Escapade has historically aimed for what we call “purposely controversial” panels. This has become a bit more of a challenge with the advent of the internet, where conversations continue around the clock and around the globe. But we do still aim for engaging and evocative panel topics and panel moderators. We favor panel ideas. We think that a lot of fans sitting in a room agreeing can get a bit boring, while having both (or many) sides of a topic covered by a range of panelists can get a bit more… evocative. Engaging. This isn’t true for all panels, and we have several basic types, described below.
Escapade panels are divided into four tracks:
General (aka “meta”) panels: these are the topics that cross fandom lines, or address the issues of fans or fandom. Past examples include The Cost of Heroism and Identity Politics in Fandom.
Fandom-specific panels: these often get into the nitty-gritty of a specific show’s canon and fanon. They can also be a great opportunity to recruit new converts. Past examples include Religion /Spiritual Beliefs in Highlander and Stargate: Atlantis: crack!fic, AUs, and characterization, oh my!
Tech/Workshop panels: these more instructive panels may focus on vidding, writing, fan/web integration, and the like. Past examples include Introduction to E-book Readers and Writing: The Process.
Alternate Programming & Video: This is the catch-all track for those topics that didn’t make the main schedule, the place where you can schedule time to show your new or obscure show to a group of friends, or for spontaneous gatherings. The room includes a TV and DVD player, a computer with a number of shows already loaded for viewing and discussion, a flip chart, and chairs. The rest is up to you!