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CON-QUEST
Con-Quest Join the Con-Quest adventure at Sci-Fi Valley Con!

Sci-Fi Valley Con proudly presents Con-Quest, a unique charity event hosted by the Gearbox Union. This interactive adventure blends fun with philanthropy to benefit children’s hospitals around the globe—and it all happens right here at our convention.

How to Participate

  • Donate $5 to receive a GBU Con-Quest pouch, five raffle tickets, and a one-day questing pass.
  • Start with the map in the Sci-Fi Valley Con flyer and visit participating tables for fun challenges.
  • Complete quests like acting like a zombie, dancing like a unicorn, or quoting your favorite superhero to earn GBU Con-Quest bottle caps.
  • Exchange bottle caps at the Mega-Table for additional raffle tickets and boost your chances to win donated prizes.

Every day offers new quests, variable trade values, hidden secrets, and more.

Start Your Quest

Begin at the Gearbox Union Con-Quest Mega-Table, located at Tables D1–D7, upstairs outside the ballroom. Collect tickets, uncover secrets, and enjoy surprises throughout the convention!

For Vendors, Artists, and Guests

Want to participate as a quest stop? We’d love to have you! Join the charity raffle and run a simple interactive activity at your table—great engagement for attendees and a great cause for kids.

To sign up and become a quest location, please email GearboxUnion@gmail.com. We’re excited to see your creative ideas in this year’s Con-Quest!

Don’t miss this distinctive way to explore Sci-Fi Valley Con—engage in fun interactions, help support children in need, and get ready to quest, collect, and conquer at Con-Quest!

COSTUME CONTEST
Costume Contest Unleash your creativity at the Sci-Fi Valley Con Costume Contest!

Prepare to dazzle and be dazzled at Sci-Fi Valley Con’s annual Costume Contest! Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Sci-Fi, a lover of Horror, a Fantasy enthusiast, or an Anime aficionado, this is your chance to showcase your best costume and compete for prizes and bragging rights.

Contest Details

Dress in your most creative attire inspired by any realm of your choice—Fantasy, Science Fiction, Anime, Steampunk, Horror, or your favorite Movie, TV Show, or Book. Show off your craftsmanship, flair, and passion for all things fantastical!

Prizes and Categories

Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age division. Adult entries are also eligible for special awards including Best-of-Show and Judge’s Choice.

Registration and Contest Times

Registration Begins & Optional Prejudging

  • When: Saturday, June 13
  • Time: 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Location: Sign-Up Room

Contest Begins

  • When: Saturday, June 13
  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Location: Panel Room 1

Age Categories

  • Juniors: 0 – 12 years old
  • Teens: 13 – 17 years old
  • Adults: 18 – 100+ years old

Entry Form Details

When signing up, you will be asked to provide:

  • Costume Title: a unique name that captures its essence.
  • Costume Inspiration: genre or source (e.g., fantasy, science fiction, anime, steampunk, horror, movie, TV show, book, etc.).
  • Details for Judges: the craftsmanship, materials, and story behind your creation.

Join us for a night of spectacular costumes, thrilling competition, and community fun. Whether you’re competing or cheering, the Costume Contest is a highlight you won’t want to miss—shine in your best look and maybe take home a trophy!

CHARITY AUCTION
Charity Auction Join us for the Sci-Fi Valley Con Charity Auction

Get ready to make a difference while indulging your passion for collectibles and fine art at the Sci-Fi Valley Con Charity Auction! This special event combines the excitement of bidding with the joy of giving, all in support of a fantastic cause.

Benefiting Extra Life

All proceeds go directly to Extra Life, supporting the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. By participating, you’re not just bidding for beautiful items—you’re helping improve the lives of children in need.

A Treasure Trove of Art and Collectibles

Prepare to be amazed by the array of fine art available at our auction, generously donated by talented artists attending the convention. From stunning paintings and intricate sculptures to unique collectibles and memorabilia, there’s something to catch every collector’s eye.

Auction Schedule

  • When: Saturday, June 13
  • Time: 3:00 PM
  • Location: Event Room

We encourage all attendees to bring their checkbooks (or payment method) and join the spirited bidding. Whether you’re adding a unique piece to your collection or hunting for the perfect gift, you’ll find plenty of wonderful options—while supporting a worthy cause.

