTORY
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6305237237439599a16f5cd42ffc9632
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/6305237237439599a16f5cd42ffc9632
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T170000Z
DTEND:20260605T185000Z
SUMMARY:HU: Little Monsters: Writing the Unsettling Child in Horror
DESCRIPTION:We instinctively view children as innocent\, vulnerable\, and deserving of protection. Horror becomes especially disturbing when that perception collapses\; this workshop explores how writers can create unsettling children in horror fiction by disrupting the psychology of innocence. Drawing on examples from literature and film\, the class examines how distorted morality\, emotional detachment\, manipulation\, and supernatural influence can transform child characters into powerful engines of horror.\n\nThis is a separately ticketed workshop. &nbsp\;For more information on Horror University and registration information see:&nbsp\;https://www.stokercon.com/horror-university
CATEGORIES:HORROR UNIVERSITY
LOCATION:Washington\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:02c8e70bf96748fb99c9dd2d021f9f3c
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/02c8e70bf96748fb99c9dd2d021f9f3c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T170000Z
DTEND:20260605T175000Z
SUMMARY:What Horror Means to Me
DESCRIPTION:Join StokerCon 2026’s Guests of Honor for a lively discussion about why readers of all ages enjoy a good scare\, from fictional frights to all-too-true terrors. &nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:LIBRARIANS' DAY
LOCATION:Pennsylvania Ballroom\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:83dd1942d8ae9b4fd4545eb8e3141759
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/83dd1942d8ae9b4fd4545eb8e3141759
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T180000Z
DTEND:20260605T191500Z
SUMMARY:Panel D: Worlds of Horror
DESCRIPTION:"The Egg-Shaped Universe: Séances\, Channelings & Hilma af Klint’s Transcendent Paintings"\nShannon Kearns\n\n"Becoming the Apocalypse: The Indigipoetics of Horror"\nNaomi Simone Borwein\n\n"Haunted Tongues: Multilingualism and Gothic Elements in Gambian Literature"\nModou Lamin Age-Almusaf Sowe \n\n"Generic Rhetorical Violations and Reconfiguration of Fear in Dead by Daylight"\nJanice Day
CATEGORIES:ANN RADCLIFFE ACADEMIC CONFERENCE
LOCATION:Butler\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:24f2ec36196ffb35660448f5c62cac24
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/24f2ec36196ffb35660448f5c62cac24
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T180000Z
DTEND:20260605T185000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:54d6532f9915b040c2b407250bf46905
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/54d6532f9915b040c2b407250bf46905
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T180000Z
DTEND:20260605T185000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8a0d19836e14f1e76864ee1723bea60a
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/8a0d19836e14f1e76864ee1723bea60a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T180000Z
DTEND:20260605T185000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:92e0471a197f55d0f6be0a6c6f102324
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/92e0471a197f55d0f6be0a6c6f102324
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T180000Z
DTEND:20260605T185000Z
SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence: How to Identify Who's Using It ; How to Avoid It; How to Fight Back Against It
DESCRIPTION:Everyone is talking about AI and for good reason. This informative and proactive focused panel will discuss the state of AI in the publishing industry\, including strategies on how to identify and avoid it. Further examination will include what is being done to protect creators by organizations like the HWA and the Author’s Guild\, the state of legal action\, and what obstacles the creative community faces.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:da61bf17f58a6959acb1341bcf4361d6
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/da61bf17f58a6959acb1341bcf4361d6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T180000Z
DTEND:20260605T185000Z
SUMMARY:Guest of Honor Spotlight: The Writing Life and Building a Career with James Tynion
DESCRIPTION:Join Guest of Honor James Tynion\, Clay McLeod Chapman\, Hailey Piper\, and moderator Erika T. Wurth for a discussion of the writing life\, balancing creative and commercial goals\, how to connect with readers\, and build a successful writing career while realizing your creative visions. Explore how to market your work\, protect your copyrights and intellectual properties\, and build strong collaborative relationships.
CATEGORIES:GUEST OF HONOR/LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT WINNER SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3a973d80d7fb80ccef0eacd3e656dd70
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/3a973d80d7fb80ccef0eacd3e656dd70
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T180000Z
DTEND:20260605T185000Z
SUMMARY:Digital Campfires: How Internet Built a New Generation of Readers and Writers
DESCRIPTION:Internet horror has evolved from anonymous forum posts and copy-paste folklore into one of the most powerful pipelines in modern genre storytelling. This panel explores the history of online horror\, its roots in urban legend and campfire storytelling\, and how digital platforms reshaped craft\, readership\, and publishing paths. Panelists will discuss what makes internet horror distinct on the page\, how community feedback accelerates voice and concept\, and how writers can ethically and effectively leverage these spaces today.
CATEGORIES:HORROR HISTORY
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2b88ea24dd899954c353dbe086bbdda6
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/2b88ea24dd899954c353dbe086bbdda6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T180000Z
DTEND:20260605T185000Z
SUMMARY:The Past is Undead: Exploring an American Vampire Canon
DESCRIPTION:The vampire lurks throughout the history of horror storytelling and serves as a powerful allegory for understanding history\, culture\, and social forces. &nbsp\;Vampire stories frequently evoke imagery from their 19th century European literary texts of old castles\, aristocracy\, and Victorian moral strictures. &nbsp\;But once we remove these stories from their European settings and examine the stories that emerged to reflect American culture and history\, what new tropes and images best define the vampire canon? Join us as we explore the contours and features that help define the American vampire story and why these stories are essential for library shelves.
CATEGORIES:LIBRARIANS' DAY
LOCATION:Pennsylvania Ballroom\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9c5cb34c2f2863c2e70ebcddd11dad4e
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/9c5cb34c2f2863c2e70ebcddd11dad4e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T190000Z
DTEND:20260605T195000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1274855aef09205481af1496cdf93863
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/1274855aef09205481af1496cdf93863
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T190000Z
DTEND:20260605T195000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bc058395567fa697e21dd306de7623fd
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/bc058395567fa697e21dd306de7623fd
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T190000Z
DTEND:20260605T195000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d283d2f15c404633ce7ffffc57cc9eb2
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/d283d2f15c404633ce7ffffc57cc9eb2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T190000Z
DTEND:20260605T195000Z
SUMMARY:Creative Resilience: Overcoming Disappointment
DESCRIPTION:How do we cope with disappointment? How can we arm our creative spirits with resilience\, and craft enough sustainability for the long game? Sensitivity to rejection can provoke profound emotional turmoil that can prevent us from pursuing publication. Once we’re established\, anxiety can derail our submissions to more prestigious publishers along our journey. Let these panelists share with you how they stay balanced and optimistic across such challenging landscapes.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8afb932c6956b0b11ed439e5f9235893
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/8afb932c6956b0b11ed439e5f9235893
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T190000Z
DTEND:20260605T195000Z
SUMMARY:Editing as an Art Form
DESCRIPTION:Most authors know—and many quickly learn—that an editor is more than a simple curator of stories. A good editor can be the difference between a flawed gem and a brilliant masterpiece. What can we gain from viewing the work of editing as an art in its own right? How does the craft of editing vary from place to place? What happens when authors push back on certain edits?
