Viewer Con Debuts at NJPAC, Bringing Fans Closer to the Entertainment Industry

Written/Photos Courtesy: Bill Allen

NEWARK, N.J. — Fans, content creators and entertainment professionals gathered at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on July 18 for the inaugural Viewer Con, a new event designed to connect audiences with the stars and storytellers behind their favorite television shows and films.

The convention, the brainchild of veteran entertainment journalist Christopher Witherspoon, marks the latest expansion of his PopViewers platform, which aims to bridge the gap between fans and the entertainment industry. While many fan conventions focus on celebrity appearances and photo opportunities, Viewer Con also emphasizes career development, networking and opportunities for aspiring creators.

Witherspoon, a longtime journalist with TheGrio and NBC News, said the goal is to create a space where fans can do more than celebrate entertainment, they can learn how to become part of the industry.

The inaugural convention featured cast members from Starz's Power Book III: Raising Kanan, including Patina Miller, Mekai Curtis, Hailey Kilgore, London Brown and Kelsey "KJ" Deadmon, along with series creator and executive producer Sascha Penn. Panel discussions gave attendees an inside look at the hit drama while allowing fans to interact directly with the show's stars.

Viewer Con also welcomed television personality Karamo Brown, who shared insights from his career in television and media. Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and media personality Bevy Smith were among the featured speakers, offering perspectives on leadership, storytelling and opportunities within the entertainment industry.

The event also highlighted New Jersey's rapidly expanding role as a major hub for film and television production.

Netflix is developing a $1 billion production complex at Fort Monmouth, spanning Eatontown and Oceanport. Meanwhile, 1888 Studios is under development in Bayonne and will feature more than 20 soundstages, backlots and production facilities. Lionsgate is also building a $125 million studio complex in Newark's South Ward, further cementing the state's growing reputation as a destination for film and television production.

Another highlight of the convention was the reunion between Witherspoon and veteran journalist Joy Reid, host of The Joy Reid Podcast on YouTube and Bluesky. Reid, formerly the host of MSNBC's The ReidOut, previously worked with Witherspoon at TheGrio, where she served as one of his mentors.

Attendees also received an exclusive preview of the premiere episode of Fightland, a new Starz series scheduled to debut July 31.

Although this year's event marked Viewer Con's debut, organizers have already set their sights on the future. Plans for the 2027 convention include expanded programming, more celebrity guests, additional vendors and new opportunities for aspiring journalists, influencers, bloggers and content creators.

If the enthusiasm surrounding this year's inaugural event is any indication, Viewer Con appears poised to become a new destination for entertainment fans eager to move beyond watching their favorite shows and toward becoming part of the industry that creates them.