Programming

Programming Overview

All prospective programming hosts MUST submit their panel or event idea(s) to Dream Con by completing the Programming Application Form. A separate application form (up to 3) must be submitted for EACH panel or event that you would like to host.

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Programming applications will be reviewed by the Dream Con’s Programming Department. Please note that submitting an application does NOT guarantee approval. Acceptance in prior years does NOT guarantee acceptance this year. Prospective hosts will receive an email notifying the applicant if their panel or event has been accepted, rejected, or waitlisted. Due to the volume of submissions, only selected submissions are guaranteed to receive follow-up correspondence regarding the status of their application.

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Deadlines

Programming Submission Opens

October 27, 2023

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Programming Submission Closes

February 29, 2024

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Panelist Badge Guidelines

Prospective hosts may submit up to three (3) panel/event applications; however, Dream Con does not guarantee that all the submissions will be accepted. Standard weekend badges that were purchased prior to acceptance will be converted into the new panelists badge: 

• Panelist badges & exclusive lanyards are available for pick up at the Registration booth in a priority pickup line.
• Hosts can only pick up their own individual panelist badge.
• All Programming hosts must use their legal name
• All Programming hosts must show a valid ID to pick up their panelist badges.

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Panelist Badge Access

Benefits

• Weekend entry to general convention space
• Skipline for main entrances into the building *Note: this benefit does NOT apply to programming areas such as the mainstage, gaming hall, etc.
• Refreshment table in/near programming rooms
• Exclusive panelist badge and premium lanyard
• First access period to purchase official on-site afterparty tickets
• Priority registration line for panelist badge pick-up 

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Limitations

• This badge does NOT allow panelists into exclusive areas such as the Deluxe Lounge, Industry Lounge, Green Room, Staff marked Areas, back-of-house hallways for the venue, or backstage. 
• Panelist badges do NOT allow skipline access nor reserved seating for any events or programming spaces. 
• Panelist badges do NOT include complimentary travel, lodging, food, on-site storage/coat check or security detail.

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*Any inclusions added to this badge’s access will be communicated by the official Dream Con Programming Team.

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Programming Policy

During the convention, hosts and co-hosts are expected to arrive five (5) minutes early to their scheduled room. Hosts and Co-hosts must check-in with the room managers or volunteers to ensure proper setup. Panels and events must end five (5) minutes before the scheduled end time to ensure a proper transition from one panel/event to the next.

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Programming Host(s) are allowed to:

• Use videos, music, and other digital media throughout the duration of their panel(s) or event(s).
• Lead interactive games/workshops that involve the audience’s participation.
• Give out prizes or rewards at the end of their panel(s) or event(s)

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Programming Host(s) are NOT allowed to:

• Provide food or beverages unless sealed in its original package and approved by Dream Con’s Programming Department.
• Rearrange the room’s seating without prior permission from Dream Con’s Programming Department.
• Install or tamper with any convention audio/visual equipment.
• Charge an entry fee into the panel or event.
• Provide or consume ANY alcoholic beverages during their panel unless pre-approved by Dream Con’s Programming Department.
• Utilize the trademarks, likeness, and intellectual property of Dream Con or RDCWorld without expressed written consent from executive leadership. This includes the promotion of panels or events on social media and other digital platforms (i.e. websites, newsletters). Violations may result in removal from programming schedule or restrictions from future Dream Con events/programs.

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Programming Equipment

All panel and event rooms are equipped with the following:

• Microphone (quantity varies by room size)
• Monitor OR a projector & screen
• Standard connector cables (HDMI/VGA, 3.5 AUX, etc.)
• Table & Chairs
• Laptop

Final room equipment lists and inclusions will be sent out to approved panelists along with their programming time slot information

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Restricted Programming

These submissions will NOT be considered:

• ‍Versus Panels (i.e. Goku vs Superman etc)
• Character Panels
• Speed Dating Panels
• Character Q&A Panels

18+ Programming General Information

Panels and events that include any adult material or inappropriate content will be tagged as an 18+ panel/event. All members of a group or team hosting an 18+ panel or event must be 18 years of age or older by July 26, 2024.

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Examples of 18+ Content:

• Hentai/Ecchi
• Nudity or suggestive nudity
• Yaoi
• Yuri
• Obsessive amounts of adult language
• Sexuality/sexual intercourse discussions
• Triggering or offense material

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General Programming Information

• Programming Hosts that are more than ten (10) minutes late will have their event canceled and barred from applying next year. *Please note this does not include individuals affected by Acts of God “Force Majeure”, family deaths, or last-minute accidents.‍
• For non-Force Majeure events, hosts must inform the Programming staff of any minor emergencies or unforeseen issues that may prevent the hosts from being on time or from hosting their scheduled panel/event at least 1 hour before their panel/event.
• Dream Con’s Programming Department reserves the right to change, move, or revoke accepted panels or events for any reason.
• Hosts cannot reserve seating for any attendee.
• Hosts must yield to all instructions given by Dream Con’s Programming Staff. Failure to do so will result in panel/event cancellation and badge refund eligibility being revoked.

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Types of Applications

Lecture/Discussion

Lecture panels are oral presentations or group discussions led by a host(s). Examples of topics include Anime, gaming, industry news, character studies etc. They are usually educational with varying levels of audience debate/interaction.

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Workshop/Tutorial

Workshops are group led tutorials/instructional panels on a specific topic or hobby.

Demo/Performance

Demos and performances are in person plays, concerts, and other live forms of entertainment. Generally done by professional associations/orgs.

Podcast

Podcasts are digital audio talk shows/conversations between the hosts, fans, guests, industry personnel etc. Typically done in our podcasting area but can also take the form of a live in-person panel. Only Podcast groups older than six (6) months are allowed to apply for this application type.

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Screening

Screenings are panel/events that showcase a movie, trailer, or tv show. Generally done by professional associations/orgs or media companies.

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Game Show/Interactive Panel

Game Shows and Interactive Panels are generally small game shows, or smaller competitions/interactive events. They generally have prizes or awards for the competitors and require audience participation.

‍Programming Event

Programming events are larger group driven activities. They are generally competitions, special programs, and parties. Only professional associations/orgs can apply for this application type.

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Interactive Event

Interactive events are panel/events involving full attendee participation (generally physical activity) for an extended amount of time. Generally, these events last all day and all weekend. Only professional associations/orgs can apply for this application type.

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*Hosts are liable for all damages sustained during their panel(s). “No Shows” or late cancellations will impact future considerations for programming submissions. For more information or other questions, please contact panels@dreamconvention.com.

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*Professional Associations/Orgs are businesses that employ individuals either in a full-time or part-time capacity.

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Panelist Prep Rally