CALL FOR PAPERS

Multiverse Convention 2025

Event Date & Location: October 17-October 19, 2025, Hilton Peachtree City, 2443 HWY 54 West, Peachtree City, Georgia, 30269

Deadline for Submissions: May 2, 2025

Name of Organization: Multiverse Convention

Organization Website: https://www.multiversecon.org

Contact Email: Kenneth Broome, Jr., Learn@Multiversecon.org

CONVENTION THEME:

Multiverse Convention was formed from our belief that great stories don’t only come from the books and comics we love to read. Each fan is their own universe as well, with their own unique story to tell. Added together, these infinite stories create the Multiverse of modern fandom.

This Multiverse also informs the creation of works of speculative fiction, a body of work encompassing every imaginable academic field. In this light, we seek to create a multidisciplinary academic program that will showcase the innumerable ways speculative fiction is inspired by various branches of academia.  

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Multiverse Convention is seeking academic presentations of 15, 25, and (a limited number) 45 minutes in length or academic discussion panels of 45 minutes (plus 15 minutes for Q&A) for the 2025 convention. While we require presentations to reflect rigorous academic scholarship, we are not requesting conference paper readings. Presentations only, please.

We are seeking presentations that approach an academic topic in a way that non-academic audiences will find accessible and entertaining. Ideally, presentations will incorporate a core theme or topic of interest to speculative fiction fans.

Example topics may include, but are definitely not limited to:

  • An interesting historical event that garners immense speculation. What really happened?

  • A comparison between modern governments and dystopian societies

  • The application of a sociological lens in examining a popular speculative fiction TV show or movie

  • From a scientific angle, could one of the monsters from horror tropes really exist?

  • How might the fantasy elements of speculative fiction lend themselves to child development in teaching various lessons?

  • A chemistry presentation that teaches children how to create spider webbing

  • A presentation on new, emerging technologies or scientific breakthroughs (e.g., artificial intelligence, biotech, space travel, etc.)

Presentations on specific authors, works of fiction, or genres within speculative fiction are also welcome. Of particular interest are presentations on the works of any of our Guests of Honor and/or focusing on voices within speculative fiction that are not typically amplified.

Please note: we would like to include at least one presentation per convention day that fits our theme and is targeted to a child/family friendly audience, so please submit those presentation proposals, as well. Our definition of child/family targeted includes any images, videos, or handouts accompanying the presentation.

To apply, please click the button at the bottom of the page. You will be asked to provide the following in your submission:

  • 300-500 word abstract

  • Preliminary bibliography (This does not have to be a Works Cited or Bibliography page)

  • Length of presentation (15, 25, or 45-minute category), or a 45-minute panel discussion

  • 100-word professional biography (of each participant) that should reflect any academic credentials or include any credentials in general

  • Any required props or specialized A/V equipment

  • Do you have any special accommodations or other requests we should be aware of? (Any request to do a long-distance video presentation should be indicated here, please)

  • What are your (and all participants) pronouns?

Please note, that if select all participants will also need to submit a photo that will appear on the Multiverse website.

Email any questions about the CFP to Kenneth Broome, Jr. at: Learn@Multiversecon.org

Submissions for this CFP will be accepted on a rolling basis up until Friday, May 2, 2025. Acceptances will be sent out no later than Friday, May 30, 2025.

Accepted presenters will receive a complimentary Multiverse membership for 2025 and may be invited to participate in other panels within the convention’s other programming tracks.

This CFP can also be downloaded in PDF form.