Featuring: Kevin Daigle, Nick Witters, Zach Miller
Several years into the development of this critical leadership role, it’s officially time to level up the “Creator Company COO” conversation. This session focuses on where the function stands today — building scalable operational strategies, approaching growth beyond organic momentum, expanding into new verticals, and pursuing creative JVs, partnerships, and more. Hear from top operators on how they’ve moved from building the playbook to actively running it, optimizing how a creator company operates and grows from here.
Featuring: Adam Aleksic, Adrian Lurie, Astro Alexandra and more
The rise of digital creators has transformed education, making learning more dynamic, accessible, and engaging for audiences of all ages. This discussion explores how creators are integrating storytelling, interactive media, and social platforms to make complex subjects more approachable and inspire self-directed learning. Experts in creator-led education will share how they navigate credibility, audience trust, and platform dynamics while balancing entertainment with education.
A series of case studies that showcase the increasingly strategic and sophisticated way marketers are engaging with the creator ecosystem. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a diverse group of brands (DiGiorno, Underdog Sports, Cricket Wireless) as they share real-world examples of how they shaped strategy, executed across platforms, measured outcomes, and what they learned along the way.
Discover how YouTube is reshaping television and the living room experience. Hear from media brands and creators on how they are recognizing and capitalizing on the evolving viewing habits driven by TV’s largest streamer.
Featuring: Chelsey Mori, Merlyne Jean-Louis, Pablo Segarra, Esq.
The AI explosion comes with real challenges as creators face mounting risks to their identity, intellectual property, and brand integrity. This session brings together legal experts to examine the growing need for safeguards in an era where deepfakes, voice clones, and unauthorized likenesses can be generated and circulated at scale. We’ll explore the legal gray areas around AI-generated content, the role of trademarks and right-of-publicity laws in protecting creator identity, and what new frameworks are needed to preserve creative control and commercial value. With platforms still catching up and regulation in flux, the conversation will focus on the real-world implications and what creators and companies can do now to protect themselves.
Featuring: Alessandra Catanese, Brian Flanagan, Ian Hecox and more
What does it take to turn a legacy channel into a lasting media company? Short answer: a lot more than just content. It takes operational discipline, brand architecture, IP development, and a long-term vision for growth that preserves the core DNA that fans expect. Join creative and operational leaders from SMOSH and Mythical — two of the most successful creator-led enterprises — for a candid conversation about evolving from channels into companies built to endure.
Featuring: Jonas Woost, Seth Silvers, Stephanie Arakelian
Podcasting is deeply embedded in the creator economy, but its data landscape remains opaque. This session unpacks the mechanics of podcast analytics ‘ what platforms actually track (and what they don’t), what advertisers value, and how discovery and distribution strategies impact monetization. We’ll clarify key differences between podcast and video metrics, challenge common misconceptions (downloads ‘ streams), and explore how creators can use data more strategically, whether they lead with audio or video. Expect clear definitions, sharp case studies, and a candid look at evolving measurement standards shaping the future of audio.
Featuring: Ashly Knox, Austin Null, Jennifer Brown and more
The creator space has matured well past thinking scale is the only marker of success. It’s clear that specialization is proving just as powerful. This session brings together creators, brands, and industry experts to explore the growing value of verticalized communities and niche audiences. Through real-world case studies and strategic insights, speakers will examine how specialized creators are driving measurable impact, building deeper engagement, and delivering distinct value within larger brand ecosystems. From B2B to beauty to booktok, we’ll unpack what makes niche influence so effective — and how platforms and partners are evolving to support it.
Bluesky COO, Rose Wang unpacks the platform’s ambitious vision for a more open, user-directed social web where algorithmic choice, monetization, and even audience ownership are placed in the hands of creators and communities. From offering 50,000+ customizable feeds to building monetization without relying on ads, Bluesky is rewriting the rules of what a social platform can be. Find out how they’re shifting the balance of power in the creator economy in this candid conversation.
Featuring: Ally Anderson, Fernando Parnes, Gwen Miller and more
Short, rapid-fire talks that spotlight overlooked performance indicators – from sentiment analysis and always-on social listening to thumbnail experimentation and multi-platform audience mapping. Each speaker will unpack a specific, data-backed method that is reshaping content strategy, brand deals, or platform growth. Go beyond surface-level analytics and leave with an upgraded playbook for smarter, more predictive ways to measure what’s working and why.
