Being a content creator is the hottest career as the internet becomes mainstream. Networking with other vloggers, YouTubers, and content creators can provide huge opportunities to take you to the next level. This is something that had been lacking in 2021 due to the pandemic.
But, as we set our hopes for 2022, let us look at what is coming ahead!
Read on to discover the ultimate list of Youtube conventions and events to attend to learn and meet new people!
YouTube Conventions & Events [2022] Summary:
1. VidCon
The biggest Youtube convention is VidCon, which launched in Los Angeles and has expanded to other countries and risen to huge popularity.
VidCon plans to meet in Anaheim, California, in summer 2022. At this time, the date is set to June 22-25.
Due to COVID-19, organizers canceled the convention last year, but online events still occur. If the event cancels for any reason, the show will go on via streaming.
There are three different tracks for VidCon attendees; these are “community,” “creator,” and “industry.” Let us look at each one in more depth and the perks they come with.
Community ($45-120)
The Community track includes access to creators, Q&As, and concerts. It is more fan-focused and does not go in-depth about content creation or the industry. This track is further divided into three tickets:
- 1-day ticket ($45): Access to all Community Track events, panels, and parties for 1 day.
- 4-day ticket Chaperone ($110): A community track 4-day ticket that is tailored for adulds bringing anyone under 16 to the event.
- 4-day ticket ($120): Gives you access to all of the above for the 4-days of the event as well as meet & greet matchmaking.
Creator ($175)
The Creator track grants access to events geared towards content creation, such as workshops, panels to build knowledge and connections. You will also better understand different content creation aspects, such as monetization, audiences, and managing intellectual property.
We talked about networking earlier, and the creator track is a great avenue to get those connections. With this ticket, you get dedicated networking tools & areas and meet & greet / creator chat matchmaking.
Industry ($649)
The highest tier ticket involves building expertise and networking. You can attend industry panel discussions where experts talk about video production, talent management, advertising, and more. Here you get to meet the top creators and industry insiders.
The Industry track is surely not for everyone, but if you are a more experienced content creator looking to advance your career, there will surely be a lot of value for you.
The Vidcon Format
Across all tracks, the format of VidCon contains five components, such as:
- Interviews and Q&As: Generally focused on fans and audience, although may present insightful information and gauge interest
- Workshops, Discussions, Panels: These events aim to teach and present valuable information for future content creators
- Keynote addresses: Excellent information from industry leaders, including speakers from YouTube. Neal Mohan is the Chief Product Officer at YouTube who presented more opportunities to increase profit, such as using Teespring for merchandise on the platform.
- The Expo Hall: Massive brands have booths ready to meet with content creators and possible connect for sponsorships
- Networking: Create opportunities and connections at events and parties
In all, VidCon is a must for those who want a career in content creation, especially YouTube.
International Vidcon Events
All international VidCon Youtube conventions follow a similar format. Here are the current ones planned this year:
VidCon London
VidCon London plans to meet in London, England, although no dates are confirmed yet. But there is a chance the convention is going to be live-streamed.
VidCon Mexico
VidCon Mexico will meet for the first time in 2022. They will soon announce the dates for the event.
Vidcon Abu Dhabi
VidCon Abu Dhabi meets in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The event may be live-streamed, as organizers did in 2021. They actually have a video on their website with the event’s highlights—a great way to get a taste of what this VidCon has to offer.
VidCon Sao Paulo
VidCon São Paulo is a new event that will take place in São Paulo, Brazil. Depending on COVID-19 restrictions, the event may be live-streamed. However, the event is set to take place in person in São Paulo from 27-29 May 2022.
VidCon Australia
VidCon Australia is coming back to Melbourne, Australia. Organizers will confirm the dates during the summer.
VidCon Asia
VidCon Asia started in Singapore for the first time in 2019. Now they are returning in December 2022.
2. VidSummit
Among the biggest Youtube conventions is VidSummit. Their event will kick off this summer in Los Angeles, California, from September 27-29.
VidSummit brings in the most popular Youtubers and content creators online. This event is an excellent way to network, as it is not a meet-and-greet with fans. It is a convention for creators to grow.
VidSummit prides itself on helping others become industry insiders. Influencers can share the truth about their work, what they do, how they do it, and hardships.
