Are you ready to share your expertise and passion for speculative fiction? BayCon invites dynamic, engaging panelists to submit proposals and lead panels that explore the creative, thought-provoking, and innovative subjects our vibrant community loves. Whether your focus is on writing craft, visual storytelling, multimedia innovation, or the cultural impact of science fiction and fantasy, your panel can spark meaningful conversations and inspire fellow fans.

By joining our panel roster, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Engage directly with a passionate and knowledgeable audience eager to explore new ideas.
• Network with industry professionals, award-winning authors, renowned artists, and fellow panelists who share your creative vision.
• Contribute to a legacy of excellence and help shape the future of fan-run conventions.
• Enhance your personal brand and gain exposure through BayCon’s extensive promotional channels.

As one of the Bay Area’s longest-running fan-run conventions, BayCon is dedicated to delivering high-quality programming that pushes boundaries and fosters community dialogue. By joining our panel roster, you’ll not only have the opportunity to engage directly with a passionate and knowledgeable audience, but you’ll also enjoy exclusive perks that make your experience even more rewarding:

• Access to the Green Room: A dedicated lounge where panelists and guests can refine presentations, relax, and recharge. Enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks as you prepare for your session.
• Invitation to the Pre-Convention Meet the Guests Reception: Mingle with our esteemed Guests of Honor and fellow panelists in a relaxed setting to discuss ideas and plans for the weekend.
• Free Full Weekend Pass: Qualified panelists who meet our minimum criteria will receive a complimentary full weekend pass, ensuring you can fully experience all that BayCon has to offer.

Submit your panel proposal today and be a part of an event that honors tradition while pioneering the next generation of speculative fiction dialogue. Your insights could help ignite the next big conversation in the world of speculative fiction!

If you have any question or need assistance, please contact our Programming team at programming@baycon.org.

Click the button below to get started!

Programming tracks are the backbone of any fan-run convention—they provide the framework for delivering diverse, engaging content that sparks lively discussion and fuels creative inspiration. At BayCon, our tracks help us explore every facet of speculative fiction, connecting our community through panels, workshops, and interactive sessions that address a wide range of interests.

As you prepare your submission, consider aligning your ideas with one of our carefully curated tracks. For BayCon 2025, our available tracks include:

• Afrofuturism: Explore the intersection of African diaspora culture and futuristic innovation, celebrating transformative narratives in speculative fiction.
• Anime: Dive into the dynamic world of Japanese animation and examine its profound influence on global storytelling.
• Comics: Examine the artistry and storytelling of graphic novels, webcomics, and illustrated adventures in speculative fiction.
• Diversity in STEM: This inclusive track highlights the contributions of Women and LGBTQIA+ individuals and their experiences working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers.
• Fantasy: Journey into magical realms, epic quests, and myth-inspired narratives that captivate the imagination.
• Horror: Delve into the eerie and unsettling realms that challenge our perceptions and evoke a thrilling sense of fear.
• Paranormal/Supernatural: Investigate mysteries beyond the natural world, from ghostly encounters to psychic phenomena and otherworldly dimensions.
• Science-Fiction: Engage with cutting-edge ideas and futuristic visions that shape our understanding of technology and society.
• Writing: Participate in panels that discuss every aspect of writing—from the creative process to the business side of storytelling.

We invite you to submit your panel proposals with these tracks in mind and help us shape a dynamic, engaging BayCon experience that reflects the rich diversity of our community. For any questions regarding track selection or submission guidelines, please contact our programming team.

At BayCon, we believe that the way you present your topic is just as important as the content itself. This section of panel formats is designed as a resource and source of inspiration, offering a diverse range of session styles—from structured debates and intimate fireside chats to interactive workshops and dynamic fishbowl discussions. Whether you’re looking to spark a spirited conversation or provide a hands-on learning experience, these formats serve as a point of reference to help you craft a session that maximizes audience engagement and brings your ideas to life. Explore these options and let your creativity guide you in delivering a memorable, impactful presentation.

Traditional Panel Discussion

A classic format where a group of experts or enthusiasts come together to discuss a pre-determined topic. A moderator guides the conversation by posing questions and facilitating dialogue, ensuring that every panelist has an opportunity to share their insights.

Roundtable

In a roundtable session, all participants sit on equal footing, typically arranged in a circle. This informal setting encourages open dialogue and collaboration, allowing for a free-flowing discussion that welcomes diverse perspectives.

Q&A Session

Focused primarily on audience interaction, a Q&A session invites attendees to ask questions directly to the panelists. This format is ideal for addressing specific interests and clarifying details, ensuring that the conversation is relevant and responsive to the audience’s needs.

Unpanel/Unconference

An unpanel is a more open, flexible discussion where the structure is minimal and the audience drives the conversation. With little formal guidance, this format encourages spontaneity and the exploration of topics that emerge organically during the session.

Fireside Chat

A fireside chat is an intimate, conversational interview between a moderator and one or two guests. This relaxed format is perfect for personal storytelling and in-depth exploration of a single subject, providing a closer look at the guest’s experiences and insights.

Workshop/Interactive Panel

This format blends discussion with hands-on activities, guiding attendees through practical exercises or demonstrations. Workshops are highly engaging and educational, encouraging participants to actively learn and apply new ideas.

Debate

A structured debate brings together panelists with opposing viewpoints to discuss a contentious issue. With clear time limits and moderated turns, this format challenges ideas and offers a balanced presentation of contrasting perspectives.

Lightning Panel

Designed for energy and brevity, a lightning panel gives each panelist only a few minutes to present their ideas or answer rapid-fire questions. This fast-paced format is ideal for covering multiple viewpoints in a short amount of time while keeping the session lively.

Fishbowl Discussion

In a fishbowl discussion, a small inner circle of panelists engages in dialogue while a larger group of attendees observes. Audience members may rotate into the inner circle to contribute, creating a dynamic and highly interactive conversation that evolves throughout the session.