Featuring: Andrew Spalter, Eyal Baumel, Jaeyoon Ko and more
As creators and platforms invest in tools that reduce friction and make content truly borderless, the ability to unlock global reach is becoming more accessible. But with opportunity comes complexity: cultural nuance, audience fragmentation, and varying platform dynamics all shape how content resonates across markets. This raises the question: just because you can, does that mean you should? This session explores the growing role of machine language adaptation (MLA) in removing linguistic barriers and enabling content to travel farther, faster. What does it take to truly globalize content? What’s working, what’s getting lost in translation, and how can creators and companies navigate the economic and editorial trade-offs of international growth?
Featuring: Andy Neal, Anthony Po, Caitlin Campbell
Breakout moments can spark a following, but what keeps the lights on is everything that comes after. In a world where 15 minutes of fame now lasts closer to 15 seconds, how are creators translating virality into lasting connection and commercial viability? In this candid panel, creators share the strategies they’ve used to turn fleeting attention into long-term value. From cultivating loyal communities to launching revenue-generating ventures, they’ll unpack what it really takes to move beyond the spike — and how to avoid chasing momentum at the expense of sustainability.
Featuring: Aaron Parnas, Adam Aleksic, Galen Stocking and more
The way people consume news and engage with politics is shifting fast, with social platforms—and the individuals on them—reshaping public understanding of critical issues. This two-part session explores how creators are stepping into a role once dominated by legacy media.\n\nFirst, Galen Stocking of Pew Research shares new data on why—and which—audiences are turning to creators for news. Then, a panel of influential creators unpacks the responsibilities and challenges of delivering accurate information in an era of algorithmic bubbles and viral misinformation, and how they’re using their platforms to drive civic engagement and public discourse.\n\n
Featuring: Hazem Dawani, Joe Stearn, Mr. Hand Pay and more
This fast-paced series of talks spotlights highly effective monetization plays that rarely get coverage in the trades or on industry stages. Discover the under-the-radar strategies creators and their partners are using to drive impact above the line by unlocking revenue where others aren’t looking.\n\n
Creator Product Trends: A Fireside Chat with Cassey Ho
Duration: 30 minutes
Location: Ballroom E
Thursday, June 19
3:15 pm –
3:45 pm
Tag: Commerce/Retail, Creator Companies & Careers
Featuring: Cassey Ho (Blogilates), Lisa Berlin Wright
This conversation explores how Cassey evolved from a solo content creator into the CEO of 2 fast-growing, founder-led 8-figure brands—sharing the lessons she’s learned about building a defensible business through IP protection, retail negotiations, and long-term brand strategy. This session is designed for creators and operators looking to understand what it takes to level up from DTC experimentation to a long-term brand strategy that includes both owned and licensed products.
Featuring: Alexis Ramos, Anthony Hamilton Jr, Courtney Hirsch and more
The traditional model of sports coverage is being upended by a new generation of creators who are turning personality-driven storytelling into a powerful engine for fandom and growth. From short-form commentary and behind-the-scenes content to creator-led leagues and hybrid ventures, the sports content ecosystem is evolving fast, and fans are showing up for it. This session brings together architects behind some of today’s most forward-thinking sports media businesses to explore how they’re capturing next-gen attention, building communities that extend far beyond the game, and monetizing through smart, connected IP. We’ll unpack how creator-led models are influencing engagement, distribution, and business strategy to identify what it takes to stay relevant in a landscape where the highlight reel is just the beginning.
Crack the code on YouTube’s algorithms for 2025 — from Shorts to TV, AI to multi-language. This masterclass will demystify how YouTube’s recommendation system works and how creators can use it to grow their audiences and businesses in today’s hyper-competitive media landscape
Industry Track
Brands & Creators: New Dynamics for a Mature Creator Economy
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Room 304AB
Thursday, June 19
3:55 pm –
4:55 pm
Tag: Creator Companies & Careers, Marketing
Featuring: Adam Rose, Ally Anderson, Ashly Knox and more
The most successful brand-creator partnerships are built on shared purpose and creative trust, but getting there isn’t always easy. In this session, leading brands and creators explore the mindset shift required to build true partnerships: why creators need to understand the “why” behind campaigns, how brands can support without micromanaging, and what it takes to create content that’s both strategic and authentic. We’ll examine the operational and relational dynamics that drive better outcomes and unpack what it means to treat creators as co-producers with meaningful narrative influence.
