< Back Andrija "Andy" Popovic Literary Author Andrija Popovic is a native of the Washington DC metropolitan area who indulges in photography, spends entirely too much on books, and occasionally adds to the #NoirAlley chats on Twitter as @andrian6. His stories have previously been published in Daily Science Fiction and the anthologies ALIEN ARTIFACTS, THE DEATH OF ALL THINGS, PORTALS, DERELICT and NOIR. More information can be found at Biomechanoid Blues (biomechanoidblues.wordpress.com). Andrija's alter-egotist, A.J. Harris, writes spicy SFF stories. You can find A.J.'s tales in the anthologies STRANDED, SILVER SOLDIERS, THE BIG BOOK OF ORGASMS 2, SEXY STRANGERS and SECRET IDENTITIES. If you're interested, visit the A.J. Harris page on Biomechanoid Blues. Other Socials https://biomechanoidblues.wordpress.com/about-a-j-harris/

< Back Miguel O. Mitchell, PhD Science, Literary Author Miguel O. Mitchell, PhD (he/him) is a Black speculative poet, SFF author, visual artist, and retired chemistry professor. He has published poems in Amazing Stories, Dreams and Nightmares, Eye to the Telescope, FIYAH, Scifaikuest, Scarlet Dragonfly Journal, Star*Line, and Year's Best African Speculative Fiction (2022). Three of Miguel's poems (2 in 2021 and 1 in 2025) have been nominated for the Rhysling Award for best speculative poetry in the Long Poem category. He has two poetry collections: Surrealia (Gnashing Teeth Publishing, 2024) and an illustrated one, Periodic Table of Alien Species (Elements 1–86) (Barnes & Noble, 2021). In addition to poetry, Miguel has also published two short stories, "The Revenant Saga" (Scarlet Leaf Review, October 2021, https://www.scarletleafreview.com/short-stories23/miguel-o-mitchell-the-revenant-saga) and "Trading with Monsters" (Fantasy, April 2023, https://www.fantasy-magazine.com/fm/fiction/trading-with-monsters/). Other Socials

< Back Robert J. Sawyer Literary Author Robert J. Sawyer, the 2017 recipient of the Robert A. Heinlein Award, has been called “The dean of Canadian science fiction” by both the CBC and the Ottawa Citizen. He is one of only eight writers ever (and the only Canadian) to win all three of the world’s top awards for best science-fiction novel of the year: the Hugo (which he won for Hominids), the Nebula (which he won for The Terminal Experiment), and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award (which he won for Mindscan); he has 12 additional Hugo nominations, including eight others for best novel. The ABC TV series FlashForward was based on Rob’s Aurora Award-winning novel of the same name; Rob’s latest novel (his 25th) is The Downloaded. A Guest of Honour at the 2023 Worldcon, a past president of SFWA, a member of the Order of Canada, and one of the initial inductees into the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, Rob lives in Toronto. Visit his million-plus-word website at sfwriter.com. Other Socials

< List of Vendors Undiscovered Treasures Dealer's Room Jewelry and curios

< Back Sarah Pinsker Literary Editor Sarah Pinsker is the Hugo, Nebula, Sturgeon, Philip K Dick, Locus, and Eugie Award winning author of A Song For A New Day, Sooner or Later Everything Falls Into the Sea, and, most recently, the novella Haunt Sweet Home, published by Tordotcom in 2024. She is also a singer/songwriter with four albums on various independent labels, including 2021's Something to Hold. She was born in New York and has lived all over the US and Canada, but currently lives with her wife and two dogs in Baltimore in a hundred-year-old house surrounded by sentient vines. Other Socials

< Back D.A. Xiaolin Spires Literary Author D. A. Xiaolin Spires steps into portals and reappears in sites such as Hawai’i, NY, various parts of Asia and elsewhere, with her keyboard appendage attached. Besides Eye to the Telescope, her work appears in publications such as Clarkesworld, Analog, Nature, Terraform, Fireside, Star*Line, Liquid Imagination, and anthologies such as Make Shift, Ride the Star Wind, Sharp and Sugar Tooth, Deep Signal, and Battling in All Her Finery. Select stories can be read in German, Spanish, Vietnamese, Estonian, French and Japanese translation--and have been selected for The Year’s Top Robot and AI Stories Year's, The Year’s Top Tales of Space and Time, Year's Best Hardcore Horror, and The Year's Best Issue for Andromeda Spaceways Magazine. Her poetry has been nominated for the Dwarf Star, Rhysling, Best of the Net and Pushcart Awards. Other Socials http://daxiaolinspires.wordpress.com

< Back Leonardo Benavides Literary Author Leonardo Espinoza Benavides (a.k.a. Leo) is a Chilean physician-writer & editor specialized in science fiction. As a doctor, he’s a specialist in dermatology and venereology, with studies in psychodermatology. As a writer, he’s best known for his short story cycle Más espacio del que soñamos (2018), and the short-novel Adiós, loxonauta (2020), recognized as a ‘book worth your consideration’ by the International Latino Book Awards and winner of the Chilean Altísimo Award (Premio Altísimo) 2022 for Best Work Published in 2020-2021. His most recent publication is Nomadismos del tiempo trifráctico (2022), an experimental SF short story collection. He’s currently serving as director of the Chilean SF&F Association (ALCIFF) and is an associate member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA). From 2008 to date, his work has been published in Latin America, Europe, China, and the US. He currently lives in Santiago with his wife Daniele, his baby Máximo 海 and Hulky the dog. Other Socials

< Back Matt Henderson Gaming Game Master Lead Designer and co-owner of Loke Battle Mats, a company that creates products for tabletop roleplaying games that are best known for the 'Books of battle Mats' range of map books. I've got around four decades of experience playing and running TTRPG games and was able to turn my hobby into my career in the last ten years. Other Socials

< Back Shahid Mahmud Literary Editor Shahid Mahmud created Arc Manor; a Maryland based small press in 2006. Since then, the company has become a significant small SF and fantasy publisher and authors published include George R.R. Martin, Orson Scott Card, Mercedes Lackey, Lois McMaster Bujold, and Harry Turtledove. In 2020 Arc Manor published Rober A. Heinlein’s last published work, The Pursuit of the Pankera, under an exclusive contract from the Heinlein Estate. Arc Manor also published Galaxy’s Edge magazine and co-sponsors the Mike Resnick Memorial Short Fiction Award in partnership with Dragon Con. Arc Manor uses a mix of old and new technologies to stay at the forefront of the publishing business. Arc Manor’s Caezik imprint is currently represented by Consortium, one of the preeminent full-service distributors in the World catering to independent presses. Prior to becoming a publisher, Shahid was a money manager and San Diego’s acting mayor declared November 7, 2005, to be “Shahid Mahmud” day for his services. Other Socials

< Back Jack Carroll Literary Author Jack Carroll is a long-time fan and author in the 1632 / Ring of Fire series, with 22 published stories, one published novel, and one freshly completed. His filk songs are in various fan hymnals. Professionally, he is a retired electronics engineer. Jack lives in New Hampshire, accompanied by two ever-inquisitive cats. Other Socials

< List of Vendors Walt's Cards and Games Dealer's Room Walt's Cards and Games 7620 German Hill Rd, Dundalk, MD 21222 Phone: (410) 288-7044 Walt's Cards & Collectibles is place for people of all ages to enjoy the hobby of card collecting. We look forward to doing business with all of you and sharing the hobby we all love. Cards & Collectables https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083523424532#

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.