Host a Panel

Below, are our panel policies followed by the application form.  Every convention has a different set of policies, so please read and understand them.

  • Character Q&A Panels:
    Unfortunately, the quality/effort going into in-character Q&A panels has been dropping.  With that in mind, we will be more critical in accepting these types of panels.  You will need to have your team of panelists/character already selected, and planned for, at the time you apply for the panel.  We understand that things happen, and you might have to replace/recruit a person here or there, but if we see you doing a widespread casting call for help on the panel, we will likely cancel the panel before the con.
  • Flexibility is great!
    The more flexible you are with the days/times that you can offer your panel, the more likely it will be selected.  We have a solid crowd for the entire 4 days of the convention, so if you have a panel on Thursday, you can expect to still get a full room.

Panelist Reimbursement Policy

Our standard policy is to deduct 1/3rd off the price of a weekend badge for every 1 hour of programming performed. 3 hours of programming would earn you a free 4-day badge.

Regardless of how many co-panelists run an hour of panels/events, the leader of the group will get the credit and the leader can distribute the discount as they see fit. We understand that some special events require lots of help, so in some cases we can negotiate for further compensation. Once your panels/events are approved, you will be notified on how much of a discount or how many free badges you are entitled to. You will need to come to Con Ops in order to pick up your badge or purchase your discounted badge.

Panel Policy

The panel schedule is constructed of 1 hour blocks.  However, you will need time to setup and wrap up your panel, as explained below.  Between the 10 minutes to tear down, and the 5 minutes to set up, you will have 45 minutes to present your panel.  If you have a 2 hour block, then it will be 105 minutes.  For a 3 hour block, 165 minutes, and so on.  Please request an appropriate block of time to give your panel, but keep in mind we favor 1 hour blocks.

  1. Panelists must begin wrapping up their panel 10 minutes before the end of the scheduled time.  Panelists and attendees should have cleared the room before the end of the scheduled time.
  1. Please allow yourself 5 minutes to set up your panel.  If you need to hook up your laptop or tablet to a projector or tv, and are not already completely familiar with how, please stop by programming (in Con Ops) to receive instructions on how to do so.
  1. Panels that begin more than 15 minutes late can still continue but must end on time.  Panels that begin late in this matter, will not count towards badge reimbursement.  If the panel is more than 1 hour long, the panelist will only lose credit for the 1st hour, assuming the rest of the time block is used.
  1. Panelists are responsible for cleaning up any trash or beverages they’ve brought into the room.
  1. Please try not to rearrange the room or move the A/V equipment around.  If you must, then please reset the room before you leave.
  1. Emergencies happen.  It’s okay.  Inform Ichibancon staff in the event of an emergency or other occurrence that will prevent the panelist/s from conducting their scheduled panel(s). You can email us at info@ichibancon.com or inform us in Con Ops

Prohibited Content

The following things will not be tolerated in any panel:

  • Racial slurs
    Language (words, slang, or otherwise) that refers to members of racial and ethnic groups in a derogatory manner.
  • Hate speech
    Abusive or threatening language that expresses prejudice against a particular group, especially on the basis of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

“18+” Panel Policy

Any panel should be deemed 18+ if the material is deemed “adult material” or viewed as “inappropriate for minors”. All panelists for 18+ panels must be 18+ years of age or older on the day of the panel, no exceptions.

Panel content that is deemed 18+ includes, but is not limited to:

  • Adult language and cursing
  • Hentai
  • Sexual Intercourse
  • Nudity or partial nudity
  • Sexuality
  • Yaoi
  • Yuri
  • Gore

If you’re still not sure if your panel should be considered 18+, please contact us and let’s discuss it, or simply play it safe and label it 18+.

Attendees for 18+ panels must present a government issued ID showing that they are 18 years of age at the time of the panel. No attendee will be admitted to an 18+ panel without the government issued ID.

“All Ages” Panel Policies

Any panel should be deemed all ages if the material is deemed acceptable for American television or is not rated higher then PG-13.

If your panel is “All Ages” the following things are not acceptable;

  • Any content already outlined specifically for 18+ panels
  • Swear words
  • Racial slurs
  • Hate speech

“All Ages (language warning)” Panel

If the material in your panel exceeds a PG-13 rating but does not exceed an R rating, you may wish to apply for an “All Ages (Language Warning)” panel, which would allow swearing. Audiences for All Ages (language warning) panels WILL NOT be age age verified at the door.

Sign-ups:

Panel acceptances and waitlist notifications will be sent out early November.

Fill out the form on Mobile!