From Fan to Pro
Want to learn how to go from Fan to Pro?
Exclusive Opportunity:
Fan to Pro Sessions
Bring your original, creative idea and learn how to go from being a Fan to a Pro! Attend any session(s), workshop(s) or discussion(s) during CONjuration in the Story Plant room – at Sonesta Gwinnett Place hotel from November 15th-17th.
Cost? Free
Attend any of the sessions. Or, for those more serious about becoming PRO, attend ALL sessions throughout the 3 days.
When? See schedule below.
Overview of what it means to transition from fan to professional. Discussion on the responsibilities and expectations of being a professional in the creative industry. Panelists: Lou Aronica, John Adcox, Houston Howard, Bill Bridges
Exploring the intangible skills and insights that are crucial for creative success—resilience, networking, reading, exploring the good and the bad, and learning adaptability. Panelists: Lou Aronica, John Adcox, Houston Howard, John Bridges, Heath Foley
Attendees share their work, ideas, and experiences in a supportive environment, fostering community and networking. Panelists: Lou Aronica, John Adcox, Houston Howard, John Bridges, Heath Foley
Discover what draws you back to your favorite properties, films, and books. By identifying the emotional core that resonates with you, you'll learn how to apply it to your own work. This workshop will guide you in developing compelling, marketable concepts that captivate a wide audience. Panelists: Lou Aronica, John Adcox, Houston Howard
Strategies for expanding your IP across multiple platforms without a big studio budget. Panelists: Houston Howard, Bill Bridges, Andrew Greenberg, Heath Foley
Working Lunch
Techniques for creating memorable characters that drive the story and captivate audiences. Panelists: Lou Aronica, John Adcox, Houston Howard
Hands-on session focused on building immersive worlds with the potential for expansion across different media. Panelists: Lou Aronica, John Adcox, Houston Howard, Bill Bridges, Andrew Greenberg
Learn how to structure your story to be adaptable for various formats, from books to screenplays to games. Panelists: Lou Aronica, John Adcox, Houston Howard
Panelists: Bill Bridges, Andrew Greenberg, Heath Foley
How to effectively pitch your project to studios, publishers, and investors. Panelists: Houston Howard, John Adcox, Lou Aronica
This panel offers practical advice and strategies for artists looking to transition from fandom to professional careers. Learn from experienced industry professionals about the skills you need to build, the importance of a portfolio, networking tips, and how to get your foot in the door. Whether you're a digital artist, illustrator, concept artist, or designer, this session will provide actionable insights to help you navigate your path into the creative industry. Panelists: John Bridges, Heath Foley, Leighanne Schneider, Houston Howard (moderator)
Networking – Lunch provided by The Story Plant
This interactive session allows aspiring fan/creators to pitch their projects—whether it's a story, game, comic, or film—to a panel of industry professionals. Each participant will receive constructive feedback on their idea, with tips on how to strengthen their pitch, refine their concept, and make their project more marketable. Whether you're looking for advice on storytelling, worldbuilding, or presentation, this is your chance to get direct input from experts. Panelists: Houston Howard, John Adcox, Lou Aronica, Bill Bridges, Andrew Greenberg, John Bridges, Heath Foley, Leighanne Schneider
Recap of the weekend's learnings and final Q&A with all panelists
A final opportunity for attendees to showcase their work, network, and discuss future collaborations.