VeeCon: A convergence of innovation and creativity

A unique gathering of minds

In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, from August 9-11, a remarkable event will unfold, bringing together a diverse array of individuals. VeeCon is set to unite CEOs, CMOs, NFT enthusiasts, MBAs, collectors of trading cards and pins, social media creators, podcasters, and influencers. This event is a testament to the multifaceted nature of serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk.

The vision behind VeeCon

“We aim to be the coolest business conference,” Vaynerchuk shared. The event will spotlight Vaynerchuk’s various ventures, with a significant focus on his emerging kids’ brand, Vee Friends. Amidst the fluctuating landscape of Web3, NFTs, and disruptive digital technologies, VeeCon aspires to expand the Vee Friends universe through digital and video content.

“The world underestimates the sheer power and attention that sits on social media,” Vaynerchuk remarked. “A lot of people wish it wasn’t that way.”

A blend of entertainment and business

VaynerMedia has partnered with Moonbug Entertainment, the creators of “CocoMelon,” to produce Vee Friends as a half-hour animated series, set to debut on YouTube Kids this fall. The VeeCon event will feature various brand activations from Vaynerchuk’s other businesses, including marketing and branding services for major companies like PepsiCo, GE, Johnson & Johnson, Chase, and AbInBev. Additionally, the event will showcase the collectibles and trading card sector through the “Gary’s Garage Sale” marketplace.

Notable speakers and sessions

VeeCon will host an impressive lineup of speakers, including Howie Mandel, Jay Shetty, Ashley Graham, Nick Cannon, Poppy Harlow, Will.i.am, Flavor Flav, Danica Patrick, Arianna Huffington, and Liquid Death CEO Mike Cessario. The panel sessions will cover a range of topics, from “Trust in Client and Community Relationships” to “The $150+ Billion Industry on Everyone’s Mind: The Creator Economy” and “Is It Time for Another Look at Blockchain?” Vaynerchuk will deliver both the opening and closing remarks, focusing on emerging business trends and themes.

A unique entry requirement

The event is free for owners of nearly 11,000 original Vee Friends character drawings (Vee Friends Series 1), which Vaynerchuk hand-drew in 2021 and sold as NFTs. Since then, he has cultivated a fan base through digital shorts, merchandise, and now a traditional TV series with 23-minute episodes. Given his success in generating significant NFT sales via social media and YouTube, Vaynerchuk chose YouTube Kids as the platform for the series.

“Vee Friends has been positioned as ‘Pokemon meets Sesame Street,'” he explained. “The ‘Sesame Street’ aspect is the positive impact, while the ‘Pokemon’ aspect is the collectibility.”

The evolution of VeeCon

The inaugural VeeCon took place in Minneapolis in 2022, followed by Indianapolis last year. Vaynerchuk and his partners have maintained a low profile, promoting the event primarily through their existing fan, business, and pop culture networks. This year, they anticipate attendance ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 people.

Gary Vaynerchuk’s journey

Among his many roles, Vaynerchuk is a best-selling author who signed a 10-book deal with a major publisher in 2008, following a keynote speech at a prominent conference. His first book, “Crush It!,” was published in 2009.

A decade earlier, Vaynerchuk emerged as a savvy digital entrepreneur, recognizing the e-commerce potential of online networks. His family emigrated from Belarus in 1978, and in 1996, he transformed his family’s retail liquor business in Edison, N.J., by launching one of the first e-commerce alcohol sites, WineLibrary.com, which grew into a $40 million-a-year business. Ten years later, he was an early adopter of DIY video series on YouTube, hosting “The Wine Library” series. Today, he hosts the daily business podcast “The Gary Vee Audio Experience.”

In 2009, Vaynerchuk and his brother, A.J. Vaynerchuk, launched a full-fledged advertising agency. More recently, Gary Vaynerchuk has helped launch lifestyle brands and projects, including the men-focused ONE37 and a line of sneakers with K-Swiss from 2017-2019.

The essence of Vee Friends

Vaynerchuk views his experience with Vee Friends as a prime example of the limitless opportunities available to content creators with a strong vision and a collaborative spirit.

“I find myself flexible as a creator,” he said. “In everything I do, there are a few key principles that I hold on a pedestal and cannot compromise on. A big part of the Vee Friends universe is about finding your passion and leaning into it.”

For more information on Vee Friends, check out the Vee Friends trailer.

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