Submitting an Application for a Fan Panel or Workshop
What if I don’t receive an email confirmation about my panel application?
Answer: You will receive an automated confirmation email within minutes after the panel application is submitted. If you do not receive an email confirmation for the panel application, then something went wrong. Check spam folders for our emails. Sad to say but some email servers think Katsucon is spam. In the past panelists have reached out having heard nothing only to find several emails in their spam folder. ?
What if I submitted panels, but I already purchased a regular attendee badge for the convention?
Answer: If your panel is Accepted, you will need to request a refund for the regular Attendee Badge and you will qualify for a free Panelist Badge (limit of two (2) per panel). We cannot provide refunds after the deadline specified by Registration. Refer to the Registration webpage for the Pre-Registration Refund Policy and deadlines.
I’m an Artist/Merchant, do I still need a panelist badge?
Answer: The Panelist Badge is for attendees to have a free badge in exchange for running a panel at Katsucon. If you are one of our Merchants or Artists and you will already have a badge for Katsucon you do not need a Panelist Badge. Just make sure to let us know.
How big can my group be?
Answer: There is a maximum of two (2) panelists that qualify to receive a Panelist Badge. If you have more than two (2) people assisting with a panel, then anyone over the two (2) person limit may purchase a regular Attendee Badge to participate.
I won’t be 18 by the time of the convention, but I want to submit an 18+ panel. Can I do that?
Answer: No. You must be 18 by the time of the convention if you want to present an 18+ panel, as all attendees and panelists must have an 18+ wristband in order to enter the panel room or to attend 18+ programming.
I won’t be 18 by the time of the convention, can I still submit an application to run a panel?
Answer: Yes. Panelists can be under the age of 18 and can submit an “all ages” panel. However, if you are under 18 at the time of the convention, pay close attention to the rules regarding other identification documents and PARENTAL PERMISSION forms required. This information is specified on the main Registration page.
My panel will be 18+, so what does that entail?
Answer: If you are submitting an 18+ panel the following apply:
- You MUST get an 18+ wristband before you run the panel, you will not be allowed in the room without an 18+ wristband even if you are the one running the event.
- Generally, any panel that includes graphic violence, nudity, or coarse language is considered an 18+ panel.
- Your panel won’t be scheduled earlier than 8:00 pm and may be scheduled to start as late as 1:00 am.
- All panelists hosting an 18+ panel must be 18 years old by the time of the convention and must be wearing an 18+ wristband.
- Only 18+ attendees will be allowed into the panel.
- Katsucon staff will check attendees’ badges and wristbands as they enter any 18+ panel.
- If you’re unsure whether your panel would be considered 18+ or not, usual practice is to err on the side of caution and assume it’s 18+. Otherwise, please email us at: [email protected]
I want to host a Workshop type panel; will Katsucon provide me with the materials to run it?
Answer: No. Katsucon does not provide you with materials. A panelist is responsible for all costs of materials to run their panels and workshops. Note that there are some limitations such as food and beverages (tea for example) that are restricted by the hotel for health and safety reasons. Please mention all materials you plan to use on your application form.
I want to host a Workshop type panel; can I ask attendees to pay a small fee to cover the cost of the materials to run it?
Answer: No. Panelists cannot charge fees to attendees.
A panelist is responsible for
all costs of materials to run their panels.
If you want attendees to bring their own materials to the workshop
panel, include this in the panel description on the panel event
application. Note that there are some
limitations such as food and beverages (tea for example) that are restricted by
the hotel for health and safety reasons.
Please mention all materials you plan to use on your application form.
I want to host a Swap Meet or Flea Market, can I submit that as a panel?
Answer: NO. Katsucon does not accept Market, Flea Market, or Swap Meet events. Panel applications proposing these types of events will be automatically rejected. We appreciate your understanding.
I have no idea what kind of connections my device has. Can you help?
Answer: The best way to be sure we can support your device is to take a clear picture of your devices’ connections and email it to: [email protected]
Will I be sent confirmation of my fan panel application once completed?
Answer: An automated email confirmation will be sent to the Applicant / Lead Panelist and sent to the email listed on the application. Please ensure that your email is entered correctly on the form.
What if I never received an email confirmation?
Answer: If you have not received an email confirmation after submitting an application, please email us at: [email protected]
What if I change my primary email account?
Answer: Contact us to let us know if your primary email account changes. Email us at: [email protected].
What if I submitted panels but my panel gets Rejected?
Answer: The Programming Division will send notifications for Rejected panels by December 15, 2024.
What if I submitted panels but my panel gets Waitlisted?
Answer: If your panel(s) get Waitlisted the panel(s) may be moved onto the schedule if other panels get cancelled. This can happen anytime up until December 17, 2023.
My Panel was Approved! Now What?
What if I bought a regular attendee badge but got a panel approved?
Answer: If your panel is Approved, you will need to request a refund for the regular Attendee Badge and you will qualify for a free Panelist Badge (limit of two (2) per panel). We cannot provide refunds after the deadline specified by Registration. Refer to the Registration page for the Pre-Registration Refund Policy and deadlines.
Can I serve food at my panel?
Answer: No. Food is NOT allowed to be served during a panel. Panels may include a food demonstration ONLY but would be limited to live preparation of food. The Attendees cannot sample food, food is ONLY for demonstration purposes to comply with hotel rules and regulations. NO chemicals of any kind will be permitted.
What if I need to make changes to my panel description, length of time, or make any other changes?
Answer: Any changes must be approved by the Programming Division. Email Programming ASAP to request any changes or updates after the application has been submitted.
What if my panel was Approved but I want to cancel my panel?
Answer: Please email to let us know you need to CANCEL as soon as possible. Email us at: [email protected].
What Happens at the Convention?
What technical support will I have access to?
Answer: During set-up technical assistance is available if there is a problem or issue, just tell the staff working at the door of that room and they can radio for assistance. The technical services staff will come to assist if there are any technical issues. The technical services staff will not stay in the room for your entire event.
Is internet provided in all the panel rooms?
Answer: NO. There is NO internet provided by Katsucon. You must provide your own connection if the internet is required for your panel or plan in advance so you can run the panel without an internet connection.
Are computers provided to run my presentation?
Answer: NO. If you need a computer/tablet/other device to run your presentation, you must provide it yourself. Katsucon does not provide laptops/tablets.
Where will Panel Registration be located?
Answer: Panel Registration will be located in Fort Washington Registration Desk for Katsucon 2025.
What if I am late to host my program?
Answer: 15 minutes after your programming is scheduled to begin, if you haven’t shown up to your assigned room, your panel will be canceled.
