Now in its sixth year, VidCon—the world's largest online video convention—is expanding beyond YouTube.
Founded in 2010 by VlogBrothers stars Hank and John Green as a way to gather fans of online video in one space, the conference has since grown into a hybrid fan convention, creator workshop, and industry trade show.
Those different aspects of VidCon are reflected in this year's three-tiered ticketing structure. The "Community" track is aimed at fans looking to see their favorite celebrity vloggers and mingle with fellow YouTube devotees. The newly established "Creator" track provides practical tips about writing, editing, shooting, marketing, and monetizing content to those who want to launch or grow a career in online video. And the "Industry" track is designed for established professionals—from advertising executives to brand managers, media executives, technologists, and platform executives.
via VidCon.com
Interestingly, all three of this year's Industry keynote speakers come from outside the world of YouTube, which reflects the convention's aims to encompass a vast array of new media. This year's speakers include Vessel CEO Jason Kilar, Twitter's head of TV and video Baljeet Singh, and GoPro media chief Zander Lurie.
I spoke with VidCon's new editorial director Jim Louderback about the convention's expanding goals. He explained that the Industry track will be more streamlined than ever before, with an entire floor as well as lounges and outdoor areas set aside for those looking to network with their industry colleagues rather than mingle with YouTube's younger fans. Last year more than 2,000 professionals from over 600 companies attended the Industry track.
And Louderback emphasized that the Industry track is designed for professionals of all levels. Industry leaders can hope to get insights into the ever-expanding world of online content creation through keynote conversations and panels. Scheduled topics include: building branded content; predicting the future of online video; moving from online content creation to traditional media like TV, movies, and books; and building MultiChannel Networks.
But the convention will also offer practical workshops for those who, as Louderman puts it, "Want to bring tangible skills back to the office on Monday." That means classroom-style seminars on topics like how to pick a thumbnail that draws in viewers, how to optimize a CMS, the best way to use Facebook and Twitter, the ins-and-outs of fair use, and more.
Louderman also explained that as more companies become interested in connecting with VidCon, the convention will also function as a traditional trade show where professionals will be able to try out various analytics/data tools, streaming platforms, and other services to see which is right for their needs.
via VidCon.com
Yet YouTube fans still remain at the heart of the convention (around 20,000 are expected to attend). This year's event will feature more stages and spaces where fans can connect with their favorite YouTube stars for meet-and-greets, photo-ops, and more.
And VidCon puts no judgment on any industry professionals who might secretly want get a photo with YouTube celebrities like Tyler Oakley or Zoe Sugg. As the website explains, "Industry track attendees get complete access to every Community discussion, panel, performance and other events – including the ability to sign up for meet-and-greets with top YouTubers, if that's what you're into."
VidCon will take place July 23-July 25 at the Anaheim Convention center in Anaheim, California. Tickets for all three tracks are currently available online, although they will likely sell-out quickly.
