VidCon is on in LA next week and it’s one of those events where you can walk away with momentum and clarity. Or you can come home with a few selfies, a good time and a nagging sense that you didn’t get what you needed.
For VidCon, or any creator event, the difference between a good event and a great one comes down to one thing: your intention.
Here’s how to make the most out of Vidcon if you’re going - and where to find me and the Changer community.
Get the most out of your VidCon
Here’s my take on how to get the most out of Vidcon (inspired by MBA for Creators alum, Andrea Casanova)
Before:
Have an objective - the one thing you want to get out of attending. Keep reminding yourself of that and stay on task.
RSVP for everything - you want the option to attend (or not)
Don't go to events because they look fun. Go based on who's on the list &/or how it matches up with your objective.
Have a list of 10 people you actually want to meet - take steps to make it happen.
If you don’t know who exactly you want to meet - have a description of who that person is & what they do - it will help you find them.
During:
Mornings are great for deeper conversations - breakfast, coffee, lunch even. By night most people are keen to party or unwind.
Don’t fill all your time with meetings. Leave time for serendipity and the sessions that’ll help you with your objectives.
Don’t just hang with people you know. Be active in meeting new folks.
Connect with people on Linkedin. If you don’t have Linkedin - set it up before you go.
At the end of each day make notes or a voice-note of everyone you met and who you need to follow up - along with any awesome ideas you have.
After:
Don't follow up immediately. Wait until people are home, settled & recovered then reach out.
Make sure you follow up.
Hot tip: Rob Ryan (another MBA for Creators alum) has this great list of all the parties & events around VidCon. Get the Vidcon Party Grid here.
Come to the session I'm most fired up about
From Content Machine to Business Founder
This year I'm on stage with three MBA for Creators grads - Devin McGovern (aka Devin the Dad), Little Remy Food, and AnythingAlexia.
We're going to break down what it actually takes to build a creator business that gets you off the hamster wheel with predictable revenue and business models that match you and your audience.
When: Friday 26 June
Time: 2:15 - 3:15pm
Where: Room 210 CD (Creator Track)
Creator Run Club - come run with us
What started as a no-expectations morning jog with a small creator economy crew has become one of my favourite traditions at VidCon.
It’s not about pace or distance. It's about getting outside with a crew, moving your body, and having the kind of conversations you don't get inside a conference room.
Every year someone shows up not knowing anyone and leaves with a new connection or a friendship that lasts.
This year we’ve partnered with Creators 4 Mental Health for this year’s edition.
When: Thursday 25 June
Time: 7:30am (7:45am we run)
Where: Marriott Anaheim, main entrance
It’s up to you
The difference between a good conference and a great one is your intention.
The conversations that change your trajectory rarely happen in a conference room. They happen at Run Club, at breakfast, in a hallway, in a coffee line - and in a DM you actually sent.
Show up with intention. The rest sorts itself.
And if you're going to VidCon give me a shout on LinkedIn
See you at Vidcon.
✌🏼 Ant
Co-founder, Changer
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✌🏼 Ant
Co-founder, Changer