Workshops

Attend one of DemiCon's workshops to learn some new skills or just to have fun.  In past years at Demicon, our attendees have built blinkies, constructed jetpacks, and so much more.  DemiCon 26 will be offering a wide range of workshops for various age groups, so visit this page again to see updates.

If one of our workshops requires reservations due to limited seating, we'll post instructions here for registering for that event.  In addition, you can register for those limited-admission workshops by visiting the Hub during the convention. 

• Writer's Workshop - Demicon 26 will be reprising last year's writer's workshop hosted by professional writer, Lettie Prell. As a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), she will help to offer insight to aspiring writers who wish to improve their work. If you are interested in participating, please e-mail your manuscript to lettie@lettieprell.com no later than midnight on Saturday, April 26. The workshop will take place on Sunday morning at the convention 10AM-12PM.
  
  
• Book Bugs/Muse Mice Workshop: Cute critters are coming! Create your own bug or mouse bookmark to make your reading even more enjoyable. Learn basic hand sewing. Age 9 and up. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Needles will be used.  Supply cost for workshop is $2. Bring to the class. 
  
  
• Steampunk Goggles Workshop: Learn basic painting techniques as you create your very own steampunk goggles to take home.  Workshop total of 10 people - Sign up in the HUB at the convention. Age 9 and up.  Children under age 12 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.Cost for workshop supplies is $8 per person. Acrylic paint will be used. Bring a paint shirt to protect your con clothes.  Two hours long. 
  
  
• Japanese Stab Binding--After the HUGE success of the Demicon-lite Coptic book binding session; the Anime team is happy to announce that we will be co-hosting Susan Leabhart as she guides us through the ancient art of Japanese book making.  Because this is a crafting panel (with participation of course!) we are limiting the capacity at 30 people.  If you would like to sign up for this panel please email us as at Anime@Demicon.org and we will get you registered.  There is no cost to attend this panel – however you will be responsible for providing your own materials.  Materials list is noted below. Embroidery thread, Paper, Fabric for covers, Scrapbooking paper (for inside decorative panels), Glue (we suggest Beacon 3in1), Beeswax, Craft board (can be found I the framing section of the craft store), Straight needle, Awl – for piercing pages and covers (we have a supply of them, but if you have your own – please bring it

   

• Body Painting - Watch and learn as artists demonstrate the art of body painting on human canvases.  Come if you want to be painted, or just want to watch.  18 and over to attend.
  
  
• Blinkies - What glints on skirts, vests or shirts and makes a sparkling glow?  Everyone knows it’s Blinky!!!  Now you can make your very own Flashy Blinky. There is a cost to purchase the supplies to make a blinky.  Cost varies on the kit you purchase.  

Is there a particular workshop that you'd love to see at DemiCon?  Was there a workshop in the past that you're hoping to see repeated?  Please let us know!  Send your questions and suggestions to workshops@demicon.org.

DemiCon Programming

DemiCon is known for its wide range of programming.  If there's a programming topic that you'd like to see at DemiCon, please send your suggestions to programming@demicon.org.  We know you've got some clever ideas to share with us.

As the con approaches, the links below will show you what our Programming Department has planned for you.  The schedule grid is subject to changes, and then it stabilizes a few weeks before the convention.

If you want to host a panel, workshop, or other type of programming, the due date to submit your request is March 15th. 

Programming Grid LIVE!

On-Line Programming Grid

A mobile-friendly version of Programming Grid will be available. 

Dealer Room

Welcome to the Dealer Room page!  Once again, we will have plenty of dealers selling a vast assortment of riches and treasures at DemiCon. The Dealer Room is located on the hotel's main level, and will be open for business during these hours:

Friday — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Saturday — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Sunday — 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Dealers at DemiCon  - 

Glen Cook — Books.

