Featured Guests

Meet the amazing industry experts, creators, and personalities joining us at Nerdi Gras 2026

2026 Guest Lineup

We're excited to announce our incredible lineup of guests who represent the best in gaming, entertainment, technology, and geek culture.

Steve Jackson - Game Designer
Keynote Speaker

Steve Jackson

Legendary Game Designer

With 45 years of revolutionary experience in game design, Steve Jackson has created iconic games including Munchkin (with over 15 million copies sold), Illuminati, GURPS (the Generic Universal RolePlaying System), and Zombie Dice. As founder and owner of Steve Jackson Games since 1980, he has pioneered innovative game mechanics and publishing approaches that have influenced generations of designers worldwide.

🏆 Notable Achievements:

  • Origins Hall of Fame Inductee (1997)
  • Created the world's first commercially successful microgame (Ogre, 1977)
  • Pioneered digital distribution of RPG supplements
  • 30+ Origins Awards and industry recognitions
Game Design Tabletop Gaming Publishing Business Innovation

Connect:

Appearing At:

  • 📅 Friday 2:00 PM Keynote: "45 Years of Game Design Evolution"
  • 🎯 Saturday 11:00 AM Panel: "Building Games That Last Decades"
  • ✍️ Sunday 1:00 PM Signing: Meet & Greet + Game Demo
  • 🎮 Saturday Evening: Special Munchkin Tournament Host
John Kovalic - Cartoonist and Game Designer
Featured Artist

John Kovalic

Cartoonist & Game Designer

Award-winning cartoonist, game designer, and writer behind the internationally beloved webcomic Dork Tower (running since 1997) and co-creator of the mega-hit Munchkin card game series. John's illustrations have graced over 100 game products, and his gentle humor and authentic geek perspective have made him a cornerstone of gaming culture for over 25 years.

🏆 Notable Achievements:

  • Games Manufacturers Hall of Fame Inductee (2004)
  • 5-time Origins Award winner for Best Game Art
  • Illustrated art for 100+ board and card games
  • Dork Tower: 25+ years of continuous publication
Illustration Comics Game Art Character Design

Connect:

Appearing At:

  • 🎨 Friday 3:30 PM Workshop: "Creating Characters with Personality"
  • 📚 Saturday 2:00 PM Panel: "25 Years of Dork Tower: From Webcomic to Institution"
  • 🖊️ All Weekend: Artist Alley Booth #12 - Sketches & Originals
  • 📖 Sunday 11:00 AM: "The Business of Comic Creation" Masterclass
Mark Meer - Voice Actor
Voice Actor

Mark Meer

Voice Actor & Performer

Canadian voice actor and comedian best known as the iconic voice of male Commander Shepard in BioWare's critically acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy. Mark is also the creator, writer, and star of the Emmy-nominated "Tiny Plastic Men" TV series and a founding member of Dad's Garage Theatre Company in Atlanta. His extensive voice acting portfolio includes roles in Dragon Age, Baldur's Gate, and dozens of other beloved video games.

🏆 Notable Achievements:

  • Voice of Commander Shepard - Mass Effect trilogy (2007-2012)
  • Emmy nomination for "Tiny Plastic Men" (2018)
  • 100+ video game voice acting credits
  • Dad's Garage Theatre Company founder member
Voice Acting Performance Gaming Comedy Theater

Connect:

Appearing At:

  • 🎤 Friday 4:00 PM Panel: "Bringing Video Game Characters to Life"
  • 🎭 Saturday 1:00 PM Performance: Live Voice Acting Demo & Improv
  • 📸 Sunday 2:00 PM Photo Ops & Autograph Session
  • 🎮 Saturday Evening: Mass Effect Trivia Championship Host
Mikal Mosley - Costume Designer
Cosplay Master

Mikal Mosley

Professional Costume Designer

Elite professional costume designer and cosplay master who has created custom costumes for WWE superstars, NFL players, and major entertainment productions. With a Bachelor's in Dramatic Arts from Coastal Carolina University and over 15 years of professional experience, Mikal bridges the gap between theatrical costume design and modern cosplay artistry.

🏆 Notable Achievements:

  • Designed costumes for multiple WWE wrestlers and storylines
  • Created custom team uniforms and ceremonial attire for NFL players
  • Featured in Cosplay & Costume Magazine (2022, 2023)
  • Master instructor at Dragon Con and other major conventions
Costume Design Cosplay Theater Arts Armor Crafting Pattern Making

Connect:

Appearing At:

  • ✂️ Friday 10:00 AM Workshop: "Professional Costume Construction Techniques"
  • 🏆 Saturday Evening: Head Judge - Cosplay Championship
  • 🧵 Sunday 9:00 AM Masterclass: "Advanced Armor Crafting & Weathering"
  • 📚 Saturday 3:00 PM Panel: "Breaking Into Professional Costume Design"
Jessica Nova - Performance Artist
Performance Artist

Jessica Nova

Performance Artist & Producer

Award-winning performance artist, producer, and co-owner of the internationally acclaimed MyGeekGlory entertainment troupe. Jessica specializes in nerdlesque, classic burlesque, and drag performances that celebrate geek culture with sophistication and inclusivity. Her performances have graced stages at conventions across North America and Europe.

