Host a Panel

Please read the rules below before submitting:

Introduction

 Hello potential panelist!  Thank you for considering us for you panels.  Below, are our panel policies followed by the application form.  Every convention has a different set of policies, so please read and understand them.  A couple things to keep in mind for this year:

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

Panel submissions will close 2 months prior to the convention and all notifications should be out prior to 1 month before the convention.
 

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 Colossalcon 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 Programming@colossalcon.com or inform us in Con Ops

“All Ages” Panel Policy
Any panel should be deemed all ages if the material is deemed acceptable for American television and is not rated higher than 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 Policy

Any panel should be deemed all ages with a language warning if the material is deemed acceptable for American television and is not rated higher than R. Audiences for All Ages (language warning) panels WILL NOT be age age verified at the door.

If your panel is “All Ages (language warning)” the following things are not acceptable:

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

“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. Audiences for 18+ panels are age verified at the door.

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

  • Adult language and cursing
  • Hentai
  • Sexual Intercourse
  • Nudity or partial nudity
  • Sexuality
  • 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+.

Additionally, the following things will not be tolerated in any panel;

  • Racial slurs
  • Hate speech (including homophobic slurs)

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.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please e-mail the programming department at Programming@colossalcon.com  Thanks!!!!