Dream Con 2027 Programming Application
About the event
About the application
Thank you for your interest in being a programming host (also referred to as Panelist) for Dream Con 2027! All prospective programming hosts must submit their panel, workshop, or event idea(s) to Dream Con via this Programming Application. The person submitting the form will be considered the primary host and will receive all communication moving forward regarding their panel submission. All co-hosts must correspond with the original primary host for updates.
Submit one (separate) application for each panel, event, performance, demo or workshop you would like to host (up to three). If more than three (3) submissions are transmitted then the most recent entries will be prioritized and reviewed.
Please note that submitting an application does NOT guarantee approval. Acceptance in prior years does NOT guarantee acceptance this year. Prospective hosts will receive an email notifying the applicant if their panel or event has been accepted, rejected, or waitlisted.
Due to the volume of submissions, only selected submissions are guaranteed to receive follow-up correspondence regarding the status of their application. Programming applications close on Sunday, January 31st, 2027 at 11:59 pm Central Time. We will NOT accept any submissions after the application deadline. Prospective programming hosts may apply for multiple panels/events; however, Dream Con does not guarantee that all programming applications will be accepted.
REMINDER: Please check your spam folder regularly for updates and add panels@dreamconvention.com to your contacts. Missed messages will not be accepted as an excuse or exception. Any issues regarding submitting this form must be reported prior to the deadline for resolution and/or to request an extension.
PANELIST PACKAGE: We’re beyond excited to welcome our incredible community of creatives to Dream Convention 2027! As a way to honor the passion and hard work of those who help make our event so special, we’re delighted to share the Panelist Package—a collection of exclusive opportunities designed just for our accepted panelists.
PLEASE NOTE: A Panelist Badge is NOT required to host or participate in an approved panel. Panelists may participate using another valid convention badge they already hold, including a Weekend, Premium, Creator, Exhibitor, or other eligible badge types.
Complimentary Panelist Badges
- Accepted panels will receive up to (4) complimentary Panelist Badges for panelists participating in the approved panel.
- If your panel includes more than (4) panelists, any additional panelists will need to purchase a standard eligible badge at full price.
Panelist Badges MUST be picked up on-site by the individual panelist receiving the badge and are non-transferable.
Ticket Purchasing Guidelines
We recommend waiting until acceptance BEFORE purchasing tickets if you are hoping to receive a complimentary Panelist Badge.
- If your panel includes more than (4) panelists, additional participating panelists will need to purchase a standard badge at full price.
- Should you decide to buy a regular badge early and are later accepted, please note that NO REFUNDS or price adjustments will be available.
- If you wait for acceptance and are not selected, we unfortunately cannot guarantee badge availability at that time.
Waitlisted Panelists
- Panelists that are placed on the Waitlist will be reviewed by the Programming Department on a rolling basis prior to the con.
- If your panel gets selected from the Waitlist to join the 2027 Programming Schedule, your panel will become eligible for up to (4) complimentary Panelist Badges.
- The same Ticket Purchasing Guidelines listed above also apply for panelists listed on the Waitlist.
Panelist Badge Access
Benefits
- Weekend entry to general convention space
- Designated Panelist Workspace with refreshments.
- The Panelist Workspace is available for panelists to interact with their peers, grab light refreshments, and prepare for their upcoming panels.
- Note: Dream Con/RDC and the convention venue are not liable for lost/stolen items within the Panelist Workspace.
- Exclusive panelist badge and premium lanyard
We’re still finalizing some exciting benefits with our venue—additional panelist perks will be revealed at a later date.
We’re so grateful for the time, energy, and creativity our panelists bring to Dream Convention. Thank you for helping us create something truly unforgettable—we can’t wait to see you at Dream Convention 2027!
Terms & Conditions
PANELIST DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Selected programming hosts are prohibited from promoting their approved event until the designated date established by the Dream Con Programming Department. This date will be shared at a later time with all accepted programming hosts.
Dream Con's Marketing and Programming departments may supply approved branding materials to approved panelists to be used on social media, websites, newsletters, collateral materials etc. All applicants utilizing unauthorized promotional materials (e.g. recolored and edited Talent announcement templates) on digital platforms without approval from Dream Con's Programming and Marketing Directors may be subject to disciplinary action including but not limited to removal from the Dream Con programming schedule, revoked admission badges, and other general event restrictions. If you are unsure of any promotional material being in alignment with Dream Con's release protocol feel free to contact panels@dreamconvention.com or info@dreamconvention.com.
All panelist badges are NON-TRANSFERABLE. This includes renaming/changing the name of a previously issued badge. In the event an approved primary host or co-host is unable to attend, the primary host MUST contact panels@dreamconvention.com and receive written approval from the Programming Director to authorize a personnel change in their programming. Fees may apply.
TIMELINE
January 31, 2027: Programming applications close at 11:59 PM CST.
March 2027: All applicants will receive a status update regarding their application.
May 2027: Accepted panelists will receive room assignments and will have the chance to submit contact info for their co-hosts. Please note: Room assignments are subject to change based on the needs of the overall convention.
