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< Back Dr. Karen Costuming Masquerade Director Dr. Karen Purcell obtained her Bachelor's in Biology from Pace University, Pleasantville Campus. She graduated with the Class of ’92 from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell, the only veterinary school in the United States with a theatre troupe. Dr. Purcell has worked as an associate veterinarian in New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and North Carolina. After the pandemic, she took a year off to work remotely and volunteer with Chihuahua Rescue & Transport. She is now working Smithfield Road Veterinary Hospital in Knightdale, NC - a wonderful place with an excellent team. I am enjoying my work more than ever. In her spare time (hah!), Dr. Karen belongs to the Northern Lights Costumers and The Maryland Costumers and Cosplayers Guild. She has been running the Balticon Masquerade for the past couple years and was Masquerade Director for Discon III. Other Socials

Exhibits Dealers Room Balticon’s Dealers Room is like a pop-up mini mall of geeky goodness. You’ll find an assortment of vendors with all sorts of fannish delights, including books, games and gaming accessories, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, and more! Read More Art Show The Balticon Art Show spotlights unique creations from all the genres dear to our geeky hearts. Science fiction and fantasy fans can enjoy a display of paintings, prints, sculptures, and jewelry. Try your luck in the silent auction, or ensure your success with a quick sale purchase! Our show is open to artists of all ages and talent levels. If you’re interested in showcasing your own work, take a look at our Art Show Guidelines & Rules page (see the button below). Read More Artist Alley Our Artist Alley is home to original artwork and crafts of all kinds, and the artists who create them. Read More

Baltimore Gamer Symphony Orchestra Music Guest of Honor The Baltimore Gamer Symphony Orchestra (BGSO) was founded by Kira Levitzky in 2013 shortly after she graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, after a tenure in the UMD Gamer Symphony Orchestra. The BGSO performs orchestral arrangements of video game music for the enjoyment of the greater Baltimore community. Along with concerts, we have also worked alongside Baltimore City Schools, Gamescape at Artscape, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, and Freefall Baltimore, among others, to provide musical enrichment programs such as instrument petting zoos and more. < Back

Convention Information Balticon will once again be at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel , inside the Baltimore Inner Harbor Entertainment District. We are close to multiple shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, and accessible by public transit or by car. To find any information that you need, select any links below. Online Registration In-person and virtual options Hotel Booking Need a place to stay? Parking & Directions How to get here Just the FAQs Frequently Asked Questions Email balticoninfo@balticon.org Call 410-JOE-BSFS (410-563-2737) Please note: this line is not usually answered live! Leave a message and we'll get back to you. Follow

< List of Vendors Silver Satyr Designs Dealer's Room Founded in 2020, what began as a humble farmers market stall has blossomed into an extraordinary journey through Renaissance faires and comic conventions across the Southeast - a journey I could never have undertaken alone. While we take pride in crafting high-quality, affordable laser-engraved treasures that blend fantasy with functionality, the true magic behind Silver Satyr Designs comes from those who believed in this dream when it was just sparks and sawdust. Every engraved jewelry piece, every whimsical home good, and every convention smile we create carries the imprint of your support. Fantasy themed crafts including dioramas in glass jars, jewelry/keychains made from wood, resin, and pu leather. Wooden etched items including coasters, cutting boards, and boxes. A few self published coloring books. Hand painted resin figures. https://www.silversatyrdesigns.com/

