Panels & Programming

CONvergence programming operates on a schedule of 60-minute programming slots with 30-minute breaks in-between. The break is intended to allow time for our members to finish a panel, chat a bit, visit ConSuite or the restroom, and still make it to the next programming item they want to see.

Programming items are divided into seven tracks, with an individual room dedicated to each track. Room locations are given below, and the programming track icons will be prominently displayed outside the rooms. We hope this makes it easier for you to find the panels and programming you are looking for at CONvergence.

Programming items are also identified as being one of the following types of events:

• Panel: A panel consists of generally 3 or more people who know a reasonable amount about the designated topic and are willing discuss the designated topic. Often includes participation and/or questions from the audience, but mostly it is a discussion among the panelists.
• Round Table: A round table is led by a moderator and is a discussion among the roundtable attendees. Bring your opinions and thinking caps.
• Lecture: The (usually solo) lecturer sits or stands at the front (or side) of the room and expounds on a topic. It's just like school, only nobody takes attendance and there is no test at the end.
• Viewing: Like a lecture - only different. Usually a viewing includes media such as film, video, or occasionally slides.
• Demonstration: Demonstrations in the context of CONvergence are most likely to be of the variety where you can watch an artist create things (drawings, paintings, perhaps a sculpture). If you're very quiet, sometimes you can hear them talk about what they're doing while they work. But be careful - the artist has been removed from his or her natural environment and may startle easily.
• Reading: An author brings in their work (recently published, been out for a while but a favorite, work in progress) and reads aloud to the audience. Think of it like library story time for grown-ups.
• Signing: The designated author or artist sits at a table and autographs books, prints, etc. Sometimes they will include witty remarks. Please remember that although you may be this person's biggest fan - another "biggest fan" is behind you in line, so please limit what you bring to be autographed.

Daily schedules will be posted outside of each programming room, and at Programming Schedule Kiosks around the convention.