Panels FAQ

FAQs >  Panels FAQ

METROCON Panels FAQ

Who hosts panels?
Anyone! While we have panels hosted by our Special Guests, METROCON also sports tons of panels hosted by volunteers and regular con-goers - like you! - every year. Visiting guest groups, like Last Chance Myu or Outland Armour, have also hosted panels on special topics.

How can I submit a panel idea?
If you would like to host your own panel, it's real easy! If you don't already have an account, sign up for one in the MyConsOnline.com Convention Management System (formerly Team METRO). If we've opened panel submission, then you'll find it on the left under "Volunteers" and after you click the button for "My Panels". Click on "Create Event/Panel", fill in all the information, (make sure you check that you agree the panel won't go over PG-13!) and hit "Submit"! It's that simple.

Does it cost anything to host a panel?
If you're asking if it costs anything to rent the room for the panel, then no. METROCON does not charge to host a panel. In fact, hosting a panel counts as volunteer hours, so if you do a panel or two along with normal volunteering for your 10 hours, then METROCON pays you (by giving you the cost of your badge back)!

Okay, I submitted my panel, what now?
At this point, you'll be able to see your panel under "Show My Current Events/Panels", as well as "Show All My Events/Panels". If you would like to edit the description, you can do so from either page - just select the panel and click the "edit" icon button. (Please note that Panel Names are unable to be edited.)
Your panel will join a list of panels that our Panel Coordinator staff will go through and approve on a case-by-case basis. If our staff has any questions or concerns, they will contact you directly to work with you on getting your panel approved. Please be patient as it can take our staff a couple of weeks to get through all of the panels.

How do I know if my panel has been approved?
You will receive a confirmation email stating that your panel has been approved. Also if you see a green checkmark next to your panel name under "Show My Current Events/Panels", then your panel has been approved for our convention!

Yay, I've been approved! ....now what?
Congratulations! Now your panel needs a time slot and room location.

Do you place my panel for me? I don't wanna conflict with [insert event]!
We do not place panels. Our staff will only move a panel to a different time/location if required. You get to choose your own panel time/date/location! This way, you're in charge of your own schedule.

Great! I want my panel/event to go into Special Events!
Whoa there partner! While we're glad for your enthusiasm, we hate to inform you that the Special Events Ballroom is not available for panel placement. Only regular panel rooms will be on the selection list and only METROCON Staff can place a panel/event into certain other rooms, such as the Special Events Ballroom, Guest Track, Video Rooms, and Main Events. Also, only certain events with specific criteria will be considered for the Special Events Ballroom. Sorry!

What's the minimum length a panel can run for?
All panels are one (1) hour in length minimum. However, we ask that you be ready to only run 50 minutes in order to give that last 10 minutes for room changeover.

Okay, so I want to select a time for my panel. How?
First of all, we want to make sure everyone's aware that panel times are on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you are intent upon a specific time, you better move fast before someone else gets it!
To select your time, click on "Set Times" under "My Panels". (Hint, it's at the end next to "Create Event/Panel".) From there, select a panel room, read the room description to make sure you've chosen the right one for your panel type, and then choose a time slot. If you've made more than one panel and they've all been approved, then make sure you select the right panel from the drop down box. Once you've placed your panel, you will be unable to place another panel in another room in the same time slot, nor will you be able to select a volunteer slot for that time period. (So if you're making a panel for a friend and want to volunteer at that time, then get your friend to sign up for their own account to make their panel! =D )

Will my panel show in the Events Schedule on the METROCON website?
Yup. As soon as you've selected your time slot in the MyConsOnline.com Convention Management System, your panel will automatically show up in its designated date, time, and room on the main MetroConventions.com Events Schedule. Nifty, huh?