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:82cccce71eca93e62428d4e63929d854
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/82cccce71eca93e62428d4e63929d854
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T190000Z
DTEND:20260605T195000Z
SUMMARY:Making Modern Spaces Scary
DESCRIPTION:Dilapidated castles and decrepit asylums? Easy-peasy-horror-trope-squeezy. Many of us love abandoned places for all the scary opportunities they offer\, but what about contemporary office high-rises\, new-build subdivisions\, and corporate pressboard landscapes? They may lack gothic atmosphere\, but they're awash in their own beige nightmares. Panelists would discuss the narrative opportunities of these fluorescent and anonymous spaces\, showing attendees they can be just as scary as any creaky haunted house
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9e8cc86ef961234e40643046b756dce2
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/9e8cc86ef961234e40643046b756dce2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T190000Z
DTEND:20260605T205000Z
SUMMARY:HU: The Five Senses of Dread
DESCRIPTION:In this workshop\, Bram Stoker Award-winning author Michael Arnzen takes you on a tour of the "five senses of dread" -- exploring how fear operates on your nerve endings\, from the tips of your fingers all the way up to your brain. Learn how words work to paint haunting portraits of fear and generate anxiety\, and how characters express their darkest fears from a whisper to a scream. Recommended for poets as well as full-length novel writers\, this course will zoom in on what makes horror tick at the level of language.\n\nThis is a separately ticketed workshop. &nbsp\;For more information on Horror University and registration information see:&nbsp\;https://www.stokercon.com/horror-university
CATEGORIES:HORROR UNIVERSITY
LOCATION:Washington\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:09f3ca351f30dce568886b3885781e8b
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/09f3ca351f30dce568886b3885781e8b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T190000Z
DTEND:20260605T195000Z
SUMMARY:Summer Scares: A Thrilling Summer Reading Program
DESCRIPTION:Join Summer Scares current and past selected authors\, spokespeople\, and partners to learn more about the HWA’s popular summer reading program\, how to get involved\, and how to use Summer Scares resources to better serve your patrons. &nbsp\;Featuring Jennifer McMahon with more panelists to be announced soon!
CATEGORIES:LIBRARIANS' DAY
LOCATION:Pennsylvania Ballroom\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:483631ce6d75e2cbc137d07d2529ba76
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/483631ce6d75e2cbc137d07d2529ba76
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T193000Z
DTEND:20260605T204500Z
SUMMARY:Panel E: Gendered Tensions and Feminist Rebellions
DESCRIPTION:"Locking the Door from the Inside: marriage\, surveillance\, and institutional power in horror cinema"\nMo Moshaty\n\n"Dracula's Monstrous Femininity"&nbsp\;\nRachel Allison\n\n"What's in a Name? Cassandra in horror: resilience through tragedy"\nCassandra O'Sullivan Sachar\n\n
CATEGORIES:ANN RADCLIFFE ACADEMIC CONFERENCE
LOCATION:Butler\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:15de50f0566fe13cae54ce9025459cec
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/15de50f0566fe13cae54ce9025459cec
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T200000Z
DTEND:20260605T205000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:79f320d3691cf5476aad4f8db2ea14c9
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/79f320d3691cf5476aad4f8db2ea14c9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T200000Z
DTEND:20260605T205000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8e92e1a024f7b8ebb5573cf153998887
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/8e92e1a024f7b8ebb5573cf153998887
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T200000Z
DTEND:20260605T205000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f6679ec96ec071762bab1d091d207475
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/f6679ec96ec071762bab1d091d207475
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T200000Z
DTEND:20260605T205000Z
SUMMARY:Navigating the Horror of the Parasocial
DESCRIPTION:In an era where authors often engage with their audience directly via social media\, the lines between friends\, fans\, and strangers can become blurry. How can authors be accessible without opening themselves up to unpleasant interactions? How can we encourage fans to be more mindful when interacting with creators?
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a2bb2742b176510200430212af09a378
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/a2bb2742b176510200430212af09a378
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T200000Z
DTEND:20260605T205000Z
SUMMARY:Guest of Honor Spotlight: John Shirley\, The Nature of Death in Horror Fiction
DESCRIPTION:Join Guest of Honor John Shirley to explore horror writers’ relationship to death\, &nbsp\;as a fact\, an anticipation\, and beyond. Is death a release or a harvesting? Does the contemplation of death improve the writing of horror? Does horror fiction help readers cope with fear of death?
CATEGORIES:GUEST OF HONOR/LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT WINNER SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:422cb5ccc70c0f8d7ebe5fdfc300e1ca
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/422cb5ccc70c0f8d7ebe5fdfc300e1ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260605T200000Z
DTEND:20260605T205000Z
SUMMARY:The Ghost in the Margins: Queerness in Gothic Horror
DESCRIPTION:With queer authors such as Mary Shelley and Oscar Wilde at the forefront of the genre\, the gothic has long been a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ writers\, characters\, and readers. From Frankenstein and The Picture of Dorian Gray to The Haunting of Hill House and The Gilda Stories\, the genre abounds with tales that are at once transcendent and terrifying. Join our panelists as we discuss our love of the queer gothic and how we employ the gothic tradition in our own work as well as why the gothic is such a perfect outlet for queerness in horror.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:468d21d6d9806bdcd016ae149068d010
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/468d21d6d9806bdcd016ae149068d010
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T000000Z
DTEND:20260606T020000Z
SUMMARY:Final Frame Film Competition
DESCRIPTION:The Final Frame Film Competition is one of StokerCon's most popular events. Catch what's new and &nbsp\;terrifying in the world of horror short films.\n\n
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Allegheny Ballroom II\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:20b81248ffff0ddbd7e99722300e1514
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/20b81248ffff0ddbd7e99722300e1514
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T020000Z
DTEND:20260606T034500Z
SUMMARY:Final Frame Reception
DESCRIPTION:Enjoy some refreshments while you wait for the results of the Final Frame Film Competition.\n\nThis event is catered with a cash bar. The bar accepts credit/debit cards\, or\, if you are staying at the Westin\, you can charge drinks to your room. No cash accepted.
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Allegheny Ballroom Foyer II\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d97e7fdc8a5e5126dd67aba4c164861e
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/d97e7fdc8a5e5126dd67aba4c164861e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T030000Z
DTEND:20260606T035000Z
SUMMARY:Special Screening of "Mourning Meal"
DESCRIPTION:Attend a special screening of the short film "Mourning Meal" (2020) directed by Jamal Hodge and adapted from the poem of the same name by Linda D. Addison from her Bram Stoker Award winning poetry collection How to Recognize a Demon has Become Your Friend (2011).&nbsp\;&nbsp\;\n\nSynopsis:\nAfter the tragic loss of her son\, Cheryl\, a grieving mother\, adopts a new philosophy\, one that changes her outlook on life and grief. One where suffering has become a dear friend... that must be shared. \n\n
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Allegheny Ballroom II\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a0de5aef1a1db0ff8ce2d05276186318
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/a0de5aef1a1db0ff8ce2d05276186318
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T110000Z
DTEND:20260607T020000Z
SUMMARY:Boardroom
DESCRIPTION:The HWA Boardroom. HWA Officers\, Trustees\, and StokerCon volunteers only.
CATEGORIES:CON OPS
LOCATION:Crawford\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6d8a1e2a7e715f41a38538b2521e157d
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/6d8a1e2a7e715f41a38538b2521e157d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T120000Z
DTEND:20260606T210000Z
SUMMARY:Registration
DESCRIPTION:Check-in for StokerCon 2026! Receive your name badge and your swag bag. \n\nThis is also a good place to find someone who can answer your questions about the Con.
