SNAFU Con is an anime convention in the Reno/Sparks area of Nevada. The 2026 con was Friday, October 9th through Sunday, October 11th. The 2027 con has not been announced yet.

Programming

Panels

No, not solar, or insulating, or the ones you put lots of buttons on in your evil lab, but informational and entertaining panels on the subjects of....well, everything really. We will answer such great questions as "What qualifies as old-school?" "Why do my villains fail?" and "How much for that Nabeshin necktie?" Most of our panels are provided by fan volunteers. If you are interested in running a panel, more information is available on our Panelist Info.

2026 Panels List

ALIEN STAGE: Trivia Stage Entertain us with your knowledge and win amazing prizes. Use your phone to answer questions about all things Alien Stage... but everyone else in the room is competing against YOU. Can you make it to top three?
Roger Railway Come join us for this simple history of the Roger Railway, from humble beginnings to becoming America's first preserved railway. Come join us to hear the history of this 2-foot-gauge railway!
Roger; a character introduction A simple panel of my original character, Roger, join us to hear this simple story of this 2-foot gauge Porter!
Mindfulness – Magic in Stillness What can Naruto, Yuji, Tanjiro, and other anime heroes teach us about mindfulness? Explore how meditation, breath, awareness, and related practices help characters face fear, overcome setbacks, and unlock their potential—and what these ideas can offer us in real life. Drawing from yoga and meditation teacher training, emerging science, and practical experience, we'll turn anime inspiration into tools you can actually try.
Anime Feud Win some prizes with your friends as you answer questions based on the survey results at con!
Improv 101 – Workshop Fully Unscripted presents everything you need to know to get started in improvisational acting. These skills work for long-form, short-form, scripted acting, and even regular life. Think you're not funny? No problem! Ask questions, play games, and have fun.
Improv 201 – Workshop Want to try out Improv on the stage? Now's your chance. Play some games, get some coaching, and have some fun.
Advice Panel We have a very special treat: three experts who are ready to answer all of your questions about literally anything! We know one is definitely good, the second is questionable, and don't even ask about the third one.
Safe and Consensual Dynamics Join us for an open Q&A session, hosted by two seasoned practitioners with extensive experience in the lifestyle. Whether you're curious about or actively involved in BDSM, join us for an informative and respectful discussion. Ask your burning questions and receive practical advice with a focus on safety, consent, boundaries, and effective communication.
Comics, Crime, Superheroes, and Ninjas Too! Writing Crime Comics with Heart In this panel, criminology professor and graphic novelist Dr. Kenny Loui will talk about writing “true crime” stories that aren’t just action-packed but appeal to the heart as well. Attendees will also get an exclusive sneak peek at two of Kenny’s upcoming comics from Antarctic Press’ Tomorrow Girl and Ninja High School series—“Lessons from a Mother” and “The Comic Con Criminal”—and have the chance to chat with Kenny about how to get started on creating their own comics.
From Kōban to K-Pop: Teaching Comparative Criminology from a Pop Culture Perspective Join criminal justice professor and lifelong otaku Dr. Kenny Loui to explore the intersection between criminology and pop culture as he provides a “teaser” of the Crime, Justice & Pop Culture Diplomacy class he teaches at Loras College.
How a Criminology Professor Became a Voice Actor—and How You Can, Too Ever dreamed of becoming a voice actor but weren’t sure how to get started? In this interactive session, Dr. Kenny Loui shares his journey to fulfilling his childhood dream of “becoming a toon,” from his start in voicing indie animations to dubbing the Korean animated series, Supertrons. He will also share practical tips, strategies, and resources for aspiring voice actors, along with opportunities for attendees to explore character voices of their own
Refresh! Sailor Moon, Restorative Justice, and the Power of Love Moon Healing Escalation! Join criminology professor and longtime Sailor Moon fan Dr. Kenny Loui as he explores the underlying themes of restorative justice and the healing power of love in Sailor Moon, while also discussing how Sailor Moon inspired him to pursue a career in criminal justice—not to “bust the bad guys” but to heal them.
