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This panel discussion is a 60-minute program discussing the past, present, and future of fandom. The program consists of a 40-minute conversation between moderator and panelists followed by 20 minutes of audience Q&A.
Pop culture and the ways we engage with it has changed a lot over the years - but the concept of fandom is evolving even more rapidly in the age of social media, influencers, review sites, BookTok, Instagram and AI. Join us on the third floor from 12:00-1:00 pm to discuss the past, present and future of fandom. There will be a 40-minute conversation between a moderator and four panelists, followed by 20 minutes of audience Q&A.
Moderator: Antonio (Tony) Allegretti is a partner and Chief Community Officer of Sporting JAX, bringing professional soccer to North Florida. Tony is recognized for his work establishing the Art Walk in downtown Jacksonville and as the founding director of the Riverside Arts Market. Tony has served on the boards of: Visit Jacksonville, Downtown Vision, Any Given Child, United States Urban Arts Federation, Jax Chamber Board of Governors and Jax Area Legal Aid. He was also appointed as a founding board member of the Downtown Investment Authority.
Panelists:
Kati Johnston is a former educator. Her enthusiasm for reading began in high school when she found books like The Perks of being a Wallflower. Her love of books grew beyond the depths of fiction and into learning through nonfiction. She is an alumna of the University of Texas San Antonio with a BA in Education and Psychology. She is the co-founder of Rebel Readers whose mission is to stock Free Little Libraries throughout the Jacksonville with books that have been removed and to create even more free libraries where they can. She loves true crime podcasts and her favorite book genres are historical fiction, thrillers, mystery and anything witchy. She is the co-founder of Rebel Readers.
Badr Milligan is a podcaster, professional moderator, and community leader with a passion for storytelling and connection. He is the host and producer of the award-winning podcast, The Short Box: A Comic Book Talk Show. For over 12 years, he has interviewed some of the world's best writers and artists. In 2018, he co-founded the Jax Podcaster’s United Group: a 500+ member collective dedicated to growing Northeast Florida's podcast scene. An Air Force veteran, Badr now runs his own business The Short Box Entertainment Company, creating podcasts and live shows for conferences around the country.
Casey Truglio is a former educator. Her love of books began in childhood when she buddy read the Harry Potter series with her Aunt Jeanne. However, it was reading nonfiction texts in her social inequality course in college which led her to understand how issues are connected. She has BBA from Georgia Gwinett College with a concentration in economics. She is the co-founder of Rebel Readers whose mission is to stock Free Little Libraries throughout the Jacksonville with books that have been removed and to create even more free libraries where they can. Her favorite genres are historical fiction or nonfiction.
Ryan Paul Thompson is a gaming aficionado and the president and founder of GAAM Good. He has been promoting gaming culture, the arts, and the “Do Good” philosophy since 2012. Given the opportunity to collaborate with industry giants such as Nintendo, Sony Santa Monica, Capcom, Microsoft, Naughty Dog, and many more, Ryan has orchestrated a variety of events. These include the GAAM Show, Gladiators (esports), Retro GAAM Nights, art and cosplay exhibits, Holiday Nerd Market, Drink + Draw Jax, Jax Creators, and more.
This program is part of Jax Pop Con Vol. 2, a FREE all-ages fandom event. Join us for this celebration of the books, comics, games, TV shows and movies we all love!
Register to save your seat. Registration must be completed two hours prior to the start time. A library card and PIN are required for registration. If you do not have a card, click HERE to obtain one.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please allow 1–2 business days to process. Last-minute requests will be accepted, but may not be possible to fulfill. Please ask for Learning Services at 255-2665 or email JPLPrograms@coj.net.
