Imaginarium 2026 is proud to announce the addition of two new Workshops to our programming! There will be over 135 panels and workshops hosted in our 13th year, so make sure to check back regularly on our official site to see all new additions!
The titles, presenters, and descriptions for these new programming additions are as follows:
New Workshop Added:
Beyond the Beards: Reclaiming and Revolutionizing Classic Fantasy Tropes: Presenter – Brian D. Anderson. Fantasy is built on the shoulders of giants like Tolkien, Howard, and Lewis, but how do we make familiar characters and settings feel fresh for the modern reader? This workshop dives into the foundational stereotypes of classic fantasy (the stoic warrior, the damsel, the ancient evil, etc.). We will analyze how these tropes were originally used and, more importantly, how to subvert, rejuvenate, and deepen them through modern characterization, worldbuilding, and thematic exploration. Learn techniques to honor the heritage of your genre while forging entirely new paths.
New Panels Added:
The Anatomy of a Cold Case: Structuring and Researching True Crime: Moderator – Tba. What makes a True Crime narrative unputdownable? This panel explores the unique challenges of transforming complex facts, interviews, and police reports into a gripping story. Learn essential techniques for deep archival research, structuring a compelling timeline, managing overwhelming data, and using narrative tools (like suspense and characterization) while adhering to factual rigor. Whether you are writing non-fiction, a fictionalized mystery, or a podcast script, learn how to build a case that keeps readers turning pages.
Beyond the Beats: Exploring Non-Linear and Alternative Story Structures: Moderator – Tba. Tired of the standard three-act setup? This panel moves past the basics to explore advanced and unconventional narrative frameworks. We will discuss structures like the Kishōtenketsu (four-act Japanese structure), In Medias Res storytelling, the use of parallel timelines, and how to effectively structure episodic or multi-viewpoint narratives. Learn how to break the rules with the intention of creating complex, engaging, and unique reading experiences.