ApolloCon, Houston's science fiction, fantasy and horror convention, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year at the DoubleTree Intercontinental Hotel. Unlike other pop culture conventions that bring in Hollywood stars as their big draw, ApolloCon is more of a "thinking person's con" that caters to crafters, writers, readers and makers.

Programming Director Angela Hardy promises an epic event. "This year, we have 60 programming participants and over 120 different events and panels spanning over three days," she says. This year's Guests of Honor are novelist and screenplay writer David Gerrold (perhaps most recognized for writing the Star Trek episode The Trouble With Tribbles), artist Theresa Mather (known for her detailed sci-fi themed paintings on natural canvases such as feathers and rocks), Vampire Files author P.N. Elrod, über playtester and gamer Al Griego and Jonathan "Skippy" Schwarz, of the Skippy's List and creator of Redshirts, a card game.

"Our scheduling is packed with a wide range of geeky panels and events that should pique varied interests," says Hardy. Panel topics range from thoughtful ("Medical Concepts In Science Fiction") to practical ("Intro to Corset Making") to downright whimsical ("Steampunk Ghost Hunting").

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