June 2027: Accepted panelists will receive a finalized Know Before You Go with all applicable
Questions on the application
User information
- First name
- Last name
- Gender
- Birthday
- Address
Additional information
- Preferred Name or Public Alias
- Programming Event Title
- PUBLIC Programming Event Description
- PRIVATE Programming Event Description
- Please list any and all speakers or presenters to be featured on your proposed panel/performance/activity/workshop (if you do not have any additional speakers or presenters, please type “N/A”). Please include their legal first and last name as well as any aliases or stage names.
- What is the estimated runtime/duration of your event or activity? Please ensure to factor in any setup/rehearsal time.
- Are you representing a Professional Association, Organization or Business?*
- If you answered Yes, please list the name of your Professional Association, Organization or Business.
- Estimated attendance for your potential 2027 panel/event/activity:
- Please select the event type that best matches your panel/event/activity (You can select ONE type).
- Please select the event categories that best match your panel/event/activity (You can select more than one)
- Preferred Panel Room Setup? (Please note: we will try to honor your preference, but it is NOT a guarantee)
- Please select your Primary Preferred Event Start Time (Please note: we will try to honor your preferred time, but it is NOT a guarantee).
- Please select your Secondary Preferred Event Start Time (Please note: we will try to honor your preferred time, but it is NOT a guarantee).
- Please list any schedule conflicts you may have:
- Is this an 18+ event? (NOTE: Certain mature programming may be restricted to late-hours programming time slots only. i.e. 7 pm CST or later. All mature programming will require ID checks or a system to identify suitable adult patrons which is implemented by the activity hosts with auxiliary support form event coordinators)
- What makes this panel a unique and valuable addition to the Dream Con Programming Schedule? Please describe the panel’s focus, format, and what attendees will gain or experience by attending.
- Please briefly describe the target audience/demographic/fandom of your panel, event, performance, demo, or workshop:
- Were you a 2026 Dream Con Panelist?
- If you answered Yes, please list the name of your previous panel(s) from Dream Con 2026.
- Estimated attendance for your previous Dream Con panel/event/activity:
- Have you contributed as a speaker/panelist/performer to any other conventions, festivals, trade shows, or previous Dream Con events PRIOR to 2026? Tell us more below
- Please share your social media handles with us (If you do not have or do not wish to share your social media profiles, please type "N/A"):
- If you have a professional website, please share the link below:
- Please upload any additional information that will help us to make an informed decision. This can be social profiles, examples of your panel at other conventions, etc.
- NOTES | Any other important details coordinators should consider when reviewing your application?
- APPLICANT POLICY ACKNOWLEDGMENT #001 | Accommodations and Compensation: Dream Con does NOT offer complimentary travel, flights, or compensation for selected submissions via this form. It's the responsibility of each individual to research and purchase their own accommodations.
- APPLICANT POLICY ACKNOWLEDGMENT #002 | Securing Your Admission Badges: A Panelist Badge is NOT required to participate in or host an approved panel. Panelists may use a Weekend, Premium, Creator, Exhibitor, or other eligible badge type of their choosing to attend and host their approved panel. We recommend waiting until acceptance BEFORE purchasing a badge if you would like to take advantage of the complimentary Panelist Badge allotment. Should you decide to purchase an eligible badge prior to acceptance and are later accepted, please note that NO REFUNDS, conversions, or price adjustments will be available. NOTE: Accepted panels will receive up to (4) complimentary Panelist Badges for panelists participating in the approved panel. If your panel includes more than (4) panelists, any additional panelists will need to secure their own eligible badge at full price. Complimentary Panelist Badges are NON-TRANSFERABLE and MUST be picked up on-site by the individual panelist receiving the badge. Complimentary Panelist Badges cannot be converted, transferred, or applied toward another badge type.
- APPLICANT POLICY ACKNOWLEDGMENT#003 | Public Promotion: Dream Con's Marketing and Programming departments may supply approved branding materials to approved panelists to be used on social media, websites, newsletters, collateral materials etc. All applicants utilizing unauthorized promotional materials (e.g. recolored and edited Talent announcement templates) on digital platforms without approval from Dream Con's Programming and Marketing Directors may be subject to disciplinary action including but not limited to removal from the Dream Con programming schedule, revoked admission badges, and other general event restrictions. If you are unsure of any promotional material being in alignment with Dream Con's release protocol feel free to contact panels@dreamconvention.com or info@dreamconvention.com.
- APPLICANT POLICY ACKNOWLEDGMENT #004 | Outreach Regarding Pending and Confirmed Programming Proposals: All correspondence regarding proposed programming such as panels, workshops, demos, performances, and other activities should be transmitted directly via email to panels@dreamconveniton.com as the first and primary contact method. Teams managing Dream Con social media accounts have limited access to systems and resources needed to facilitate resolutions.
- APPLICANT POLICY ACKNOWLEDGMENT #005 | Please confirm you have reviewed the terms and conditions communicated via this application and at https://dreamconvention.com/programming-application
