Panels New R - OHAYOCON 26

It's time to start planning your weekend!

The official Ohayocon 2026 panel schedule is now available, featuring an exciting lineup of panels, workshops, and special events across anime, gaming, cosplay, fandom culture, and more.
View the full panel schedule here!!

The Panel Application is now CLOSED!

We look forward to seeing the amazing panels everyone would like to do this year!

https://forms.gle/moUHfLZrvsDqQSo99

Share your passion!

Are you an expert geek? A notorious nerd? Become an Ohayocon Panelist! What is a panelist? Panelists offer a wide variety of programming for attendees. As a panelist, you get to share your interests, enthusiasm, and knowledge with others. You can give an informative presentation, host an interactive event, or help others learn a new skill by putting on a workshop. Have you ever watched a panel and thought “I could do that!” Do you have an interesting topic or activity you’ve been dying to discuss/try out? Now is the time to try your hand at paneling!

What are Ohayocon attendees interested in?

The best thing about Ohayocon is the expansive community it offers. Attendees run the gambit from young to old, seasoned fans to enthusiastic newcomers. We have gamers, artists, Japanese culture fans, fashion aficionados, and everything else you could imagine. Our feedback lets us know what attendees find most important. Entertainment panels should aim to make their sides split with laughter; educational panels should strive to dive deep and explore advanced subjects; fandom panels are best when they encourage discussion and build community; and attendees love when panels are more interactive. We welcome both Eastern and Western subjects, but anime, gaming, and Japanese culture will always be at the heart of our schedule.

We want our attendees to have the best time possible. We are constantly on the lookout for new and/or unique content. However, there is something to be said about comfort content. Sometimes, the adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” rings true. Below are a few categories we are particularly interested in this year:

Japanese History & Culture
Movement Panels
Educational Programming
Anime Content

Of course, these are not the only panel subjects we’re accepting! So, don’t be discouraged if your panel falls outside these categories. You never know if you’ll succeed if you don’t try.

What topics is Ohayocon looking for?

What is the application process like?

Please submit your application to us between now and October 1st, 2025. The panel review team will judge panel submissions and send out initial confirmation emails. All other, non-disqualified panels will be placed on the waitlist. For more information, check out our Panelist’s FAQ and Panelist Rules and regulations.

Panelists for Ohayocon will receive a panelist badge for every 2 hours of programming accepted, up to 4 free badges per panelist group. For details check out our Panelist’s FAQ.

Compensation for Panelists

What should panelists expect at the con?

Accepted panelists will receive specific details about panelist check-in and more specific information in December. Upon arrival, please check your email for detailed instructions on where to check in and pick up your badges. You will go directly to the panelist check-in to pick up your badges.

A list of our Panelist Rules and Regulations can be found here. If you have any questions, please email us at panels@ohayocon.org.