Panels

Attend a panel discussion and increase your knowledge on your favourite topics while you network with like-minded friends.

Registering a Panel

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

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

Please note that to facilitate the transition between each session, the duration of each workshop has to be either 60 or 90 minutes.

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

If you would like to submit a panel, you have until June 8, 2025, to send your request by filling out our form.

Panellists will then receive an email on their submissions for acceptance or refusal. We will only use the email of the main panellist for communications with the Panels team. Official panel schedules will be sent to them at least two 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. Panellists are allowed to express their opinions, as long as they do so respectfully. No sale 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 panellists! 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 one 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 or sexuality, eroticism, ecchi, horror and full-frontal nudity will be scheduled after 20:00. Hentai, explicit sexuality or other pornographic material, as well as extreme or excessive violence and gore, will be scheduled after 22:00. 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, 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 will be tolerated.
4. Inappropriate behaviour and nudity either by the panellists or the audience are forbidden.
5. The decision to designate an age rating on the panel by the Panels Director 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 badge.

Need to know more?

You got questions? We got answers! You can contact the Panels Director at panels@otakuthon.com.

From the Otakuthon Panels team, thank you for expressing interest in submitting content for Otakuthon!