Workshops

Participating in a Workshop

Two types of workshops are available: on-site workshops, and paid workshops. 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 to 60 minutes before the workshop, as places are limited. Please note no verbal or physical violence will be tolerated, before, during, or after the panel in question. 

Paid workshops

(More information TBD)

Registering and Hosting a Workshop

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

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

To become a workshop host, you must be preregistered. A limit of four people is allowed per workshop, and no more than six 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 Wi-Fi connection will be provided.

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

Hosts will receive an email on their submissions for acceptance or refusal. 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 weeks before the start of the convention.

Guide of Conduct for Workshop Hosts

Host Conduct

Inappropriate behaviour, swearing, and discrimination are not tolerated and will result in the banning of the host from organizing workshops in the future. Hosts 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 Workshop

Keep track of time to allow a smooth transition for the next hosts! 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 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 Workshops staff at the Workshops table.

Most importantly, make sure to have fun with everyone!

Guidelines for “Mature” Workshops

Workshops featuring mature content must abide by the following restrictions:

1. Workshops 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 workshops will be designated as “mature”.
2. Mature workshops 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 hosts.
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 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?

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

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