Please use this form to send in your application details if you would like to run programming such as panels, presentations, workshops or perform at the Pretty Heroes convention taking place July 18-19, 2026 at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in Toronto, Ontario.
*Please do not use this form for idol showcase applications. That is a separate application form.*
The majority of programming should be family friendly for viewing, but participation is typically geared to teens and up. PG-13 rating can be discussed as needed. We generally do not accept 18+ content.
For crafts and workshops that require materials that attendees get to keep, we will cover the cost of materials within a specific budget (up to $5 per person for up to 60 participants, for approved supplies only). Our craft area features tables with plastic tablecloths and is equipped with scissors, colouring utensils, white glue, and hot glue (with glue guns). Volunteers are also available to assist with leading craft workshops, setup, and clean up.
All craft supplies must be approved before purchase as we may have some of your requested materials in stock. Please ask for more details if you are interested in running a craft workshop by emailing [email protected] or supply your list of items needed on the form below and our team will follow up to confirm. Please note: there is no A/V in the craft room. Although music may be playing quietly in the room, microphones and speakers are not available for this area. Please coordinate with our team so that they can assist you in teaching your workshop(s).
Please note that a free badge is NOT guaranteed for running a single panel or workshop. We typically offer a discount of $10 per hour contributed plus one hour for prep for slide deck presentations and/or specialized preparation if applicable (please discuss with us to see if your prep qualifies).
Special performances may qualify for free admission; these are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Discounts will be up to a free badge (or badges, if applicable). We do not pay cash for amounts in excess of the cost of your badge(s). Extra prizes or discounts off of Pretty Heroes merchandise can be discussed if budget allows and your contribution would credit you for an amount beyond your badge cost, but these are not guaranteed.
All leaders of panels/presentations/performances/workshops can receive complimentary water during their programming slots. Our crew is happy to assist if this is not already in the applicable room. We do not provide food for those running programming unless they qualify via other means or it is required to run the programming item (e.g. a tea duel).
A/V requirements MUST be specified in advance in order to be scheduled appropriately and are only available for the main stage and panel rooms. Please note that only VGA hookups are guaranteed if bringing your own device. Please request an HDMI to VGA conversion cable in advance if required, so that we can make an effort to provide one. We do not have any other cable options available.
We also typically have loaner laptops available for panel rooms and the main stage. If using a loaner laptop, please bring your materials on a USB key that can be read on a Windows PC or a Mac. Absolutely no executable files/software will be permitted. Software available for your use will include Adobe Reader and Open Office.
You can optionally send your materials in advance via Dropbox or other file sharing service as well. (Please confirm where to send it with us first).
Although there is free wifi in the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, the internet connection may not be reliable. If your programming item requires a stable internet connection, please have a back up plan in case the wifi doesn’t work.
Persons running programming are NOT eligible for green room access unless they are also a special guest, member of our crew, or given written permission from the head organizer. We thank you for understanding.
Persons running programming items are permitted to advertise themselves at their programming slots but are not permitted to make sales within the event unless they have a dealer or guest badge. Crew are only permitted to make sales on behalf of the event unless otherwise agreed upon with the head organizer.
Accessibility Notice: Our main stage has steps to get onto the stage (2′ high from the ground). Unfortunately, the venue does not have a ramp available. Some main stage content for those with accessibility needs can be conducted from the floor in front of the stage. Otherwise, we encourage you to submit programming for a panel room or the craft zone instead where we can accommodate more accessibility needs.
For any other questions, please contact our programming team via [email protected]
Thank you for being a programming hero!