I had such a great time at last year’s Awesome Con that I decided to do it all over again. So three weeks from tomorrow, on Saturday, May 30, I’ll be back at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. to pontificate at Awesome Con 2015.

I’ll be taking part in the following panels sponsored by the Museum of Science Fiction and the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office—

3D Printing: “Replicating” Success
11:30 a.m.
The idea of a machine making what you want, when you want it, is common in science fiction. From The Diamond Age’s matter compilers to Star Trek’s replicators, the future promises the perfect cup of Earl Grey without waiting to heat the water. Scientists working at the cutting-edge of 3D printing technology (a.k.a. additive manufacturing) will discuss the real future possibilities of this science fiction trope. Perhaps we are a long way off from printing an entire being like in The Fifth Element, but 3D printing of organs and tissues for transplant is already under development. Astronauts and soldiers might not be ordering their favorite tea, but field-printed meals ready to eat (MREs) customized to a warfighter’s nutritional needs by way of a wearable sensor is already on the horizon.

Nanotechnology: Fact from Fiction
4:45 p.m.
Could Tony Stark really take a bullet in the face and be protected by transparent graphene? Could a ship heal itself without Cylon organic resin? Could nanobots repair my broken leg or would that rob the Universe of energy? These are the types of questions scientists will answer during Nanotechnology – Fact from Fiction. An integral part of this panel is allowing the audience time to engage with the scientists. As such, each panelist will discuss the reality behind nanotechnology-specific pop culture references. Then the real fun begins. Audience members can share their thoughts, questions, and expectations about nanotechnology with the experts.

And in-between those two panels, you can find me on the exhibit floor, where I hope to track down a few old Marvel Comics Bullpen buddies who I haven’t caught up with in decades, such as Ron Wilson.

I looking to seeing (some of) you there!