Policies All Balticon Members are expected to follow our policies, so we can have a fun, safe convention together. COVID Policy Code of Conduct COVID-19 Safety Policy Balticon strongly recommends, but does not require, all participants to wear masks during Balticon, especially in program rooms. We do not anticipate a change in Baltimore’s COVID status. However, should the city of Baltimore or the state of Maryland, put Baltimore in a yellow COVID frequency zone, Balticon will follow the recommendation of the city/state. If either places Baltimore in a red zone, we will require masks in all public spaces except while eating or drinking. We will use the Maryland State COVID-19 Data Maps and post on the Balticon web site if this status changes. Balticon Code of Conduct Balticon is an event sponsored by The Baltimore Science Fiction Society (BSFS). BSFS is dedicated to providing a comfortable and harassment-free environment for everyone at Balticon. By attending a BSFS event, all individuals agree to abide by BSFS anti-harassment rules, venue policies, and all municipal, state, and federal laws. Baltimore Science Fiction Society Code of Conduct Approved by BSFS Board of Directors 2/11/2023 INTRODUCTION: The Baltimore Science Fiction Society (BSFS) exists to promote the creation and appreciation of science fiction, fantasy, and related sub-genres, primarily through literary art forms, but also embracing the many related cultural arts in graphical, musical, theatrical, and media forms inspired by speculative fiction. BSFS welcomes all people to be part of the activities we sponsor and to consider becoming one of our members. We affirmatively welcome individuals who identify with groups based on characteristics such as, but not limited to (in alphabetical order) age, ancestry, citizenship, color, disability status, familial status (including marital status), gender identity and/or expression, immigration status, level of educational attainment, national origin, physical appearance, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and/or veteran status. Attendees at our meetings/events and participants in our social media and/or digital platforms are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is courteous and respectful of the other people present. By attending a BSFS event, all individuals are required to abide by BSFS policies, including this Code of Conduct, venue policies, and all municipal, state, and federal laws. EXPECTED BEHAVIORS Attendees at BSFS events must respect common societal expectations for public behavior, personal interaction, common courtesy, and respect for private property. We do for others what we would like done for us. All clothing, including costumes, should provide enough coverage to be worn in public and should be in good taste and appropriate for family-friendly events. Respecting the privacy of others by not sharing information about an individual in person or online (i.e., doxing) without the subject’s consent. Consent is not assumed. A person should always obtain appropriate permission before acting. Respectful disagreements, reasonable and respectful exchanges of ideas, and/or critiques of creative works, made in good faith, are not violations of this policy. UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT: Actions that are disruptive of the comfortable and harassment-free environment of BSFS. Slurs and derogatory comments about a person, group, or category of people. Physical harm and/or endangerment and/or threats of physical harm and/or endangerment of any person and/or their personal effects. Stalking, intimidation, and/or coercion of a person or persons. Intentional touching of a person and/or their personal effects without an express invitation or consent after a request, including, but not limited to, hair, clothing, assistive devices, bags, and service animals. Further, we ask that people not presume to speak for groups of which they are not members. REPORTING VIOLATIONS Allegations of violations of this Code of Conduct are taken seriously by the BSFS Board of Directors. Anyone who has experienced or witnessed behavior that appears to be a violation of the rules stated herein should report it as soon as possible. The first report should be made to the person running the event or acting as the moderator. If that is not possible, contact a BSFS Board member. At Balticon, the first report should be made to the panel moderator. When that is not possible, the complaint should be brought to one of the following locations: Balticon Operations, Balticon Information Desk, Balticon Programming, Balticon Committee Member or Balticon Department Head, or a BSFS Board Member, as identified by the ribbons attached to their badges. Initial reports may be made in person, verbally or in writing. Reports may be submitted by e-mail to conduct@bsfs.org or by postal mail addressed to: Corresponding Secretary Baltimore Science Fiction Society, Inc. PO Box 686 Baltimore, MD, 21203-0686 Note: Please note that mail is not retrieved daily, and delays may occur in delivery. For the fastest action, please contact us by e-mail. NON-RETALIATION BSFS prohibits retaliation against anyone for reporting conduct the reporter believed violated the Code of Conduct or anyone participating in an investigation relating to any complaint made under this policy. RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS When the person in charge of an event determines that conduct is disruptive to the extent that it presents a physical danger to attendees or is so offensive as to disrupt the peaceful enjoyment of the event, the party(ies) involved may be removed immediately without refund. An investigation will follow the removal using the procedures outlined below. If the complaint requires reporting to law enforcement agencies, we encourage complainants to do that as soon as possible and follow their directions for action. The BSFS Board may elect to defer action until the completion of any law enforcement activities. Complaints not involving physical danger or disruption of the event will be investigated and resolved after the event. Complaints about presentation content that was offered in a manner consistent with EXPECTED BEHAVIORS will not be a basis for removal. This provides time to obtain the facts and give all parties opportunities to discuss the situation, and if possible, come to a mutually agreeable resolution. If this not possible, the complaint will be handled using the following timeline and procedures: Communications will be sent via USPS certified mail to make sure that the information is received. To facilitate a timely process, backup copies will be sent via email. In case of any confusion or ambiguity, the certified deliveries will be considered authoritative. Written acknowledgement that the complaint has been received will be sent to the complainant(s) and the respondent(s) within 10 business days. An investigative team will be appointed within 21 days after the receipt of the complaint. This team will obtain statements, evidence, clarifications, and rebuttals from the complainant(s), respondent(s), and any witnesses. The investigative team will deliver a written report to the Board with a finding of facts and recommendations for action within 90 days of appointment. This report is a confidential internal document because it contains sensitive personal information; it will not be released to any party. The Board may extend the time for investigation and will notify all parties of the extension. The Board will deliver written notices to the complainant(s) and the respondent(s) of its decision, including any further actions that may be taken. The BSFS Board may take interim actions during the investigative phase that it determines necessary to protect the BSFS Community. The Board advises all parties that it generally takes several months to complete all phases of an investigation. The amount of time depends on how quickly information is supplied by the parties when they are contacted by the investigative team. If investigators cannot obtain responses within 30 days of a request, they will move on to the next step so that complaints do not linger for an excessive length of time. BSFS is an all-volunteer run organization. We do not have staff who can work on complaint resolution on a full-time basis. We have no law enforcement powers and cannot compel anyone to participate by providing information or other evidence. BSFS may publicly release results of an investigation and any actions it has taken, as it deems appropriate. When complaints are of a sensitive or intimate nature, it is established practice to maintain the confidentiality of the parties and not issue public statements. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS Any person found to have violated this policy will be subject to any one or more of the following disciplinary actions: Warning the party involved to cease the inappropriate behavior; Immediate removal from an event or meeting without refund; Membership termination without refund; Denial of access to BSFS events or venues (physical or virtual) temporarily or permanently; Refusing offered volunteer services; Withholding of contracted honorarium or award; Discharge from BSFS leadership positions; Bans (permanent or time limited) from future BSFS leadership positions; and/or Removal of privileges, benefits, or association as the Board deems necessary and effective for protecting our members, attendees at our events, and users of our digital services and forums. COMPLAINTS ABOUT CONDUCT AWAY FROM BSFS PROPERTY OR EVENTS The BSFS Board may accept complaints of documented conduct that would be a violation of this Code of Conduct occurring in places other than BSFS property and events, or on non-BSFS digital platforms. As part of the investigation, the severity of the conduct, elapsed time, documentation, and other aggravating and mitigating factors will be considered. Additional information about the requirements and recommendations of this Code of Conduct are available in the BSFS Code of Conduct Supplemental Guide . Questions about any aspect of this Code of Conduct should be submitted to the BSFS Board of Directors at bod@bsfs.org.

