The newest convention set in Orlando, Fla. is called Playlist Live is a biannual event where stars from the Internet (mainly Youtube) gather together to promote, perform, and meet their fans. It began in 2011 by District Lanes, and has become larger and larger since, featuring Jenna Marbles, Fred, Toby Turner, Swoozie, LiaMarieJohnson and tons more.

  The convention was set up from March 21-23, 2014, and open to seasoned performers and up-and-comers. Adults and teenagers sat and listened to stars talk about how they create their videos, business, and livelihood strictly from Youtube. “Don’t listen to the haters, just keep doing what you’re doing, working hard, and the people will come,” Swoozie, a Youtube star with over 2 million subscribers said to The Hawkeye crew, backstage.

  Saturday and Sunday were made to be performance days, the days to go and let loose. A mixture of dubstep, rock, and hip-hop could be heard across the parking lot. The Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel and Convention Center held several stages to cater to the massive list of stars that flew themselves out for the event. After-parties and dance rooms went on after midnight where people could hang out with the stars they watch on the internet.

  I found the event to not only be loud and boisterous, but eye-opening to a new type of business. These stars were self-made, hardworking, and dedicated to their art. Even if I was less of a fan of some of the people I met, I shook their hands out of respect knowing the blood, sweat, and tears they put into their work. Playlist Live has not scheduled another date for the next convention, but will probably come back to Orlando again when it does.