Supertrons Unite! Adapting a Korean Animation for an English-Speaking Audience In this interactive session, Dr. Kenny Loui shares his experiences working on the Korean animated series Supertrons as both a voice actor and script adaptation writer. Topics include finding a character’s voice, translating humor and cultural references, matching dialogue to existing animation, and the difference between translation and localization. Attendees will also have an opportunity to try dubbing and script adaptation themselves.
Who’s That Dinosaur?! Are you a dinosaur expert? Do you wanna be? Join Supertrons voice actor and script adaptation writer Dr. Kenny Loui for “Who’s That Dinosaur?” a trivia game that will test your knowledge on the prehistoric creatures (and extraterrestrials, and maybe a giant mecha, too) that appear in the South Korean animated series. The winner will receive a Supertrons Velo action figure signed by Kenny or other Supertrons prize to take home with them!
Visual Storytelling: From Ideas to Images Great artwork isn't just about drawing well—it's about having something to say. Anatomy, proportion, perspective, composition, and other artistic fundamentals are essential tools, but what happens when we start with the story instead? In this workshop, students will learn how to turn their own experiences, observations, and imagination into visual narratives. We'll develop ideas ranging from personal and slice-of-life stories to fantasy and completely invented worlds, then use those ideas as the foundation for our artwork. Students may create standalone illustrations, short comics and graphic-novel sequences, illustrated stories, or even the beginnings of a picture book. The goal isn't simply to make a good drawing. It's to make an image that tells a story. Perfect for high school, college-age artists, or anyone interested in illustration, comics, graphic novels, animation, concept art, or building a creative portfolio.
Fun With Foreshadowing – Giggles in the Dark Writing is fun, so why not have more fun with it? Join guest author Jade Griffin on a brief dive into adding foreshadowing through writing. For the adventurous, bring materials to write for a brief exercise. Warning – contains spoilers to her books!
Does It Grab You? It is so key to grab the reader in that first paragraph, sentence, or even the first few words, but how does someone steal their attention and leave them wanting more? Explore word choice with guest author Jade Griffin. Bring materials to write for a brief exercise.
Play "A Lone Collection" with Jade Griffin After thwarting a theft on the streets of 1890s Chicago, an old gentleman offers you a job of guarding his collection of strange artifacts while he is away. As the guard, your choices lead to mystery, mythos, magic, and even death while guarding... A Lone Collection. The whole room can play with guest author Jade Griffin as Keeper of her Gaslight-Era Call of Cthulhu tabletop roleplaying game "A Lone Collection". No experience or materials needed.
The Robot Ate My Manuscript (But It Fixed My Comma Splices) Nobody at a con full of artists wants to sit through a panel about AI, but Gavin is doing one anyway! You'll go through a few real cases — writers whose whole careers came down to one question: did a person write this, or did a machine? You vote as you go. Guilty or innocent. Then you'll find out how good your gut actually is. After that, Gavin will discuss where this stuff might be worth using, and where it falls on its face and always will. No lecture, no sales pitch, nobody getting scared straight. Just a few true stories, a show of hands, and an honest hour about the thing we've all been pretending isn't already here.
The Sequel Nobody Asked For: Another Year in Publishing (Now With Playwriting) I did one of these last year — me talking about trying to write and sell books, then answering whatever anybody threw at me. Enough of you showed up that they're letting me back. So, year two. I wrote more, I sold some, I got told no more times than I'll admit to, and I learned a few things the hard way that I'll just hand to you so you don't have to. There's a new one this year too — I've started writing for the stage. A play, it turns out, is nothing like a novel, and I've got some hard-won opinions about that now. We'll get into it. And like last time, most of the hour is yours. Ask me anything — writing, agents, self-publishing, editing, plays, the money, the part where people say no — and I'll give you the real answer, not the one that fits on a poster. Didn't make it last year? Doesn't matter. Pull up a chair.
