Presenting panels can be a fun way to enhance your con experience. There are thousands of different topics you can present on, it doesn’t even have to be cosplay focused! The process can seem indtimdating, but keeping organized will help you be prepared.
1: Keep Track of Deadlines
Make sure you know when panels are due. If you don’t keep track, the submission period will sneak up on you, and leave you behind. Some smaller conventions have more of a rolling deadline, but the sooner you apply, the more likely you are to get your time slot.
2: Creating the Structure
Some conventions might require you to have your panel ready to go when submitting. Others might not ask too much. Before submitting, I would recommend creating the basics of your panel. Think of who will be presenting, what information you are going to cover, and what materials you might need provided (speakers, projectors, etc). Most conventions will ask for at least this information when filling out the application. I would recommend creating an outline for the presentation so you know what are the topics you are discussing, and how long it is going to go for.
3: Putting the Panel Together
Now that you have the outline, you’re going to figure out how you want to display the information. Visuals are required for a good panel, but that doesn’t mean you have to do a PowerPoint. There are live demos, edited videos, props, pictures, etc. You might find that you want to include a couple of different visual aids, but make sure you can still present in your time frame. You might want to rehearse what you want to say (based on your outline) while making sure the visuals work. Try presenting in front of a couple of friends for feedback so your panel can be the best it can be.
Me presenting at Fort Collins Comic Con 2018. Photo by Albert Wang.
4. Advertising
Since you’re putting in so much time and effort, you’ll want people to come. There will be people interested who are wandering in, but getting the buzz out ahead of time can help increase your attendance. If you have a Facebook page (business or personal) you can create an event and share it in relevant groups. This can help get the word out to those who are interested before the convention starts. You can also use this event to put in teasers and get people excited about what you are presenting.
5. Go for It!
On convention day triple check that you have everything you need. Go through your visual aids to make sure you aren’t missing anything. If you can, Arrive to the room early to set up. They give time between panels, so if the presenter is not finished, don’t interrupt their panel. Once everything is set up, interact with people in the room. Ask them how their con is going or why they chose your panel. Once it’s time to start, take a deep breath, and go! You’re panel is going to be amazing!
Nerd Fest 