For several hours on Monday, “Silicon Valley” fans had the chance to sign up for Hoolicon 2017, the “largest technology conference ever” promising three full days of inspirational “talks, performances and conversations.” Or, at least pretend to do so via an EventGrid page inspired by the penultimate season four episode of the HBO series, that appeared online, went viral, and was apparently taken down several hours later.
In the episode, the leaders of tech giant Hooli were putting together their version of an Apple Keynote event. The show even produced a trailer for the fictional event which ran as part of the episode and appeared online immediately it aired.
The most transformative technology event in the world. See you all at Hoolicon. pic.twitter.com/vNM5W9IdGl
— Silicon Valley (@SiliconHBO) June 12, 2017
So it’s understandable that when the Hoolicon EventGrid page appeared online Monday morning, fans assumed it was another elaborate meta-joke from the show’s producers. However, an HBO representative told TheWrap Monday afternoon that the network did not create the site.
Bearing that out, the EventGrid page was soon locked with a password required to view what, if any, content remained from the original gag. It is not known if the site was taken down at HBO’s request; the network has not yet responded to a request for comment.
In it’s original form, the EventGrid page mimicked the often elaborate humor of “Silicon Valley.” Users could click “Register Now” on the home page, decide whether to purchase a 3-day pass, then be added to a waitlist for early bird pricing, select single-day passes, or donate to “Endangered Species Fund.”
Meal preferences included low-fat, gluten free, vegetarian, pescatarian or pesca-pescatarian. Users were also able to select optional experiences like the suitably ridiculous-sounding “holographic conference technology.”
Perhaps a hint that the site wasn’t on the level is that Gavin Belson (played by Matt Ross) was still listed as CEO, even though “Action” Jack Barker (Stephen Tobolowsky) has taken over the role on the show.