The convention outlines it is for three types of people:
- Video Creators and Influencers
- Marketers, Agencies, or Team Members Involved in Content Creation Process
- Brands and Business Owners
All of this does not come cheap, though, as the in-person tickets currently cost $795. Having said that, VidSummit is selling two types of passes:
- Virtual Pass: Sign up for the virtual event, streamable on any device
- In-person pass and replays: Reserve a ticket for both virtual and in-person
The featured speakers for the upcoming VidSummit will include:
- MrBeast
- Todd Beaupre
- KwebbelKop
- Derral Eves
- Shonduras
- Jesse Riedel; and more
Overall, the experience and knowledge you will learn from VidSummit may be worth the ticket, especially hearing advice from the best Youtubers today, MrBeast, who has over 50 million subscribers.
3. Playlist Live
Playlist Live is a convention similar to VidCon, where vloggers, bloggers, YouTubers, and other creators can meet up and share their experiences.
The event will be in Orlando, Florida, from September 2nd to 4th, 2022.
This year there are eleven different ticket options to select:
- Parent ($80.00): Access to accompany your child to any track; does not include Kickoff Show access or meetups.
- Parent + Merch ($115): Parent pass with merch package.
- Community ($99): Access to meetups, featured creators, panels, musicians, performances, games, only Saturday and Sunday.
- Community + Merch ($134) Most major events with merch package.
- Weekender ($149): Community pass access and Playlist Live Kickoff Show.
- Weekender + Merch ($184): Kickoff show and merch package.
- Influenser ($199): Includes influences programming and the mystery meetup on friday.
- Influenser + Merch ($234): The influenser pass perks with merch.
- Industry ($249): Get the scoop on the ins and outs of the business with Industry and Insight track access, plus three days of Playlist Love programming.
- Industry + Merch ($284): Industry and insight track, Playlist Live programming, and a merch package.
- Premium Experience ($500): Combines all of the events and access in one ticket
Playlist Live allows you to meet your favorite creators by registering your pre-reserve meetups.
4. Content Marketing World
The Content Marketing World Conference is one of the best conventions to network with hundreds of industry leaders. There will be a convention and expo in Cleveland, Ohio, from September 13th to 16th, 2022. The event will take place in the Huntington Convention Center.
Hundreds of big-name brands such as Microsoft, Dell, Volvo, Nestle, Discover, and more attend Content Marketing World. For YouTubers and other content creators, this is an opportunity to obtain sponsorship to take your career to the next level.
There are four ticket options:
- All-Access
- Main Conference Plus
- Main Conference
- Virtual Pass
- Summit or Industry Forum Only
Prices vary depending on the purchase date. For instance, there are super early-bird, early-bird, regular rates, and onsite rates. The closer to the convention, the more expensive the ticket becomes.
The speakers are different from other conventions, as they are mostly CEOs, Head Strategists, Directors, Senior positions in the marketing world of well-known brands.
Attendees can expect to learn about the industry, improve branding, and connect with sponsors.
5. Social Media Marketing World
The Social Media Marketing World convention is an excellent opportunity to connect with people of all levels, from beginner to established.
The annual convention is set for March 14-16 this year. Taking place in San Diego, California.
The speakers, both online and at in-person events, are marketing experts on Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and many more platforms.
This event aims to give attendees the knowledge to set up successful campaigns and strategies from start to finish. YouTubers can benefit from the latest techniques, as Youtube Ads are a powerful tool to gain subscribers.
Marketers from some of the biggest brands worldwide attend, such as Best Buy, AT&T, Marriott, Microsoft, and Amazon.
6. PAX
PAX is a gaming event with streamers from YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms. It was initially called Penny Arcade Expo and began in 2004. Since then, PAX has gotten popular and held annual events in Boston, San Antonio, Philadelphia, and Seattle.
While nothing is confirmed yet, PAX may have in-person events depending on the location. Although in 2021, PAX mostly offered live streaming of meetings and events.
The atmosphere is similar to other Youtube conventions like ComicCon and VidCon, with cosplayers, streamers, hardcore gamers, and networkers all in one place.
The convention has lots of fun activities, including:
- Tournaments
- Freeplay (console, handheld, PC, etc.)
