Pick A Panel, Any Panel! An Interview With Panel Host Trish Crozier

Panels are a staple of comic-con that aim to engage guests with amazing artists, celebrities, and cosplayers. Each panel is different and highlights a different conversation point of the convention. But how exactly does it feel being being the one hosting a panel?

I sat down with Trish Crozier from Haledon, New Jersey to find out exactly what it's like to take the stage! Follow along with this Q&A to learn all about being a panel host.

Q: What conventions have you been to?

A: I’ve been to Castle Point Anime Convention and Liberty City Anime Convention.

Q: What convention did you host a panel at?

A: I hosted at Liberty City Anime Con.

Q: What is the process of becoming a panel host?

A: You go on the page for whatever convention you’re going to and find the panel page. After this, it should give you an email to where you can apply and answer a few questions about your panel. When the person who is reviewing them reviews yours, you’ll get an email saying whether your panel has been accepted and once the convention gets closer you find out what panel your room is in and what time it will be at.

Q: Which panel did you host?

A: I hosted a panel about a video game I enjoy called Overwatch.

Q: Did you interview someone in your panel? If so, who?

A: I didn’t interview people, I gave more of an opportunity for people to ask me questions while I was in character and if they had any about myself I also answered.

Q: What did you talk about in the panel?

A: I talked about myself as if I was the character I was cosplaying. I had conversations and debates about overwatch with everyone who showed up and had topics they liked/disliked.

Q: How do you come up with content to discuss during your panel?

A: Beforehand, I came up with a topic and thought about the characters for it and what would be in the best interest of fans. A lot of people actually really liked it!

Q: How do you prepare for a panel?

A: I get into my character’s cosplay for whatever anime/game/show the panel is centered around, and I think about what I’m really going to be on topic about. Examples: How to play, favorite characters, in cosplay discussion, personal thoughts, etc.

Q: Have you ever gotten nervous when it comes to being a panel host?

A: Of course! I had about 40 people show up to my Overwatch panel and it scared the life out of me! It gets extremely nerve wracking not knowing whether your panel is gonna be something people enjoy or not and that’s totally okay, in the end, you’ve still got the guts to do it and enjoy yourself, and that’s what makes it good.

Q: How can you tell if your audience is enjoying when you're discussing?

A: Active conversation and participation is key to knowing as to whether they’re enjoying your panel or not. If the room is dead and you have to constantly spark a topic of discussion then your audience isn’t enjoying your panel nor will they wanna come back. People also do leave in the middle of panels! They hate when panel hosts don’t really care, so you usually have to be excited to see them before they start leaving and getting quiet.

Q: What is your favorite aspect about hosting a panel?

A: Definitely seeing all the happy people and hearing them talk highly of you and your panel. It’s super important to have people who like what you do, it makes you feel better about what you’re doing and puts you at ease. I remember someone stood up for a question and told me, “I really love this panel, ladies. I love you and what you’re doing, it’s super entertaining and I want to see it next year.” And it made me smile so hard!

Q: How would someone go about becoming a panel host?

A: It’s honestly thinking about what you wanna host and how you wanna host it. There are a million things you can host panels about. I hosted a Q&A but you can have a workshop panel, or even a panel about discussion on a certain topic you think people may like. It’s all what you’d want, all you have to do is apply your panel idea to the person who reviews them for the convention you're going to if you’re really passionate about it.

Q: Are you planning on doing more panels in the future?

A: Of course! I’m applying for this year at Liberty City Anime Convention again and I’d like to apply to be a cosplayer guest at Zapp Con in New Jersey next year as well!

Q: Do you have a most memorable moment of paneling?

A: Definitely when someone asked me and a few friends to do 10 push-ups in front of everyone. That was something I’ll never ever forget and something I definitely hope I get to see again next year.

Q: Do you have any advice for someone who wants to host or is hosting a panel in the future?

A: Don’t be scared to try it! It’s a new experience that you may enjoy, there are a lot of understanding people there who love seeing people talk about things they love! If you’re thinking about it but are getting nervous, I’d tell you to just do it!

Follow Trish on Instagram! @cloroxtrish