Virtual Convention

Synonyms:	virtual con, online con, sidecon
See also:	Convention
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Virtual Convention most commonly refers to a convention with some or all of its programming available online, rather than in person. This type of convention became particularly popular (by necessity) during the Covid-19 pandemic. During this time, many con organizers used a combination of Discord, Zoom and Twitch to host events.

History

Pre-2020 Virtual Con Definitions

Prior to 2020, the term virtual convention could be used for different kinds of event participation:

1. A form of meetup held entirely online that is intended to attract a large group of people both known and unknown to one another. For example, early meetings of Yuricon
2. An organized gathering of people who are unable to go to a specific in-person meeting. These online gatherings generally have their own set of activities in addition to discussion formats, such as fanwork fests, games, or viewing parties. For example: SHareCon Virtual Con, VidUKon, Out of CON.TXT, Due South Con Envy
3. An official form of digital attendance where people in other locations can accompany an in-person convention's events in real time through live streaming. This is generally available for a reduced fee from that charged for people attending in person. For example: Fanworks Con

Virtual Conventions and Covid-19

See also: Covid-19 and Fandom

The easing of covid restrictions in some parts of the world saw the rise of hybrid conventions - these events offered attendees a choice between attending memberships (with an in person convention) or virtual memberships (with many programming items available virtually).

Conventions

Virtual Conventions

• HAHCon, a My Little Pony convention
• Stuck At Home Con/SAHCon, a Homestuck convention
• Fatui Con, a Genshin Impact convention

Hybrid Conventions

• Discon III, the 2021 Worldcon