So you want to submit a panel to AnimeIowa? Fan-run panels are the basis of the Anime Iowa convention; but do you know what kinds of panels AnimeIowa allows? We love and want you all, so read on!

When to Submit:

Panel submissions are open until June 6th. Panel submissions after this date will not be accepted. We want to allow as much time as possible for all your wonderful ideas to come our way. Our Programming Team needs enough time to sift through everything and get it out to you before the convention, so please submit your panel suggestions in a timely manner!

What to Submit (and at what time):

Anime Iowa strives to be a Japanese Pop Culture Convention. Panels scheduled between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. need to be directly related to Japanese Culture. We are always open to creative ideas that break the traditional mold of what defines Japanese culture. Please do not be afraid to submit!

Panels need to be of substance and have a plan. Replaying Naruto saying “MidnightShamamallama-samakun” does not constitute a panel.

However, what happens AFTER 10:00 p.m.?

Despite being a Japanese Culture convention, our attendees’ tastes include a wide spectrum of interests. This year, AnimeIowa Programming presents Late Night Ai! Panels from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. can be about your quirks, your quotes, and your qualms so that everyone of all interests can get the most out of the convention. Late Night Ai tries to infuse YOUR love of general geek culture that comes through your Anime fandom into an area where you can enjoy it.

On this note, not all panels unrelated to Japanese Pop Culture will be accepted. You still need a good panel concept with planned content.

But do I get to choose my exact time slot?

AnimeIowa Programming tries to accommodate everyone. As such, you are able to request three time preferences. Please note that everyone usually wants the exact same time. Prime time always falls on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Obviously, not everyone can have panels all at once. So, if you are at all willing to do a Friday afternoon or a Sunday panel, we would all greatly appreciate it! If your content or research material is interesting enough AnimeIowa Programming will consider giving you a longer time slot.

I got a panel! But now I can’t make it!

EEP! If you are suddenly unable to attend your own panel for any reason, you must contact the Programming Department A.S.A.P.!! We need to fill in that space for others AND we need to alert all the people looking forward to attending that panel at the con. We don’t want other con goers to miss out on others’ panels simply because they were waiting on you.

What if I want to do —-?

1. Performing artist(s) should note that panels are about interacting with each other. They are not about soliciting your amazing skills. Also, at this time, AnimeIowa cannot accommodate full-scale orchestras, bands, etc. in size or in equipment. However, if you believe there is a way we can accommodate you and you are not soliciting, please email us after your panel submission detailing: (1) who you are; (2) what you are doing; (3) and samples of your work. These are necessary for our decision making process.
2. AnimeIowa does not allow panels of an overly negative or pessimistic nature. There are plenty of things to make fun of (and we all love to nit-pick), but the convention experience is to promote the fandom, not put it down. Make fun of other people and hobbies in your own free time at the convention. Again, while emailing AnimeIowa Programming about the overall tone of your panel, please remember: submitted Panels with an overly negative tone will generally be disregarded for acceptation.
3. Panels with any manner of adult content need to be indicated as 18+. AnimeIowa is a family-friendly convention and adult panels need to be scheduled at appropriate times with appropriate indication.

Alright, I’d love to A but my panel requires B.

AnimeIowa is pleased to announce: we have projectors and sound in every panel room (with the exception of the workshop room—which only has sound). This means we can support YOUR technicial desires for your panel. Whether you’re analyzing Japanese animation in Miyasaki or signing Karaoke, we have fewer limitations on what can be scheduled where. During the convention, Tech Ninjas will be lurking in the shadows should technical problems arise. MACINTOSH USERS please note that you absolutely, positively, without a doubt, provide your own video cable for the projector as AnimeIowa will not provide them.

Also, make sure to state if you require any other types of equipment for your panel such as boards/markers, pencil/paper, et al. Alert us before the convention that way we make the AnimeIowa panels the best they’ll ever be!

On the internet usage during your panel. Due heavy usage during the convention, we cannot guarantee a constant internet service connection during your panel. As such, avoid relying on an internet connection for your panel. We’re sorry, the internet just has a mind of its own.

If I submit a panel, can I get in free?

NO. End of Story. However… By submitting a panel you DO receive the ever-coveted Volunteer hours which can be turned in for merchandise! (DVDS, Figurines, Manga, Galore!)

Now that you have read understood all of these guidelines, you may submit your panel idea at the Panel Submission Page. Go on now, click the link.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the Programming Policy or Programming in general, please email programming@animeiowa.com. We will do our best to help you!