Jewel Staite has done quite a bit in her still blossoming career.  After a start that included credits on series such as The X-Files, Honey I Shrunk The Kids, and Dead Like Me, the actress found lasting fame in the genre world when she landed the role of Kaylee Frye on Joss Whedon’s cult hit series Firefly. She then reprised that role in the feature film Serenity before beginning work on Stargate Atlantis — where she remained for two years as Dr. Jennifer Keller until the series ended in 2009. One thing she hasn’t done, however, is a convention in Chicago.

Until now.

CYPHAN — a brand-new science fiction, fantasy, and gaming convention — has locked in Staite to be a celebrity headliner at their first convention.  The event is being held at the Westin Chicago North Shore from June 25 to June 27 in Wheeling, Illinois.

Jewel joins fellow actresses Nicki Clyne (“Cally” on Battlestar Galactica) and Julie Caitlin Brown (“Na’Toth” on Babylon 5) for the weekend festivities.  The convention is also a franchise reunion of sorts, as several cast members from various Friday the 13th horror film installments will also be in attendance.

Jewel’s attendance is just on Saturday, but it will be a very full day for the actress.  In addition to normal convention activities — a Q&A session with fans, photo opportunities, and an autograph session — Staite will also be the guest of honor at the Saturday evening “Browncoat Bash,” a special event for fans of Firefly.  The bash (which will allow absolutely no photography whatsoever) will give Staite the chance to interact with her fans on a more personal and intimate level — and will also feature an open bar.

For more information on the CYPHAN event, including ticket pricing, other guests of honor, gaming opportunites, vendor information, hotel information and more, visit their Web site at CYPHAN.com.  And keep your browser on GateWorld for more convention updates as they happen!