Dark River Pottery/Forge — Hand crafted custom glazed ceramics.        www.facebook.com/darkriverpottery

David Pedersen — Author of "Angst" novels. www.gotangst.com

Harlan’s Emporium of the Curious and Bizarre — Unique steampunk and fantasy jewelry and accessories for ladies and gentlemen. https://www.etsy.com/shop/HarlansEmporium

Hell on Wheels Traveling Hobby Shop

Horizon Music, Inc.— CD's. www.hmnetwork.com

Isabella's Treasures— Jewelry, step stones, and photography. www.isabellastreasures.com 

Lauren Jankowski — Author of the ongoing series "The Shape Shifter Chronicles”.

Lisa Bronner’s Prick a Spinde — Antique tea cups, dragonware, vintage hats, and misc items.  

Rustic Icon Designs — Perler sprites, fashion accessories, shadow box art, and other fandom crafts.

Shade’s Findings — Costume preorders, custom corset preorders, plushies, accessories, and more. http://www.facebook.com/shadesfindings

Phoenix Dawn Creations ­— Original artwork available in prints and by commission; paper-crafted hats; crochet plush toys; polymer clay charms and jewelry. www.phoenixdawncreations.com

The Painted Unicorn ­— T-shirts and sweatshirts embroidered and silk screened with original artwork.

Wandering Mail — Chain Mail Items www.Wandering_Mail.storenvy.com

Ziggy's West — Fine bladed weapons and accessories.

If you have not received a confirmation email from our Dealer Department head and have paid, please email dealers@demicon.org.

History of DemiCon

DemiCon has a long and wonderful history. Please take a look at all of our guests of honor that have attended.

