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. If more than three (3) submissions are transmitted then the most recent entries will be prioritized and reviewed.

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Programming applications will be reviewed by Dream Con’s Programming Department on a rolling basis. 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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Important Deadlines

Programming Submission Opens

september 18, 2024

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Programming Submission Closes

JANUARY 31, 2025

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Programming Timeline

NOTE: The following are subject to change at staff discretion.

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January 31, 2025: Programming applications close at 11:59 PM CST

February 28, 2025: Applicants will receive a status update regarding their application. NOTE: This communication will only go to the original primary applicant. All secondary and tertiary co-host must correspond with the original primary applicant for updates.

April 2025: Accepted panelists will receive room assignments and will have the chance to submit contact info for their co-hosts. Please note: Room assignments are subject to change based on the needs of the overall convention.

May 2025: Accepted panelists receive a finalized Know Before You Go with all applicable information regarding their activity outlined ahead of the convention.

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Programming Terms & Conditions: Guidelines, Disclaimers, etc.  

PANELIST PACKAGE: We’re excited to offer a Panelist Package for all accepted panelists at Dream Convention 2025! While we’re currently finalizing the perks with our new venue, we’ll share full details upon your acceptance. Panelists will also have the option to opt for the exclusive Panelist Badge or use one of their other badges to enjoy different perks. In the meantime, we’re thrilled to share that all accepted panelists will receive a special perk: a discounted weekend badge at $100! Full details about the Panelist Package will be shared upon acceptance.

• To ensure you don’t miss out on Dream Convention 2025, we recommend that all applicants purchase a regular weekend badge when registration opens. Please monitor the Dream Con website and mobile app for release dates. If you're selected as a panelist, you’ll be eligible for a 33% refund to receive the discounted badge price.
• For those who haven’t purchased a badge by the time of acceptance, you’ll still have the opportunity to purchase the discounted panelist badge directly.
• If you choose to wait for panelist acceptance and are not selected, we regret that we will not be able to offer another option for purchasing a general weekend badge.

COMMUNICATIONS: Please submit all ideas/interest via the aforementioned Programming Application Form and any general questions/inquiries regarding this program via email to panels@dreamconvention.com. You may use info@dreamconvention.com as a secondary point of contact if necessary. Due to the volume of submissions, only selected submissions may receive follow-up correspondence regarding the status of their application but the team will make an effort to contact all individuals.

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Be advised questions regarding on-site production or interactive features on a micro level must be reviewed by multiple departments before a response can be issued to a member of the public; even if it's only a private communication. Certain guidelines and precedents are established but each query must still be reviewed on a case by case basis. These departments include not only those operated by Dream Con coordinators but also the venue management and prospective or confirmed contractors engaged in certain agreements. Thus, the mutually agreed upon update for your question(s) by the collective leadership can take weeks or months to finalize depending on context and scope. The programming team conducts outreach to relevant internal and external departments to develop concise correspondence regarding various scenarios. This will ensure your questions are answered fully in alignment with relevant stakeholders while mitigating conflict and confusion. The programming department does their best to be a resource and conduct interdepartmental outreach on behalf of the countless general ideas/queries received in their inbox on a weekly basis but please note a response is not guaranteed. The team can best clarify protocol and is better equipped to provide additional information to shortlisted applicants or approved submissions from the aforementioned Programming Application Form.

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**IMPORTANT** Please check your supplemental folders such as "Spam" and "Updates" regularly for updates and add panels@dreamconvention.com to your contacts. Missed messages will not be accepted as an excuse or exception. Any issues regarding submission of forms or documentation must be reported via email prior to established deadlines for a resolution and/or to request an extension.

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STATUS UPDATES: Due to the volume of submissions, only selected submissions are guaranteed to receive follow-up correspondence regarding the status of their application. Programming applications close on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:59 pm Central Time. We will not accept any submissions after the application deadline. Prospective programming hosts may apply for multiple panels/events; however, Dream Con does not guarantee that all programming applications will be accepted.

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PRE-PURCHASED GENEREAL ADMISSION BADGES: Standard weekend badges that were purchased prior to acceptance will be eligible for conversion to the panelists badge at no extra charge. NOTE: All panelist badges are NOT UPGRADEABLE to other badges including, but not limited, to Premium and other high-tier fan experience badges. Panelists interested in the ultimate fan experience are encouraged to purchase or retain their standard general admission weekend badges. Selected panelist may elect to either A.) relinquish their purchased weekend badges and all other associated perks/rewards to receive the panelist badge or B.) keep their pre-purchased weekend badges then make a separate purchase of panelists badges to ensure they can take advantage of perks/rewards associated with both badge types. Therefore, if a confirmed panelist is interested in perks/rewards specifically affiliated with weekend badges or premium badges it is highly recommended to forgo the conversion, retain their pre-purchased admission credentials then complete a separate purchase for panelists badges. Submission of documentation with your Order ID/confirmation number for pre-purchased general admission badges will be required for fulfillment.

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All panelist badges are NON-TRANSFERABLE. This includes renaming/changing the name of a previously issued badge. In the event an approved primary host or co-host is unable to attend, the primary host MUST contact panels@dreamconvention.com and receive written approval from the Programming Director to authorize a personnel change in their programming. Fees may apply. Any changes will result in the previous credential becoming defunct before the new credential is distributed.

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PUBLIC PROMOTION: Selected programming hosts are prohibited from promoting their approved event until the designated date established by the Dream Con Programming Department. This date will be shared at a later time with all accepted programming hosts. Dream Con's Marketing and Programming departments may supply approved branding materials to approved panelists to be used on social media, websites, newsletters, collateral materials etc. All applicants utilizing unauthorized promotional materials (e.g. recolored and edited Guest announcement templates) on digital platforms without approval from Dream Con's Programming and Marketing Directors may be subject to disciplinary action including but not limited to removal from the Dream Con programming schedule, revoked admission badges, and other general event restrictions. If you are unsure of any promotional material being in alignment with Dream Con's release protocol feel free to contact panels@dreamconvention.com or info@dreamconvention.com.

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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
• Designated refreshment area
• Exclusive panelist badge and premium lanyard

* Due to the change in venue, certain forthcoming perks and rewards are under review and pending approval. The Programming department will issue updates to confirmed panelists when these details become available. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

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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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authorized protocol | 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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prohibited protocol | 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 or 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. This means there must but content on multiple media platforms dated back at least six months and continuing consistently to present day for qualification and consideration.

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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