VidCon have announced that they will be holding events in both Amsterdam and Melbourne in 2017.
The announcement comes just before VidCon’s seventh annual US event kicks off in LA.
The news is out! #Vidcon is going global, with Vidcons in Melbourne and Amsterdam next year. https://t.co/93ZWnfFAf6
— John Green (@johngreen) June 22, 2016
Hank Green spoke to the Los Angeles Times about the decision, saying: “These places have their own stars, and they also love some of the same stuff that’s popular in the States. We want VidCon to foster and connect the creative community in other places the way it has here in America.”
He also added: “The growth of online video, and the ability for creators like myself to have such enjoyable careers, is due to a passionate and engaged community that is truly global. We are excited that we can bring the VidCon experience to Europe and Australia, where the fan and creator communities are so strong and truly thriving.”
Around 80% of all views on YouTube come from outside of the US, and 10% of the people attending VidCon last year travelled from other countries to be there. The demand for an international convention to meet the needs of YouTube’s global audience and creator base has been rising dramatically.
“Over the past several years, we have seen tremendous demand to take the VidCon experience overseas,” confirmed Michael Gardner and Colin Hickey, VidCon’s Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, respectively. “We are excited to give European and Australian fans and creators the opportunity to take part in what has become such a special experience.”
Amsterdam was chosen by VidCon as it is a well-connected city which creators and fans alike will find easier and cheaper to travel to than the event’s current location. UK YouTubers have taken to Twitter to express their excitement at the news:
VidCon is going to Australia and The Netherlands in 2017!!!!!! https://t.co/8lCwEfsqa8
— Ali (@AliJardz) June 22, 2016
Just logged on to the internet to see some PRETTY EXCITING NEWS FROM VIDCON. https://t.co/a4QrtAKACp
— Rosianna Halse Rojas (@papertimelady) June 22, 2016
YAS! A THOUSAND MILLION TIMES YAS! https://t.co/yzfz3vMKKZ
— James Calder (@JamesCalderUK) June 22, 2016
Looks like #VidCon is expanding to Amsterdam! YES! Gives me an excuse to visit the Netherlands more often! <3 https://t.co/jJMANSxEha
— Evan DEADinger (@EvanEdinger) June 22, 2016
The two new events will focus mainly on local creators. More European YouTubers will be invited to Amsterdam event, to be joined by some of the more globally-popular US creators. It is expected that the new events will attract around 7,500 attendees in 2017, a third of VidCon’s current audience in the US.
The Amsterdam event is set to take place at the RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre on 8-9 April 2017. To keep updated on news about the event and ticket announcement visit the VidCon Europe homepage.
Want more?
Hank Green also recently announced the launch of the Internet Creators Guild. Alternatively, check out the dates for the Roman vs. Fousey UK tour!
For more updates follow @TenEightyUK on Twitter or like TenEighty UK on Facebook.
