From YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Musical.ly, YouNow, and beyond – what social media platforms are YOU on? When asked that question, the list could probably go on and on. That’s the world we live in – the social media world and my, oh my has it changed our lives in more ways than imaginable. There’s only one stupendous convention that celebrates the wonderful world of online-video making that we live in and it’s none other than the epic and renowned VidCon convention. 8 years ago, VidCon started off as a convention that celebrates creating amazing content for online platforms such as YouTube. Now, 8 years later, VidCon has and continues to grow and establish itself as one of the biggest conventions out. VidCon, which garners over 27,000 attendees each year (and that number continues to grow) has now gone international and in addition to its annual convention held at the Anaheim Convention Center, VidCon is hosting conventions in Europe and Australia as well.
This year, the prestigious VidCon convention was held on June 22 – 24, 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center. As soon as you see the extra large “VidCon” sign posted outside of the Anaheim Convention Center, you know that you’re in for three of the greatest days of your life. VidCon never fails to give attendees three of the most unforgettable days – from community pass holders, to creators, those from the industry as well as the featured content creators themselves. This year was yet again jam-packed with an indescribable amount of excitement. VidCon had over 400 of the biggest content creators out, basically meaning it was three days of pure “fan”-demonium and could you blame us?! Some of the many online video makers in attendance included highly-acclaimed creators such as Casey Neistat, The Fine Brothers, Grace Helbig, Hannah Hart, Joey Graceffa, Miranda Sings, Dan Howell, Phil Lester, Kian Lawley, Jc Caylen, Tyler Oakley, Jenna Marbles, Zach King, Anthony Padilla, GloZell, Kingsley, Meg DeAngelis, the Merrell Twins, Alisha Marie, Bethany Mota, Patrick Starrr, Alli Fitz, AndreasChoice, Bertie Gilbert, Caspar Lee, Bretman Rock, David Dobrik, Liza Koshy, Ingrid Nilsen, Lele Pons, Leroy Sanchez, Marcus Butler, Ricky Dillon, Rosanna Pansino, Zach Clayton, and many, many more. VidCon creators and geniuses, John Green and Hank Green were also in attendance.
Attendees were able to enjoy a ton of interesting panels and interviews at the many stages at Vidcon including the Vidcon Gaming Stage, Instant Interview Stage, and others. Attendees were able to learn more about their favorite online-video creators and even get to ask them some of their burning questions. Industry pass holders were able to get the latest insight in the world of online-video making and what’s next in this fast-paced, constantly evolving world. VidCon is the perfect place for fans to get up close and personal with their favorite creators. There were many meet and greet opportunities where fans were able to take some of the cutest photos with the creators they love the most.
The fun and excitement continued at VidCon’s Expo Hall. The Expo Hall is definitely one of everyone’s favorite places to go to and hang out at – both attendees and featured creators themselves like to stop by and visit all of the booths. The Expo Hall had many terrific areas to stop by at – from Nickelodeon, who had a whole area with tons of excellent activities for everyone to enjoy. People were able to make their very own slime to take home with them as their VidCon souvenir and even get the chance to be slimed themselves! (You know that it’s everyone’s dream to be slimed at least once in their life). Nickelodeon even had dancing sensation, singer, and social media star, JoJo Siwa debut her new music video at VidCon and even share the love by giving fans some of her signature JoJo Siwa bows.
Other fun booths and areas at VidCon’s Expo Hall included the Cooking Channel’s “Genius Kitchen” where you were able to get a hands on experience and fulfill your sweet tooth by decorating your very own donut. Dove, Maltesers, M&Ms, NBC, Despicable Me 3, Live.Me, Disney, Taco Bell, Studio71, Instagram, Hubert’s Lemonade, Musical.ly and more all had incredible activities and great photo-ops for VidCon attendees to enjoy.
Our faves at AwesomenessTV also had a lot planned out for VidCon guests. A wonderful AwesomenessTV and Live.Me ball pit was right outside of the convention center for everyone to try out and get a slow-mo video of themselves taking a dive into the ball pit. AwesomenessTV also had its festival stage where people were able to see great performances and jam out all day long. Just as cool as the inside of the convention center was the outside – tons of food trucks with scrumptious treats were lined up outside if you wanted to take a break from your hectic VidCon day and get some grub.
There is no question as to why VidCon is such a great success. No amount of words can fully describe just how enjoyable VidCon is. It’s a great place to celebrate your love for creating or those that you admire watching on YouTube and other social media platforms. VidCon has helped people believe in themselves, inspire individuals to follow after their dreams and express themselves by creating videos, and it has even allowed friendships to be created. What better place to meet new people and make new friends than at a convention where everyone shares the same love and passion for online-video making?! VidCon is a terrific event for friends and families to go to and it’s a very safe and organized environment.
I, Alexisjoyvipaccess had the greatest honor of covering VidCon 2017 for my fourth year in a row. VidCon is, without a doubt, one of my favorite events of the year and I always look forward to it. Check out some VIPAccessEXCLUSIVE pictures below from my coverage of Vidcon 2017 and watch my VidCon RECAP vlog below.
Don’t miss out on all of the awesome times and be sure to get your tickets for Vidcon 2018 out now on http://vidcon.com! Follow VidCon on Twitter and Instagram: @Vidcon.
