What is a Panel?

A Panel is a collection of experts or avid fans that converge, along with an audience, to discuss matters pertaining to all aspects of convention and anime culture. These topics range from the evolution of anime, creation of cosplay, the interest and popularity of AMV’s, and far beyond.

Panels are an integral part of the convention, as they foster discussion and debate between the participants. Although many panels are delivered as lectures they contain large segments of free thought and discussion and should therefore be considered a threat.

Panels are usually run by 2-5 “panelists”. These people have the authority over the panel and extensive knowledge of their chosen subject. Wai-con holds two different types of panels: interactive workshop panels, and lecture panels both running for 45 minutes to an hour and a half. The audience listens to a presentation by the panelists, after which there is an open question time. It is during this question time that people discuss the matters issued in the presentation.

Further question on panels, attending panels, or running a panel should be directed to the Panels Coordinator.