Florida’s SharkCon Goes Virtual for 2020 July 27 Through August 2, Features Presentations With Trivia
By Space Coast Daily // July 28, 2020
SharkCon founder Spencer Steward discussed the transition to a virtual experienc
To learn more about SharkCon VirtualCon 2020, visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/SharkCon
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – For the seventh-consecutive summer shark enthusiasts across the globe will see the latest discoveries about their favorite species at the “SharkCon,” but this year’s convention will occur online rather than Tampa’s Expo Hall.
In the below Q&A with Space Coast Daily, SharkCon founder Spencer Steward discussed the transition to a virtual experience.
Space Coast Daily: Could you tell our readers some of the interesting ways you and your team figured out how to rapidly shift to a virtual conference?
Steward: “We had figured out that having a live event wouldn’t be safe this year for anyone attending the event, but I wanted to be able to give our fans something. I thought this would be an opportunity to have speakers that would have trouble attending in person. We had done a few presentations where the person was on video on our big screen. I thought if I could still be live, but virtual I could give people some really interesting speakers in a way that would be the next best thing to being there.”
Space Coast Daily: “Did SharkCon’s temporary shift to virtual open any new doors to add guests who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to attend your traditional in-person SharkCon in Tampa?”
Steward: “Yes, several ‘shark’ people are very busy in the summer. By doing a virtual event we were able to book Dr. Greg Skomal, Chris Fallows (Air Jaws), and Dickie Chivell (Shark Week)who live in South Africa. I also think it will be a lot easier for people to ask questions when they aren’t surrounded by a large audience.”
Space Coast Daily: “In light of recent studies showing certain shark species facing extinction, can you explain to our readers how your SharkCon has contributed to shark conservation?”
Steward: “Sure. The best thing we can do is educate. Whether it is about the reality of sharks and their importance or the plights that they face. We are a fun conduit to spreading information. The more you know, the more you are able to know how to help.”
To learn more about SharkCon VirtualCon 2020, visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/SharkCon
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