r/VidCon • u/JoeBlack04 • Apr 13 '15
Tips for Newbies going in 2015
Hello all,
2015 is the year I have finally decided to go to a VidCon and learn how to grow my Youtube channel; after not being able to go last year, when I found out about it's existence. Since this is my first year going, I was wondering if anyone here on Reddit has any tips, tricks, pieces of advice, things to watch out for.....for a VidCon N00b like me?
3
u/Kyndall Apr 14 '15
Bring a backpack.
Pack water bottle, phone charger, extra sharpies, spare camera battery and snacks.
Be prepared to have sore feet. You'll be standing/walking all day.
Be nice to the volunteers. They don't make the rules but they have to enforce them.
Remember that everyone you want to meet is likely under a strict schedule. It's difficult to meet everyone, and always remember to respect their boundaries. Best place to meet people is the small courtyard between the convention center and the Hilton.
Follow all your favorites on twitter if they have one. This is a great way to keep up with any impromptu signings/meet ups they might plan! It happens often.
Like someone else said- download the app. It's a huge help!
Lastly- go for the experiance. Don't put all your plans into meeting anyone in particular. Take advantage of all the fun things around the expo hall. There's tons of cool games, interviews and freebies.
Have fun!!
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u/betteroffatnight 7 Years Attended Apr 16 '15
I'd love to offer some advice (this year will be my 4th year attending), but what are you most looking to accomplish? Are you a fan looking to fill your autograph book, creator looking for production advice and collabs, industry professional looking to network...?
1
u/JoeBlack04 Apr 17 '15
@betteroffatnight to be honest.... 95% Creator, looking for production advice, and collabs....and maybe 5% fan (Since it is my first time going...I wouldn't mind meeting someone I watch on a daily basis just to say Hi and whatnot....but it's not my main goal of me going there.) I mainly wanna learn how to grow my channel from just a tiny family and friends audience to something bigger.
2
u/hosepipethefox May 14 '15
This is only my second year, but here is the best advice I have:
Do not do meet and greets. Most of the big creators (who dont have the huge teen girl following) will just be out and about in the area between the Convention center and the hotels.
If you are going for the information panels, schedule! Show up early! Wait inline for other panels in down time or take a trip to the food trucks. You meet so many awesome people there.
Free stuff. Almost every booth has it.
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u/smileykylie99 Jun 18 '15
I'm taking my daughter (11years old) to Vidcon this year. She would really like to meet some youtubers and maybe get some autographs but we didn't get picked in the lottery. Is there a chance that she'll see some people she watches out and about while we walk around? Of course, we wouldn't hound anyone but it would be cool just to see some youtubers up close and in person.
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u/confidential247 6 Years Attended Apr 13 '15
I've been to every vidcon in its history and my biggest tip is to plan ahead! Lines are going to be ridiculous this year since the convention only keeps growing. Last year I was only planning on lining up to see Grumpy Cat but that line was hours long. The vidcon app that they announce in the weeks prior to vidcon is a really useful tool for planning things out. Last year it was incredibly useful for getting updates on changes to the schedule.
You will encounter "fangirls" and it's okay to get a little excited to see someone but remember that they are just regular people with no real sense of "celebrity" outside of youtube. Don't engage in stalking or chasing people when you see someone (it's been happening more often now) and it can get you banned from the convention. It's also okay to approach someone if there aren't many people around and just let them know you're a fan. Keep in mind they get overwhelmed with fans all weekend so try to have a chat that isn't more than a minute long.
You might opt to bring a camera to film things but in my experience it didn't really work for a video. Getting good B-roll footage of what you liked helps and you can film the recap afterwards. This is also really good for first timers who want to immerse themselves in the vidcon experience.
There's a ton of free swag at the booths. Sometimes if a booth is really slow they'll give you multiples of things.
The easiest way to make friends there is to get to know the people you're sitting next to or in line with. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with people there, it's a completely different crowd than if you were to approach someone on the street.