Get Involved

The Charity Auction is open to all Sci-Fi Valley Con attendees. Join us in the Event Room to bid on your favorite items in a live auction format. It’s the perfect opportunity to acquire rare and beautiful pieces and make a significant impact through your contributions. Mark your calendars and bid high for the kids!

CHARITY QUICK SKETCHES
Charity Quick Sketches Experience art in action at the Sci-Fi Valley Con Charity Quick Sketches

Prepare for a whirlwind of artistic talent and charitable giving at Charity Quick Sketches! This dynamic event brings together some of the convention’s most talented artists for a fast-paced drawing session where creativity knows no bounds—and every piece supports charity.

Fast-paced Art for a Good Cause

Join us on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for an exhilarating hour where our artists speed-sketch as many pieces as possible. Each creation—from beloved superheroes to original ideas shouted out by attendees—is immediately auctioned right after it’s finished. It’s your chance to win a unique piece of art created before your eyes!

Interactive and Exciting

Can’t find a print of your favorite character on the exhibitor floor? Request it live! Participate in the excitement by bidding on these one-of-a-kind sketches with raffle tickets—all proceeds go to charities.

We Provide, Artists Create

Sci-Fi Valley Con supplies all necessary materials so artists can focus on making amazing work. Bring your enthusiasm and get ready to bid!

Event Schedule

  • Friday: 6:00–7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 1:30–2:30 PM
  • Sunday: 1:30–2:30 PM
  • Location: Event Room

Watch art happen in real-time and take home something truly special. Whether you’re an art fan or just love supporting charity in a fun way, don’t miss Charity Quick Sketches!

GUEST PANELS
Guest Panels Discover the excitement: Guest Panels at Sci-Fi Valley Con

At Sci-Fi Valley Con, we offer an extensive lineup of Q&A guest panels running throughout the entire weekend—giving you continuous opportunities to engage directly with your favorite celebrities, creators, and thinkers in the worlds of science fiction and fantasy.

Celebrity Guest Panels

Located in Panel Room 1, our highly anticipated Celebrity Guest Panels are a highlight of the convention. Due to their popularity, seating is limited. To improve your chances, consider purchasing a 3-day pass, which grants advanced seating privileges so you can secure great seats before general attendees.

Typically, we schedule two celebrity guest panels on Friday and Sunday, and three on Saturday. Each session offers a unique chance to hear from renowned figures about their experiences, insights, and journeys.

Guest Panels by Artists, Authors, and Experts

In Panel Room 2, dive deeper into the creative process with our convention artists, authors, and other talented individuals. These panels feature presentations on a wide range of topics—from the intricacies of world-building and character creation to the technical details of comic book publishing and beyond. Our panelists are eager to share their expertise and answer your questions. Whether you’re an aspiring creator or a seasoned enthusiast, these sessions are designed to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the creative arts.

Each panel is crafted to maximize interaction and engagement, allowing you ample time to ask questions, participate in discussions, and gain valuable insights directly from the experts. With limited seating available, arriving early to each panel is highly recommended to ensure you don’t miss out on these enlightening experiences.

Explore the full schedule of panels to plan your weekend at Sci-Fi Valley Con and make the most out of every session. We can’t wait to see you there—ready to explore new realms of imagination and creativity!

MEDIEVAL COMBAT DEMOS
Medieval Combat Demos Medieval combat demonstrations: Dagorhir battle games
  • When: Saturday, June 13
  • Time: 1:00–2:00 & 4:00–5:00 PM
  • Location: Outside on the Lawn

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of medieval combat at Sci-Fi Valley Con! Whether you’ve dreamed of being a valiant knight, a cunning rogue, or simply want to try a new action-packed hobby, our Dagorhir demonstrations are not to be missed.

Enjoy a spectacular display of full-contact foam weapon combat where historical fantasy meets modern sport. Fighters in period-appropriate attire engage in exciting battles using safe foam weaponry—delivering an exhilarating experience while prioritizing safety at all times.

The presentation is led by members of the Wolves of Asgard and Iron Mountain units from Johnstown. They’ll introduce the basic rules, demonstrate combat techniques, and explain safety measures and gear. The Gearbox Union will be on hand to boost the energy as enthusiastic crowd supporters!

