Vidcon, Disney and Don, Oh My!

We've just returned from the first of two California trips we're taking this summer! This one was to attend Vidcon, the conference for creators and fans of online video, and to shoot an episode at the International Tiki Market Place at Don the Beachcomber, in Huntington Beach.  We had a fabulous time and, as with seemingly all trips we take, came home exhausted, but inspired!

Vidcon was a revelation on many levels. I knew there were many folks creating videos, web series, vlogs and more, but I had no idea just how many fans there are out there, a great many of whom are under the age of 21. Our show appeals to an older (read above drinking age) crowd and we don't have kids, so the sheer number of screaming teens seeing their idols was fascinating. It was like Elvis was there, or the Beatles! We got to reconnect with Brian Rodda, who has done consulting with us and was fabulous about giving advice, getting us into a VIP party, introducing us to many people and generally being our sherpa for our first Vidcon.

On the "step and repeat" at Vidcon

We came away with tons of great information, too, including marketing ideas and plans to reconfigure (and paint!) our "set." Look for a new background on the show soon!

Saturday we shot what will likely be a several-part episode of the show at the International Tiki Market Place at the fabulous Don the Beachcomber! Don's was recently threatened by developers, but I'm relieved to report that they seem to be safe for now. Not only is it a great tiki destination, it resides in the former Sam's Seafood, which has a lot of history. Losing it would be a crime. The Market Place was great! We got talented artists and other tiki VIPs to appear on camera and share their work. Afterward we repaired to the bar for some lunch and lovely libations!

Don the Beachcomber

Sunday was Disney Day at Vidcon! We'd last visited in 2009 and were eager to visit not only the park, but Trader Sam's, the tiki bar in the Disneyland Hotel. Okay, truth be told we visited Trader Sam's three times, each one of which was amazing, and we were joined by several lovely folks we've met through the show! Disneyland is very near and dear to my heart, since I grew up going there. It was a perfect day.

Paul wants to move into Tarzan's treehouse

Next up: Tiki Oasis! We're teaching a symposium on throwing space-themed celebrations that will appeal to everyone, so please join us on Saturday morning if you'll be at Tiki Oasis!  Here's the link for symposium information (scroll down for Saturday morning).