We have shown you how to set up a flow cytometer, looked at compensation and data analysis and now is the time to look at panel design! In this session we will look at what makes a good fluorochrome choice, how we need to consider sample preparation and fixation and how we can begin to think about making an optimized combination for your cytometer. With a mixture of theory and practice, this session is suitable for those beginning in flow cytometry and is a place to hear about current best practices.