Featuring: Alix Traeger, Lisa Berlin Wright, Zoya Biglary
The product economy isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some creators, success means owning the entire DTC experience; for others, it’s about scaling through retail or licensing. This session opens with a mapping of two key models—direct-to-consumer and licensing—and then dives into real-world examples from creators at various stages of the product journey. Panelists will share how they developed their offerings, what metrics mattered most, and how they navigated decisions like production, pricing, and platform selection.
Those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. Part tongue-in-cheek memorial and part serious history lesson, this session examines defunct platforms and older media so today’s content creators and media strategists can build an informed tomorrow. What can we learn from Vine, AIM, Quibi, and even the early days of network television? Come find out!
Featuring: David B. Williams, Fernando Parnes, Hardik Jagda and more
While much of the AI conversation focuses on creative output, some of the most transformative applications are happening behind the scenes. This session presents a series of case studies highlighting how creators and their teams are using AI to streamline operations, uncover insights, and unlock new revenue opportunities — not in the future, but today.
Featuring: Avi Gandhi, Chris Rojas, Tyler Denk and more
The creator economy is evolving with emerging trends like AI, creator-led commerce, the rise of owned audiences, and platform uncertainty reshaping partnership strategies. Join industry veterans and rising stars as we explore developing trends for a tactical discussion on building scalable, sustainable creator partnerships that drive growth and ROI.
Featuring: Alessandra Catanese, Jacob Moncrief, Jake Nishimura
As creators navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape, traditional platform dependencies are giving way to more direct audience connections. This session explores how creators are taking control of their content distribution, building sustainable revenue streams, and creating deeper fan engagement. Featuring insights from leading creators and technology experts, we’ll dive into the emerging strategies that are transforming how digital talent monetizes and connects with their audiences.
Featuring: Aditi Rajvanshi, David B. Williams, JUAN CARDENAS and more
In today’s fragmented media landscape, distribution is no longer a downstream decision — it’s a core strategic function. This session brings together creators and industry leaders to unpack how multi-platform and multi-channel strategies are being designed to drive both audience growth and monetization. From tailoring content to platform-specific formats to leveraging syndication, localization, and strategic partnerships, we’ll explore the tactics that are expanding reach and deepening engagement. The conversation will also dig into the economics behind these moves: how value is defined and measured across platforms, how monetization models vary, and what it takes to build a distribution strategy that scales without sacrificing control.
Featuring: Adrian Lurie, Anthony Po, Austin Null and more
Building a successful channel or company requires a smartly structured operation that keeps the content flowing and the business growing. In this session, leading creators and executives pull back the curtain on how they’ve built and scaled their operations, from hiring key roles to designing workflows that balance creativity with efficiency. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn about the org structures, operational practices, and leadership strategies powering success in creator-first world.
Featuring: Aneesh Lal, Brendan Gahan, Jasmine Enberg and more
The creator economy is transforming B2B marketing, and LinkedIn is at the center of it. With 1 billion users and surging engagement, it’s become the go-to platform for B2B creators turning thought leadership into business growth.\nThis session features a fast-paced, talk-show-style format with rotating speakers from across the ecosystem — creators, brands, platforms, and analysts — sharing sharp, practical insights on what’s driving results on LinkedIn right now.
As advertising revenue fluctuates and algorithms shift, creators are building more durable business models through direct community engagement. This session explores how creators —and the platforms and partners that support them — are investing in memberships, gated content, private communities, and subscription offerings to foster deeper connections and drive sustainable revenue.
Featuring: Devin Lytle, Eric Wei (@trykarat), Evan Britton and more
Even the most successful creators and executives have made a few wrong turns. In this series of short talks, speakers get candid about a specific misstep — what went sideways, how they identified the issue (AKA the “AHA!” moment), how they course-corrected, and what they’d do differently next time. The goal of these talks isn’t reflection; it’s insight. Each story offers a practical takeaway that can inform smarter, more sustainable growth across the creator economy.
