Overview
Doors open
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
DJ Set • Networking • Seating
Unscripted with Joy Reid
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Featuring: Joy Reid
NBC News Entertainment Contributor and ViewerCon Founder Chris Witherspoon sits down with Joy Reid for an intimate conversation about her groundbreaking career, becoming the first Black woman to anchor a primetime cable news program, and the unconventional path that made her one of America’s most influential voices.
Hollywood East
11:00 AM – 11:25 AM
Featuring: Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Joy Reid
A conversation on Newark’s rise as one of America’s fastest-growing destinations for film, television, technology, and the creative economy.
Special Conversation
11:30 AM – 11:55 AM
Guest Announcement Coming Soon
An intimate conversation with one of today’s most exciting voices in entertainment, culture, business, or media. Additional details to be announced.
Bevy Smith: From Harlem to Hollywood
12:00 PM – 12:25 PM
Featuring: Bevy Smith
A candid conversation about reinvention, entrepreneurship, media, and building a career on your own terms.
The Future of Storytelling with Taye Diggs & MicroHouse Films
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Featuring: Taye Diggs, Troy Brookins, and Shelby Stone
From premium television and feature films to the rapidly growing world of microdramas, Taye Diggs and his MicroHouse Films partners discuss entrepreneurship, ownership, and why the next generation of entertainment belongs to creators willing to bet on themselves.
The Next Generation of Hollywood
Celebrating a new generation of actors redefining film and television.
1:20 PM – 1:40 PM
KeiLyn Durrell Jones
Actor, Michael, How to Die Alone
1:40 PM – 2:00 PM
Xavier Smalls
Actor, Beauty in Black, Madea’s Destination Wedding
The Art of Reinvention with Karamo Brown
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Featuring: Karamo Brown
A conversation about hosting, producing, writing, entrepreneurship, and building an authentic personal brand.
Naturi Naughton: Building an Empire
2:40 PM – 3:10 PM
Featuring: Naturi Naughton
A conversation about ownership, entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities beyond acting.
Spotlight Conversation
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Special Guest Announcement Coming Soon
An intimate conversation with a special guest from the worlds of entertainment, media, sports, or culture.
STARZ Presents: Power Book III: Raising Kanan
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Featuring: Patina Miller, Mekai Curtis, London Brown, Leslie Grossman, and Sascha Penn
A behind-the-scenes conversation celebrating the series finale, the legacy of the Power Universe, and what’s next.
Exclusive Advance Screening: STARZ’s Fightland
5:00 PM – 5:50 PM
Be among the first fans anywhere to experience STARZ’s highly anticipated new series before its official premiere.
Programming Note: Schedule, talent, and appearances are subject to change. Additional guests and special presentations will be announced in the coming weeks.
*Panelists and times are subject to change
Get ready for an unforgettable day celebrating the best of television, film and pop culture at the inaugural ViewerCon. One ticket gives you access to a full day of exclusive conversations, celebrity appearances, behind-the-scenes stories, special screenings and unforgettable experiences with the stars and creators behind some of today’s biggest shows and films.
This year’s lineup features Taye Diggs (The Best Man, Stepfather), Joy Reid in conversation with Mayor Ras J. Baraka on Newark’s rise as a destination for film, television and the creative economy, Karamo Brown (Queer Eye, Karamo), Bevy Smith (host of In Bed with Bevy and star of Harlem), KeiLyn Durrell Jones (Bill Bray in Michael) and Lamar Richardson, the three-time Tony Award-winning Broadway, film and television producer who made history as the youngest Black lead producer to win a Tony Award.
Fans won’t want to miss the Ultimate Raising Kanan Series Finale Panel, bringing together GRAMMY® and Tony Award winner Patina Miller (Raq), Mekai Curtis (Kanan), London Brown (Marvin), Leslie Grossman and series creator Sascha Penn, the visionary behind Raising Kanan and Power: Origins, for an exclusive conversation celebrating one of television’s most talked-about dramas.
As a special can’t-miss event, ViewerCon attendees will be among the first fans anywhere to experience a special screening of Fightland, the highly anticipated new STARZ series executive produced by 50 Cent and starring Howard Charles.
More than a convention, ViewerCon is where fans and the entertainment industry come together. Throughout the day, attendees will experience inspiring conversations, behind-the-scenes stories, networking opportunities, immersive activations and exclusive moments that celebrate the people and projects shaping the future of entertainment. Whether you’re a devoted TV fan, an aspiring filmmaker or creator, or simply love great storytelling, ViewerCon offers an experience unlike anything else.
Additional guests, programming and special surprises will be announced leading up to the event.
VIP Passes unlock the ultimate ViewerCon experience, including access to the exclusive VIP Lounge and opportunities to connect with talent, creators, industry executives and fellow VIP guests.
ViewerCon. Built for the Fans. Powered by the Viewers.