After the demo, you’re invited to pick up a sword and join the fray. We’ll have plenty of foam weapons for a firsthand experience of Dagorhir (waivers required; minors must have parental supervision).

Step outside, embrace a legendary pastime, and prepare to shout “Lay on!” as you dive into the world of medieval combat sports at Sci-Fi Valley Con.

RETRO GAMING ARCADE VAULT
Retro Gaming Arcade Vault Retro console gaming at Sci-Fi Valley Con

Step into a blast from the past at Sci-Fi Valley Con’s expansive Retro Gaming Arcade Vault! We’ve built a huge playable museum celebrating 50+ years of video game history—dozens of consoles and classic computers, all in one place.

A Gamer’s Paradise

Explore 75+ different consoles & systems spanning the golden ages of gaming—perfect for reliving childhood favorites or discovering legends for the first time.

Consoles Available to Play

1970s

Magnavox Odyssey (1972)

The first home console—black-and-white visuals with TV overlays and card-based games.

National Semiconductor Adversary (1976)

Early dedicated Pong-style system showing home gaming’s beginnings.

Atari 2600 (1977)

Cartridge revolution that popularized home gaming with classics across every genre.

Magnavox Odyssey² (1978)

Console-computer hybrid with keyboard and a mix of educational and arcade titles.

Mattel Intellivision (1979)

Advanced visuals and sound for the era; distinctive disc controller and sports sims.

1980s

ColecoVision (1982)

Arcade-quality graphics at home; famous for Donkey Kong.

Atari 5200 (1982)

Successor to 2600 with improved A/V and analog joystick.

Vectrex (1982)

Self-contained vector console with its own CRT and plastic screen overlays.

Apple IIe (1983)

Beloved home computer for games, education, and early programming.

Nintendo Famicom (1983)

Japan’s NES—revived the industry with Super Mario Bros. and friends.

Commodore SX-64 (1984)

The first portable color computer—“luggable” C64 with built-in screen.

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) (1985)

Iconic 8-bit king with Zelda, Mario, and a legendary library.

Sega Master System (1985)

8-bit rival to NES with crisp graphics and sound.

Atari 7800 (1986)

Backward-compatible 2600 successor with beefier hardware.

Twin Famicom (1986)

Famicom + Disk System in one unit for faster, larger games.

Commodore 64C (1986)

Sleeker C64 revision—one of the best-selling computers ever.

NEC TurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine (1987)

Early “16-bit” era star with superb arcade ports.

Sega Genesis (1988)

16-bit speed and attitude—home of Sonic and the “Genesis does” era.

Nintendo Game Boy (1989)

Portable phenomenon; Tetris made it a global hit.

1990s

Sega Game Gear (1990)

Color Game Boy rival—bright screen, hungry batteries.

SNK Neo Geo AES (1990)

Premium arcade-at-home system famed for fighters.

Nintendo Super Famicom (1990)

Japan’s SNES—lush 16-bit visuals and timeless first-party hits.

Super Nintendo (SNES) (1991)

16-bit icon with rich color, Mode 7 tricks, and classics galore.

Philips CD-i (1991)

Multimedia console—ambitious video, mixed gaming legacy.

NEC PC Engine Duo-R (1991)

Console + CD-ROM combo with strong Japanese library.

Atari Lynx II (1991)

Refined color handheld with backlit screen and link play.

Goldstar 3DO (1993)

Early 32-bit CD system—powerful but pricey.

Atari Jaguar (1993)

Marketed as 64-bit; niche library, cult curiosity.

Nintendo AV Famicom (1993)

Famicom revision with improved AV output.

Sega Pico (1993)

Edutainment “storybook” console for kids.

Sega Saturn (1994)

Arcade-strong 2D/3D machine with complex architecture.

SNK Neo Geo CD (1994)

Cheaper Neo Geo using CDs—good games, slow loads.

Sony PlayStation (1994)

3D gaming breakthrough with massive third-party support.

Nintendo Virtual Boy (1995)

Experimental red-and-black “3D” tabletop console.

Game Boy “Play It Loud!” (1995)

Colorful OG Game Boy shells—same guts, louder style.

Sega Genesis Nomad (1995)

Handheld Genesis that plays full cartridges on the go.

