Imaginarium 2026 is proud to announce the addition of one new Workshop and five new Panels 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:
Special Effects Horror Makeup: Mastering the Art & Adapting on the Fly: Presented by Stephanie Lanham. Step into the dark and creative world of special effects horror makeup, where imagination meets technique and chaos becomes art. This hands-on workshop is designed for artists of all levels who want to learn the tricks of the trade behind realistic wounds, eerie textures, and cinematic transformations.
Participants will explore core SFX techniques, including building dimension, creating believable injuries, working with limited materials, and achieving camera-ready finishes. Beyond the technical skills, this workshop emphasizes one of the most important aspects of working in the industry, thinking on your toes.
In real-world settings like film, haunted attractions, and live events, things rarely go as planned. You’ll learn how to adapt quickly, problem-solve under pressure, and turn unexpected challenges into creative breakthroughs. Whether it’s a last-minute script change, missing supplies, or time constraints, you’ll gain the confidence to make it work and make it look incredible.
By the end of the workshop, attendees will not only have a solid foundation in special effects makeup, also the mindset and adaptability that separates good artists from unforgettable ones.
Come ready to create, improvise, and embrace the beautifully macabre.
New Panels Added:
An Interactive Worldbuilding Jam: Moderator – TBA. This isn’t just a discussion, it’s a live construction project. In this high-energy session, the audience and panelists will work together to build a brand new setting from scratch in 60 minutes. We’ll start with a random prompt and collectively decide on the laws of physics, the magic or tech systems, the societal hierarchies, and the “inciting incident” that makes the world ripe for a story. Learn the professional techniques for “logical worldbuilding,” while seeing how a simple idea can evolve into a complex, living universe. (60 min)
Building and Sustaining a Successful Writing Group: Moderator -TBA. Writing is a solitary act, but a career is built on community. This panel explores how to find, form, and maintain a writing group that actually works. We’ll discuss the different models, from strict critique circles to “silent writing” sprints, and how to navigate the delicate balance of giving and receiving feedback. Our experts will share tips on setting ground rules, handling creative friction, and using your group not just for editing, but for long-term emotional support and professional accountability. (60 min)
Building Irresistible Chemistry in Romance: Moderator – TBA. What makes a reader stay up until 3:00 AM for a Happily Ever After? This panel dives into the mechanics of romantic tension, from the initial meet to the final emotional payoff. Our experts will discuss how to balance internal conflict with external stakes, the nuances of different heat levels (from sweet to scandalous), and the importance of diverse representation in modern romance. Whether you write contemporary, historical, or paranormal, learn the secrets to crafting couples that readers will root for until the very last page. (60 min)
Researching Clothing & Setting for Historical Realism: Moderator – TBA. For historical and creative writers, the difference between an immersive world and a flat one often lies in the details, the weight of a wool cloak, the specific scent of a 19th-century street, or the logistics of getting dressed without modern fasteners. This panel explores the detective work of historical research. Our experts will discuss how to move beyond Wikipedia to find authentic sensory details, the best resources for period-correct costuming, and how to weave these facts into your narrative without stalling the plot with an info dump. (60 min)
Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Moderator – TBA. Is the prestige of a Big Five contract worth the loss of creative control? Or is the total freedom of self-publishing a burden in disguise? This panel brings together experts from both sides of the industry to weigh the pros and cons. We’ll dive into the realities of royalty rates, marketing responsibilities, distribution networks, and the hybrid middle ground. Whether you’re looking for a literary agent or preparing to hit publish on Amazon, our panelists will help you navigate the 2026 publishing landscape. (60 min)