DigiKumo Panel Application

The form below allows you to apply to run a panel or event during DigiKumo. Our schedules are built on these forms, so they are mandatory for all persons running a panel. This form is due no later than 11:59pm, October 4, 2020 (re-opened and deadline extended). After the deadline, all panel forms will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified via email whether or not their panel was accepted. Time slots are limited, so panels will be approved selectively. Submitting a form does not automatically approve your panel to be on the schedule for the event. Your panel is only final if and when you receive written approval from the Panel Manager or Director of Programming.

DigiKumo will be accepting two types of panel submissions: Live panels and pre-recorded panels. Below is what to expect for each type:

Live panel (streaming)

Pros:

• Live interaction with attendees via chat.
• Panel Moderator available during your panel for support.

Cons:

• Prone to technical issues that could delay or prevent your content from being seen.

Requirements:

• Panelist(s) will need to be available for equipment testing prior to the event.
• Panelist(s) will be interacting live with attendees.
• Panelist(s) will need to have a reliable internet connection.
• Panelist(s) will need adequate equipment to stream their content.

Pre-recorded panel

Pros:

• Panelist(s) do not have to know anything about streaming.
• Panelist(s) can edit or correct parts of their panel before final submission.
• Panelist(s) do not need to be present while the panel is streaming

Cons:

• Panelist(s) will only be able to interact with attendees via chat during the panel.
• Pre-recorded videos need to be finished well in advance of the event.

Requirements:

• A 25- or a 55- minute video submitted to Kumoricon by 11:59pm, October 10, 2020. Can be up to 5GB in size with YouTube HD video quality.
  • Video will be reviewed by Programming staff to ensure it meets criteria.
• Kumoricon will stream the video on panelist's behalf.

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!
• When you submit your panel application, you must provide a 1:00min-1:30min video summary of your panel idea. Think of it as a trailer to your content.
• Live panels will use a video conference system (such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet) to connect to Kumoricon staff who will handle streaming your content.
• Before submitting a panel form, please read the rules and FAQ listed below.
• Accepted file formats for application videos are anything that will play in VLC.
• If you have any questions after reading the rules and FAQ, please contact the Panel Manager at panels@kumoricon.org for assistance.

Panel rules

• 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 the more age-appropriate panels.
• Stay within your time limit. Each event will be scheduled to a specific length;, please make sure your content is close to the provided length. We may cut off your panel if you begin to run over.
• Respect the Panel Moderators. Each live panel will have a Panel Moderator to monitor the chat and pass along questions from the attendees. Please focus on your presentation and allow the moderator to do their job.

DigiKumo checklist

• ❏ Read application (Intro, Things to note, Panel rules, FAQ)
• ❏ Decide to conduct a live panel or pre-recorded panel
  • ❏ Note: Panel application submissions due 11:59pm, October 4, 2020 (deadline extended)
  • ❏ Note: Pre-recorded panel (final version) due 11:59pm, October 10, 2020 (corrected date)
• ❏ Create a 1:00-1:30min video summary of your panel idea
• ❏ Fill out the application form
• ❏ Submit your application form along with your 1:00-1:30min video

Frequently asked questions

Ask Me Anything replay

On September 5, we hosted an Ask Me Anything for presenting digital panels. You can watch the video recording here.

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 a new thread in the Panels section of the forums 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 a form.

How do I submit a panel application?

Panels applications are available below, on this page.

Why do I need to submit a 1:00-1:30min video with my panel application?

The video submission gives us the chance to see what your panel is all about, but also gives you the opportunity to test out your video and sound capabilities. It also allows us to offer feedback on both content and video quality of the panel.

What kind of content should I provide in my 1:00-1:30min demo?

Think of it as a simple trailer to your panel. You do not need to make a flashy or epic video, but a simple explanation of what you would like to do in your panel and what kind of content you want to discuss is recommended. We go through each and every application submission, so take your time in creating your content and show us why your content is important to you.

How do I make the video for my panel application submission?

One simple solution is that you can use a computer with a webcam and microphone attached to create your video. One of many available capture programs is OBS which can record your webcam feed. If you need to cut down your recording to a shorter length, there are a lot of free video editors out there (such as VideoPad, DaVinci Resolve, and AVS Video Editor). That being said, you are not limited to using a webcam. If you have the capabilities, you may create your video with different, but higher quality, equipment.

What equipment do I need to run a live panel?

In most cases, a panelist will need the following:

• A computer with Internet access (to connect to the conference call)
• A webcam (USB connection preferred over a laptop camera)
• Headphones (to prevent echo)
• A microphone (to record your voice)

How do I know my panel application was submitted?

You will receive an email notifying you that your application was submitted successfully.

I submitted a form. 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 panels submissions closed. Can you tell me if my panel has been accepted or not?

We receive a high volume of panel submissions, 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.

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 available for certain times during DigiKumo weekend. What should I do?

If the panel is pre-recorded and you don't want to be in the viewing chat, then you are fine. If you want to participate in the chat or the panel is a livestream, 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?

If the panels are pre-recorded, then you are fine. If they are both livestreaming, please make a note in the applicable section of your panel application.

I have a question regarding panels, but DigiKumo 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 as we approach the event, email volume increases. If you have not received an answer, you can also reach out to programming@kumoricon.org.

I have a different question about panels. Who do I ask?

Please send your questions to panels@kumoricon.org, and we will do our best to assist you.

Panel applications are now closed.