vidcon location

Project Fab

4 min read

·

20-03-2025

1

0

Share

VidCon's Wandering Home: A History of Locations and Their Impact

VidCon, the annual celebration of online video creators and their passionate fans, has become a global phenomenon. Since its inception, however, its location has been a subject of much discussion, impacting attendee accessibility, event scale, and the overall experience. This article delves into the history of VidCon's various locations, exploring the reasons behind the choices and analyzing their influence on the convention's growth and evolution.

The Anaheim Era: A Foundation of Growth (2010-2019)

VidCon's inaugural event in 2010 took place in a relatively modest venue in Misson Viejo, California. However, the rapid expansion of online video culture quickly outgrew this space. By 2011, the convention relocated to the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, a decision that proved pivotal in VidCon's trajectory.

Anaheim, with its large convention center and proximity to Disneyland, offered several key advantages:

• Capacity: The Anaheim Convention Center provided ample space to accommodate the ever-increasing number of attendees and exhibitors. As VidCon's popularity exploded, this scalability was crucial for its continued growth.
• Infrastructure: The convention center's established infrastructure, including ample parking, readily available transportation options, and numerous nearby hotels, ensured a smoother experience for attendees and staff.
• Accessibility: Anaheim's location in Southern California, a major travel hub, made it relatively accessible to attendees from across the United States and even internationally. The proximity to major airports facilitated travel.
• Brand Association: Anaheim's association with Disneyland and other entertainment attractions added a layer of excitement and appeal, contributing to the overall vibrant atmosphere of VidCon.

The Anaheim era marked VidCon's transformation from a niche gathering to a major cultural event. The convention center became synonymous with VidCon, establishing a strong sense of place and tradition for both attendees and creators. However, even with the Anaheim Convention Center's expansive facilities, VidCon eventually outgrew its capacity, leading to the search for a new home.

The Pivot to Atlantic City: A Strategic Shift (2020 – Cancelled)

In a surprising move, VidCon announced its 2020 event would be held at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This decision represented a significant geographical shift, aiming to broaden the convention's reach and potentially attract a new audience from the East Coast.

The reasons behind this choice, however, remain somewhat speculative. Some suggested that Atlantic City offered more affordable options compared to Anaheim, while others pointed to a strategic effort to diversify the attendee base and better serve the Eastern portion of the United States and international attendees from Europe.

Ultimately, the 2020 VidCon event in Atlantic City was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This cancellation marked a significant turning point, forcing VidCon to re-evaluate its strategy and adapt to the changing landscape of events and online gatherings.

The Hybrid Model and Return to Anaheim (2021 - 2022): Adapting to Change

The COVID-19 pandemic forced VidCon to embrace a hybrid model in 2021 and 2022, offering both in-person and online experiences. The in-person events returned to the Anaheim Convention Center, highlighting the enduring appeal of this location despite earlier plans to move.

The hybrid approach allowed VidCon to reach a wider audience, including those who couldn't travel to Anaheim. However, the online component also presented its own set of challenges, such as maintaining the sense of community and energy that characterized the in-person events.

The decision to return to Anaheim in this hybrid format likely stemmed from several factors:

• Familiarity and Established Infrastructure: Returning to a familiar venue minimized logistical complications and allowed for a smoother transition during a period of uncertainty.
• Risk Mitigation: The Anaheim Convention Center offered a more established and predictable setting compared to exploring new locations during a time of ongoing pandemic-related restrictions.
• Attendee Preference: Given Anaheim's strong association with VidCon, the familiarity of the location likely appealed to a significant portion of the audience.

Looking to the Future: Uncertainty and Opportunity

The future location of VidCon remains uncertain. While Anaheim has served as a reliable home for the convention, the possibility of future shifts remains open. The factors driving future location decisions will likely include:

• Attendee Demographics and Geographic Distribution: A better understanding of where the majority of attendees are coming from could inform location choices.
• Cost Considerations: Venue costs, travel expenses, and accommodation rates will continue to be significant factors.
• Infrastructure and Capacity: The ability of a venue to accommodate the growing number of attendees and exhibitors will remain paramount.
• Emerging Trends in Event Management: VidCon may consider incorporating more innovative event formats and potentially explore different types of venues, including larger outdoor spaces or multiple smaller venues.

VidCon’s location journey reflects its evolution as a convention. The early years in Anaheim laid the groundwork for growth, the Atlantic City venture was a bold but ultimately unsuccessful attempt at expansion, and the hybrid model in Anaheim highlighted the importance of adapting to unforeseen circumstances. The future of VidCon's location, therefore, remains an open chapter in its ongoing story. The decisions made will not only impact the event's logistics but also influence its future growth and the overall experience for attendees and creators alike.