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 a few minutes of submitting your panel application. If you do not see it, please check your spam or junk folder, as some email providers may mistakenly filter Katsucon emails incorrectly. If you still have not received a confirmation email, it is likely that your application was not submitted successfully.
If you have not received your panel status notification by December 15, please check your spam or junk folder before contacting us.
If you still cannot find the status email, please contact us. Please follow up if you haven’t heard from us within a reasonable timeframe to ensure your inquiry was received.
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 with the Katsucon Registration Department and you will qualify for a free Panelist Badge (limit of two (2) per panel). KEI 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: If you are participating as a Merchant or Artist in addition to presenting a panel, you do not need a separate Panelist Badge. Please let us know that you already have a convention badge when communicating about your panel.
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.
My panel will be 18+, so what does that entail?
Answer: If you are submitting an 18+ panel the following applies:
- You MUST obtain 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 10:00 pm and may be scheduled to start as late as 2:00 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 (for example, tea) 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: Charging attendees a fee is not allowed at this time. If you believe your workshop may require a fee, you must clearly state this in your application. We will reach out directly if there are any questions.
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, 2026.
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 15, 2026.
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 of any kind is not allowed. Panels may include a food demonstration ONLY but would be limited to live preparation of food. The Attendees cannot sample food. Food can ONLY be used for demonstration purposes to comply with hotel rules and regulations. No candy or food is allowed to be given as prizes. 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: Technical assistance is available during set-up if you encounter an equipment problem or issue. Please notify the staff member in that room, providing as much detail as possible. The room staff will call for support, and a member of the Technical Services team will assist with resolving any technical issues. The Technical Services staff member will not remain in the room for the panel duration.
Is internet provided in all the panel rooms?
Answer: No, internet will not be 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, computers will not be provided. If you need a computer/tablet/other device to run your presentation, you must provide it yourself. Katsucon does not provide laptops/tablets. Please plan to bring any necessary adapters with you. While Katsucon has a limited inventory of adapters available, we cannot guarantee that the needed adapter will be available for every panelist.
Where will Panel Registration be located?
Answer: Panel Registration will be in the Fort Washington Registration Desk for Katsucon 2027.
What if I am late to host my program?
Answer: If you haven’t arrived at your assigned room within 15 minutes of your scheduled start time, your panel may be canceled. Please plan to arrive early to allow time for setup and check-in.