VidCon Anaheim

V Spehar, aka @UnderTheDeskNews, is a Webby award-winning, LGBTQIA+ podcast and online personality who puts complex news stories into layman’s terms for their viewers.

Industry Track

Creator Careers & the New Executive Talent Pool

Location: Ballroom AB

Thursday, June 27

11:05 am - 11:30 am

Featuring: Sophie Lightning Jamison, Matt Story, V Spehar (@underthedesknews) and more

Join this panel of creators and executives to unpack the breadth and depth of career paths available to creators. Creators who’ve crossed the chasm to become executives share insight into their journey, and executives from traditional industries dig into how employers should think about finding and retaining creator talent. Find out what’s required for all stakeholders — creators, hiring companies, and managers — to thrive in a world where creator skillsets are hugely valuable to multiple industries.

Participants

Sophie Lightning Jamison

CEO

Lightning Media

Matt Story

Vice President

Visa

V Spehar (@underthedesknews)

Patrick Stevenson

Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Digital Strategy

The White House

Peter Hollens

Creator

InHouse Creators

Community Track

Live Podcast: American Fever Dream

Location: ROOM 213

Thursday, June 27

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Featuring: V Spehar (@underthedesknews), Sami Sage, Sarah Schauer and more

From under the desk to in your ears, V. Spehar joins Betches Media in a new podcast dedicated to curing the collective malaise brought on by our chaotic political environment. Every week, Spehar and co-host Sami Saage will tenderly guide you through the biggest moments in politics and pop culture with a healing dose of perspective and humor. Rather than spiral over the latest unprecedented event, the hosts dig for the 2024 political tea you *really* want to hear while offering all the information you need to be an empowered citizen, without the side of despair to keep you up at night.

Participants

V Spehar (@underthedesknews)

Sami Sage

Cofounder

Betches Media

Sarah Schauer

Kendahl Landreth

Community Track

Night of Awesome

Location: Spotlight Stage

Thursday, June 27

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Tag: ASL & CART Services Available

Featuring: Forrest Valkai, V Spehar (@underthedesknews), Lewberger and more

All the things you love about VidCon, all in one night! Witness the weird, the wonderful, and the just plain outrageous in this night full of laughs, music, and big reveals with your favorite creators. Join us Thursday evening for an epic welcome to VidCon Anaheim 2024!

Participants

Forrest Valkai

V Spehar (@underthedesknews)

Lewberger

CG5

KREW

Enola Bedard

kiranandnivi

Merrick Hanna

Shina Nova

Dinah Jane

elsarca

Mikey Angelo aka "Mr. Grande"

Alan Chikin Chow

SeanDoesMagic

Keith Habersberger (The Try Guys, Lewberger)

Steven Ho

Nevada

Kayuula

Accounting Technician

ReginaRochelle

It Girl

Slash Management Inc.

Katusha

Nitlenka

Blogger & Actress

Chelsea Sik

Performer

Alan Chikin Chow LLC

Kolunya

Creator, Model, Actor, Lovetest.io Owner

Zach and Pat Valentine (Valentine Brothers)

Industry Track

Influencing Impact: Can Creators Save the World?

Location: Ballroom AB

Friday, June 28

11:00 am - 11:30 am

Featuring: V Spehar (@underthedesknews), John Green, Amanda Silberling and more

As we navigate a complex social and political environment, it's crucial to acknowledge the influential power — and responsibility — of creators in shaping public discourse and values. From fighting dis/misinformation, to increasing voter turnout and driving change when it comes to important social and cultural issues, these creators are using their platforms to fight injustice and build a better world. Discover how they are translating influence into impact, educating their audiences, and ultimately inspiring action and meaningful change.

Participants

V Spehar (@underthedesknews)

John Green

Amanda Silberling

Senior Culture Writer

TechCrunch

Timm Chiusano

Community Track

Beyond the Binary

Location: Trending Stage

Friday, June 28

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Tag: ASL Interpreters Present

Featuring: Grace Stanley, Mercury Stardust, FunkyFrogBait and more

Engage in this conversation as creators share how transcending the gender binary has catalyzed their journey to self-discovery. They'll reflect on why this topic deserves its own standalone discussion outside of more general LGBTQ conversations, and how their unique gender expressions resonate with audiences — inspiring them to embrace authenticity and find courage in their identities.

Participants

Grace Stanley

Deputy Editor

Passionfruit

Mercury Stardust

FunkyFrogBait

V Spehar (@underthedesknews)

Spencewuah

Naomi Hearts

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