CATEGORIES:CON OPS
LOCATION:Third Floor Coat Check\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:92bcacde84161d8408e0a9864be80fcc
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/92bcacde84161d8408e0a9864be80fcc
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T130000Z
DTEND:20260606T135000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:25f1700b1cfe4f8f8ac8dbb019c12cbf
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/25f1700b1cfe4f8f8ac8dbb019c12cbf
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T130000Z
DTEND:20260606T135000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a7f78efa96bfb839835a89a07a7cc730
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/a7f78efa96bfb839835a89a07a7cc730
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T130000Z
DTEND:20260606T135000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c1cd9c6d7c478e5c3baef4967485ed03
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/c1cd9c6d7c478e5c3baef4967485ed03
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T130000Z
DTEND:20260606T135000Z
SUMMARY:Survival Guide for Horror Writers in an Age of Censorship and AI
DESCRIPTION:With the rise of censorship of creative work and scholarship\, as well as online harassment and now the infiltration of AI\, how can creatives protect themselves and fight back? Panelists discuss how to find hope\, take care of their mental health\, as well as strategies for protection and self-preservation in the current political climate.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Butler\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3c99a87c9df4158067389e2ca6a39987
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/3c99a87c9df4158067389e2ca6a39987
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T130000Z
DTEND:20260606T135000Z
SUMMARY:Uncanny Educators: Learning Horror\, Writing Horror
DESCRIPTION:Is it any wonder that the works of authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Shirley Jackson are popular with students and can catch the imagination of potential authors at an early age? This panel explores how horror fiction can help turn readers into writers--and how teachers and well-meaning family can encourage the process. Horror fiction helps introduce us to techniques of atmosphere\, suspense\, and world-building\, additionally lending itself well to the creative joys of imitation and parody. Panelists will discuss reading approaches and teaching strategies that have helped them mentor students to become successful horror writers.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:60805047e4a35558f49009318b355209
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/60805047e4a35558f49009318b355209
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T130000Z
DTEND:20260606T135000Z
SUMMARY:From Grimms to Goosebumps: Horror for Young People
DESCRIPTION:Horror isn’t just for adults\, but has long captivated young readers drawing them in with those first spine-chilling stories and keeps them coming back for more. Panelists will discuss the long history of horror stories for children\, how they encourage literacy among young readers\, and why kids continue to be entranced by the genre. Additional discussion will look at the struggle to ensure young horror fans continue to have access to their favorite books both in the bookstores and on library shelves.
CATEGORIES:HORROR HISTORY
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:eaf036dfc7202b8f93bc782634495184
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/eaf036dfc7202b8f93bc782634495184
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T130000Z
DTEND:20260606T145000Z
SUMMARY:HU: Terror by Design: Building Setpieces that Haunt the Reader
DESCRIPTION:Horror lives and dies in the scene. In this hands-on workshop\, you’ll learn how to construct unforgettable horror setpieces—those iconic\, slow-build moments that leave readers breathless. Using techniques drawn from classic and contemporary horror (like The Troop\, The Only Good Indians\, and The Cabin at the End of the World)\, we’ll examine how structure\, detail\, rhythm\, and misdirection work together to craft unforgettable moments of dread.\n\nThis is a separately ticketed workshop. &nbsp\;For more information on Horror University and registration information see:&nbsp\;https://www.stokercon.com/horror-university
CATEGORIES:HORROR UNIVERSITY
LOCATION:Washington\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cbe0b969e38d75aa00dfba4f0bbbc26a
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/cbe0b969e38d75aa00dfba4f0bbbc26a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T130000Z
DTEND:20260606T135000Z
SUMMARY:HWA Open Member Board Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Annual HWA Board Meeting open to the public. Come meet members of the Executive Board and the Board of Trustees. There will be a Q&A section during the meeting.
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ad8eca540117daef79a46c2796167da8
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/ad8eca540117daef79a46c2796167da8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T140000Z
DTEND:20260606T145000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:155966ad92fdd81b9f03f811cc32fd44
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/155966ad92fdd81b9f03f811cc32fd44
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T140000Z
DTEND:20260606T145000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:469a733bb5e30427ef4e9470cde5bbc2
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/469a733bb5e30427ef4e9470cde5bbc2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T140000Z
DTEND:20260606T145000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4faf35afc712ab73492087fd1b4c5fe5
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/4faf35afc712ab73492087fd1b4c5fe5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T140000Z
DTEND:20260606T145000Z
SUMMARY:Marketing Nightmares: Can Horror Become Too Commercial?
DESCRIPTION:The rise of trendy terms like “sporror\,” “weird girl lit\,” “pink horror\,” and others have taken over Booktok\, Bookstagram\, and endcap displays in bookstores. Do these descriptors help sell books? What are the benefits or drawbacks of falling into what is currently trending within horror? Is there a risk of horror becoming too commercial? Join panelists as they discuss marketing language for horror\, the pros and cons of writing what’s trending\, and more.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Butler\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:acc9300114d85cdd5284ffa831296f8a
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/acc9300114d85cdd5284ffa831296f8a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T140000Z
DTEND:20260606T145000Z
SUMMARY:Researching and Writing Horror Nonfiction
DESCRIPTION:This panel explores techniques and practices for researching horror\, interviewing\, and resources for writing about horror. Join panelists to discuss the challenges of nonfiction\, how it is similar and different from writing other modes\, and markets and publications in which one can place nonfiction.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5507dcd761c79e18f642ece80590505b
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/5507dcd761c79e18f642ece80590505b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T140000Z
DTEND:20260606T220000Z
SUMMARY:Dealers Room
DESCRIPTION:OFFICIAL BOOKSELLER\nWhite Whale Bookstore\n\nVENDORS\nArwyn ShermanBlack Cat PublishingCLASH Books\n​Creature Publishing​​​Falstaff Books\nThe George A. Romero Foundation Grendel PressJeff DeckJoe BelcastroKent PrioreKenya Moss-DymeLanternfish PressLeanna Renee HieberNate Hoffelder\nRaw Dog Screaming PressRoyce Buckingham\nRuadan Books\n​Seton Hill University​​​SHP ComicsStudio Hibernacula\nSuperstars Writing SeminarsTantor Media\nWinding Road Stories\nWord Witch CC
CATEGORIES:DEALERS ROOM
LOCATION:Allegheny Ballroom I\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9840e8957db43da36e0acccbc74726c9
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/9840e8957db43da36e0acccbc74726c9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T140000Z
DTEND:20260606T145000Z
SUMMARY:Guest of Honor Spotlight: Rachel Harrison's Character Driven Narratives
DESCRIPTION:Join Rachel Harrison\, Nat Cassidy\, CJ Leede\, and Agatha Andrews as they discuss Rachel’s craft of character driven narratives. They will deep dive into her voice\, vulnerability\, courage\, and the appeal of her characters to fans from all genres\, as well as the space she has carved for herself as a woman in Horror.
CATEGORIES:GUEST OF HONOR/LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT WINNER SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b7f97094af33652b1186eade8ee4ab1a
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/b7f97094af33652b1186eade8ee4ab1a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T140000Z
DTEND:20260606T145000Z
SUMMARY:The Legacy of Dell Abyss
DESCRIPTION:The acclaimed Abyss Books line of the early-mid 1990s brought underground experimentalism and literary existentialism into mass market horror\, generating a half-decade of award-winning books and influential stories. The publisher launched the careers of writers like Poppy Z. Brite\, Kathe Koja\, and Robert Devereaux\, while expanding the canon of the genre by featuring women and LGBTQ authors\, as well as other writers working from the fringes. This panel will mark the 35th anniversary of the imprint by reflecting on the line's history and impact and how it fit in with the broader mass market horror trends of the 1990s.