You’re invited to this year’s YouTube Keynote to celebrate the creator moments and innovations on YouTube that pioneered the creator economy as we know it today. Hear from YouTube’s Head of Culture and Trends, Kevin Allocca, VP of Creator Products, Amjad Hanif, and some of today’s top creators as we explore the first 20 years on YouTube, and the tools and trends that are shaping the future of creation.
Industry Track
Blurred Lines: Rethinking the Relationship Between Traditional & Digitally Native Entertainment
The old distinctions between “digital” and “traditional” media are breaking down — fast. In a landscape where creators headline major studio projects, legacy networks develop influencer-first IP, and digital platforms fund original series, the definitions of entertainment are being redefined in real time. This session spotlights collaborations that defy categorization and examines what it takes to build successful, scalable entertainment in a world where distribution is democratized and audiences are co-creators.
Featuring: Anhar Karim, Damian Skoczylas, Josh DeAngelis and more
Few roles in the creator economy offer a broader view of deal flow than today’s talent managers. As the space matures, so does the function of representation, shaped by shifting platform dynamics, evolving brand expectations, and increasingly sophisticated creator businesses.\n\nIn this session, top talent managers and industry leaders unpack how the role is changing, what trends they’re seeing in partnerships and deal structures, and how they’re helping creators navigate growth. This session features a candid panel discussion followed by a live AMA where attendees can ask the experts directly.
The creator economy has undeniably evolved into a defining force across media, commerce, and culture, but beneath the surface, the landscape is growing more complex. Platform volatility, shifting monetization models, and AI-driven disruption are all reshaping the rules. This insight-rich presentation unpacks the key trends shaping today’s creator ecosystem and examines the underlying forces that will define where it goes next.
Featuring: Danielle Pistotnik, Layla Taylor, Lisa Filipelli and more
What does it take to turn viral social content into a mainstream streaming hit? This session goes inside the development journey of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, tracing how the #MomTok phenomenon evolved into one of Hulu’s most-watched unscripted premieres. The cast and creative team will share how they identified the opportunity, built a compelling pitch, and navigated the shift from short-form chaos to long-form storytelling — all while keeping their audience engaged and their integrity intact.
Featuring: Grant Floto, Justin Leusner, Wesley Lumpkin
The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed how sports fans engage, connect, and celebrate their favorite teams and athletes. In this discussion, creators, league insiders, and sports experts come together to explore the seismic shifts redefining sports fandom for the creator age. Discover how leagues are embracing creators and influencers as core pillars of their marketing and fan engagement strategies, how Gen Z-focused startups are building sports communities that thrive on authenticity, real-time interaction, and user-generated content that gives fans a voice in the narrative, and how creator-athletes are bridging traditional sports and digitally native storytelling. Find out what it takes to win in this era of sports fandom, where the lines between athlete, creator, and fan are more blurred —and more dynamic — than ever.
As creator-led businesses grow more ambitious, the path from personal brand to scalable enterprise requires more than just content — it demands operational discipline, smart monetization, and a clear long-term strategy. Join Alex and Leila Hormozi for insight into the frameworks, systems, and mindset shifts that have helped them build and advise their $250M per year portfolio of businesses. From reducing key person risk and optimizing LTV:CAC to navigating platform shifts and AI disruption, this conversation will deliver tactical insights for creators and operators looking to scale with clarity and control.
The entertainment industry is undergoing a generational power shift. As traditional media grapples with fragmentation and contraction, creator-led studios are scaling in the opposite direction.
Dhar Mann Studios is one of the most powerful examples of this new era. With nearly 200 employees and a 125,000 sq ft studio in Burbank, DMS has become a case study in how a creator-born business can deliver not just viral content, but cultural impact, scale, and revenue, while staying mission-driven. That model now extends beyond Dhar. Through its creator services arm, 5th Quarter Agency, DMS helps other creators monetize their IP, reduce burnout, and generate new revenue streams without increasing overhead.
DMS Founder Dhar Mann, DMS CEO Sean Atkins, and David Freeman, Co-Head of Digital Media at CAA, unpack what this shift means for the future of the industry and share how creators can scale sustainable businesses, unlock new monetization opportunities, and drive the next wave of collaboration between traditional and digital entertainment.