Remote Voice Acting 101 Ever wanted to get into voice acting, but don’t know where to start? Wish you could break into larger VO markets, but don’t live in LA or NY? Fear not! With remote recording technology, accessible casting rosters, and countless online educational resources, remote voice acting is now more possible than ever! Come talk to Kay Kennedy, a full time professional remote voice actor, and get the scoop on all the tips and tools she swears by!
Your turn! Live Voice Acting and Direction Step up to the mic and show us what you've got! In this interactive panel, audience members will have the chance to perform a few lines of dialogue, get direction and feedback from a professional voice actor, then deliver a second take. No experience required! Don’t miss this chance to play, practice, learn and HAVE FUN!
Costume Making from Start to Finish Does cosplay look fun but feel daunting? Are you an existing cosplayer who wants to expand their knowledge and up their craftsmanship game? Come join award-winning cosplayer GumiV4 as she breaks down her personal costume making process from the first measurement to the final stitch! From the clothes, wigs, accessories, and more; learn how these characters come to life, and leave feeling more cosplay confident than ever!
Cosplay Jeopardy! This iiiiiiisssssss Jeopardy…Cosplay Jeopardy! Test your knowledge on cosplay, convention culture, and more in this classic Jeopardy style game for a chance at the grand prize! With a preliminary mini game to choose our contestants, EVERYONE in the audience has a shot at being one of our lucky three players!
It Gets Better Life can be challenging, but no one has to face it alone. Join this uplifting and welcoming conversation about affirmation, coping, and community—centered on LGBTQIA+ experiences but open to everyone. Whether you’re here to listen, share, or support, this panel offers a safe, positive space to remind us all that it really does get better.
Convention Horror Stories: Tales From Cons Past What happens at con stays at con? Nonsense! Some stories are too good not to tell. Come hear the funniest, strangest, and most unbelievable tales from conventions past—cosplay disasters, hotel mishaps, and all. Laugh along, wince in sympathy, and maybe confess a story or two yourself!
Wark After Dark! Get ready for an uncensored, no-holds-barred AMA with the amazingly adventured Steve "Warky" Nunez! From wild convention stories to behind-the-scenes chaos, nothing’s off-limits (well… almost nothing). This 18+ session promises laughs, candid moments, and maybe a few things you’ll wish you could unhear.
Stitch to Stage! A cosplay information panel hosted by a multi award winning cosplayer on how to take a cosplay from an idea to an award winning cosplay/performance!
Cosplay Fails Astro shares cautionary tales they've experienced, witnessed, or heard of when things don't always go to plan on the cosplay stage...or prejudging! This panel includes what not to do, why rules exist, and how to recover when things don't go just right!
Parent to a cosplayer? So am I! Astro and their mom discuss what having a kid that does cosplay means and how to support them as they learn and grow! Join in to get tips and tricks for how to start in cosplay or how to handle situations where things don't go as planned!
Let's Chat Your MCs hanging out and chatting. Feel free to listen in and suggest topics.
Crime Trivia Can you answer who committed what crime? Find out and win prizes.
Early Morning Gaming We all have a huge Steam Library. Let's pick a game and start the morning.
Science Stories Come hang out with our MCs and hear some funny, interesting, or weird stories about all things scientific.
Artists vs Bob Ross Volunteer artists must follow along with Bob Ross using their preferred medium. Whoever gets the closest wins.
Crime of the Century Let's talk about and choose the best (or worst) crime of the last 100 years.
Team Trivia Battles Put your knowledge to the test. Grab a team, enjoy some drinks, and compete through rounds of fun questions covering everything from pop culture and history to science, sports, and wonderfully useless facts.
Charity Auction Come and attend our charity auction! This year, proceeds will be going to the the Special Needs CommUNITY of Northern Nevada.
Closing Ceremonies Con is almost over. Come join us for one last hurrah!
SNAFU Con Feedback Session Tell us what you liked, didn't like, and what we should do next year.
