So you want to have an amazing fan panel at comic con?

Celebrity guests are the main draw for a comic convention. Big names attract people. Their panels allow us to be able to ask celebrities questions. However, they are not the only panels at fan expos. Fan led panels enable people to interact with others who share their passions. Having attended so many of these over the years, we now offer our tips on how to have an amazing fan panel at a comic con.

First, we have never applied to do a fan panel. I have appeared on one, and it was a fantastic experience. The crew from Outside the Long Box invited me to join them on their Censorship in Comic panel. We were able to share our knowledge while having a back and forth with the audience.

Also, being both teachers, we have a unique outlook on panels. A great panel would fit into the best teaching practices. They provide information but demand audience participation.

Our Tips on How to Have a Fan Panel at a Comic Con

Engaging topic

It all starts here. You need a theme that allows for participation. Now, this doesn’t always need to be vocal participation, it could be hands-on as well, but it needs to not be just you and your friends pontificating (recording podcasts as a panel may be an exception to this rule). Sit and gets bore most people. While you might be the smartest person in the room in the subject, that doesn’t mean people want to listen to you ramble for 45 minutes.

Plan, Plan, Plan

We attended a fan panel one time because the topic – Star Wars vs. Star Trek – seemed interesting. You can talk about the differences between science fantasy vs. science fiction, their impact on culture and science, etc. What it turned out to be was a bunch of unfunny people attempting to roast each other. It was miserable. It was evident that besides their title, they didn’t really plan all that much. Like in good teaching, you need to prepare. You need to plan what you are discussing. Planning the questions you want to ask the audience will also make for a more dynamic panel.

Over Plan

In fact, you should plan for more than 45 minutes. Talking in front of people is hard, especially if you do not do it regularly. If you are don’t plan, the panel will not run smoothly. You will talk faster than you think you will. You will run out of things to say. You might run into a timid audience. You need to fill out the 45 minutes if this happens.

Visual Aids and Projection

Not all cons have every room equipped with visual equipment. If you are unsure, plan as if it will have it. It’s not a big deal if there is none. Just go on with what you were saying. However, not having microphones can make or break a panel. If you can project your voice well enough or if the room is small enough, it doesn’t matter, however, if it is a larger room, you will need to project your voice so the people in the back can hear you.

Have a Moderator

If you are alone, then you are the moderator. However, if you are part of a group that is doing the panel, one of you needs to act as the moderator. You need a person to move along the discussion when it needs it. A good moderator knows when the conversation is going off the rails. It also helps to have just one person call on people to ask questions.

If you are thinking about it, do it!

Finally, if you are thinking about doing a fan panel, do it. I had a blast doing the one I did. It was an experience I’ll never forget. If you are worried about people not showing up, that doesn’t matter. Someone will show up even if they are to get a little rest. Apply! Make sure you did the steps above before you fill out your application. The work should go in before you apply.

Make sure you advertise for it. Post it on social media. Tell your friends. When I did mine, all my friends showed up. Well, except for my wife, who had a photo op with Dave Bautista. I can’t really blame her.

What would you like to see at a fan run panel? What do you think makes a successful one?

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