V Spehar (@underthedesknews)

V Spehar, aka @UnderTheDeskNews, is a Webby award-winning, LGBTQIA+ podcast and online personality who puts complex news stories into layman’s terms for their viewers.

Industry Track

Creator Careers & the New Executive Talent Pool

Location: Ballroom AB

Thursday, June 27

11:05 am - 11:30 am

Featuring: Sophie Lightning Jamison, Matt Story, V Spehar (@underthedesknews) and more

Join this panel of creators and executives to unpack the breadth and depth of career paths available to creators. Creators who’ve crossed the chasm to become executives share insight into their journey, and executives from traditional industries dig into how employers should think about finding and retaining creator talent. Find out what’s required for all stakeholders — creators, hiring companies, and managers — to thrive in a world where creator skillsets are hugely valuable to multiple industries.

Participants


Community Track

Live Podcast: American Fever Dream

Location: ROOM 213

Thursday, June 27

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Featuring: V Spehar (@underthedesknews), Sami Sage, Sarah Schauer and more

From under the desk to in your ears, V. Spehar joins Betches Media in a new podcast dedicated to curing the collective malaise brought on by our chaotic political environment. Every week, Spehar and co-host Sami Saage will tenderly guide you through the biggest moments in politics and pop culture with a healing dose of perspective and humor. Rather than spiral over the latest unprecedented event, the hosts dig for the 2024 political tea you *really* want to hear while offering all the information you need to be an empowered citizen, without the side of despair to keep you up at night.

Participants


Community Track

Night of Awesome

Location: Spotlight Stage

Thursday, June 27

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Tag: ASL & CART Services Available

Featuring: Forrest Valkai, V Spehar (@underthedesknews), Lewberger and more


Industry Track

Influencing Impact: Can Creators Save the World?

Location: Ballroom AB

Friday, June 28

11:00 am - 11:30 am

Featuring: V Spehar (@underthedesknews), John Green, Amanda Silberling and more

As we navigate a complex social and political environment, it's crucial to acknowledge the influential power — and responsibility — of creators in shaping public discourse and values. From fighting dis/misinformation, to increasing voter turnout and driving change when it comes to important social and cultural issues, these creators are using their platforms to fight injustice and build a better world. Discover how they are translating influence into impact, educating their audiences, and ultimately inspiring action and meaningful change.

Participants


Community Track

Beyond the Binary

Location: Trending Stage

Friday, June 28

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Tag: ASL Interpreters Present

Featuring: Grace Stanley, Mercury Stardust, FunkyFrogBait and more

Engage in this conversation as creators share how transcending the gender binary has catalyzed their journey to self-discovery. They'll reflect on why this topic deserves its own standalone discussion outside of more general LGBTQ conversations, and how their unique gender expressions resonate with audiences — inspiring them to embrace authenticity and find courage in their identities.

Participants