- Concerts
- LAN Party also called “Bring Your Own Computer (BYOC)”
- The Omegathon featuring a festival-long tournament with prizes
- Exhibition Hall that includes merchandise and game studios
- Talks, signings, panel conversations
- eSports tournament in PAX Arena
PAX is an exciting opportunity to meet with Twitch and YouTube streamers, even if that is not your category.
International PAX Events
Below are all locations PAX is hosted.
PAX South
PAX South meets in San Antonio, Texas, concentrating on a tabletop indie showcase of video and computer games.
PAX East
PAX East holds events in Boston, Massachusetts, showcasing the best indie games available on mobile platforms such as iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch.
PAX West
PAX West is in Seattle, Washington, focusing on the PAX 10 with a group of 50 industry experts who choose the ten best indie games based on fun-factor and gameplay.
PAX Aus
In Melbourne, Australia, PAX Aus highlights new titles from independent developers and select winners.
7. NAB Show
NAB Show meets at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Nevada, bringing together media, entertainment, and content professionals. The convention is planning an in-person event for April 23-27.
Innovative brands partnering with new startups or looking for new opportunities attend the NAB Show and become part of the exhibit floor.
Over 600 companies are in one place, ready to share their technology, ideas and seek potential partners. The exhibit is also an excellent opportunity to find a sponsor if you are a YouTuber.
Some of the biggest companies to attend the NAB show on the exhibit floor include:
- Adobe Systems
- Amazon Web Services
- Verizon Business and Media
- Sony Electronics
- AT&T
- Panasonic and many more
NAB Show also allows content creators to present their work globally, building your brand and amplifying your exposure. Over 31 nations represent different brands on the show floor, providing a distinct global presence not felt in other conventions.
If you want to start podcasting, NAB Show provides a virtual event called Radio Show, where industry trailblazers discuss their strategies.
8. Brightcove Play
Brightcove Play is a digital media industry convention in Boston, Massachusetts. Due to a lack of in-person events, Play TV launched, streaming innovators and leaders presenting advice for upcoming personalities.
Virtual events are currently on schedule for 2022, revolving around different industries, such as streaming, marketing, healthcare, and eCommerce.
Keynote speakers at Brightcove Play events tend to be CEOs or influential celebrities, presenting YouTubers and other content creators an incredible opportunity to connect.
9. Influence This
Influence This is an organization that gathers media and marketing professionals annually in Toronto, Canada. They usually organize events in the form of think tanks you can attend.
It is an excellent opportunity for new Youtubers to connect locally with marketing experts to boost their channel.
Influence This gives awards and prizes to the best content on various platforms, such as Wattpad and Youtube. The event also recognizes marketing content and awards the best based on creativity. They have many virtual events with marketing strategists and CEOs to help content creators with their brand.
10. Buffer Festival
Buffer Festival in Toronto, Canada, is an awards ceremony for Canadian content creators.
While it is not a convention like VidCon or VidSummit, it is an opportunity to meet other creators and showcase your work. The organizers allow anyone to submit videos of any genre.
The Buffer Foundation that holds the Buffer Festival supports international and Canadian filmmakers by creating opportunities, celebrations, and recognition.
There are currently no planned events for 2022, but that may change!
11. Summer in the City
Summer in the City is a convention in London, England that connects social media influences and content creators. It is the largest event in the UK for content creators, which meets in the summer. In 2022, Summer in the City is set to take place from 12th to 14th August at the London Excel.
Since its creation in 2009, attendees have connected with others to form lasting relationships and collaborations on YouTube and other platforms.
The event also has industry professionals and viewers who can meet with content creators. Fans of famous YouTubers may encounter their favorites through meet and greets.
Other activities at this event include:
- Live performances and stages
- Exhibition hall with a Gaming Stage, Lifestyle Zone, Fashion and Beauty Stage
- Screenings, Talks, Q&A
- Creator Village and Merchandise where attendees meet the most prominent creators in the business
If you’re in the UK or plan to visit, this convention is an excellent opportunity for YouTubers and other content creators.
In Conclusion
There you have it! The ultimate list of YouTube conventions and events to attend not just in the United States but around the world.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, many of the events may have to be live-streamed instead of in-person. However, YouTube conventions are still an excellent opportunity to network and connect with other vloggers, Youtubers, including Twitch and TikTok creators. And for 2022, things are looking a bit brighter!
If you want to learn more about starting a vlog, check out our ultimate guide here.