Nintendo Game Boy Pocket (1996)

Slimmer GB with sharp monochrome display.

Nintendo 64 (1996)

3D landmark with Mario 64, Zelda: OOT, and the trident controller.

Apple Bandai Pippin (1996)

Short-lived Apple multimedia console/PC hybrid.

Game Boy Light (1998, JP)

Japan-only backlit Game Boy for low-light play.

Game Boy Color (1998)

Color screen, backward compatible—portable renaissance.

Sega Dreamcast (1998)

Online pioneer with VMU and a beloved, creative library.

iMac G3 (1998)

Iconic all-in-one Mac—design legend and LAN-party mascot.

Sony PlayStation 2 (2000)

Best-selling console ever—huge library and DVD playback.

2000s

Nintendo GameCube (2001)

Compact cube with a mighty first-party lineup.

Microsoft Xbox (2001)

PC-like power, hard drive, and the birth of Xbox Live.

Game Boy Advance (GBA) (2001)

32-bit handheld—near-SNES quality in your pocket.

GBA SP (2003)

Clamshell, front-lit (later backlit) screen & rechargeable battery.

Nintendo DS (2004)

Dual screens + touchscreen that changed handheld gaming.

Sony PSP-1000 (2004)

Widescreen handheld with PS2-like visuals and media focus.

Game Boy Micro (2005)

Tiny premium GBA with brilliant display.

Xbox 360 (2005)

HD era leader with huge library and robust online play.

DS Lite (2006)

Slimmer, brighter DS—fan-favorite revision.

Nintendo Wii (2006)

Motion-controlled phenomenon that went mainstream.

Sony PlayStation 3 (2006)

Blu-ray, PSN, and powerhouse exclusives.

PSP-2000 (Slim & Lite) (2007)

Lighter PSP with TV-out and faster loads.

Nintendo DSi (2008)

Cameras + DSiWare downloads; better screens and audio.

PSP-3000 (Brite) (2008)

Improved display and built-in mic.

Nintendo DSi XL (2009)

Big-screen DSi for comfy play and visibility.

Sony PSP Go (2009)

Download-only slider—sleek but niche without UMDs.

2010s–2020s

PSP Street (2011)

Budget Europe-only PSP—no Wi-Fi, but broad game support.

Nintendo 3DS (2011)

Glasses-free 3D, StreetPass, AR—backward compatible with DS.

Sony PS Vita (2011)

OLED screen, dual sticks—indie darling, cult classic.

Nintendo 3DS XL (2012)

Larger 3DS with longer battery life.

Nintendo Wii U (2012)

GamePad second-screen experiments; home of many Switch ports’ origins.

Nintendo 2DS (2013)

Kid-friendly 3DS family member—no 3D, slate design.

Xbox One (2013)

Media-savvy console with strong late-gen library.

PlayStation 4 (2013)

Powerful, developer-friendly, and massively popular.

Nintendo Switch (2017)

Hybrid home/portable with stellar first-party hits.

Nintendo 2DS XL (2017)

Clamshell return with 2D screen—light and approachable.

Xbox Series X (2020)

Microsoft’s 4K powerhouse with deep backward compatibility.

PlayStation 5 (2020)

Ultra-fast SSD, DualSense haptics, and 3D audio—next-gen showcase.

SATURDAY NIGHT AFTER PARTY
After Party At the Holiday Bowl on Saturday, June 13
  • When: Saturday, June 13
  • Time: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
  • Location: The Holiday Bowl
  • Address: 181 Bowling Lane, Altoona, PA
  • Special Bowling Rate: Only $20 per lane per hour (up to 6 people per lane). FREE shoe rentals!

Cap off your Saturday, June 13 at Sci-Fi Valley Con with a night of fun and festivities at our official After Party! Join us at the Holiday Bowl, located at 181 Bowling Lane, Altoona, PA 16601, for an evening packed with excitement and entertainment. The party kicks off at 9:00 PM and goes until 2:00 AM—plenty of time to bowl, sing, and celebrate with fellow con-goers.

Special Bowling and Karaoke Night

Get ready to strike at our special after-party bowling rates—just $20 per lane per hour. Bring your friends or team up with new ones (lanes accommodate up to 6 people), and don’t worry about extras because shoe rentals are absolutely free! Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or just looking to relax after a busy day at the con, this is the perfect strike.

