< 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.

< Back Campbell Literary Author Jack Campbell (John G. Hemry) is a sailor, and as such he's been known to tell stories about events which he says really happened (but cannot be verified). His latest book is DESTINY'S WAY, the second book in the Doomed Earth series. He's also the author of the New York Times best-selling Lost Fleet series, Genesis Fleet series, and Lost Stars series, as well as the Steampunk-meets-high-fantasy Pillars of Reality series. His other most recent books are RENDEZVOUS WITH CORSAIR (a collection of short fiction set in the Lost Fleet Universe), IMPLACABLE in the Lost Fleet series OUTLANDS, and The Empress of the Endless Sea trilogy (PIRATE OF THE PROPHECY, EXPLORER OF THE ENDLESS SEA, and FATE OF THE FREE LANDS). His YA novel THE SISTER PARADOX won the EPIC 2018 ebook Young Reader award. John's works are currently being published in thirteen languages. John is a retired US Navy officer. He lives in Maryland with his indomitable wife “S” and three great kids. www.jack-campbell.com Other Socials

< List of Vendors Bayside Books of Maryland Dealer's Room Rare and Used Books of all kinds, but specialized in SF, Fantasy, Weird and genre adjacent https://www.ebay.com/str/baysidebooksofmarylandioba

< Back Tom Doyle Literary Author Tom Doyle is the award-winning author of the American Craftsmen trilogy from Tor Books, a saga of modern-day magician soldiers and psychic spies fighting their way through nightmares from the worlds of Hawthorne and Poe. Tom's latest work for Graphic Audio is the Agent of Exiles series of supernatural spy adventures in the 6th century BCE. His recent SF novel, Border Crosser, follows the far-future journeys of Eris, a psychologically extreme secret agent whose shifting loyalties cause chaos wherever she goes in the galaxy. Text and readings of Tom's short fiction are available on his website: www.tomdoyleauthor.com. He has survived Harvard, Stanford, and cancer. Other Socials

< Back Hannah Fors Costuming Cosplay CA Army National Guard veteran, clothier/ textile artist, crocheter & knitter, traditional artist, photographer, belly dancer, weightlifter. Other Socials

< Back Nicole Givens Kurtz Literary Author Nicole Givens Kurtz has been called “a genre polymath who does crime, horror, and Science Fiction and Fantasy (Book Riot).” They’ve named her as one of the 6 Black SFF Indie Writers You Should be Reading, 30 Must-Read SFF Books by Black Authors, and The Best of the West: 8 Alternative History Westerns. She’s a two-time Atomacon Palmetto Scribe Award winner. With over 20 years in publishing, she’s written for Pseudopod, Fiyah, Apex Magazine, White Wolf, The Realm (formerly Serial Box), Subsume, and Baen. Nicole has over 50 published short stories and is the author of the Cybil Lewis and Death Violations cybernoir series as well as the Kingdom of Aves fantasy mystery series. She’s written the critically acclaimed, weird western anthology, Sisters of the Wild Sage: A Weird West Collection. She has conducted workshops for Clarion West online and is the owner of Mocha Memoirs Press. She’s the editor for the groundbreaking SLAY: Stories of the Vampire Noire anthology. Other Socials

< List of Vendors French, John L. Dealer's Room John’s first story “Past Sins” was published in Hardboiled Magazine and was cited as one of the best Hardboiled stories of 1993. More crime fiction followed, appearing in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, the Fading Shadows magazines and in collections by Barnes and Noble. Association with writers like James Chambers and the late, great C.J. Henderson led him to try horror fiction and to a still growing fascination with zombies and other undead things. His first horror story “The Right Solution” appeared in Marietta Publishing’s Lin Carter’s Anton Zarnak. Other horror stories followed in anthologies such as THE DEAD WALK and DARK FURIES, both published by Die Monster Die books. It was in Dark Furies that his character Bianca Jones made her literary debut in “21 Doors,” a story based on an old Baltimore legend and a creepy game his daughter used to play with her friends. John is an author of science fiction, pulp, horror, fantasy, and, of course, crime fiction.

