What is a Panel
AnimeNEXT recognizes four main types of Panels; Audience Engagement, Discussion Panels, Lectures/Presentations, & Workshops.
Audience Engagement: This panel type requires active and constant participation from the audience members in order to effectively convey the message of the presenter. Examples would include Game Shows or Panels requiring physical activity.
Discussion Panels: This type of event usually will feature up to 3 individuals to whom questions will be posed often by a moderator although audience questions may be accepted (depending on how you want to run your event). Some examples of topics include the nature of criticism, state of the industry, future of fandom, particulars about an anime, manga, genre or creator.
Lecture/Presentation: This is the most common type of panel at anime conventions. These panels feature up to 3 individuals presenting on a topic of their choosing. This differs from a discussion panel in that questions may not necessarily be posed by the audience or host and it has the express purpose of educating the attendees. Often visual aids are used such as a slideshow or video during these events.
Workshop: An event, normally between 1 and 2 hours long, where the purpose is to teach a skill or art form in a practical setting. Often these will require extra set-up and supplies. This also includes events that have physical activity. Remember, these events, like panels, should have an informative or educational mission.
What is not a Panel or Workshop
In-character Q&A Panels: This type of event often involves up to 10 panelists in costume being asked questions by the audience and the panelist will answer the question in character. These will be rejected without further question.
Song or Dance Performances: If the event only (or the bulk of the panel) includes only people performing, it will be rejected.
Panels Conflicting with Internal Content: AnimeNEXT puts on a vast amount of internal panels and content with Staff and additional partners. We prioritize internal content tracks and will deny any panels that would cover the same topics or be redundant for our audience.
Other Content Guidelines
AnimeNEXT is organized by Universal Animation whose mission is to educate about Japanese Culture, in particular Japanese Popular Culture. If you’re applying to do a Panel or Workshop make sure it focuses on Anime, Games, Japanese culture, Manga, "Oatku", Nerd Culture, etc. Space is limited so priority is given based on relevancy to our mission.