CATEGORIES:HORROR HISTORY
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:edfea21e5eac6f11d625c9979e313f7a
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/edfea21e5eac6f11d625c9979e313f7a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T150000Z
DTEND:20260606T155000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0b6825de80039a0cad44dac5ffa7f1fe
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/0b6825de80039a0cad44dac5ffa7f1fe
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T150000Z
DTEND:20260606T155000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3dfb2438b0cb802d56b115ab8a4a5a16
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/3dfb2438b0cb802d56b115ab8a4a5a16
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T150000Z
DTEND:20260606T155000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fb7f7599216b3a578f20308f889b2919
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/fb7f7599216b3a578f20308f889b2919
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T150000Z
DTEND:20260606T155000Z
SUMMARY:Lifetime Achievement Award Spotlight: The Devil's in the Details: writing to a theme with Lisa Morton
DESCRIPTION:Is it possible to write to the theme for a submission call\, but maintain your own voice? In this panel\, Lifetime Achievement Award winner Lisa Morton\, Kate Maruyama\, Jo Kaplan\, and Rena Mason explore the art and nuance of crafting prose to a theme\, whether in fiction or non-fiction\, short story or essay\, whether it be for a themed anthology or a full-length work-for-hire book.
CATEGORIES:GUEST OF HONOR/LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT WINNER SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:dcdedd20c22672aa87b7779a137f50c3
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/dcdedd20c22672aa87b7779a137f50c3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T150000Z
DTEND:20260606T155000Z
SUMMARY:Fatal Foliage: Botanical and Ecological Horror
DESCRIPTION:Ecological horror provides an outlet for writers to express their fear and admiration of the natural world. From predatory plants and strange insects to devastating weather events and more\, there is endless horror inspiration to be found in nature’s varied settings. Join panelists as they offer insight into the evolution of botanical horror as it reacts to modern-day issues.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f81d17eaf44056c1f574c144214eb582
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/f81d17eaf44056c1f574c144214eb582
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T150000Z
DTEND:20260606T155000Z
SUMMARY:One of the Greats: the Folk Horror of Florence + the Machine
DESCRIPTION:Werewolves and Witches\, Krakens and Choreomania\, with each new album\, Florence + the Machine leans harder into horror. The marketing itself for the Everybody Scream album includes clips of horror classics such as Carrie and Rosemary's Baby. In her live performances\, she is accompanied by a coven of witches singing back-up by her side. Her lyrics are filled with evocative imagery of beauty and darkness\, with introspective storytelling\, brought to life by a voice full of passion. This panel will explore themes of folk horror\, cosmic horror\, witchcraft\, nature as divine\, feminine power\, and the duality of darkness and love\, expressed within F+TM's body of work.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Butler\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e3ba9dfb22b65d3cce58e892b2972cb7
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/e3ba9dfb22b65d3cce58e892b2972cb7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T150000Z
DTEND:20260606T155000Z
SUMMARY:The Black Gothic in America
DESCRIPTION:With an eye towards the gothic as a literary genre\, “The Black Gothic in America” will explore recent growth in popularity and readership for gothic works written by Black authors\, particularly of the Black Southern gothic in the vein of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners\, which smashed 2025 box office records. This panel will discuss both classic and contemporary Black gothic works\, their importance in shaping the genre\, and more.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:dd50e91ec21069046c632d225cda2dc5
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/dd50e91ec21069046c632d225cda2dc5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T150000Z
DTEND:20260606T165000Z
SUMMARY:HU: Pitch and Sell Your Work
DESCRIPTION:The publishing world changes constantly\, and writers who want to make sales and make $$ need to change with it. Luckily\, that process can be fun and very rewarding! This class will show you how to prep and pitch any kind of writing\, and how to start racking up the sales that will bring in cash and build your career. We’ll cover a lot of ground\, including the query letter\, the verbal pitch\, selling short stories\, pitching tips and practice\, talking points\, Hollywood pitches\, the market\, and more. \n\nThis is a separately ticketed workshop. &nbsp\;For more information on Horror University and registration information see:&nbsp\;https://www.stokercon.com/horror-university
CATEGORIES:HORROR UNIVERSITY
LOCATION:Washington\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e511f3a4a0182a90bb029e5a096ebaf4
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/e511f3a4a0182a90bb029e5a096ebaf4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T160000Z
DTEND:20260606T165000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0d6873d4a99864934e44ff56789a893d
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/0d6873d4a99864934e44ff56789a893d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T160000Z
DTEND:20260606T165000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1f293b40470af412227c7e1353d0a0a0
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/1f293b40470af412227c7e1353d0a0a0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T160000Z
DTEND:20260606T165000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a82eb700da820c0488e4dabb4083c900
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/a82eb700da820c0488e4dabb4083c900
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T160000Z
DTEND:20260606T165000Z
SUMMARY:Bookhouse of Leaves: Authors and the Library
DESCRIPTION:This author facing panel will discuss the connection between those who write and those who bring books to communities. It is no surprise the books librarians champion\, receive greater traction and attract more readers. Lists like the New York Public Library’s Best of Horror have significant influence in the horror world. How can authors foster professional relationships with their library and how can this help elevate their careers? Most importantly\, how can authors give back to both their lore-master accomplices as well as the greater communities they serve?
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:39fd302f2f5b290d1a1250b6afc7d6cb
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/39fd302f2f5b290d1a1250b6afc7d6cb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T160000Z
DTEND:20260606T165000Z
SUMMARY:Lend Me Your Ears! (Not Literally): Horror Podcasting
DESCRIPTION:Podcasts offer a unique way to network and connect\, to promote the work of authors\, and to generally strengthen bonds within the horror community. How does one grow their podcast and keep the momentum going? What are some of the dos and don’ts of podcasting that we should be more aware of? Join panelists as they share their expertise and guidance on what makes a horror podcast stand out\, as well as advice for those who hope to be guests on podcasts.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Butler\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c3d2aae930e10c1cd205429cb6d0e1f6
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/c3d2aae930e10c1cd205429cb6d0e1f6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T160000Z
DTEND:20260606T165000Z
SUMMARY:Guest of Honor Spotlight: From Sexual Decadence to Dire Loneliness: A Range of Relationship-Driven Horror with Billy Martin (Poppy Z. Brite)
DESCRIPTION:Join Guest of Honor Billy Martin\, Eric Larocca\, Victoria Dalpe\, and moderator Eric J. Guignard as they discuss the range of relationships in emotionally-resonant horror fiction—particularly in Billy’s own work—of longing\, sexual exploration\, intense romantic connections\, tragic trysts\, and abject loneliness in absence of it all.
CATEGORIES:GUEST OF HONOR/LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT WINNER SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2eeb490c9bf089e35921ab9576018019
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/2eeb490c9bf089e35921ab9576018019
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T160000Z
DTEND:20260606T165000Z
SUMMARY:The Roots of Dark Poetry
DESCRIPTION:This panel will explore the history of dark poetry and pay homage to the macabre voices who conjured and wrote some of our favorite verses today. From the political turmoil of Dante Alighieri to the mystical visions of W.B. Yeats\, to the confessional trauma of Sylvia Plath and the surreal nightmares of Alejandra Pizarnik\, panelists will discuss theme\, style\, and voice while comparing/contrasting them against their contemporaries to see what horrors still plague us and what new terrors are beginning to rear their heads.
