From Screens to the Stage: ViewerCon Unites Creators and Fans at NJPAC 

Television, film and pop culture fans gathered at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) for the inaugural ViewerCon, a daylong event featuring celebrity appearances, exclusive screenings and conversations with some of the entertainment industry’s leading actors, producers, and media personalities. 

The convention featured appearances by actor Taye Diggs, television host Karamo Brown, media personality Bevy Smith, actor KeiLyn Durrell Jones and three-time Tony Award-winning producer Lamar Richardson. One of the day’s featured conversations included journalist Joy Reid and Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, who discussed the city’s continued growth as a destination for film, television and the creative economy. 

 Fans also packed the theater for the Power Book III: Raising Kanan series finale panel featuring stars Patina Miller, Mekai Curtis, London Brown and Leslie Grossman, along with series creator Sascha Penn. Attendees also received an exclusive first look at Fightland, the upcoming STARZ series executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. 

Founded by Chris Witherspoon, CEO and founder of PopViewers, ViewerCon was created to connect audiences with the actors, creators and executives behind today’s most popular television shows and films.  The event featured panel discussions, networking opportunities and interactive experiences designed to celebrate storytelling while inspiring aspiring filmmakers, content creators and entertainment professionals. 

Organizers hope the inaugural event will become an annual celebration of the entertainment industry, with Newark serving as ViewerCon’s permanent home. 

Photos By JaJuan Morris-Guity