Panel FAQ
Can I pick my panel session date / time?
Given the amount of content that will be shared at SVCC, panels will be scheduled by the organizers with the overall event schedule in mind. It is not possible to choose your own panel time, so please be sure your panelists are available throughout the show before you submit.
Who can enter a proposal?
Anyone over 18 can submit a panel proposal to SVCC. If you are under 18, but have a parent’s permission to attend, please submit your idea and then also email info@svcomiccon with the subject line: Parental Permission for Panel so we can discuss your unique case.
Do I have to be an exhibitor to have a panel?
Anyone can submit a panel idea for SVCC. You do not have to be an exhibitor to have a panel. SVCC will work with exhibitors who select the option to have a sponsored panel to ensure the content presented meets the same standards required for panels submitted by non-exhibitors.
Can my company sponsor a session?
Yes, it is possible to sponsor a session. Please contact Nth Degree to discuss your idea.
What makes for a good proposal?
A good proposal is detailed and easy to understand. It explains exactly what panel attendees should expect from your session so that they can choose the best options for spending their time at SVCC.
What makes for a good title?
Try to write a title that captures attention to get your panel noticed among the many that will be featured at SVCC. Make it short – ideally ten words or less.
Do I need to have all my speakers confirmed when I submit my panel idea?
You need to have at least three speakers and a moderator confirmed when you submit your panel proposal. Additions can be made later if your panel is accepted by SVCC. SVCC will work with you on these adjustments once you receive your panel confirmation.
What is the submission deadline?
The submission deadline in February 1, 2016, but panels can be submitted before that date. Submitting a complete panel proposal early will give SVCC more time to consider your panel and may approve your panel before the February 1 deadline, but all panels submitted by February 1, 2016, will be considered. Presentation slots will be preserved so that SVCC can consider all panels submitted by February 1.
Will session ideas be accepted after the entry deadline?
Once the deadline passes, late entries will not be accepted due to the need to finalize the event schedule to share with all SVCC attendees.
When will I be notified on the status of my submission?
Panels will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and approved panelists will be notified when their talks are accepted. All panel proposals will be reviewed after February 1, 2016 and final confirmations will be sent to all panelists by February 15, 2016. Panel time slots will be reserve to ensure that there will be schedule space to add panels submitted close to February 1, 2016.
How many proposals can I enter?
You can enter as many panel proposals as you like for different topics. For example, do not submit the same panel content and speakers with different titles. However, if you want to submit one panel to examine the critical role of the telephone booth in Dr. Who, and another to review the global impact of the Hello Moto ringtone, be our guest.
Can I edit my proposal after it's been submitted?
Your proposal is final once you submit it, so take time to draft and review it before you enter it into the website forms. SVCC reserves the right to edit accepted proposals before publishing.
What if I want to propose a speaker for my session that I'm not currently in contact with?
As the person submitting the panel, it is your responsibility to arrange all speakers and moderators that you are proposing in your panel. If you submit someone as a presenter, SVCC assumes that you have obtained their permission to list them on your proposal. You are responsible for ensuring your proposed panelists are able to attend SVCC 2016.
What if I want to add a speaker after I've submitted my panel idea?
If your panel is approved, SVCC can work with you to add additional speakers. It is not possible to add more speakers between the time of submission and panel approvals, so please research your idea thoroughly to ensure your submission is accurate when you send it in.
How many speakers should I add to my session idea?
Panels have a minimum requirement of one moderator and three panelists.
Who will review my submission?
The SVCC Panels Committee will review all submissions to decide which panels offer the most interesting content for attendees.
What are the benefits of speaking?
Invited SVCC speakers, including panelists and moderators, receive free admission to the three-day show.
If my idea is selected, will SVCC pay for my travel or lodging?
Panelists and moderators receive free entrance to SVCC, but are required to cover their own travel costs. Hotel rooms are available at discounted SVCC rates from the San Jose Marriott and the San Jose Hilton, but these rooms are expected to sell out fast. If your speakers are traveling from outside the USA, you should also ensure that they are able to travel here for the talk and can secure any needed travel visas.
If my idea is selected, will SVCC work with me to refine my idea?
SVCC will work with approved panels to make your session the best it can be to ensure a great show for attendees. This may include editing your submission or suggesting other ideas to consider, but remember that your panel is ultimately your responsibility. You are committing to provide the best experience you can to those who attend your talk.
What happens if 2+ people submit the same idea?
In the event that two or more similar panels are submitted, SVCC may contact those submitting the ideas to discuss.
Can I change my session after it's been accepted?
If your session is accepted, you are committing to provide the talk you outlined in your submission. It is possible to make small changes to the description or change a speaker if needed, but it is not possible to suddenly change your panel on “Tomorrow’s Science Fiction Technologies, Today” to a discussion on “Anime in America” after it has been accepted.