CATEGORIES:HORROR HISTORY
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:808860d40e90e68475425b48ca6a2cab
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/808860d40e90e68475425b48ca6a2cab
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T160000Z
DTEND:20260606T180000Z
SUMMARY:Pitch Sessions
DESCRIPTION:The StokerCon 2026 pitch sessions!&nbsp\;\n\nYou must have an appointment scheduled in advance to attend the pitch sessions. Please arrive fifteen minutes before your pitch session is to start. \n\n
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Allegheny Ballroom II-III\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:50138883857f9815f4f7df36c6ba8aa3
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/50138883857f9815f4f7df36c6ba8aa3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T170000Z
DTEND:20260606T175000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:80cbb578a1c4182834d64fcd2b2ddebd
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/80cbb578a1c4182834d64fcd2b2ddebd
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T170000Z
DTEND:20260606T175000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:acafc9b6792f6d4b3e5b0496630fd49e
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/acafc9b6792f6d4b3e5b0496630fd49e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T170000Z
DTEND:20260606T175000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bdb631bdb7bdbdf60104618fe5d34182
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/bdb631bdb7bdbdf60104618fe5d34182
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T170000Z
DTEND:20260606T175000Z
SUMMARY:Be a Dear: Trad Wife Horror
DESCRIPTION:The push to maintain gendered roles in and outside of the home is nothing new\; however\, in the era where Roe v. Wade has been overturned\, "trad wives" are trending on TikTok\, and women's roles in the traditional workforce are shrinking\, we are seeing a resurgence of suburban nightmares in the Horror genre. How do current events shape these stories? How have modern narratives destabilized or reinforced the mad housewife archetype? What can we learn from these works of fiction that seem all too real?
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Butler\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3bb5f5e9ddd0e5f1bc6992d50acc03b6
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/3bb5f5e9ddd0e5f1bc6992d50acc03b6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T170000Z
DTEND:20260606T175000Z
SUMMARY:The Library Eats You Last: Why (Dark) Academia Makes the Perfect Monster
DESCRIPTION:In dark academia\, the institution itself is often the villain. This panel examines how schools\, libraries\, secret societies\, and research labs become sentient forces in horror fiction--devouring students literally\, or metaphorically. We’ll explore how power structures in academia map perfectly onto horror tropes\, how intellectual obsession mirrors possession\, and how the campus becomes a labyrinth the protagonist may never escape. This panel is perfect for fans of house-horror\, cosmic dread\, and the creeping suspicion that your thesis advisor might actually be an eldritch entity.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:15e7d3d17a29e75bd0a1dff2813d3891
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/15e7d3d17a29e75bd0a1dff2813d3891
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T170000Z
DTEND:20260606T175000Z
SUMMARY:When Horror Crosses the Line: the Rise of Genre-Blending Fear
DESCRIPTION:Horror is increasingly colliding with neighboring genres—thriller\, romance\, fantasy\, and literary fiction—to create stories that are as emotionally intimate as they are terrifying. This panel explores why horror hybrids are dominating the current market\, how writers balance multiple genre expectations\, and what blending genres unlocks in terms of theme\, audience\, and tension. Panelists will discuss craft techniques\, publishing trends\, and how horror can amplify love stories\, mysteries\, and high-stakes suspense.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f8bd5ce60e815bcd40e1923bf98a354e
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/f8bd5ce60e815bcd40e1923bf98a354e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T170000Z
DTEND:20260606T175000Z
SUMMARY:Mary Shelley's Monster: the Legacy of Frankenstein
DESCRIPTION:When Mary Shelley published Frankenstein in 1818\, she unleashed a monster onto the world that is still making its mark. The first dramatic adaptation of Frankenstein was staged only six years later in 1824. Today\, with hundreds of adaptations in film\, graphic novels\, music\, and the stage\, plus many novels and short stories adding to the Monster’s legend\, the story remains one of the most fascinating creations in all of dark literature. This panel will discuss what makes the Monster so enduring and compelling\, the best and worst offspring of the novel\, and why the ideas and themes remain relevant today.
CATEGORIES:HORROR HISTORY
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c2b1e32e50386d1fa97f70da947ec2bf
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/c2b1e32e50386d1fa97f70da947ec2bf
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T170000Z
DTEND:20260606T185000Z
SUMMARY:HU: The Spine of a Story: East Meets West in Structure
DESCRIPTION:What do you do when the well-used Western narrative structures don’t quite fit your premise? Have you ever read or watched an Asian narrative and wondered why it feels unpredictable yet satisfying? Want a glimpse at the bones that made Ryan Coogler’s film\, Sinners so powerful? Join Geneve Flynn and L. E. Daniels to explore Eastern and Western storytelling conventions across structure\, character focus\, and narrative goals\, and expand your writing toolbox. Learning outcomes include recognizing the growth of Eastern narratives in Western spaces\, understanding the differences between Eastern/Western narratives\, and learning Kishontenketsu: the four-act structure\, the three-act structure\, and the heroine’s and hero’s journey.\n\nThis is a separately ticketed workshop. &nbsp\;For more information on Horror University and registration information see:&nbsp\;https://www.stokercon.com/horror-university
CATEGORIES:HORROR UNIVERSITY
LOCATION:Washington\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a29d14e87d325ab43a8672af7190c8fd
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/a29d14e87d325ab43a8672af7190c8fd
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T180000Z
DTEND:20260606T185000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b21bf81b7c03fb649f25036cb360003a
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/b21bf81b7c03fb649f25036cb360003a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T180000Z
DTEND:20260606T185000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ca42ae235172d4cb748e22c4034f8e1e
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/ca42ae235172d4cb748e22c4034f8e1e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T180000Z
DTEND:20260606T185000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ff014e94d7864d628f3ceb5ec509ac02
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/ff014e94d7864d628f3ceb5ec509ac02
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T180000Z
DTEND:20260606T185000Z
SUMMARY:Adaptable Terrors: writing for page and screen
DESCRIPTION:In today's constantly evolving multimedia landscape\, a writer must learn how to adapt across both classical and emerging storytelling platforms. This panel brings together fiction writers and screenwriters to delve into the processes that got their work published and produced in various mediums. How does a writer decide which medium is the most appropriate outlet for their original story idea? How can a writer adapt an existing IP into a different medium? We'll discuss the differences and similarities in approaches to craft when writing short stories\, novels\, screenplays\, television series\, and more..
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Butler\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2e3a9a9de8f29c13c8bbeab75f4049f4
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/2e3a9a9de8f29c13c8bbeab75f4049f4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T180000Z
DTEND:20260606T185000Z
SUMMARY:Guest of Honor Spotlight: Herding Three-Eyed Cats: editing weird fiction with Ann Vandermeer
DESCRIPTION:Join Guest of Honor Ann VanderMeer\, Lifetime Achievement Award winner Ellen Datlow\, and Weird Tales editor and Lifetime Achievement Award winner\, Jonathan Maberry\, for a deep dive into the weird and what goes into editing and publishing weird fiction.
CATEGORIES:GUEST OF HONOR/LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT WINNER SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cd81a6a63754bea8af33a005b065de24
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/cd81a6a63754bea8af33a005b065de24
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T180000Z
DTEND:20260606T185000Z
SUMMARY:Horror Writing as Resistance
DESCRIPTION:Works of horror have historically brought truth to power\, taking on inequality and unjust systems while also giving a good scare or two. And in recent years\, readers have been offered brilliant socio-political takedowns within the genre. How are writers currently taking on fascism\, isolationism\, weaponized nationalism\, and authoritarianism? How do we balance the social and political with the speculative and terrifying? What can readers learn from these texts? And are words enough?
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9b52c3596d84173e3dacadccc1e21cb6
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/9b52c3596d84173e3dacadccc1e21cb6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T180000Z
DTEND:20260606T185000Z
SUMMARY:We are all Sinners: Southern Horror from the Mississippi Delta and Beyond
DESCRIPTION:Using Ryan Coogler’s Oscar-winning film SINNERS as a spring board\, this panel will explore themes of race\, poverty\, and religion. Moderated by a Delta native of mixed heritage who grew up four counties above the setting of the film\, and featuring authors forged by the South and its landscapes\, together they will explore the universal truths of a “post-colonial” society within stories entirely unique to the Deep South. We gather here for the ancestors.