Full list of DemiCon conventions

• DemiCon: Witness the Birth was held on March 23 - March 25, 1990. Guests of Honor were C.J.Cherryh, J.R.Daniels and Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon 2: The Voyage Continues was held on April 26 - April 28, 1991. Guests of Honor were Joe Haldeman, Lucy Synk, Gay Haldeman and Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon 3: My God! - It's full of Stars was held on March 27 - March 29, 1992. Guests of Honor were Rob Chilson, David Cherry, Myrna Logan (The Dragon Lady) and Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon 4: The Dawn of Fan was held on March 26 - March 28, 1993. Guests of Honor were Mickey Zucker-Reichert, Erin Mckee, Mark Moore and Rusty Hevelin
• The Fifth of DemiCon: The Smoothest Convention Around was held on April 22 - April 24, 1994. Guests of Honor were Glen Cook, David Lee Anderson, Pierre and Sandy Pettinger and Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon VI: The Undiscovered Con was held on May 5 - May 7, 1995. Guests of Honor were Roger Zelazny, Wilson Tucker and Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon 7: God created the heavens and the earth in 6 days.../DemiCon VII. We may have taken 6 years with DemiCon but on the Seventh Con, We'll party was held on May 3 - May 5, 1996. Guests of Honor were author Algis Budrys, artist Keith Berdak, fan guests Otto and Ruth Sheller and toastmaster Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon 8: Sorry, But We've Chosen Not to become Evolved - Supporting your Eternal right to Entropy was held on May 2 - May 4, 1997. Guests of Honor were author Barbara Hambly, artist Mitchell Bentley, fan guest Charles Piehl and toastmaster Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon 9: Plan Nine from Des Moines was held on May 1 - May 3, 1998. Guests of Honor were author George Alec Effinger, artist William J. Hodgson, fan guests Marshall and Dee Willis and toastmaster Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon 10: Generation X: Too old to be Neos...Too Young to be Nostalgic! was held on April 30 - May 2, 1999. Guests of Honor were Spider and Jeanne Robinson, Nè Nè, Bill Broughton and Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon 2000: Y2K Compliance is Futile. This one goes to Eleven was held on May 5 - May 7, 2000. Guests of Honor were Lois McMaster Bujold, Susan Van Camp, Alois and Wendy Tchampl and Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon 2001: A Con Oddity was held on May 4 - May 6, 2001. Guests of Honor were Harry Harrison, Sergey Poyarkov, Tadao Tomomatsu and Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon the 13th: Con of the Living Dead was held on May 3 - May 5, 2002. Guests of Honor were F. Paul Wilson, Alan M. Clark, Dennis Lynch and Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon 14: Contemplating the FUTURE was held on May 2 - May 4, 2003. Guests of Honor were Octavia E. Butler, Lubov, Lynda Sherman and Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon XV: DemiCon-A-Fan-alistic-XV-Fun-A-Liscious was held on April 30 - May 2, 2004. Guest of honor were Emma Bull and Will Shetterly, Alan Gutierrez, Tadao Tomomatsu and Toastmaster Emeritus Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon 16: Life, the Universe and DemiCon was held on July 29 - July 31, 2005. Guests of Honor were Brad Linaweaver, Mike Cole, Sheila Lenkman and Scott Corwin, Tadao Tomomatsu and Toastmaster Emeritus Rusty Hevelin
• DemiCon 17: Enter the Twilight Zone of Imagination was held July 28 - July 30, 2006. Guests of honor were Janet Chui, Ted Poovey and Darice Schirber-Poovey, Tadao Tomomatsu and Toastmaster Emeritus Rusty Hevelin. Frederik Pohl was not able to attend due to health reason but was able to participate over a conference call.
• DemiCon 18: You Can Go Home Again... Just Use Your Imagination was held May 18 - May 20, 2007. Guests of honor were author Catherine Asaro, artist Theresa Mather, actor James Koro, fan guest Steve "Wookie" Houle, Tadao Tomomatsu and Toastmaster Emeritus Rusty Hevelin.
• DemiCon 19: Back Where We Belong was held May 2 - May 4, 2008. Guests of honor were author Steven Barnes, artist Mitchell Davidson Bentley, fan guests Joe & Inger Myers, Tadao Tomomatsu and toastmaster Emeritus Rusty Hevelin.
• DemiCon 20: All of Our Cons Remembered was held May 1 - May 3, 2009. Guests of honor were author Joe Haldeman, artist Sara Butcher, fan guest Roger Tener, Tadao Tomomatsu and Toastmaster Emeritus Rusty Hevelin The convention was held at Hotel Fort Des Moines.
• DemiCon 21: Everything is Better with Pirates! was held May 14-16, 2010. It was held at the Holiday Inn West, Des Moines, Iowa. Guests of honor were Author Karl Schroeder, Artist Don Maitz, Fan Guest Gregg Parmentier, Tadao Tomomatsu and Toastmaster Emeritus Rusty Hevelin.
• DemiCon 22: Here Be Dragons! was held April 29, 40 and May 1, 2011. It was held at the Holiday Inn West, Des Moines, Iowa.  Guests of Honor were Sarah Prineas, Sarah Clemens, John and Denise Garner, Tadao Tomomatsu, Toastmaster Emeritus Rusty Hevelin and special Dragon of Honor Tiamat!
• Demicon 23: Full Moon Fantasy was held May 4-6, 2012.  It was held at the Holiday Inn West, Des Moines, Iowa.  Guests of Honor were Patricia Briggs, Allen Williams, Ange & Brian Anderson, Mike aka Adam Selene, and Tadao Tomomatsu.
• 24 Karat DemiCon: Celebrating the Golden Age of Science Fiction was held May 3-5, 2013. Guests of Honor were David Weber, Scott Ross, Mitch and Mary Thompson, Bob Harper, and Denny Lynch.
• DemiCon 25: Hi-Yo, Silver! Celebrate Away! was held on May 2-4, 2014. Guests of Honor were Tee Morris, Lojo Russo, Kevin Roche & Andrew Trembley, Susan Leabhart, Nikola Tesla, and Joe & Gay Haldeman.
• DemiCon 26: Magical World of DemiCon will be held on May 1-3, 2015.