Panels

Attend a panel discussion and increase your knowledge on your favorite topics while you network yourself by meeting and sharing with like-minded friends.

Registering a Panel

Remember, priority will be given to panels that are related to Japan such as anime, manga, video games, music, culture, languages, way of life, etc.

To become a panellist, you must be preregistered! A limit of 4 people is allowed per panel and no more than 6 panels are allowed per person.

To ensure a proper transition between sessions, the length should be as follows.

Participants need to bring their own laptop with corresponding chargers, cables and adapters when required. Our audio-visual equipment only supports VGA or HDMI for video, and 3.5 mm audio jacks for audio. No Internet connection will be provided.

If you would like to propose a panel, you have until May 26, 2024, to send in your request by filling out our form.

Panelists will receive an email on their submissions for acceptance or refusal after the fact. We will only use the email of the main animator for communications with the Panels team. Official panel schedules will be sent to them at least 2 weeks before the start of the convention.

Guidelines for Panelists

Panellist conduct

Inappropriate behaviour, swearing, and discrimination are not tolerated and will result in the banning of the panellist from hosting panels in the future. Panelists are allowed to express their opinions while being respectful. No sell solicitation will be allowed outside of your activity room. However, inside the room, you can bring promotional material and your business cards for example.

During Your Panel

Keep track of time to allow a smooth transition for the next hosts! Arrive at least 15 minutes before the official starting time to properly set yourself up. Wrap up the conversation in time to allow the next hosts to get ready. Starting your panel late does not allow you to end it late!

Important Notes

• Do not hang anything on the walls.
• Do not use the soundboards as corkboards.
• Do not touch the equipment in the room more than is necessary.
• If you experience technical difficulties at any point in time during your panel, please seek help from the Panels staff at the Panels table.

Most importantly, make sure to have fun with everyone!

Guidelines for “Mature” Panels

Panels featuring mature content must abide by the following restrictions:

1. Panels with content or discussions involving graphic violence and/or sexuality, eroticism, ecchi, horror and full-frontal nudity will be scheduled after 8 p.m. (16+). Hentai, explicit sexuality or other pornographic material, as well as extreme or excessive violence and gore, will be scheduled after 10 p.m. (18+). These panels will be designated as “mature”.
2. “Mature” panels will be held behind closed doors. Restrictions on who can enter will be in place. At the door, 16+ and 18+ wristbands or an ID with your photo and date of birth will be needed for all attendees and panellists.
3. The consent of participants must be obtained before taking part in any form of “fan service” (encouragement is acceptable, but no coercion or forcing of an attendee to participate).
4. Inappropriate behavior and nudity either by the panelists or the audience are forbidden.
5. The decision to designate an age rating on the panel by the Panels directors is FINAL.

Reward System for Panelists

Other combinations: Reimbursement will be calculated according to the number of activities animated, up to the total price of the bought badge.

For any information about how refunds work, please refer to the refund policy for panellists, workshop animators and game shows: Policy

Need to know more?

You got questions? We got answers!

You can contact the Panels Director at panels@otakuthon.com.

Thank you

The Panels team would like to thank you for expressing interest in submitting content for Otakuthon.