My Experience at VidCon: A Diverse and Intellectual Convention

Ever attended VidCon and wondered what it was like? My experience came last year, as a 45-year-old teacher bringing my daughter and her friend. This was our first year attending, and here’s what I discovered.

What is VidCon?

VidCon is one of the largest conventions dedicated to the YouTube community. It gathers content creators, fans, and anyone interested in the lives behind the screens. My daughter and I joined the throngs of attendees, navigating a space filled with tech gadgets, gaming zones, and social media outlets, all vying for attention and business.

The Convention Space

The convention floor was a mix of various electronic companies, including drone makers, camera sellers, social media platforms, and media outlets. Despite the overwhelming array of exhibits, it took only about an hour and a half to cover everything. The diverse range of people was evident, with excellent racial and gender diversity, a characteristic likely due to the convention's Southern California location.

Musical Entertainment and Lunch Options

The musical performances were good, but the high-energy nature of the music didn't captivate my young companions. The lunch trucks offered a variety of food options, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. While the parent room sounded like a concept straight out of a comedy sketch, it represented a unique feature that some families used to find adult-only time during the convention.

Intellectual Panels and Lectures

What truly stood out for me were the multiple panels and presentations held throughout the event. One of the most memorable was a discussion between Hank Green and Jaiden Animations about the art of creating content and building an audience. Later in the night, I attended PBS Digital Nerd Night, where each presenter gave a mini-lecture. The speakers were incredibly engaging and intelligent, with guests such as Mike Rugnetta, Vanessa Hill, Joe Hanson, Dianna Cowern, Sarah Urist Green, Kelsey Houston Edwards, Matt O’Dowd, and Myles Bess. The audience also engaged in a lively conversation with two adult science YouTubers, further enriching the experience.

Teenagers and the Convention

The teenagers present seemed to enjoy their time, but there were moments of concern. I observed at least three or four girls crying at different points during the day, and my teacher instincts made me want to intervene to offer support. It was a reminder of the emotional rollercoaster that many young people can experience at such events. Some attendees spent a lot of time looking at their phones, which seemed less than ideal, especially within the context of a convention designed to promote real-world connections.

The Conclusion

In summary, VidCon presented a fascinating blend of intellectual content and social networking. While it wasn't a perfect fit for my daughter and her friend, I found it to be a valuable experience for those interested in the world of content creation and the broader community around it. If you're a content creator or a fan of YouTube, VidCon might be a great event for you to attend.

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