Cons and Programming

[auroraceleste]

Why don't con panels work? Or, more importantly, why do they work and why don't cons facilitate them working? I'm starting to think I'm just in the minority in what I like at panels, but more and more lately (probably as I spend more time at cons and see more) I'm getting a bored, been-there-done-that feeling with panels at cons. Things don't

Comments

[kproche]

I can speak to some respects of the "Game Show" question from personal experience.

The amount of prep time is quite large (because you need to prepare material not only for what will be talked about, but anything that *might* be talked about, depending on the format of the game).

Not to mention setup time -- a real gameshow format (like the Match Game SF hosted by kevin_standlee that bovil and I are frequent panelists for) can require not only tech, but a full program slot in advance to put all the pieces together. Or, you need time to rehearse the setup/assembly in advance to speed it up on the day-of-game (we did that for Iron Costumer at Intervention in Glasgow).

There *are* quick-and-dirty game-show-like concepts that you can do on the fly (of the draw-the-specific-topic-from-the-fishbowl variety), but that still requires the first part of the time investment.

[auroraceleste]

But one or two game shows sprinkled into a programming schedule is (imo) a good use of people points, especially if you can get dedicated staff to do them. Or, maybe they won't work for a particular con, but I see them as widely unconsidered rather than discarded for difficulty.

[kproche]

I don't disagree; you just need to plan to invest those people points early on. That can be a hard sell to some concoms.

Match Game SF works partly because there is a crew of regular panelists who know the format and can coach the (normally two) "guest" stars to get up to speed quickly.

Also because there are no wrong answers :-)

Panel Submissions

[anonymous]

I agree with everything you've said!

But what do you do when you're the programming director, and NO ONE submits? If it's just one person and her two amazingly, wonderful assistants that have to come up with all the ideas? Where do you go to look for something new and creative? Where can you find help when your ConCom isn't helpful?

Tess (The Programming Bunny)

Re: Panel Submissions

[auroraceleste]

Do what you can, steal shamelessly, and network. Has Jon Voisey come to the con to do his Anime Mythbusters panel? A SciFi version might be fun, too. Put up the submission system and let Naka-Kon advert it for you, you never know what you'll get. I bet we could find some moderator volunteers if you promised they could choose their own topic and panelist and they were trained in what to do. Depends on who your guest/toastmaster is, but some of the social things would have worked well with Tadao. Game Shows are work, but not really expensive. Iirc you're a teacher, I think you have access to cheap/free programs to run jeopardy or family feud on powerpoint, so all you need to do is plug and play.

[smofbabe]

A lot of your points are well taken, but I think many of the problems you describe are the result of poor planning and execution and not necessarily a problem with the model itself.

Mixing up panel types is a great idea, and I think many that you suggested would be fun, and have been fun at the cons that have used them. (Unfortunately, the debate one tends to be a bit iffy because it very much depends on the panelists being prepared and getting into the spirit of the thing :-> ) I really like the Q&A idea.

Not sure video showings are worthwhile these days at all -- as you note, with DVDs and Netflix, most of what's being shown is already available to a large number of attendees. Unless a con has access to unusual programs/films and can advertise this emphasis, I'm not sure why cons are still bothering with video rooms.

As for moderators, I put together some moderator tips a few years ago that have been adjusted over time with input from others. At the cons where I work Program (and possibly others as well), it is distributed with

[mamapduck]

I'm assuming these ideas are poachable? I'm running programming for a con for the first time and while we're already doing several of these things, I would like to take a couple of your other ideas and run with them like scissors. :)

[auroraceleste]

Go ahead. I'd love to hear how it goes!