October 31 & November 1, 2025  

The scope of this conference is deliberately broad with the intention of highlighting the interdisciplinary nature and many avenues of research possible within Popular Culture Studies. For this conference, “Soap Opera” is being defined within the broadest possible terms to include both daytime and primetime serialized programming, international programs and formats like telenovelas, Internet-based programming, and more.

Keynote Speaker: Alan Locher

Soap opera fan and long-time publicist for As the World Turns and Guiding Light, Alan Locher, will be the keynote speaker at the conference. Locher has spent the last three decades working in communications and marketing in the film, TV and tourism industries.

Special Guest virtual appearances by:

• Claudia Lamb, an American actress, award-winning journalist, and writer. She is best known for her television work playing Heather Hartman in both Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and Forever Fernwood.
• Constance McCashin, a psychotherapist and former actress, best known for her role as Laura Avery Sumner in the CBS primetime soap opera, Knots Landing.
• Kin Shriner, an actor best known for his portrayal of Scott Baldwin on the ABC soap opera General Hospital and its spin-off Port Charles.

This event is free and opten to the public.