VidCon

VidCon is a multi-genre online video conference, held annually in Southern California since 2010. Originally conceived by Hank and John Green of the Vlogbrothers YouTube channel, the convention is the largest of its kind in the world, gathering thousands of online video viewers, creators, and industry representatives worldwide.^[2][3][4]

History

VidCon founders Hank and John Green at VidCon 2014

2010 (1st annual VidCon)

The first VidCon was held in July 9–11, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel in Los Angeles and sold out in advance^[5] with over 1,400 people attending.^[6] The first day featured industry panels and presentations by industry leaders and video creators. the second and third day featured main stage presentations by YouTube's content creators, breakout sessions and concerts featuring musicians who achieved success primarily by presenting their music via online videos.^[7]

2011 (2nd annual VidCon)

VidCon 2011 was held in July 29–30, 2011, with an industry conference day on July 28, again at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel in Los Angeles. The event sold out sixty days prior to its opening,^[8] with 2,500 people in attendance.^[9][10]

2012 (3rd annual VidCon)

The Gregory Brothers at VidCon 2012

VidCon 2012, the third annual conference, was held in June 28–30, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center.^[11] The new venue offered a much larger capacity with room for future expansion, with 7,000 people in attendance.^[12][13]

2013 (4th annual VidCon)

VidCon 2013 was held in August 1–3, 2013 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The conference sold out a month in advance with attendance reaching 12,000 people.^[14] Among the hundreds of online video creators on hand for panel sessions, concerts and personal meet-ups were: Christina Grimmie, Tyler Oakley, Sam Tsui, Jenna Marbles, Kurt Hugo Schneider, Charlie McDonnell, Dave Days, Grace Helbig, Hank and John Green, iJustine, Phillip DeFranco, Rhett and Link, Shane Dawson, Miranda Sings, Felix Kjellberg, Internet Killed Television, Kina Grannis, PrankvsPrank, Shay Carl, Dane Boedigheimer, VitalyzdTv, Dan Howell, Phil Lester, Toby Turner, Sam Pepper, The Fine Brothers, Smosh, Troye Sivan, Greg Benson, Corey Vidal, Catherine Wayne, Glozell, Laura Vitale, Shanna Malcolm, Olga Kay, Nikki Limo, Joey Graceffa, Zoe Sugg, Louise Pentland, Alfie Deyes, Marcus Butler, Joe Sugg, Tanya Burr, Jim Chapman, Connor Franta, Caspar Lee, and many others. YouTube signed a deal in 2013 to become the principal sponsor of VidCon for two years.^[15]

2014 (5th annual VidCon)

Our2ndLife at VidCon 2014

VidCon 2014 was held in June 26–28, 2014 at the Anaheim Convention Center.^[16] Some YouTubers in attendance were: Grace Helbig, Natalie Tran, Joe Sugg, Jim Chapman, The Adrid Family, Tanya Burr, Alfie Deyes, Marcus Butler, Hannah Hart, Jenna Marbles, Mamrie Hart, Emma Blackery, Shane Dawson, Lauren Schnipper, Joey Graceffa, Lohanthony, Superwoman, Anthony Padilla, EjSillyFilms, Ian Hecox, Connor Franta, Caspar Lee, O2L, iJustine, GloZell, Dan Howell, Phil Lester, Tyler Oakley, Troye Sivan, Bethany Mota, Zoe Sugg, John Green, Hank Green, Rhett & Link, Charlie McDonnell, Catherine Valdes, Meghan Tonjes, Tessa Violet, NanaLew, Ricky Dillon, Kian Lawley, Ryan Higa, Phillip DeFranco, Kalel Cullen, Trevor Moran, EvantubeHD, Kittiesmama, Acroanna, Daily Bumps, Flatirons Miranda Sings also as Colleen Ballinger and many more.

The industry track featured talks given by YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, Dreamworks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Fullscreen CEO George Strompolos, as well as VidCon cofounder John Green. Troye Sivan also announced his EP, TRXYE.

There were various concerts during the convention including We The Kings and Meghan Tonjes.

2015 (6th annual VidCon)

VidCon 2015 took place on July 23–25, 2015, at the Anaheim Convention Center. ^[17] The number of people attending was limited, so there would only be slightly more people than in 2014. However, the space was enlarged, with the convention taking up the entire Convention Center.^[18] There were over 300 YouTube creators who performed, exhibited and connected with the attendees. Troye Sivan announced his new EP, WILD.

VidCon 2015 used a new system for fans to meet the creators, requiring Community members to sign up a month in advance to meet specific creators.^[19]

2016 (7th annual VidCon)

VidCon 2016 was held from June 23 through June 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center.^[20] The convention announced plans to tighten security at its events in the wake of singer Christina Grimmie's shooting and the Orlando nightclub massacre. Security measures included the addition of metal detectors, enhancing the number of security officers and banning informal meet-and-greets between community members and YouTubers after panels.

2017 (8th annual VidCon US, addition of other VidCons)

VidCon Europe debuted from April 7 through April 9, 2017, at the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.^[21]

VidCon US 2017 was held from June 21 through June 24 at the Anaheim Convention Center.^[22]

VidCon Australia will debut on September 9 and 10, 2017, at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre in Melbourne, Australia.^[23]

Types of passes

VidCon attendees may purchase one of three types of passes, also called badges or tracks, a system rolled out during the 2015 VidCon. At the lowest price, the Community track allows access to the main floor of the Anaheim Convention Center, several stages, the signing and photo hall, the Expo Hall, and more. The second type is the Creator track, which is geared more toward members of the online video community who either produce content themselves or have an interest in doing so. This pass gives access to the main and second floor of the venue and creator lounges, which feature panels, workshops, and keynotes that focus on the specifics of creating and editing online video. The third and most expensive type is the Industry track, which gives attendees the chance to attend all VidCon events and enjoy the industry lounge. This badge is mainly designed for those in the online video business,^[24] with access to keynote conversations, round-table discussions, hands-on training and platform and product demonstrations. Vidcon provided the industry members with a private zone to relax away from the attendees.^[25]

VidCon has a list of featured creators who are invited to the convention and who participate in panels, concerts, and more.^[26] These online content creators have access to all events at VidCon as well as the industry lounge, similarly to the Industry track.

People with disabilities are offered assistance throughout the convention. Special accessible seating is provided along with ASL interpreters present in the arena and main stage.^[27]

Attendance

References

External links

• Media related to VidCon at Wikimedia Commons
• Official website