Sing Your Heart Out with Karaoke

Not into bowling? Grab the mic and show off your vocal chops! Karaoke is a fan-favorite every year and a fantastic way to mingle, make memories, and take the stage with your favorite tunes.

Connect and Celebrate

The After Party at the Holiday Bowl is a tradition attendees look forward to every year—A relaxed, fun-filled environment to unwind and connect with friends new and old. Don’t miss this chance to wrap up your Saturday night with some friendly competition and a lot of laughter.

No registration necessary—just show up and join in on the fun. We can’t wait to see you there and close out an incredible day with a strike!

TABLETOP GAMING
Tabletop Gaming Tabletop gaming at Sci-Fi Valley Con

Sci-Fi Valley Con is a haven for gamers, featuring an extensive array of tabletop gaming events hosted by Snake Eyes Gaming and Sentinels’ Keep Gaming Society. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the scene, there’s something for everyone.

Gaming Variety

Our convention boasts a diverse selection of games, including:

  • Dungeons & Dragons
  • Warhammer 40,000
  • HeroClix
  • Magic: The Gathering
  • Yu-Gi-Oh
  • Pokémon

Workshops and Activities

Paint & Take Workshop Room

Paint and Take: Sit down with friends for a relaxing miniature-painting session in the Painting Workshop Area. We provide the miniature and all the tools—experts will be floating around to help!

Hours: Friday: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM   |   Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM   |   Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

(Cost depends on the miniature chosen and includes the miniature plus tool use.)

Gaming Room

Card Games: Disney Lorcana, Magic: The Gathering, Star Wars Unlimited, Pokémon

Miniatures Games: Blood Bowl, HeroClix, Star Wars Legion, Warhammer 40k, Warhammer Age of Sigmar

Various Board Games

Gaming Demos and Casual Play

  • Interested in learning new games or just want casual play? Stop in and hang out!
  • Friday through Sunday — All day!

Magic: The Gathering – Casual Commander

Grab your deck and join casual Commander play! Four-person pods will fire on demand. Promos will be given to winners.

  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Free admission (decks available for purchase if you don't have one)

HeroClix – Battle Royale

Draft a booster and play a group battle of HeroClix! Four-person pods fire on demand for a 50-minute round. Promos added to the prize pool.

  • Saturday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Sunday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • $5 admission / $15 admission (depending on the booster chosen)
TRIVIA TOURNAMENT
Trivia Tournament Trivia at Sci-Fi Valley Con

Test your knowledge and compete for awesome prizes at the Sci-Fi Valley Con Trivia Tournaments! Join us on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for geeky categories spanning sci-fi, fantasy, comics, movies, TV, games, and more. Trophies and Best Buy gift cards await the top trivia masters!

Tournament Schedule

  • Friday: 3:30 – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 2:30 – 3:30 PM
  • Location: Event Room

Bring friends or play solo—face off against challenging questions across fandoms and flex your trivia skills. Don’t miss your shot to be crowned one of the biggest geeks at Sci-Fi Valley Con and win great prizes!

WORKSHOPS
Workshops Engaging workshops at Sci-Fi Valley Con

Dive into the world of creative craftsmanship with our exciting lineup of workshops at Sci-Fi Valley Con!

Paint and Take Workshops by Snake Eyes Gaming

All weekend long, Snake Eyes Gaming invites you to join their popular Paint and Take workshops, conveniently located in the workshop area downstairs next to the Gaming Rooms. For a nominal fee, we provide everything you need—a miniature, paints, and tools—along with expert guidance to help you paint your very own miniature. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or a curious beginner, this workshop is the perfect creative outlet.

3D Printing and Foam Smithing by Snowtiger Designs

Explore cutting-edge 3D printing and the art of foam smithing with Snowtiger Designs. Visit their booth at Table D9 for live demos and hands-on workshops throughout the convention. These sessions are great for anyone interested in learning more about 3D technologies and the techniques of foam smithing used in cosplay and prop making.

Whether you’re leveling up your painting skills or diving into new creative tech, our workshops offer unique opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and take home your own creations. Stop by and unleash your creativity at Sci-Fi Valley Con!

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