Ever felt like your fandom was passed over?  Not enough variety?  Not enough of the stuff you want to see?  Enriching your at-con experience is just an application away~

Whether you want to put together a discussion group or art panel, sold your soul to cosplay or Ball-Jointed Dolls, want to share the history of Boy's Love or debate the future of the genre; no topic is too great or too small!

Dust off your glasses, unlock your inner professor, and get started on brainstorming your panel for 2010!

*NOTE: Industry representatives wanting to request a panel to announce new titles or set up a focus panel for a special guest you've invited also need submit a form to ensure we have a record of your request.

So, you have some esoteric knowledge relating to homosexuality in ancient Japan (or other yaoi-related topic), and have decided that the best way to disseminate said knowledge is by chairing a panel at Yaoi-Con. Great!

We're excited that you want to join us in our occasionally (often?) sordid hobby.

The first thing to do is complete the panel application. All the information you provide will help the events coordinators serve you better. Once we've had a chance to review the submissions and put together a tentative schedule, we'll get back to you regarding the status of your request.

Some final thoughts before you apply.

• First, this is Yaoi-Con, so make sure your topic relates to Yaoi. If you want to run fem/fem fan fiction panel, Yaoi-Con probably isn't the best place! We may consider a few crossover fan topics — but strongly encourage that your panel stay related to Yaoi.
• Second, priority will be given to people who have yaoi-related topics and who completely fill out their application. Please note — if you have logistical needs, please indicate it completely on your form.  We will try our best to accommodate.  However, it is advisable to have a back up presentation plan in case the logistical needs cannot be met or unavailable.
• Third, if you feel that you may have to drop out of the con, please note that on your application — or consider not applying to be a panel chair. This is a commitment you are making, and once we make the schedule you will be counted on to run your panel.
• Fourth, if you're not really comfortable speaking in front of people then chairing a panel may not be for you. We'd like to stress the need for outgoing people with a good base of knowledge to draw from.

Please note the following before you start filling out the form:

• Be sure to indicate specific logistical support required.  Keep in mind that there may be panels that will exceed the availability of the logistics.  A back-up plan on how to present your panel with minimal support is encouraged. Be as specific and detailed as you can with the content/theme of your panel, so our program guide can reflect your panel information accurately.

• The names of the panelists will default to what you put in the NAME section. If you would like for us to use your handle, please put your handle in (brackets) after your real name (your real name is required for internal tracking in the database).

If you have any questions please contact the Panels Coordinators.

Benefits of Being a Panelist:

Yaoi-Con wants to say thanks for the hard work you put into running your panels! Participating panelists and the co-panelists will earn hours for discounted for the subsequent year's attendance.  One panel hour will equal to THREE volunteer hours.  All Panelists are also cordially invited to a closed-luncheon just for the volunteers and panelists on Sunday afternoon.

* Please note that applying for panels does not automatically grant entry into the Con at a discounted rate. Panelist(s) must complete their scheduled panel(s) for the full time allotted to be eligible for the Panel Perks program.

In addition, industry representatives who are running a panel(s) will not automatically be granted complimentary admission into the convention, either — only representatives of major sponsors, and those pre-approved by the Convention Director will be given free admission.

Also note that all panel requests must first be approved by the Panels Chairperson. Panel requests are granted on a First Come-First Served basis; we will try to accommodate as many panelists as we can.

[ PANELIST APPLICATION ]