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I know I’m not the only Reylo who does logistics and event management and shit, but I just want to gently say that even if you have planned a large event, such as a wedding, you may not have the entire skill set needed for a different kind of large event.
For example, if your website goes live with significant sections still under construction, we generally call that “a serious mistake” or “a disaster.”
If you want to have panels, it is good to think of general topics, approach known experts, and propose a slightly more focused version of that topic and a possible roster of co-panelists. It is good to be open to suggestions; it’s not so good to make panelists solely responsible.
You can look at other, similar events for models of what does and doesn’t make a good panel topic. It’s okay to make a few last-minute changes of line-up, but you should have at least a solid sketch of your program before you introduce ticketing.
I am being snarky but I am also being serious: if it didn't occur to you to do these things, you don't have nearly enough experience to be charging money. Event management is a thing people do professionally, and they are paid for a reason.
It's a commendable impulse to try to give people something to look forward to, and to try to include many people, but the fandom is enormous and bringing it together isn't a job for inexperienced hands. I've done 1k-attendee events with seating charts, and I would quail, myself.
And if you are worried about diversity, and your calls for diverse participants have gone unanswered, and the attendees you've solicited have turned you down -- do not proceed regardless. Stop. Reassess. Postpone. Something is wrong, and you need to fix it.
