Panels & Workshops
Attend a panel discussion and network yourself by meeting and sharing with like-minded friends! Participate in a workshop to get some hands-on experience in something new and exciting!
Please check out the forums for more information.
Registering a Panel or Workshop
Organizing a panel or workshop can be a fun and rewarding experience. You will enjoy discussing the topics that you love with your fellow Otakus and it is a great way to contribute to the overall success of Otakuthon! NOTE: Priority will be given to panels that are related to Japan such as anime, manga, video games, music, culture, etc.
In order to become a panelist or workshop host, YOU MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED!
There will be a maximum of 4 people allowed per panel and no more than 6 panels allowed per person. The number of people who can sign up for a given workshop will depend on the workshop's content and format.
A panel should last either 45 minutes or 90 minutes, and a workshop is 90 minutes in order to ensure proper transition between one host/group to the next. Special concerns and requirements about set-up and clean-up should be brought to the attention of the directors when registering your panel or workshop.
In order to address issues of compatibility and functionality, you must bring your own laptop and the corresponding wires and connectors for VGA output if you require a computer. While we do not recommend bringing a Mac laptop due to compatibility issues in the past, you may still use them so long as you have the proper cables/adapters for VGA output. (NOTE: only VGA inputs will be provided, there will be no HDMI inputs). No Internet connection will be provided by the convention.
If you would like to sign up, you have until June 16th, 2013 to send in your applications. Click here to register your panels and workshops. If you would like to join a panel or workshop, you have until June 16th, 2013 to send an email to panels@otakuthon.com or workshops@otakuthon.com.
Guidelines For Panelists And Workshop Hosts
AT THE CON BEFORE YOUR PANEL/WORKSHOP
Please pick up your badge at the special line-up as you arrive. The regular lines are not only unnecessarily long to wait in, but also will not provide you the badge you need.
DURING YOUR PANEL/WORKSHOP
Wear a watch! The panel is actually only 45 minutes or 90 minutes (to allow panelists to move around, set up, etc). A workshop is 90 minutes maximum. Try to arrive a little in advance before the official starting time in order to properly set up and prepare yourself, and wrap up the conversation on time to get out of the way for the next panelists. Also please remember that if you start late, it DOES NOT mean that you can end late! Please be fair to the next group using the room.
Tech equipment in the room should not be handled more than necessary. If you use any equipment, please put it back the way you found it when you started. It will save a lot of trouble for the next person! Many technical difficulties have occurred due to someone making changes to the setup of the equipment. If you experience technical difficulties during your panel or workshop, please see the Panels & Workshops staff at the Panels & Workshops table and they will come help resolve the issue.
AT THE CON DURING THE FIRST FEW MINUTES OF YOUR PANEL
At the start of every panel or workshop you are going to host, one of the Panels & Workshop staff will come by to take attendance, which will be recorded on your Panelist/Workshop Host form, which is kept by the Panels & Workshops staff. After you have completed all your panels/workshops, you can pass by the Panels & Workshops table, where a final signature will be required. This is necessary for you to receive your reimbursement at the end of the convention.
MOST IMPORTANT THING, LIKE, EVER
Have fun! And try to help make it fun for everyone else, too!
Guidelines For Mature Panels & Workshops
Panels and workshops that will have mature content must abide by the following restrictions:
1. Panels & workshops that will have content or discussions involving graphic violence and/or sexuality, eroticism, ecchi, horror and full frontal nudity will be scheduled after 8 PM (16+). Content or discussion involving hentai, explicit sexuality or other pornographic material, as well as extreme or excessive violence and gore will be scheduled after 11 PM (18+).
2. Panels & workshops that have been designated as "mature" will be held behind closed doors and will have age restrictions (either 16+ or 18+) on who could enter (photo IDs with date of birth will be checked at the door).
3. The consent of participants must be obtained before taking part in any forms of "fanservice" (no coercion, no forcing, encouragement is acceptable).
4. Inappropriate behaviour and nudity either by the panelists or the audience are forbidden.
5. The decision to designate an age rating on the panel/workshop by the Panels and/or Workshops directors is FINAL.
Reward System For Panelists And Workshop Hosts
|
Number of Panels or Workshops |
Reimbursement on Convention Badge |
|
1 panel |
15$ off |
|
1 workshop / 90-minute panel |
20$ off |
|
2 panels |
25$ off |
|
1 panel + 1 workshop |
30$ off |
|
One of the following: |
Full reimbursement (100%) |
You will receive your reimbursement on Saturday afternoon and Sunday of the convention after the completion of all of the panels/workshops listed on your Panelist/Workshop Host Form.
Need To Know More?
Need more information? You can contact the Panels Director at panels@otakuthon.com or the Workshops Director at workshops@otakuthon.com.