Programming Application Dream Con 2026
About the event
About the application
Thank you for your interest in being a programming host (also referred to as Panelist) for Dream Con 2026! 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 Wednesday, December 31, 2025 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 2026! 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.
Discounted Badge
- Accepted panelists will receive a special link to purchase a discounted weekend badge. The exact discounted price will be announced when the link is sent out.
- You’ll also have the choice to use the exclusive Panelist Badge or one of your other badges to enjoy different perks.
- Panelist badges MUST be picked up on-site; they are NOT eligible to be mailed to you.
Ticket Purchasing Guidelines
- We recommend waiting until acceptance BEFORE purchasing tickets if you’d like to take advantage of the panelist discount.
- 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 2026 Programming Schedule, you will receive a special link to purchase a discounted weekend badge at that time.
- The same Ticket Purchasing Guidelines listed above also apply for panelists listed on the Waitlist.
Perks Information
- 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 2026!
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 programming@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
December 31, 2025: Programming applications close at 11:59 PM CST.
February 2026: All applicants will receive a status update regarding their application.
May 2026: 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.
July 2026: Accepted panelists will receive a finalized Know Before You Go with all applicable information outlined ahead of the convention.
Questions on the application
User information
- First name
- Last name
- Gender
- Birthday
- Address
Additional information
- Preferred Name or Public Alias
- Programming Event Title
- 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. (Please note that only you and up to three (3) co-hosts will be eligible for the discount Panelist badges.)
- 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 2026 panel/event/activity:
- Please select the event categories that best matches 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 select your Tertiary 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 might 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 2025 Dream Con Panelist?
- If you answered Yes, please list the name of your previous panel(s) from Dream Con 2025.
- 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 etc.? 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: Standard weekend badges that were purchased prior to acceptance will be NOT eligible for conversion to the Panelist Package. We recommend waiting until acceptance BEFORE purchasing tickets if you’d like to take advantage of the panelist discount. Should you decide to buy a regular badge early and are later accepted, please note that NO REFUNDS or price adjustments will be available. NOTE: All panelist badges are NOT UPGRADEABLE to other badges including, but not limited, to Premium and other high-tier fan experience badges. Panelists interested in the ultimate fan experience are encouraged to purchase or retain their standard general admission weekend badges.
- 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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT #005 | Please confirm you have reviewed the terms and conditions communicated via https://dreamconvention.com/programming-application
