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Viacom Acquires YouTube and Online Video Conference Vidcon
9 Feb, 2018 / 01:29 PM / OMNES News

Source: https://www.forbes.com

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It's finally happened: Media conglomerate Viacom has officially acquired VidCon, a conference series revolving around YouTube and online video. While news of an upcoming deal was first released by Variety earlier this week, concrete details have now emerged regarding the new partnership.

There has been no news on the financial figures yet, however the move forms a cornerstone of Viacom's focus on capturing younger audiences and post-television entertainment platforms. It also correlates with a strategy to expand their live events business, with plans to bring VidCon to untapped international markets.

Jason Jordan, Viacom's EVP of Multiplatform Strategy and Operations, said, "We're excited to partner with [VidCon] to help achieve their vision and expand VidCon's reach around the world while maintaining the grassroots energy and authenticity that makes the experience so unique and special to many."

VidCon was co-founded in 2010 by YouTubers Hank and John Green (the latter whom you may recognize from his NYTbestselling book The Fault in Our Stars) to connect industry professionals not just with one another, but also with their thousands of fans. In America alone, over 30,000 people attended their flagship convention in the Anaheim Convention Center, California and attracted 45 exhibitors and over 80 sponsors.

Under the terms of the deal, VidCon will continue to operate as a stand-alone subsidiary and remain based in its hometown Montana. CEO Jim Louderback will continue to steer the ship alongside co-founder Hank Green, himself a popular YouTube personality on the channel vlogbrothers, who will continue to provide his expertise to the team.

Hank Green said, "I'm so happy that we found such a strong, successful, and progressive company to give our team the stability and resources needed to make bold moves at home and grow what we're doing internationally. Viacom has decades of expertise creating incredible live events for fans, and we are building something truly unique by blending that with our team's deep care and passion for the community and culture of online video. I’m so excited to be part of this team and to continue our work connecting people, providing amazing experiences and helping creators create."

This year, VidCon will be start off their 2018 series in Amsterdam for VidCon Europe on March 22-24, before returning home to Anaheim, California and rounding off the year in Melbourne, Australia in September. Tickets are now available through their website: http://vidcon.com/