CATEGORIES:HORROR HISTORY
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f084ec689146f5c74df32e8b55b91756
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/f084ec689146f5c74df32e8b55b91756
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T190000Z
DTEND:20260606T195000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:852d5c8d8a4fa3c2daef8aed1167b5b5
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/852d5c8d8a4fa3c2daef8aed1167b5b5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T190000Z
DTEND:20260606T195000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e7de7e577332a7ec6ed112542ab4387a
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/e7de7e577332a7ec6ed112542ab4387a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T190000Z
DTEND:20260606T195000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ead9b137fcba2d431b9078b4b983957b
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/ead9b137fcba2d431b9078b4b983957b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T190000Z
DTEND:20260606T195000Z
SUMMARY:Author to Editor and Back Again
DESCRIPTION:Many authors dream of editing their own anthology\, but what does it actually take to cross the line from author to editor? What unique challenges arise from blurring these boundaries and wearing both hats? Join panelists as they discuss navigating the potential obstacles and social barriers of being both authors and editors.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:19c160090fad7dc481492fb77375fbb9
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/19c160090fad7dc481492fb77375fbb9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T190000Z
DTEND:20260606T195000Z
SUMMARY:Hopeful Nihilism: How Cosmic Horror Can Inspire
DESCRIPTION:Cosmic horror is often thought of as the darkest sub-genre\, of deep\, existential\, looming doom. However\, the most dread-filled stories can serve as a vehicle for themes of love\, hope\, and joy. This panel will spotlight the fullest possibilities of the booming sub-genre.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bfd4786449792647eaf1daaa6869608a
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/bfd4786449792647eaf1daaa6869608a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T190000Z
DTEND:20260606T195000Z
SUMMARY:Nonbinary Authors in Horror
DESCRIPTION:Nonbinary identities have a nuanced and complex history\, especially within the world of horror where characters who don't fit into the binary are often mistreated. It's important to make space for an often marginalized and looked over corner of horror\, and to discuss why nonbinary characters belong in horror. After all\, horror is the best space to push boundaries and definitions. Join panelists as they discuss if/how gender roles play into their work\, themes they like to explore within horror\, how nonbinary characters in horror can engage readers in unique ways\, and more.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c3fc50145e310439dec53a5c24681fdf
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/c3fc50145e310439dec53a5c24681fdf
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T190000Z
DTEND:20260606T195000Z
SUMMARY:The Politics of Pink Horror
DESCRIPTION:Why are there so many wildly popular books by male authors with female protagonists\, and why can’t female authors get quite the same traction for the same subject matter? Where does “Pink Horror” fit into this and how does it challenge these ideas? Our panelists will discuss how the label "Pink Horror" emerged\, what it means to them\, and the impact on the intersections of horror.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Butler\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b40e33e240358859b1a3e28197ff4bf8
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/b40e33e240358859b1a3e28197ff4bf8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T190000Z
DTEND:20260606T205000Z
SUMMARY:HU: Reading What You Wrote!
DESCRIPTION:This workshop designed for writers to create an engaging and exciting experience for their audience. Through a series of short\, interactive exercises and discussions\, writers will learn to build confidence\, shed anxiety\, be loud and proud\, and pick the perfect piece for that special event. There will also be a segment on MCing a literary event. A few participants will be able to read a small passage at the end of the workshop to showcase the tools they've learned.\n\nThis is a separately ticketed workshop. &nbsp\;For more information on Horror University and registration information see:&nbsp\;https://www.stokercon.com/horror-university
CATEGORIES:HORROR UNIVERSITY
LOCATION:Washington\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fa801ab8ed777bdd0784d7ecf73a76ea
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/fa801ab8ed777bdd0784d7ecf73a76ea
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T200000Z
DTEND:20260606T205000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3ec0b9170913674bf0b44d9ab35fa41e
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/3ec0b9170913674bf0b44d9ab35fa41e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T200000Z
DTEND:20260606T205000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:48b13aeec16c5cd50da1d95abe4980ea
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/48b13aeec16c5cd50da1d95abe4980ea
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T200000Z
DTEND:20260606T205000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f9aa5eb0b30639fd1f78cfae360a8856
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/f9aa5eb0b30639fd1f78cfae360a8856
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T200000Z
DTEND:20260606T205000Z
SUMMARY:The Calls Are Coming from Inside the Spaceship! When Horror and Science Fiction Meet
DESCRIPTION:Frankenstein. The Color Out of Space. The Body Snatchers. The Day of the Triffids. Alien. The Thing. Event Horizon. Cell. When horror and science fiction join forces the limits of fear seem infinite. Join our panelists for a discussion of the classics that have defined this popular blend of genres and why it is such an effective combination. How do the elements of these distinct genres complement each other? What must writers keep in mind when bringing them together? What are some of the best examples of sci-fi/horror from the 21st century?
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Butler\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0c54c602607ffbe7125c369312fc3b2b
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/0c54c602607ffbe7125c369312fc3b2b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T200000Z
DTEND:20260606T205000Z
SUMMARY:The Hounds of Hell: Dogs in Horror
DESCRIPTION:Whether a terrifying threat or man’s best friend\, dogs in horror elicit strong emotions. Let’s talk about how dogs have been used in past horror works\, evolving from dying early in the story\, to modern evolutions of richer story arcs. This panel will celebrate some of the best loved (and terrifying) instances of dogs in horror and how these canines can be used in effective storytelling.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bcd41f07cfc5def69fe9e8be3035b86d
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/bcd41f07cfc5def69fe9e8be3035b86d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T200000Z
DTEND:20260606T205000Z
SUMMARY:The Past is Now: Modern Folk and Gothic Horror
DESCRIPTION:How do today’s writers engage with folk and gothic traditions we grew up loving\, while forging our own paths? From conventional tales to transcendent modern expressions\, these subgenres have created frameworks for discourse from many perspectives and experiences\, including worldwide storytelling that predate categorizations. This panel will explore how these subgenres have been understood\, how they have evolved\, and how modern authors continue to enrich and redefine these traditions.
CATEGORIES:HORROR HISTORY
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6bd69add2bad295bdacab2c6ec390760
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/6bd69add2bad295bdacab2c6ec390760
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T200000Z
DTEND:20260606T205000Z
SUMMARY:Why Graphic Horror Matters: Horror Comics from E.C. Comics to Something is Killing the Children
DESCRIPTION:No other mainstream genre of comic books has been as widely banned and panned than horror comics during the 100+ year history of the medium. From the infamous pre-code horror comics that led to a shocking incident of industry self-censorship to the boundary-pushing horror magazines of the 70s and 80s to to contemporary horror series that make horror one of the most popular comic book genres today\, our panelists will discuss the history of sequential art scares and why these comics matter\, from E.C. Comics to Something Is Killing the Children and beyond. Why do horror comics invite so much controversy and why do they persist in popularity against all odds?