Um... Actually Think you know your nerdy stuff? Teams listen to confidently incorrect statements about movies, TV, games, comics, and pop culture, then race to spot the mistake and correct it.
Voice Actor Q&A Get ready to dive behind the scenes with your favorite voice actors! This Q&A panel is your chance to hear incredible stories, insider secrets, and ask the burning questions you've always wanted answered.
Jellyfish Felonies Join our Main Stage crew for a one-shot game of David J Prokopetz's micro-RPG Jellyfish Felonies. Take advantage of your unassuming appearance and the hidden wisdom of the depths to lie, cheat, swindle, defraud, embezzle, and prove that you don't need a brain to be a criminal mastermind!
Jackbox A battle of wits and likes against the the Main Stage crew during these party games.
Let’s Build a Story Together! Ever wonder what makes a story work? Join author Spencer Stoner for an interactive storytelling adventure where the audience helps build a tale from the ground up! Explore characters, plot twists, and world-building as you craft a brand-new story live. Perfect for writers, fans, and anyone who loves the magic of imagination.
Faking It While Making It How do you survive ten years as a creator? By faking it ’til you make it—literally! Join author Spencer Stoner for a fun, fast-paced celebration of a decade of amazing success! This panel will feature readings, behind-the-scenes stories, and trailers from projects like Captain Fearless and the Time Traveling Nazis of Doom and Carole’s Christmas Carol. Come celebrate creativity, chaos, and persistence!
Vtuber Modeling 101 Have you ever wanted to bring your 2D illustrations to life? Have you ever seen a Vtuber Model and felt inspired to create one of your own? This panel will cover everything from hardware and software, to illustration, rigging, and streaming. No prior experience in art or animation required.
Get to Know Ascendent Animation Ever wondered what it takes to bring anime to life in English? Join staff from Ascendent Animation for an inside look at the dubbing process, with behind-the-scenes stories, tips, and insights from the people who make the magic happen. Perfect for fans curious about voice acting, localization, and all the work that goes into creating a seamless dub.
Hentai Redub Live! Join the bravest of our voice actor guests as they live-dub a hentai they’ve never seen before!
Voice Acting 101 - Setting Up Your Home Studio Join Voice Actor Christopher Escalante as he walks you through the basics of setting up your home studio and answers your questions about voice acting, equipment requirements, and tips for success. Don't miss the chance to hear from this amazingly successful voice actor!
M.I.L.F. / Man, I Love Five Nights at Freddy's Is the acronym a stretch? Yep. Think you know your animatronics? Prove it. Voice actor Christopher Escalante hosts a Jeopardy-style showdown where contestants (other guests, audience volunteers, or whoever he can talk into it) take on the strange and convoluted lore of Five Nights at Freddy's. All ages welcome. No FNaF knowledge required. Honestly, it might not help.
"FANTASTIC" Fan Fiction After Dark Come on out and get silly with renowned voice actor Christopher Escalante and others as they read and act out hilarious and ridiculous fan fiction stories. Audience participation encouraged, so everyone can have a fun and silly time! These stories will be adult-themed, so you must be 18 or older to join in on the grown-up hilarity!
Herbology the study of the yatties with prefix to the baddies and daddies surrounding the herbos
D&D Slides Go to the Mainstage MCs for some low-budget Google Slides fun where YOU pick the adventure and YOU decide the actions.
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It’s-a Me, Chaos! A Mario Party Live Play Grab your coins and hold onto your friendships! Watch fan-favorite voice actor Christopher Escalante and his partners throw down in a Mario Party showdown full of laughter, sabotage, and over-the-top reactions. Expect wild mini-games, ridiculous commentary, and zero mercy.
Hentai: Insert Panel Experience the hilarity as our panelists heckle and dissect a hentai for your viewing pleasure.
We'll Talk! About... Something. Bored? Want to hear _someone_ talk about _something_? Stop by for a random info dump!
Bold Titles indicate Guest participation.
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