Bonjour, gaming enthusiasts, and digital wanderers! Did you miss out on the electrifying extravaganza that was 2023 TwitchCon Paris? Fear not, for we've got you covered! Get ready to embark on a virtual voyage that will make you feel like you were right there in the City of Love, experiencing every pixelated pulse and e-sports roar.
In this exclusive blog, we've got the inside scoop from none other than the superheroes of the streaming world - the unstoppable duo from Dulcedo Gaming and Entertainment, Alex and AJ!
Alex and AJ sat down to talk to Dulcedo Communications' main squeeze, Ashley, to download her on all things TwitchCon Paris. Keep reading for all the latest and greatest info for content creators, agents, and more.
What is it about TwitchCon that is unlike any other event in the gaming and content creator space?
Alex: TwitchCon is super unique because it isn’t just focused on gaming, but rather live streaming as a whole. It’s a place for creators to network and connect inside and outside of the convention. Other events are great, but TwitchCon is on a larger global scale where creators inside and outside of the US are going and connecting.
AJ: I haven’t been to a bunch of events in the sphere yet, but what stood out the most to me is the sense of community oozing from the event. Everybody is there to have fun and help each other out because the industry needs it to grow, and it really shows!
How did you feel when you first arrived at TwitchCon in Paris? What were your initial impressions of the event?
Alex: I felt that the convention center was a lot smaller than TwitchCon San Diego, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing! I was able to find people a lot easier and there was way less clutter there and more creators and brands that were serious about taking their careers to the next level.
AJ: The effort everybody put into making it a great experience! Not only were the brand booths impressive for the most part (shout-outs to Sega, NYX, Samsung, Streamlabs, etc.), some creators really stood out with their costumes and gadgets. One guy even had a whole portable DJ set on him while walking around!
What were your main goals and expectations for attending TwitchCon this year, and did you feel that those goals were met?
Alex: The main goals and expectations for me were to make sure I connected with my clients and talents. In today’s world, so much of our space is done through Google Meets and Zooms, but there isn’t enough face-to-face meeting in our industry. The entire agency industry is a relationship-based space, and large events like this make it easier to connect with the people we do business with across the globe! It was great spending time with the talents as well and getting to know them on a more personal level.
AJ: Coming into TwitchCon, I wanted to meet at least five new brand contacts while meeting the ones I already had talks with in person to solidify the relationship. I also wanted to speak to creators to learn about their feelings about working with agencies like us! At the end of the day, I met over 15 new contacts on the brand side and held discussions with veteran creators who can now confidently tell their peers that Dulcedo works for them!
Were there any particular panels, workshops, or sessions that stood out to you during the event? Why were they memorable or valuable?
Alex: The most memorable event that I saw was Logitech/Streamlabs giving streamers and creators a chance to try out their platform firsthand, and having an extremely welcoming staff giving away free merchandise for people participating in their events.
AJ: Apart from the one Alex already mentioned, the ones that stood out to me were the Tag Championship Arena, the NYX booth (it was just one big party), the Human Supercharge massage/nap chairs (that technology is impressive), and just the great vibes from the guys at Blerp who invited us to their very nice afterparty!
TwitchCon is known for its community aspect. Did you have the opportunity to network and interact with other content creators or industry professionals? If so, what were some of the highlights from those interactions?
Alex: I was able to network with creators and brands that we represent! As well as people we will do business with in the future that might’ve been on the fence about working with us. Last year TwitchCon was a huge reason we were able to recruit top talent, and this year we were able to connect with those talents on another level. It was great going to the Logitech events and networking with them outside of the convention as well.
AJ: The evening we had with the guys from StreamLab/Logitech was obviously a highlight of the weekend, but I would also say that spending time with our talents like xxYikes and BenJammins was a highlight too since they both are A1 human beings!
Were there any new trends, technologies, or strategies discussed at Twitchcon that you found intriguing or plan to implement with your talents?
AJ: Can't unveil my strategies here, come on Ash! ;) But overall, there were a lot of different technologies that would help our talents stand out and make our job easier as agents. We’ll hold some talks and see where it goes!
Were there any moments or experiences at TwitchCon that left a lasting impact on you personally or professionally?
Alex: The time spent with my talents and exploring the city of Paris with them and discussing their future and what great plans they have in mind with content. It’s also important for talents to see you at these events so they know the company is putting resources towards them and connecting with people. Walking around the streets of Paris at night and seeing the Eiffel Tower light up at night with my talents will always leave a lasting impact!
AJ: Walking around Paris is always a feeling that’s hard to forget, but even more so when you’re in the company of awesome colleagues like Alex and his amazing talents.
In your opinion, how does TwitchCon in Paris compare to previous years' events or other gaming/content creator conventions you've attended?
Alex: Twitchcon Paris felt more easygoing than San Diego. The creators and brands were just super friendly.
AJ: It was way more community driven than anything I’ve seen before with fewer corporations trying to push their agenda on everyone. The event is for the creators and it really stood out!
Do you have any advice or tips for aspiring content creators who are considering attending events like this in the future?
Alex: Go to these events with a plan. Don’t just show up to conventions expecting magic to happen. You have to go with brands and contacts you want to meet with. Connect with them on Twitter or LinkedIn. Don’t be a stranger, brands are there to sell to you and want to talk to you!
AJ: Even if you are a shy person in public, go to every little party adjacent to the main event to make connections! Putting a face to a name is more important than what you think!
