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 p m to discuss the past\, present and future of fandom. There will be a 40-m inute conversation between a moderator and four panelists\, followed by 20 minutes of audience Q&\;A.
\nModerator: \;A ntonio (Tony) Allegretti is a partner and Chief Community Officer of Sport ing JAX\, bringing professional soccer to North Florida. Tony is recognize d for his work establishing the Art Walk in downtown Jacksonville and as t he 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 Are a Legal Aid. He was also appointed as a founding board member of the Downt own Investment Authority. \;
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Panelists: \;<
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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 depth s 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. Sh e is the co-founder of Rebel Readers whose mission is to stock Free Little Libraries throughout the Jacksonville with books that have been removed a nd 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.&nbs p\;
\nBadr Milligan is a podcaster\, professional m oderator\, and community leader with a passion for storytelling and connec tion. 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&rsquo\;s United Group: a 500+ member collective dedicated t o growing Northeast Florida's podcast scene. \;An Air Force veteran\, Badr now runs his own business The Short Box Entertainment Company\, creat ing podcasts and live shows for conferences around the country.
\nCasey Truglio \;is a former educator. Her love of books
began in childhood when she buddy read the Harry Potter series with her A
unt Jeanne. However\, it was reading nonfiction texts in her social inequa
lity course in college which led her to understand how issues are connecte
d. She has BBA from Georgia Gwinett College with a concentration in econom
ics. She is the co-founder of Rebel Readers whose mission is to stock Free
Little Libraries throughout the Jacksonville with books that have been re
moved and to create even more free libraries where they can. Her favorite
genres are historical fiction or nonfiction. \;
Ryan& nbsp\;Paul \;Thompson is a gaming aficionado and the presiden t and founder of GAAM Good. He has been promoting gaming culture\, the art s\, and the &ldquo\;Do Good&rdquo\; philosophy since 2012. Given the oppor tunity to collaborate with industry giants such as Nintendo\, Sony Santa M onica\, Capcom\, Microsoft\, Naughty Dog\, and many more\, \;Ryan \;has orchestrated a variety of events. These include the GAAM Show\, Glad iators (esports)\, Retro GAAM Nights\, art and cosplay exhibits\, Holiday Nerd Market\, Drink + Draw Jax\, Jax Creators\, and more.
\n\nThis 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 sh ows and movies we all love!
\nRegister to save your seat. R egistration 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\, c lick \;HERE \;to obtain one.
\nPursuant to the Americans wit h Disabilities Act\, accommodations for persons with disabilities are avai lable upon request. Please allow 1&ndash\;2 business days to process. Last -minute requests will be accepted\, but may not be possible to fulfill. Pl ease ask for Learning Services at 255-2665 or email JPLPrograms@coj.net.\nhttps://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/12895307 URL;VALUE=URI:https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/12895307 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR