Going to YouTuber events is a fantastic way of getting more eyes on you and your channel. Aside from plain exposure, there are plenty of other pros to attending VidCon and similar events.
Here’s what you can get out of video creator events:
- Staying ahead of the trend curve
- Networking with other creators
- Setting up content collabs
- Learning about tools, tech and strategies
- Interacting with fans
- Connect with businesses
- Having fun!
They’re great places to network, lay the groundwork for collaborations with brands and fellow creators, and keep up with trends. Some are creators-only. Others give you face time with your fans. Just as importantly, there’ll be business reps there. Play your cards right, and you’ll go home with a lucrative brand collab.
All that takes time, cash and a lot of planning. Not every event is going to be worth it, and some of the early big conventions are no longer held. At the same time, though, video creator events have gone broader and more international.
So, where do you start?
We’ve done the research and asked savvy creators. On this list, you’ll find the can’t-miss events for YouTubers in 2026. While many are in the U.S., there’s plenty going on elsewhere!
You’ll find a handy calendar at the end, too!
Contents
Overview: YouTuber Events & Conventions
Here’s an overview of 2026’s major video creator meets, from conventions and conferences to summits and other events. All for YouTubers, streamers, and other online video makers on whatever platform – worldwide!
| Event | Start date | End date | Location | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SXSW | Mar 12, 2026 | Mar 18, 2026 | Austin, TX | Music: $745 Film & TV: $1,095 Innovation: $1,270 Platinum: $1,865 |
| PAX East | Mar 26, 2026 | Mar 29, 2026 | Boston, MA | 1-day: $70 4-day: $250 |
| TwitchCon Europe | May 30, 2026 | May 31, 2026 | Rotterdam | 1-day: TBA 2-day: TBA |
| SXSW London | Jun 1, 2026 | Jun 6, 2026 | London | Screen: £400 Music: £400 Festival: £800 Platinum: £1,040 |
| VidCon Anaheim | Jun 25, 2026 | Jun 27, 2026 | Anaheim, CA | Community 1-day: TBA; Community 4-day: $129/$169; Creator 4-day: $283; Industry 4-day: $819 |
| VidSummit | Sep 29, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 | Dallas, TX | $895 |
| TwitchCon | Nov 13, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | San Diego, CA | 3-day: TBA Friday: TBA Saturday: TBA Sunday: TBA Block party: TBA |
| Buffer Festival | TBA, 2026 | TBA, 2026 | Toronto, ON | TBA |
If you compare this to last year’s schedule, you’ll find that there’s a few names missing: Alt Summit, CEX (Content Entrepreneur Expo) and SXSW Sydney are no longer held.
International and U.S. YouTuber Events in 2026
Let’s talk about all these events in a little more detail, starting with the most popular.
VidCon
June 25-27, 2026 in Anaheim Convention Center, California
Pricing (early bird):
- Community Track (1-day): TBA
- Community Track (4-day): $129 (VidCon Pass) / $169 (VidCon Pass+)
- Creator Track (4-day): $283
- Industry Track (4-day): $819 (VidCon Pro)
VidCon is one of the biggest gatherings of video creators, fans, and brands in the world. Launched in 2010, VidCon 2026 will be the 15th in-person incarnation (after two online-only gatherings in 2020 and 2021). YouTube itself is the main sponsor, though TikTok has claimed that title before.
As always, there’ll be a Community track for fans, a special Creator track for video makers, and an Industry track. The schedule is packed, but that’s not everything: The con is usually also surrounded by smaller, invite-only dinners and parties hosted by creator startups and media companies.
Like last year, there are no spin-off events in 2026. While VidCon Baltimore, Europe, São Paulo, and Mexico were successes, the organizers are now focusing all their efforts on the Anaheim edition.
This may be related to its latest change of owner: Informa took over from Paramount, and now runs several video and film events, including the Cannes Lions festival and the Fan Expo series.
A recap of VidCon 2024 in Anaheim by Yellow Production.
VidSummit
September 29 – October 1, 2026 in Dallas, Texas
Price: $895
VidSummit sets out to be the one event that makes you a true industry insider. There’s no fan track: This is a place to focus on the strategic side of online video. Last year, there were an unprecedented 4,000+ attendants.
Among those are top-tier YouTube creators – MrBeast and PrestonPlayz are returning speakers – industry experts, and marketing wizards. 2026 marks the 13th edition, and it will again be packed with keynotes, panels, and workshops.
VidSummit lets you learn from the best, whether it’s audience growth strategies or brand building, monetization or the latest video production tech.
TwitchCon
November 13 – 15, 2026 in San Diego, California
Pricing is TBA, but here are 2025’s prices:
- $249 for the 3-day pass
- 1-day passes are $169 (Fri/Sat) or $159 (Sun)
- Block Party add-on: $125 (Sat)
- Twitch Partners and Affiliates automatically get extra perks!
TwitchCon has had some ups and downs in the past – some of them safety-related. But thanks also to its recent track record, it’s unquestionably the hottest streamer event. After a Las Vegas detour three years ago, the con is again happening in San Diego in 2026.
As in previous years, TwitchCon will feature community events, including fan/creator meetups. But meanwhile, there’s also going to be a Creator Camp with sessions and workshops, presented by Twitch itself and pro streamers.
In the Twitch Rivals arena, streamers will duke it out over several games for two days. The exclusive Block Party is the cherry on top. The full schedule isn’t set yet, though – and so previous years’ features like the Lo-fi lounge, Artist Alley, and the Cosplay section may well make a return.
TwitchCon has a transatlantic sibling in TwitchCon Europe in Rotterdam. Apart from that, Twitch also hosts dozens of smaller, local Community MeetUps.
SXSW 2026 (Creator Economy Track)
March 12 – 18, 2026 in Austin, TX
The Creator Economy track runs March 12 – 15.
Pricing:
- Music: $745
- Film & TV: $1,095
- Innovation: $1,270
- Platinum: $1,865
Only the Innovation and Platinum badges include the entire Creator Economy Track. There are Student and Early Career discounts.
The South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference is a cultural mega-event of technology, business, film, music, education, and much more. Here, digital creatives can discover cutting-edge ideas, network with peers and some of the biggest names in the American entertainment space.
How enormous? There about a thousand conference sessions, exhibitions, and festivals under the SXSW umbrella. 50+ of them are part of a dedicated Creator Economy track. This track explores creator innovation, including distribution, monetization, and brand alignment strategy, with speakers and mentors from across the entire sector. Other tracks might align with your particular niche. It’s not an exclusive creator and business space, though – anyone can attend it.
There is also also an international version: SXSW London will run from June 1 – 6, 2026 (check the overview table for details). The SXSW Sydney edition was held in 2025 for the last time.
PAX East
May 8 – 11, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts
Pricing:
- $250 for the 4-day pass
- $70 for single-day passes
Over the years, PAX has developed into a top event for gamers, streamers, and fans.
There are now several PAX events a year: Apart from PAX East in Boston, there are also annual events in Seattle (PAX West), Philadelphia (PAX Unplugged, focuses on tabletop gaming) and Melbourne, Australia (PAX Aus).
PAX events are interesting for video creators in the gaming niche, in particular. It’s a great place to interact with major players in their industry – especially since the similar RTX is no longer held.
Whether Minecraft YouTubers, A-list title gamers, or Roblox streamers – PAX has inspiration for every gamer and fan.
BWOne gives us a vlog walkthrough of the expo floor at PAX East 2023.
TwitchCon Europe - Rotterdam
May 30 – 31, 2026 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Pricing:
- TBA. Here are the 2025 prices for reference: €75 for 1 day, €125 for both.
- Twitch Partners and Affiliates automatically get extra perks!
TwitchCon Europe is one of the continent’s flagship gaming and video events. After switching host cities from year to year, it’s now firmly established in Rotterdam.
It offers much the same opportunities as the U.S. version – it’s just a day shorter. The call for content is currently open, with the schedule to be announced a bit later in the year.
Buffer Festival
Date TBA (November/December) , in Toronto, Canada
Pricing:
- TBA
- For reference, the 3-day pass was CAD 179 in 2024.
Buffer Festival is much like the Toronto Film Festival, except with online video. It celebrates YouTubers, TikTok creators, and other digital video creators. And their fans: At the heart of Buffer are the theatrical screenings, where online video makers premiere their creations.
The festival also includes workshops and learning sessions, creator meetups, and the Buffer Festival Awards ceremony. The 2026 edition will already be the 13th! The date hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s typically in November or early December.
Buffer also has ties to the Blue Mountain Film + Media Festival, held May 28 -31, 2026 in the Blue Mountain Village in Ontario. This includes a Creative Forum track for filmmakers, producers and content creators.
Buffer Festival’s launch video. The concept’s stayed the same since then (online video, but in the movie theater!), though 2022 saw a cross-over with the FAN EXPO.
YouTuber Events Infographic
Heading to YouTuber Events
YouTuber events are a fantastic investment in channel growth and sustainable success. They’re not just for fan meet-ups (though they are that, too).
Many conferences now focus heavily on entrepreneurship and networking. They’re gatherings spots for industry insiders, other creators, and reps from companies that want to work with them. A few, like VidSummit, are closed affairs. Without fans around, creators and media experts can share real behind-the-scenes tips, insights, and experiences.
Pro-tip: Polish up your online presence in advance – make sure the links work, get yourself a business card with a QR code to your main profile. Have some analytics and a little elevator speech ready.
Apart from all that business, though, YouTuber events are also plain fun to go to.
Excited yet? Then get ready to pack your bags!
FAQs
The biggest events for online video creators are VidCon, VidSummit, TwitchCon, and the SXSW events.
YouTube is the title sponsor of VidCon and organizes the international Fanfest events.
VidCon will be in Anaheim, California, from June 25 to June 27, 2026. There are no other VidCon events this year.
The biggest YouTube event is VidCon, which will be held in Anaheim, California from June 25 to 27, 2026. Other YouTuber conventions and events include VidSummit, PAX, SXSW, and the Canadian Buffer Festival.
VidCon 2026 will be held in Anaheim, California, from June 25 to June 27.
Alternatives to VidCon for video creators include PAX, VidSummit, Buffer Festival, TwitchCon, SXSW, and a range of smaller events.
VidCon has a Community track that everyone can access (VidCon Pass and Pass+ with some extra perks), a video Creator track, and an Industry track (Pro Pass) for media and brand professionals. These are all 4-day passes, though there are also 1-day Community passes.
Yes, everyone can attend VidCon by buying a Community track pass. These come as 1-day and 4-day passes. The VidCon Pass+ has some extra perks.
