VidCon, the world’s largest convention for online video creators and fans, has launched its first ever event on the east coast, in Baltimore, Maryland. The four-day event, which started on September 28 and will end on October 1, features panels, workshops, performances, meet and greets, and more activities for the attendees.
VidCon Expands Its Reach To The East Coast
VidCon was founded in 2010 by Hank and John Green, the brothers behind the popular YouTube channel Vlogbrothers. The convention was initially held in Los Angeles, California, and then moved to Anaheim, California, in 2012. Since then, VidCon has grown to attract tens of thousands of attendees every year, as well as expanding to other countries such as Australia, Mexico, Singapore, and the UK.
However, VidCon had never hosted an event on the east coast of the US, until this year. According to Jacques Keyser, the programming director for VidCon, the decision to bring VidCon to Baltimore was motivated by the desire to make the convention more accessible to creators and fans who live on this side of the country.
“It’s always been on our radar to do an east coast show,” Keyser said “Baltimore has a great community of creators here,” he added.
VidCon Celebrates Creativity And Diversity In The Creator Economy
VidCon Baltimore offers three different tracks for its attendees: Community, Creator, and Industry. The Community track is for fans who want to meet their favorite online stars, watch live performances, and participate in fun activities. The Creator track is for aspiring and established creators who want to learn new skills, network with peers, and discover new opportunities. The Industry track is for professionals who want to explore the latest trends, insights, and innovations in the online video industry.
Some of the featured creators at VidCon Baltimore include Caleb Simpson, a digital star known for touring the homes of both everyday people and well-known celebrities; Amanda Golka, a TikTok sensation who makes comedy sketches and musical parodies; and Karl Jacobs, a popular Twitch streamer and member of the Dream SMP Minecraft server.
VidCon Baltimore also showcases the diversity and inclusivity of the creator economy, with panels and sessions that highlight different perspectives and experiences of online video creators. For example, there is a panel called “Black Creators Matter” that features Black creators who share their stories and challenges in the industry. There is also a session called “LGBTQ+ Creators: Love And Brands” that explores how LGBTQ+ creators balance their personal and professional lives online.
VidCon Looks Ahead To The Future Of Online Video
VidCon Baltimore is not only a celebration of the present state of the creator economy, but also a glimpse into its future. The convention features discussions and presentations that explore how online video is evolving and impacting various aspects of society and culture.
For instance, there is a panel called “The Future Of Education And Online Video” that examines how online video can be used as a tool for learning and teaching. There is also a keynote speech by Eventbrite CEO Julia Hartz, who talks about how online video can help create more engaging and immersive live events.
VidCon Baltimore is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees, making it one of the largest events in the city this year. The convention is also a boost for the local economy, as it generates revenue for hotels, restaurants, transportation, and other businesses in the area.
VidCon plans to return to Anaheim in June 2024 for its 15th annual event. It also hopes to continue hosting events on the east coast in the future.
