Panel
A panel consists of 2 to 6 speakers and a moderator who is “driving” the discussion. A panel often includes a Q&A period with the audience.

​

Round Table
A round table is a more informal discussion format usually with a larger group (6+ speakers) with the moderator as a fail-safe to keep the ball rolling. In this format the audience are eavesdroppers listening on a discussion and may or may not be invited to ask questions, according to how the moderator sees things flowing. If the topic is an anthology, will often include a mass autograph session.

 

Presentation
A presentation is a lecture, with or without visual aids by one or more “presenters” that is controlled and may or may not involve Q&A from the audience.  Slide Shows are a subset of Presentations, as are ARTC performances.

 

Demonstration

A demonstration is a Presentation that may have more physical elements involved, such as “The Reinhardt Fight Team” or “How to Build Terrain Models.”

 

Workshop
A workshop is an interaction between an instructor and attendees, and includes either instructional or practice documents and/or working tools or materials (sometimes a materials fee is charged).

 

Reading
A reading is a reading from an author’s written works by the author. This are usually individual or shared sessions where two authors share the hour.

 

Autograph Session
An autograph session is a designated time for Pros to sign their works, at no fee to the participant, in a large venue or smaller venues as appropriate. Mass autograph sessions are usually reserved for anthologies where multiple authors are signing together in a group.

 

Concert 
A concert is a musical presentation by one or more performers, with varying degrees of formality in their presentations.

 

Banquet
A banquet is a formal sit down luncheon or dinner, with speeches from the Guests of Honor and presentation of gifts.

 

Kaffeeklatsch
A kaffeeklatsch is an informal discussion, usually in a smaller, more intimate setting like a board room, where coffee is available and fans and the speaker can talk about topics of interest

 

Filk
A filk sing is a fannish folk musical presentation by one or more performers with varying degrees of formality in their presentations, usually involving audience participation.

 

Launch
A launch is a celebration of the initial release of a book or the initial public gathering of a group, often (in the case of a book launch) including readings from the book by its author or authors. The atmosphere is often that of a reception, typically with light snacks and beverages provided.

​