ViewerCon Brings Entertainment, Opportunity, and Industry Access to Newark

For years, major entertainment conventions have often required fans to travel to cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, or New York. This summer, that experience is coming to Newark.

On July 18, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) will host the inaugural ViewerCon, a one-day convention celebrating television, film, culture and fandom. Presented by STARZ, the event will bring together actors, creators, executives, journalists, and fans for exclusive conversations, screenings, and behind the scenes access to the entertainment industry.

The lineup includes notable names such as Joy Reid, Bevy Smith, Taye Diggs, Patina Miller, the cast of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and an advance fan screening of STARZ's upcoming drama Fightland. But according to founder Chris Witherspoon, ViewerCon was created to offer something even more meaningful than celebrity appearances.

"ViewerCon was built on a simple idea: fans deserve a seat at the table," Witherspoon shared.

He describes the convention as a place where audiences can move beyond simply consuming entertainment to understanding how it's made and imagining themselves as part of the industry.

"This isn't just a convention designed to market television shows and movies," he said. "It's an opportunity for attendees to leave inspired, motivated, and equipped with tangible next steps to become the next generation of creators, executives, journalists, entrepreneurs, and leaders in entertainment."

That vision feels especially fitting for Newark.

Long recognized for its rich arts, music, and cultural history, the city continues to grow as a destination for film, television, and creative innovation. Bringing a convention of this scale to NJPAC reflects that momentum while creating opportunities for local residents to connect directly with industry professionals. Organizations including STARZ, Audible, Invest Newark, and MicroHouse Films are supporting the inaugural event, reinforcing Newark's growing role within the entertainment landscape.

What makes ViewerCon stand out isn't simply the opportunity to hear from familiar faces. It's the chance for aspiring storytellers, journalists, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and content creators to learn from the people helping shape today's media landscape.

"Every hit show, blockbuster film, viral moment, and cultural phenomenon exists because audiences show up, spread the word, and champion the stories they love," Witherspoon said. "ViewerCon is our way of recognizing that influence while creating a space for meaningful conversations, storytelling, and connection."

As Newark continues to expand its footprint in arts and entertainment, ViewerCon represents more than a new event on the calendar. It signals that the city is becoming a place where conversations about the future of media are happening, not somewhere people have to leave to experience them.

For the next generation dreaming of careers in entertainment, journalism, or storytelling, that may be the convention's greatest impact of all.

Tickets for ViewerCon are available now. For the full lineup, schedule, and event information, Click Here.