🏆 Notable Achievements:

  • Co-founder of MyGeekGlory - International performance troupe
  • Performed at 50+ conventions across 3 continents
  • Featured performer at San Diego Comic-Con and Dragon Con
  • Advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in geek entertainment
Performance Art Entertainment Production Choreography Event Management

Connect:

Appearing At:

  • 🎭 Friday 7:00 PM: Opening Ceremony Spectacular Performance
  • 📚 Saturday 2:30 PM Panel: "Performance Art in Geek Culture"
  • 🌟 Saturday 9:00 PM: Special Nerdlesque Showcase (18+ Event)
  • 🎤 Sunday 12:00 PM: "Building Inclusive Geek Spaces" Discussion
Alex Chen - Indie Game Developer
Indie Developer

Alex Chen

Award-Winning Indie Game Developer

Visionary indie game developer and founder of Starlight Games, best known for the critically acclaimed "Neon Dreams" which won the Independent Games Festival Excellence in Visual Art Award. Alex's games blend innovative storytelling with stunning hand-drawn art, creating emotionally resonant experiences that have garnered millions of players worldwide and critical praise from IGN, GameSpot, and Polygon.

🏆 Notable Achievements:

  • Independent Games Festival Excellence in Visual Art Award (2024)
  • "Neon Dreams" - 2+ million downloads, 95% positive reviews
  • Featured in "Top 50 Indie Developers to Watch" - Game Developer Magazine
  • Keynote speaker at GDC Independent Games Summit
Indie Development Game Narrative Art Direction Visual Storytelling Game Publishing

Connect:

Appearing At:

  • 🎮 Friday 1:00 PM Panel: "Breaking Into Indie Game Development"
  • 🛠️ Saturday 10:00 AM Workshop: "Advanced Narrative Design in Games"
  • 🎯 Sunday 3:00 PM: Head Judge - Indie Game Showcase Competition
  • 🎨 Saturday 4:00 PM Masterclass: "Creating Art That Tells Stories"
🌟

More Guests
Coming Soon!

We're still announcing more amazing guests for Nerdi Gras 2026! Follow us on social media and check back here for the latest updates on our growing lineup of industry experts, creators, and performers.

Apply to be a Guest Guest Announcements

Guest Categories

🎮

Game Industry

Developers, designers, and visionaries from the gaming world

  • Game Designers
  • Indie Developers
  • Industry Veterans
  • Esports Professionals
🎤

Voice Actors

Talented voices behind your favorite characters

  • Video Game VAs
  • Anime Voice Actors
  • Animation Talents
  • Podcast Hosts
🎨

Artists & Creators

Visual artists, writers, and content creators

  • Comic Artists
  • Digital Artists
  • Writers & Authors
  • Content Creators
🎭

Cosplay Masters

Expert cosplayers and costume designers

  • Professional Cosplayers
  • Costume Designers
  • Prop Makers
  • Makeup Artists
🚀

Tech Innovators

Technology leaders and innovative minds

  • Tech Entrepreneurs
  • VR/AR Pioneers
  • AI Researchers
  • Futurists
🎪

Performers

Entertainers who bring events to life

  • Musicians
  • Comedians
  • Dancers
  • Live Performers

The Guest Experience

🎤

Panels & Presentations

Share your expertise with passionate fans through engaging panels and keynote presentations.

🤝

Meet & Greets

Connect directly with fans through intimate meet and greet sessions and autograph signings.

📸

Photo Opportunities

Professional photo shoots and casual photo ops with attendees throughout the convention.

🛠️

Workshops

Lead hands-on workshops and masterclasses to teach your craft to eager learners.

🏆

Contest Judging

Serve as an expert judge for our cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, and creative competitions.

🎉

VIP Treatment

Enjoy exclusive guest areas, concierge services, and premium accommodations during your stay.

Want to be a Guest at Nerdi Gras?

We're always looking for amazing guests to join our lineup! Whether you're an industry expert, creative talent, or community leader, we'd love to hear from you.

✈️
Travel & Accommodation We cover travel and provide comfortable lodging
💰
Honorarium Available Compensation for keynote speakers and featured guests
🎯
Engaged Audience Connect with passionate, enthusiastic fans
Apply to be a Guest Questions? Contact Us