Panel Application
The form below allows you to apply to run a panel or event at the convention. Our schedules are built on these forms, so they are mandatory for all persons running a panel. Applications are due no later than 11:59pm, August 1, 2025. After the deadline, all panel applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified via email whether or not their panel was accepted. Space is limited, so panels are approved selectively. Submitting an application does not automatically approve your panel. Your panel is only final if and when you receive written approval from the Panels Manager or Director of Programming.
Things to note
- Panel applications are not first-come, first-served. We try to provide a variety of content, so take the time to make sure your panel is unique and well thought-out!
- Before submitting a panel application, please read the rules and FAQ listed below.
- If you have any questions after reading the rules and FAQ, please contact the Panels Manager at panels@kumoricon.org for assistance.
Running a panel does not automatically grant you access to the convention. You must have a valid membership or be a Kumoricon staff member to run a panel.
Event Host Incentive Program
The person who organizes a panel will earn "incentive points" at a rate of 1 point for each half hour of approved live content up to 16 points (8 hours of content). These points can be redeemed for the following awards:
- Discounted attendee membership code ($55 weekend badge) = 2 points
- This is a one-time-use code that can be given to others if the organizer already has a badge.
- 5 Kumori Cash = 2 points
- Provided during con at the Programming Office.
A person can redeem an award multiple times if they have the points for it. (Example: A person who runs 2 hours of content (4 points) can receive two membership discount codes, use one to get their own badge and send the second to a friend.)
Only the organizer (person who submits the panel application) will receive incentive points, regardless of how large (or complex) a panel is. Selection of awards will occur over email once the initial draft of the schedule is sent out.
Kumoricon staff may collect incentive points only if running a panel is outside the duties of the position. (Example: The Cosplay Coordinator does not receive points for running the Cosplay Contest. However, they would receive points if they ran a cosplay tutorial that was independent of the contest.)
We do not offer refunds on badges. If you are interested in applying points toward a discounted rate, then please do not register as an attendee and instead have the organizer contact panels@kumoricon.org for more information.
Panel rules
- No outside food or drink is allowed in panel rooms! The convention center must cater any and all food in panel rooms. This can get very expensive. If you must have food for your panel, email panels@kumoricon.org and we can discuss options.
- Stay within your rating. Panel ratings help us determine which age groups your panel is intended for. Please remember that we are a family-friendly convention, and there are people of all ages (including children) who attend panels. Try to limit unnecessary swear words in non-18+ panels.
- Treat equipment with care. Our equipment is there to enhance your panel. The better you treat it, the longer we will have it to provide for your use!
- Do not remove equipment from the room. Tech staff will take down/set up any Kumoricon equipment. It will be delivered during the break between panels, and may arrive 10–15 minutes before your panel starts. If you need additional setup time, please make a note on your panel application. If equipment needs to be moved after your panel is over, our staff will take care of it.
- All persons in the room must have a badge! All attendees and panelists must have a badge for the convention in accordance with our policies. Even if you are just there to help someone run a panel, you must have a badge to be in convention space.
- Be aware of your time! Panels are scheduled to allow for setup/teardown time, so don't linger in the room after your panel or run over your allotted time. This is especially important for panels scheduled at the end of the night—there is a strict time to be out of the convention center, so you must end at your scheduled time.
- Do not rearrange the furniture in the panel rooms. The convention center is in charge of setting up the chairs, etc. in the rooms, and they work very hard to do so. The rooms are scheduled to have certain setups at certain times depending on the panels happening in the rooms. You can request your preferred room setup in the applicable section on the application form.
If you break any of the rules above, you may be subjected to a strike. See our strike policy here: Content Complaint [Strike] Policy
Frequently asked questions
What is a panel?
A panel is usually an open discussion about a certain topic (such as a specific anime/manga/game series or other related topic). Some panels may include games or quizzes, how-tos, or an introduction to a topic.
I'm thinking of running a panel on (blank) but I don't know if people will be interested in it. Should I submit an application?
One way to determine if there is a good amount of interest is to post in the Kumoricon Facebook group explaining the concept of your panel. It can also be a great way to brainstorm ideas, recruit help, and it may help you decide whether or not to submit an application.
How do I submit a panel application?
Panel applications will open later in May, on this page.
When you submit your application, please be sure to clearly describe what your panel is about. This description is what helps us decide what panels are accepted for the year.
How do I know my panel application was submitted?
You will receive an email notifying you that your application was submitted successfully.
I submitted an application. Does that mean I'm running a panel?
Not yet. Once the application deadline has passed, all panels will be reviewed and each panelist will be notified by email whether or not their panel has been accepted. Notification usually happens in September. Please note that even if your panel does not get accepted you will still be notified regardless.
So it's been a couple of days since panel applications closed. Can you tell me if my panel has been accepted or not?
We receive a high volume of panel applications, and it takes time to carefully consider them. Notifications are sent out after a preliminary schedule has been created, and that process can take a few weeks, so please be patient.
I have a question about panels. Who do I ask?
If after reviewing the panel rules and FAQ, your question still isn’t answered, please send your questions to panels@kumoricon.org, and we will do our best to assist you.
Is it possible to hand out prizes at my panel?
Yes! You're welcome to hand out small prizes like buttons or other non-food items. We can also provide Kumori Cash as a prize option. To go over the details and available options, please reach out to us at panels@kumoricon.org.
How do I know I'm getting the equipment I requested for my panel?
As long as you requested equipment on your application, we will do our best to provide it (based on availability). If it isn't listed on your application, tech staff won't know to bring it. If you need to revise your requests, you can email panels@kumoricon.org, or talk to the Panels Manager at the Panelist Meeting at the convention.
My panel was accepted (yay)! How do I know when my panel will take place?
Shortly after notification emails are sent out, a draft of the schedule will be sent to panelists to verify time slots. During this time, you can check your assigned time for any scheduling conflicts.
I already applied to run a panel, but I can no longer run it for (blank) reason. What should I do?
Life happens. If you need to cancel your panel, contact panels@kumoricon.org as soon as you can.
I want to run a panel, but I will only be at Kumoricon for certain days. What should I do?
Please make a note in the applicable section of your panel application.
I want to run a panel, but I already told my friend I'd help run their panel too. What should I do?
Please make a note in the applicable section of your panel application.
Will my panel room have access to the internet?
No. Please ensure your content does not require an internet connection.
What is the max amount of people I can have in my panel?
The maximum number of panelists is dependent on which room your panel will be in and the max allowable is 6 people. If you feel your panel needs more than 6, please email panels@kumoricon.org, and the team will review the request on a case by case basis.
I have a question regarding panels, but Kumoricon is in a few days. Will my email be responded to in time?
We do our best to respond to emails in a timely manner, but if you do not receive a response, you can seek out the Panels Manager at the Panelist Meeting on the first morning of Kumoricon or visit the Programming Office during the convention.