#TanaCon documented influencer Tana Mongeau’s disastrous convention attempt (June 22-23, 2018) collapsing into chaos—thousands locked outside Anaheim hotel, no security, medical emergencies, and mass refunds. The hashtag became cautionary tale about creators lacking event management experience launching ventures with fans’ money.
The Setup
Tana announced TanaCon as “anti-VidCon” after VidCon allegedly mistreated her. #TanaCon promised free entry, meet-and-greets, and creator panels—competing directly with established VidCon happening same weekend nearby. The venture partnered with Michael Weist (Good Times Entertainment), who claimed 20K capacity at Marriott Suites hotel.
Disaster Day
The hotel’s actual capacity: 1,000-1,500. #TanaCon tracked June 22’s chaos: thousands stranded in 90°F heat, no water, sunburns and heat exhaustion, fire marshals shutting down overcapacity rooms. By evening, organizers canceled entire event. Fans who paid $1-65 for VIP packages got nothing. Some attendees required medical treatment.
Aftermath & Accountability
Shane Dawson’s documentary “The Truth About TanaCon” (July 2018) exposed organizational incompetence. #TanaCon documented refund battles, Michael Weist blaming Tana (she blamed him), and lawsuits threatened. The fiasco became influencer industry warning: fame doesn’t equal business competence, and fans aren’t just revenue streams—they’re real people you can harm.
Sources:
- https://www.theverge.com/
- https://www.tubefilter.com/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6w_GAYI_-c (Shane Dawson documentary)