By Aaron Yeager, Edited by Drew Angelovic

What do you get when you mix fandom, friends, and a whole lot of fun? FanX panels fill the halls of the Salt Palace Convention Center with riotous cheering and are a one-of-a-kind experience that allows you to celebrate the things you love surrounded by passionate people just like yourself! Come interact with industry experts, local celebrities, and super-fans alike!

What Is a Panel?

At its heart, a panel is a celebration of a particular topic. This could be a specific show, a favorite genre, a fascinating trope, or something completely different. The panelists and moderators are selected for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion about each different topic. From workshops on writing, to how to create your own comic, or even just debating about which Winchester brother is the best, there’s something for everyone.

Many panels are more than just a presentation though. At FanX we like to involve everyone and make it a discussion. In Q&A sessions, you can interact directly with the panelists and ask all your burning questions.

Types of Panels You’ll Find at FanX

There are a wide variety of panels to enjoy. Debate panels, game shows, mystery panels, crafting workshops, and a celebration of all things fandom!

• Live Debate

Debate panels are presented as a formal timed debate with a moderator and specially selected panelists. Each side will present their case on the topic selected, then audience members will have the opportunity to vote for which side made their case better. Topic questions from the past include Was Thanos Right or Wrong? and Who was Right About the Sokovia Accords, Tony Stark or Captain America? Stay tuned to the FanX social pages and official newsletter to see when this year’s topics are announced! 

• Workshops

Workshop panels are special events where you can come and learn from experts and professionals in the industry. You can join authors as they teach story craft, cosplayers give advice on how to improve your costuming, artists share tips to enhance your skills, and musicians help guide you through the process of creating melodies. These panels are perfect for people who want to pull back the curtain and see how the magic is made, but also for aspiring artists themselves who are looking to learn from those already in the business.

• Game Shows

Yes, real game shows! These live events are styled after your favorite game shows. Have you ever wanted to be part of a game show? Then FanX is exactly where you should be! These game shows are a great way to flex your knowledge and skills, either as a contestant up on the stand, or as an audience member playing along from your seat. Cheering for your favorite contestant, watching the drama unfold as the game progresses toward a single winner.

Contestants are selected directly from the audience to compete for amazing prizes and show off their fandom knowledge! These one-of-a-kind experiences allow you to jump straight into the action and be part of the show. We’ll test your knowledge of the big, easy facts about being part of a fandom as well as really push you to your limits with small details. You don’t want to miss FanX Game Shows!

• Fandom Celebration

Celebration panels are a perfect place for fans of a specific fandom to get together and share all their thoughts and love for it. You’ll discuss what makes your fandom the best, dissect the way it was made, theorize on the future of the franchise, and enjoy the company of people who love it as much as you do. These panels are high-energy that frequently include lots of cheering which can be heard spilling into the halls at FanX and spreading even more joy and fandom love.

• Murder Mystery

New to FanX for 2021, you and your fellow audience members are presented with a challenge. You will have forty minutes to investigate the crime before time runs out. The scenario will be presented by the host, then the audience must gather clues by asking questions to the panelists sitting up front. Each panelist will play a role and respond to you and each other in character! After gathering together all the clues, the audience members will present their verdict on who they believe is guilty. Will you successfully capture the culprit, or will they get away? Join us to find out!

Above all, the thing that makes all of these panels extra special is YOU the fans. You get to be part of the experience and help shape the outcome, add to the energy in the room, meet incredible new friends, and create memories that will last forever!

Join us for all the fun at FanX 2021 at the Salt Palace Convention Center this September 16-18, 2021. Get your pass NOW!