Art Show Guidelines & Rules All Balticon Members are expected to follow our policies, so we can have a fun, safe convention together. General Guidelines Accepted Art How to Register General Guidelines Previous buyers are not permitted to resell works. Art sales do not include reproduction rights. Guidelines for Accepted Art The following media are acceptable for the MAIN ART SHOW: Paintings: acrylics, watercolor, oil Drawings: chalk, ink, crayon, pencil, dye Jewelry: all forms Sculpture: wood, stone, metal, clay, acrylics, glass, fabric Weaving and Textile: all hand forms and non-commercially produced Ceramics: hand and thrown ware; self‐created molded items limited to runs of 100, marked item# / run# Decorative Crafts: leather, metal, wood, glass, stone, plastic Fine Art Photography and Computer Generated Art: They must fit within the following guidelines and be labeled. Unique Image – Data Files Erased / Negative Destroyed, or Data / Negative Archived, or Limited Edition Print – Data Files Erased / Negative Destroyed, or Data / Negative Archived True Limited Editions / Multiple Original Category (With a print run of 250 or less): All hand-pulled prints, serigraphs, photographs, silk‐screens, etchings, lithographs, woodblocks must have the following clearly visible information written or printed on the print itself. Artist’s signature Title of the piece, Date Print# / Run# If you work in a medium not listed above, please reach out to artshowadmin@bsfs.org for more information. The Main Art Show will NOT accept the following: AI-generated art. Commercial multi‐lithographic copies, unlimited photoprints or photocopies of any kind, hand-colored or remarked prints. Commercial ceramic molds, painted commercially cast pieces, kits of any kind. The art show doesn’t permit items for resale; Original works only. The Print Shop WILL accept the following Commercial multi‐lithographic copies, unlimited photo prints or photocopies of any kind, hand-colored or remarked prints. Items using patterns or designs by others must credit the second party. Originality and creativity are the qualities prioritized by the directors. Anything transformative should be changed in such a way that the artist’s influence on the piece is unreplicatable. Examples of transformative work: The customization of a pre-existing object, the assembling of jewelry, and collage work. Items that violate copyrights or which are judged to have libelous content in regard to known persons or well‐known characters will not be permitted. There is a maximum of 50 items! All decisions by the Art Show Directors on the eligibility of artwork are final. Please reach out to artshowadmin@bsfs.org if you have any questions. How to Register Be sure to read all of the Art Show Artist Guidelines to be fully informed on our process. Registration begins January 1st. Create a new account using the Artist Portal Artist Portal is our online site for artists and vendors to register for the Art Show. Through it, you can manage your personal information and fill out important documents like your control sheets and bid sheets. If you are a first time artist, please either include a URL to your website, Etsy, etc. or send photos of your art to artshowadmin@bsfs.org. If you are a returning artist, please ensure your personal information is up to date. If you are interested in mailing in your art rather than attending in person, please create your account as a MAIL-IN ARTIST. 4. Decide how much space you would like Balticon uses a space-based hanging fee system. Space is available on Panels and Tables. Tables are 6 feet long by 18 inches deep. For Tables, a Space is one quarter of a Table: 18 inches by 18 inches. Artists can reserve a whole Table or part of a Table in increments of Spaces. Panels are 6 feet wide by 4 feet high. Art Show panels and Print Shop panels are the same size. For Panels, a Space is one-third of a Panel; divided vertically: 24 inches wide by 4 feet high. Artists can reserve a whole Panel or part of a Panel in increments of Spaces. SPACE IS LIMITED: Attending artists can register for a maximum of 9 spaces, which can be a combination of tables, art show panels, and print shop panels. MAIL-IN ARTISTS can register for a maximum of 4 spaces, which can be a combination of tables, art show panels, and print shop panels. There is a maximum of 50 pieces per artist . 5. Calculate the cost ART SHOW HANGING FEES Panel Space Table Space MAIL-IN HANDLING FEE is $8 6. Register and make your payment DO NOT attempt to register or pay through email. Selecting MAIL-IN ARTIST will automatically filter the specific information needed for mail-in artists Please DO NOT email CREDIT CARD INFORMATION . If you wish to pay by CHECK , please contact the art show director at artshowadmin@gmail.org Receipts for account creation and registration will be sent by email. Please check your spam filters if you do not receive an emailed receipt. 7. Once your registration has been accepted, fill out your control sheet. If you are being REPRESENTED BY SOMEONE ELSE , such as an agent or other carrier, the artist must fill out and sign the Agent/Carrier section of the control sheet, or provide the agent/carrier with a letter from the artist authorizing the agent/carrier to represent them at Balticon 60. AFTER REGISTERING Website and BSFan Listing: If you would like us to print a link to your contact information and/or up to 10 lines (i.e., 200 words, 1100 characters) of biographical information on our website or BSFan souvenir book, please send that information to webmaster@balticon.org and bsfan@balticon.org with ARTIST BIO in the subject line Facebook Group You can communicate with other artists before, during, and after the convention through the Balticon Art Show Facebook Group. MAIL-IN ARTISTS IMPORTANT: Balticon Art Show’s address is CHANGING . Keep your eyes peeled for updated PO BOX INFORMATION . Please make sure your art is postmarked no later than Friday, May 15, 2026 to allow for shipping delays. DURING THE CONVENTION The Art Show opens to the public at 5pm on Friday, and runs until 5pm Sunday. Artist Check-In: Begins at noon on Friday. Note: We do not have space to store packing materials or portfolios in the Art Show. Artist Check-Out: Begins at 3pm on Sunday and ends at 5pm on Sunday Note: Please have your art packs and ready to check out between 3pm and 5pm on Sunday. AFTER THE CONVENTION All PAYMENTS TO ARTISTS will be made by check. All checks will be mailed within 60 DAYS or the artist will be contacted concerning unreconciled paperwork. Unsold MAIL-IN ART will be shipped within 10 days after the convention. DISCLAIMER: Art Show Directors reserve the right to make changes or interpretations under unforeseen circumstances. Special requests, problems, or inquiries please CONTACT artshow@balticon.org Dimensions (width by height) Space Fees ⅓ Panel (2ft by 4ft) 1 $11.00 ⅔ Panel (4ft by 4ft) 2 $17.00 Full Panel (6ft by 4ft) 3 $22.00 Dimensions (width by depth) Spaces Fees ¼ Table (18in by 18in) 1 $7.00 ½ Table (3ft by 18in) 2 $10.00 ¾ Table (4.5ft by 18in) 3 $14.00 Full Table (6ft by 18in) 4 $17.00 Artist Portal

< Back Doc Coleman Literary Author Doc Coleman never dreamed of being a writer. He dreamed of being an actor, of making movies. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. But he had a way with words, and still wanted to tell stories. So he did, and got better at telling them quickly. Doc’s stories appear in The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences’ Tales from the Archives podcast, and several anthologies including: the Bushido Western Anthology Way of the Gun, Paradise Found: Tales From the Library, and the recently published A Cast of Crows. The Perils of Prague, is the first novel in the Steampunk Comedy/Adventure series The Adventures of Crackle and Bang. The second book, The Kindred of Kali, is in work. He also published The Shining Cog and Other Steampunk Tales, a collection of Steampunk short stories. Doc is also a podcaster, narrator, and voice actor. Doc is an avid reader, home brewer and beer lover, fan of renaissance festivals, and frequently a smart-ass. He lives with his lovely wife and two cats in Germantown, MD. Other Socials