Workshops

Participating in a Workshop

Two types of workshops are available: on-site workshops, and workshops that require preregistration. Please read the following descriptions to differentiate them.

Workshops on a first-come-first-served basis

The vast majority of workshops will follow the order of arrival. To participate, you must wait in line before the workshop in front of the indicated door. The waiting time varies depending on the workshop and is therefore impossible to predict. Usually, the line starts approximately 45-60 minutes before the workshop. Please note no verbal or physical violence will be tolerated, before, during, or after the panel in question. Places are limited.

Workshops with preregistration

This year, Otakuthon established a lottery system for certain workshops because of their popularity. We want to allow everyone to participate in their favourite activities in the best comfort and respect while avoiding lineups.

The lottery system will be available during the official schedule publication. You can then register at any time. Since the system is randomized, the participants won’t be chosen by order of registration.

To access the lottery system, you must complete your preregistration and have your badge number. If you haven’t preregistered or if the random system doesn’t select you, a limited number of places will be available on the day of the workshop. Those places will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a disability (you need an accessibility sticker on your badge), communicate with the workshop team, and they will make sure your experience is comfortable and barrier-free.

To register for the workshops with the lottery system, it’s simple:

1. Access the lottery system.
2. Register with your badge number. (You just need to have purchased your badge online and have the email and password of the account holder from the registration site.)
• If you bought your badges as a group, the account owner is the one who can access the system and must register the members of their team individually (a drop menu will display the names list).
• The registration in the system is individual. You cannot register with other people.
3. Select all the workshops and time slots you are available and click “submit”.

Then?

Only those selected in the system will receive an email on Thursday, August 1 with details of their places won in the workshops.

If yes: come up in line at least 15 minutes before the workshop. The staff will verify your identity and your acceptance email.

If not: places will be available on the day or if there are latecomers. Turn up at the door and verify with the Workshop Team. Please note, however, that those places are very limited and will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Finally, since the waiting time can vary depending on the workshop, we cannot estimate the waiting time.

My name has been selected, but I can no longer participate.
We will not accept cancellations via email. In case of non-attendance, your place will automatically be given to the people waiting at the door. Please note that you cannot give your place to a specific person.

My name was selected, but not the person I wanted to go with. Can they join me?
For some workshops, you can be joined by a person of your choice. The admission will however be decided on the spot at the discretion of the Workshop Team.

Any other questions? Write us at feedback@otakuthon.com.

Registering and Hosting a Workshop

First, please keep in mind that priority will be given to panels related to Japan such as anime, manga, video games, music, culture, languages, way of life, etc.

The convention can provide basic materials in some capacity (such as 8.5 × 11 sheets, glue, pencils, markers, erasers, sharpeners and scissors). You must mention it in the submission form (see Submission Form below). The host must provide any other materials. For additional questions, please contact the Workshops Director workshops@otakuthon.com.

To become a workshop host, you must be preregistered. A limit of four (4) people is allowed per workshop, and no more than six (6) workshops per person.

Please note that to facilitate the transition between each session, the duration of each workshop has to be either 90 or 120 minutes.

Hosts need to bring their own laptop with its corresponding charger, 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 want to propose a workshop, you have until May 26, 2024, to send your request by filling out our form.

Hosts will receive an email on their submissions for the acceptance or refusal of their proposition. We will only use the email of the main host for communications with the Workshops team. Official workshop schedules will be emailed to them at least two (2) weeks before the start of the convention.

Guide of Conduct for Workshop Hosts

Regarding the Conduct of Hosts

Inappropriate behaviour, swearing, and discrimination will result in the banning of the person from hosting other workshops in the future. You have the right to express your viewpoints, as long as you do it respectfully. No sell solicitation will be allowed outside of your activity room. However, inside the room, you can bring, for example, promotional material and your business cards.

During your Workshop

Keep track of time to allow for a smooth transition for the next hosts! Arrive at least fifteen (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 workshop 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 time during your workshop, please seek help from the Panels & Workshops table.

Most importantly, make sure to have fun with everyone!

Guide of Conduct for Workshops Designated as “Mature”

Workshops featuring mature content must abide by the following restrictions:

1. Workshops with content or discussions involving graphic violence and/or sexuality, eroticism, ecchi, horror and full frontal nudity will be scheduled after 8 PM (16+). Hentai, explicit sexuality or other pornographic material, extreme or excessive violence and gore will be scheduled after 10 PM (18+). These workshops will be designated as “mature”.
2. “Mature” workshops will be held behind closed doors. Restrictions on who can enter will be in place. For all attendees and hosts, 16+ and 18+ wristbands or an ID with a photo and date of birth will be needed at the door.
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 behaviour and nudity either by the hosts or the audience are forbidden.
5. The decision to designate an age rating on the workshop by the Workshops Director is FINAL.

Rewarding System for Workshop Hosts

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

Need to know more?

Vous avez des questions? Nous avons les réponses!

You can contact the Workshops Director a workshops@otakuthon.com.

From the Workshops Director and their team, thank you for expressing interest in submitting content for Otakuthon!