< Back Robert Lewis Literary Author Robert has been a Geek since elementary school. It began with comics (and he still collects them) and Sci-Fi books. In high school, he discovered great fantasy writing. He is the co-host of the podcast Tolkien About It. Robert is also on the editorial staff with The Tolkien Society. He is the owner and operator of The Comic Appraisers. Robert presented "The Personification of Evil in Comics" at Doxacon. He teaches two Art History classes at a University of Maryland campus - Understanding Movies and Film & American Culture Studies. In addition, he also teaches philosophy and ethics. Robert is also a moderate-liberal theologian, having studied at Boston University and Loyola University New Orleans. Robert considers his crowning achievement to be raising two children, now adults, who can rattle off more Geek trivia than he can. Other Socials

< Back Jack L. Chalker Young Writers Contest The Jack L. Chalker Young Writers Contest honors local writers aged 14 - 18 who reside in Maryland. Submission deadline is March 31. The Jack L. Chalker Young Writers Contest results will be announced during the Masquerade. Contestants are local young writers aged 14 to 18 who reside in or attend school in Maryland. The winners will receive cash prizes, Balticon T-shirts, and membership in Balticon. CONTESTANT REQUIREMENTS: Contestants shall be no younger than 14 and no older than 18 years of age as of May 29 in the contest year and shall reside in, or attend school in Maryland. Winners will be required to provide their proof of age. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Submissions must be in the field of science fiction or fantasy. Submissions shall be no more than 2,500 words in length. All submissions should include a title page with the title of the story, the entrant's name or note Home schooled, home address, evening phone number, and e-mail address if possible. Also, please include your English teacher's name. Paper submissions must have numbered pages - all submissions must have a footer with the title and page number. They should not have the entrants name or other identifying information on the individual pages. Paper submissions should be typed or printed, double-spaced, on 8.5 x 11" paper. Electronic submissions must be sent as an attachment to email in either Microsoft Word, PDF or Wordperfect format. Otherwise they must be printed out and submitted on paper. One contestant may submit multiple entries, but only one prize may be won by any one entrant. Submission deadline is March 31. See the BSFS web site for details. OTHER RULES: Judges shall be drawn from the membership of BSFS, Inc. The winners will be contacted before the convention and their names will be announced to the public at the next Balticon on Memorial Day

< Back L. Marie Wood Literary Author L. Marie Wood is a psychological horror author, recipient of the Golden Stake Award, a MICO Award-winning screenwriter, a two-time Bram Stoker Award® Finalist, a Rhysling nominated poet, and accomplished essayist. Wood is the Vice President of the Horror Writers Association, founder of the Speculative Fiction Academy, an English/Creative Writing professor, and a horror scholar. Other Socials

< Back Somto Ihezue Literary Editor Somto Ihezue (He/Him) is an Igbo writer, editor, and filmmaker. He is a Creative Writing MFA student at the University of Maryland, and an alumnus of Clarion West, Tin House, and Milford SF workshops. His works have appeared/are forthcoming in Reactor, Clarkesworld, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, POETRY Magazine, Uncanny, Strange Horizons, NIGHTMARE, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Podcastle, Flash Fiction Online, and others. His work has been shortlisted for the British Fantasy Award (Sydney J. Bounds Awards), the Nommo Awards, the Utopia Awards, and has equally been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and the British Science Fiction Award. He is the assistant editor of the NEArts and SFWA-sponsored Publishing Taught Me Anthology, and co-editor of Will This Be A Problem Anthology. Visit his website. Other Socials https://somtoihezue.wordpress.com/

< Back Help Me Tom Set in a small town in the future, a military robot is transformed into a human service robot Tom. But the war is still coming, and the robot Tom must make a choice. Set in a small town in the future, a military robot is transformed into a human service robot Tom. But the war is still coming, and the robot Tom must make a choice. Previous Next

< Back Ty McNeer Maker Technician I make things... Other Socials