About

Life, The Universe, & Everything: The Marion K. “Doc” Smith Symposium on Science Fiction and Fantasy originated at Brigham Young University and has grown and changed a lot over the last forty-plus years. LTUE is a *three-day academic conference (Thursday through Saturday) on all aspects of creativity with a general focus on science fiction and fantasy. Comprised of panels, presentations and papers on writing, art, literature, film, gaming and other facets of speculative fiction, LTUE is a place to learn all about life, the universe, and everything else you love.

*LTUE is preceeded by one day of masterclasses, moderator training, a meet and greet, and being able to pick up attendance badges early on Wednesday, the day before the conference starts.

The conference is, most importantly, a gathering place for creators and fans of our creative and innovative world to hang out, connect and share their love of all things amazing, obscure, and even not-quite-real.

2026 Symposium Committee

Chair (co-chairs): Mike Bishop & Josh Mayne
Assistant Chair (co-assistant chairs): Jenna Allen & EmmaLee Davis
Secretary: EmmaLee Davis

Schedule Coordinator: Jack Setzer
Schedule Coordinator Assistants: Ryan Bouché, Mike Bishop
Academics Track Head: Marny K. Parkin
Art Track Head: Jenny Mellen, Tremani Sutcliffe (assistant)
Books Track Head: Chris Jones
Editing Track Head: Ashley Higbee, Rachelle Funk
Gaming Track Head: Daniel Yocom, Ryan Bouché (assistant)
Professional Development Track Head: Stephan Fassmann, Ashlee Montelongo (assistant)
Theater & Media Arts Track Head: Nick Mills, Lindsay Hunt (assistant)
Worldbuilding Track Head: Tristan Bond, Rowan West (assistant)
Writing Track Head: Brenda Sills, (assistants Wendy Newman & Karen Todd)
Special Events Coordinator: Scott Stephens

Accessibility: Rowan West & Lisa Fassmann
Anthology Managing Editor: Joe Monson
App Developer: Ryan Bouché
Art Show Coordinators: Tremani Sutcliffe
Artist Alley Coordinator: Tremani Sutcliffe and Robbie Stephens
Attendee Liaison: Tristan Bond
Audio Visual: Matt Parkin (assisted by Aster Setzer, Alpheus Madsen, Logan Kearsley)
Blog: Nick Mills, (assistants Brenda Sills, Lindsay Hunt, Ashelee Montelongo, Matt Bockholt)
Book Signing: Marny Parkin
Books, The Universe, and Everything: Ryan Bouché
Call for Panelists: Ryan Bouché
Community Events Coordinator: Jennifer Mellen
Discord Admins: Diana Parkin, Deidre McCleery, Ryan Bouché
Filking: Michael Clark (TMA event)
Film Festival: Nick Mills, Darcy Love, Lindsay Hunt, Jason Kristopher, Nic Ricci
Game Room: Jack Setzer
Graphic Design: Jennifer Mellen & Tremani Sutcliffe
Guest Services: Josh Mayne
Hospitality: Dave Doering
Information Analysts: Glen Mayhew & Mike Bishop
Kaffeeklatsches/Creator Chats: Brenda Sills, Wendy Newman (assistant)
Legal Counsel: Open Postition
Mass Signing: Tremani Sutcliffe & Marny Parkin
Marketing: Ryan Bouché
Merchandising: Tremani Sutcliffe & Jennifer Mellen
Moderator Training: Nick Mills, Brenda Sills
Newesletter: Wally and Glenn Mayhew
Pitch Sessions: Jenna Allen, Wendy Newman
Podcast: Stephan Fassmann
Publications Coordinator: Marny Parkin
Recordings: Open Postition
Registration: Mike Bishop
Social Media: Wally and Glenn Mayhew
Sponsorships: 
Trustees: Dave Doering & Marny Parkin
Vendor Liaison: Josh Mayne
Volunteer Coordinators: Diana Parkin, Deidre McCleery
Website: Nick Mills, Ryan Bouché
YouTube: Ryan Bouché
Other Committee: Traci Tyler, Ander Meredith

Website Credits

Site design and photography by Jeff Jensen
Additional design and site development by Ducimus Digital Solutions

Art Credits