CATEGORIES:HORROR HISTORY
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b2a93a51a37031a04ec170c052a52308
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/b2a93a51a37031a04ec170c052a52308
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T200000Z
DTEND:20260606T203000Z
SUMMARY:The HWA Diversity Grant Raffle Drawing
DESCRIPTION:Each year\, StokerCon has a raffle to support the HWA’s Diversity Grants.\nWhat are the Diversity Grants?\nThe Horror Writers Association (HWA) believes barriers—often unseen but very real—exist which limit the amount of horror fiction being published by diverse voices. The goal of the Diversity Grants is to help remove some of the barriers and let those voices be heard.\nThe Diversity Grant Raffle will be held at 4pm on June 6th\, 2026 in the Dealer Room.\n**100% of the raffle’s proceeds go to the Diversity Grants.**\nHow do I purchase tickets?\nThere are two ways to purchase tickets for the HWA Diversity Grant Raffle:\n1. Presale tickets are on sale now via Eventbrite\n*Once you have completed your ticket purchase\, your paper tickets will be included with your name badge.\n*You are responsible for putting your tickets into the box associated with the item/s you are interested in.\n*No one from the StokerCon planning committee or registration desk will be adding your tickets to the boxes.\n2. At StokerCon2026 in Pittsburgh\n*Tickets can be purchased at the registration desk.\n*Although a credit card is preferred\, cash is accepted.\nCredit card purchases are made through PayPal via admin@horror.orgDo NOT send payment via PayPal before the event.Other FAQs:\nPresale ticket sales begin May 1st\, 2026 and end May 31st\, 2026.The last possible time to buy a ticket at the venue is June 5th\, 2026.The raffle items will be displayed in the Dealers RoomA box will be in front of each item.Place your ticket/s into the box associated with the item/s you are interested in.Tickets will be drawn at 4 pm on June 6th.You must be available to claim your items at the time the winners are called.Raffle tickets are non-refundable. Please see the general StokerCon cancellation policy for more details.\n\nThis year\, we have many amazing items to be raffled off kindly donated by friends and colleagues of the HWA\, including:\nDisclaimer: some items may change by the time of the convention\nSudden Acts of Horror – the official board game of the HWASigned copy of Futility by Nuzo Onoh:Signed copy of Crota by Owl Goingback (out of print edition)Signed copy of Breed by Owl GoingbackSigned copy of The Daughter of Dr. Moreau by Silvia Moreno GarciaSigned copy of the anthology Cut: Horror Writers on Horror Film (all contributors signed\, ed. Christopher Golden).Meghan Arcuri:&nbsp\;two pounds horror-themed coffee (Lovecraft and Halloween)two ghost mugsWhy I Love Horror\, ed. Becky Spratford (with signatures of many of contributors)Copy of King Sorrow by Joe HillSigned copies of two books from Ellen DatlowSigned copy of Everything Endless (2025) by Linda D. Addison and Jamal Hodge (Raw Dog Screaming Press)Signed copy of An Illegal Feast (2025) by Linda D. Addison\, Consuelo G. Flores\, Andrea Goyan\, Elizabeth Eve King & Elizabeth Wong (Broadstone Books)Signed copy of Friends and Foes of Zenobia by Denise N. Tapscott with Linda D. Addison\, Marc L. Abbott\, Kirk A. Johnson\, John Palisano\, Robin Reed\, Steven Van Patten (Enchanted Flower Productions\, 10/10/2025)A print from Artist Greg Chapman (Dark-Designs.co)Lisa Morton Halloween Package:Signed copy of Trick or Treat: A History of HalloweenSigned copy of Halloween Beyond: Piercing the VeilDVD: The Real History of Halloween&nbsp\; &nbsp\; &nbsp\; &nbsp\;Ben Rubin:&nbsp\;Custom bookmarks made from a 19th century printing presses from the University of Pittsburgh Library Printing Press. To be added to each item (or group of items) up for raffle.HWA Book Sampler including:The Phantom of the OperaHWA Poetry Showcase Volume XIIScaring and Daring: Terrifying Takes on 15 Classic TalesA copy of the limited-edition Marvel comic\, White Tiger Reborn from Cythnia PelayoA copy of a limited-edition chapbook\, We Came From An Island&nbsp\;(published by Thunderstorm Books\; out of print) by Cynthia Pelayo.\n\n
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Allegheny Ballroom Foyer I\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9f8021b121c682e4339b31bcf9e892b5
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/9f8021b121c682e4339b31bcf9e892b5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T220000Z
DTEND:20260606T224500Z
SUMMARY:Bram Stoker Awards Cocktail Reception
DESCRIPTION:Have a drink or two and mingle with fellow attendees before the Bram Stoker Awards Banquet!\n\nThis event has a cash bar. The bar accepts credit/debit cards\, or\, if you are staying at the Westin\, you can charge drinks to your room. No cash accepted.
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Allegheny Ballroom Foyer II\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1848b5bbc8c6f4087761d234be128707
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/1848b5bbc8c6f4087761d234be128707
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260606T230000Z
DTEND:20260607T000000Z
SUMMARY:Bram Stoker Awards Banquet
DESCRIPTION:Enjoy a specially prepared banquet meal before the Bram Stoker Awards Ceremony begins.\n\nYou must purchase a banquet ticket to attend the event.\n\nThis event has a cash bar. The bar accepts credit/debit cards\, or\, if you are staying at the Westin\, you can charge drinks to your room. No cash accepted.
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Allegheny Ballroom II-III\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:133d1752f0ba4d5c4fcfdf0bb1b8ce94
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/133d1752f0ba4d5c4fcfdf0bb1b8ce94
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T000000Z
DTEND:20260607T020000Z
SUMMARY:Bram Stoker Awards Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:The presentation of the annual Bram Stoker Awards\, emceed by by Kevin Wetmore\, with the keynote speech about the 10th Anniversary of StokerCon by James Chambers. \n\nThis event is open to all attendees. A separate ticket is not required.\n\nThis event has a cash bar. The bar accepts credit/debit cards\, or\, if you are staying at the Westin\, you can charge drinks to your room. No cash accepted.
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Allegheny Ballroom II-III\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2326217255505854822ca709c0d4bbac
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/2326217255505854822ca709c0d4bbac
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T020000Z
DTEND:20260607T035000Z
SUMMARY:Bram Stoker Awards Afterparty
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the celebration and congratulate our new Bram Stoker Award winners!\n\nThis event is catered with a cash bar. The bar accepts credit/debit cards\, or\, if you are staying at the Westin\, you can charge drinks to your room. No cash accepted.
CATEGORIES:HWA SPOTLIGHT
LOCATION:Allegheny Ballrooms 1-2-3 Foyers\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0b27af5f7624aab0056a262b1b47917b
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/0b27af5f7624aab0056a262b1b47917b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T110000Z
DTEND:20260607T210000Z
SUMMARY:Boardroom
DESCRIPTION:The HWA Boardroom. HWA Officers\, Trustees\, and StokerCon volunteers only.
CATEGORIES:CON OPS
LOCATION:Crawford\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3c2b9a600737f494459390bcc0e52192
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/3c2b9a600737f494459390bcc0e52192
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T140000Z
DTEND:20260607T145000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:169d59426318b7683b311743ad9c49fe
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/169d59426318b7683b311743ad9c49fe
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T140000Z
DTEND:20260607T145000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9fb0158247b6f9f22c2bdc0a43502943
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/9fb0158247b6f9f22c2bdc0a43502943
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T140000Z
DTEND:20260607T145000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b73b7ff448ae16b4c3e89ee7e482c365
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/b73b7ff448ae16b4c3e89ee7e482c365
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T140000Z
DTEND:20260607T145000Z
SUMMARY:Abridge to Terror: The Horror Short Story
DESCRIPTION:Short stories are more than just stepping stones in an author’s journey. They allow writers to hone their craft\, experiment with structure and point of view\, and are a strong way to connect with editors and publishers. Short stories can also help writers achieve Active Membership in the HWA\, and they build up the potential for an eventual collection. Join panelists to discuss how short stories helped strengthen their craft and career\, why this length works so well for horror\, and what makes a story stand out.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c45822cac8781abdf2074e465e20a2c3
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/c45822cac8781abdf2074e465e20a2c3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T140000Z
DTEND:20260607T170000Z
SUMMARY:Dealers Room
DESCRIPTION:OFFICIAL BOOKSELLER\nWhite Whale Bookstore\n\nVENDORS\nArwyn ShermanBlack Cat PublishingCLASH Books\n​Creature Publishing​​​Falstaff Books\nThe George A. Romero Foundation Grendel PressJeff DeckJoe BelcastroKent PrioreKenya Moss-DymeLanternfish PressLeanna Renee HieberNate Hoffelder\nRaw Dog Screaming PressRoyce Buckingham\nRuadan Books\n​Seton Hill University​​​SHP ComicsStudio Hibernacula\nSuperstars Writing SeminarsTantor Media\nWinding Road Stories\nWord Witch CC
CATEGORIES:DEALERS ROOM
LOCATION:Allegheny Ballroom I\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a7df3581b44e100321447887b28881a5
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/a7df3581b44e100321447887b28881a5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T140000Z
DTEND:20260607T145000Z
SUMMARY:We've Always Been Here: Transgender Imagery and Characters Throughout Horror History
DESCRIPTION:Transgender imagery and gender nonconformity have played a significant and long-running role in horror's history\, from 19th century gothic novels to Psycho and Sleepaway Camp to the glorious explosion of trans horror over the last several years. &nbsp\;Panelists will look back on this history and &nbsp\;consider how it has helped shape the genre\, what past representations work for us\, and which might better serve as an example of what not to do? We’ll also consider what the future holds for Trans and Gender non-conforming (GNC) horror\, given the uptick in global transphobia and the capacity of the genre to provide power through transgression. Join panelists as they reflect on\, critique\, and celebrate the history\, present\, and future of Trans Horror.
CATEGORIES:HORROR HISTORY
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e85c477ccd67a5ca501f7a95718b3a48
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/e85c477ccd67a5ca501f7a95718b3a48
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T150000Z
DTEND:20260607T155000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:71ee9c91ec43b3248572753c134ab5d9
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/71ee9c91ec43b3248572753c134ab5d9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T150000Z
DTEND:20260607T155000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8fcca73103e45cde210e9c748be9be1b
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/8fcca73103e45cde210e9c748be9be1b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T150000Z
DTEND:20260607T155000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f0dd59159a535db10438cec9e42d076f
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/f0dd59159a535db10438cec9e42d076f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T150000Z
DTEND:20260607T155000Z
SUMMARY:A Psychotropic Medium: Reanimating the Horror Novella
DESCRIPTION:Novellas\, once viewed as difficult sales\, seem to be having a resurgence within horror from both indie and traditional publishers. What is it about this format that attracts horror writers? How have sales really been for novellas? Join panelists as they discuss tips for writing strong novellas\, why this format fits horror so well\, and more.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e086f31915d6059bd93ee08397e50ff9
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/e086f31915d6059bd93ee08397e50ff9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T150000Z
DTEND:20260607T155000Z
SUMMARY:Dark Designs: Let's Make a Horror Game!
DESCRIPTION:Our panelists will design a game on the spot — using prompts and ideas from the audience. The brilliant and creative members of the audience (that’s _you_ — we’re all writers and artists here\, right?) will throw out all manner of scary ideas for the panelists to mold into a &nbsp\;horror game. Is it a video game? A one-page tabletop RPG? A board game? That’s up to our roundtable of panelists and audience members to decide. Is it about a haunting? An unkillable slasher? A horde of zombies? We’ll decide as we go! By the end of the panel\, we’ll have the working concept of a game that everybody will want to one-day play.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Cambria\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:026f5571158f7f559fe3d2b829d87aeb
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/026f5571158f7f559fe3d2b829d87aeb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T150000Z
DTEND:20260607T155000Z
SUMMARY:Sludging Through Doom: Heavy Metal and Horror History
DESCRIPTION:Good horror disturbs and distorts reality with all the fuzz of a heavy metal guitar pedal. And metal music\, for its part\, has long drawn inspiration from the genre of the supernatural and occult. In "Sludging through Doom\," panelists will explore how the horror genre has intersected with heavy metal music across time and how horror writers continue to derive inspiration from the scary music genre\, banging their heads as they bang stories out on their keyboards.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fe8f5271c095a2440e3c3afe67b8bbd8
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/fe8f5271c095a2440e3c3afe67b8bbd8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T150000Z
DTEND:20260607T165000Z
SUMMARY:HU: Vending 101; or\, How to Successfully Vend at a Convention
DESCRIPTION:Lots of authors vend at events like conventions and expos\, and lots more would like to be vendors but don't know where to start or how to do it well. This class will give attendees the tools to find events they can vend at\, and what they can do to ensure they get their books in as many readers' hands as possible.\n\nThis is a separately ticketed workshop. &nbsp\;For more information on Horror University and registration information see:&nbsp\;https://www.stokercon.com/horror-university
CATEGORIES:HORROR UNIVERSITY
LOCATION:Washington\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:268caa437331f3a0719fed74c0498fc9
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/268caa437331f3a0719fed74c0498fc9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T160000Z
DTEND:20260607T165000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Armstrong\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:648629e3d924e174bd6319e1464eec3b
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/648629e3d924e174bd6319e1464eec3b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T160000Z
DTEND:20260607T165000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Fayette\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:666f738b62ff40ae4689a8313fad758c
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/666f738b62ff40ae4689a8313fad758c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T160000Z
DTEND:20260607T165000Z
SUMMARY:Author Readings
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AUTHOR READINGS
LOCATION:Lawrence\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bf4e89f980af6d9f1b8edbe2a70c69b6
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/bf4e89f980af6d9f1b8edbe2a70c69b6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T160000Z
DTEND:20260607T165000Z
SUMMARY:Little Bookshop of Horrors: Working with Indie Booksellers
DESCRIPTION:If you’ve ever wondered how to get your book on the shelves of a bookstore\, especially your favorite local indie store\, this panel is for you. Discussion will cover how to engage with booksellers\, how to get an event\, what to expect\, proper etiquette\, as well as additional do's and don'ts.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS AND CRAFT OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING
LOCATION:Somerset\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:334fec06108e73314360b43fab5816b2
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/334fec06108e73314360b43fab5816b2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260511T090326Z
DTSTART:20260607T160000Z
DTEND:20260607T165000Z
SUMMARY:You Can't Get There From Here: Tales of Weird Pittsburgh
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to Pittsburgh! Join our panelists as they bathe our Convention city in unholy and horror-worthy light. What mysteries hide in the alleyways of the Southside? Is there real magic at the convergence of three rivers? Can you feel the pull of the Fourth River? How many cemeteries have you haunted? How many bridges and tunnels does one city need? What cryptids\, legends\, ghosts\, or maniacs haunt our Rust Belt abode. Hear from Pittsburgh horror writers who have been influenced by the often uncanny history\, folklore\, cultural oddities\, and decaying buildings surrounded by an urban wilderness.
CATEGORIES:HORROR GENRE AND MEDIA
LOCATION:Westmoreland\, The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown 1000 Penn Ave\, Pittsburgh\, PA 15222\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f53d49ac57b4baeaa896d6eea074bd6c
URL:http://stokercon2026.sched.com/event/f53d49ac57b4baeaa896d6eea074bd6c
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR