The creator economy is rapidly evolving, and by 2027, is projected to be worth half a trillion dollars. This explosive growth is driven by the visionary individuals shaping every aspect of the industry. The CreatorFest agenda was curated to reflect not only this incredible expansion, but the people propelling it forward. With sessions on both the Big Picture Stage and the Brand Stage, attendees will gain insight into everything from future trends to expert advice, ensuring there’s something for all attendees.
Influencity Big Picture Stage
One of the day’s most anticipated sessions is the keynote featuring creators Grace Keeling (aka GK Barry), Sam Chapman, and Dominic Smales, Co-Founder of GloMotion Studios.
This inspirational trio will explore how the digital landscape has evolved over the past decade. Chapman, who gained fame in 2014 as one-half of the pioneering YouTube duo Pixiwoo, helped the channel become the first in the UK to reach 1 million followers. Fast-forward to 2024, and Grace Keeling is now dominating TikTok with her humour and engaging content, while also hosting the hugely popular podcast ‘Saving Grace.’
Together with Dominic Smales, they will discuss how platforms, strategies, and opportunities have transformed since Sam entered the space. They’ll also reflect on what it takes to build influence across multiple platforms and stay relevant in today’s fast-paced digital world. This session is a must-see!
Another exciting talk on the Big Picture Stage is ‘The Future of Influence: Where Beauty, Tech, and Innovation Collide.’
This session delves into the innovations in creator marketing within the beauty industry, from virtual influencers to co-creation with creators. Speakers Becky Owen, Lucy Edwards, and Trishna Daswaney will discuss how emerging technologies and new social trends are shaping the future of influence. They will also explore what brands across industries can learn from beauty’s forward-thinking approach to stay ahead in today’s ever-evolving social media landscape.
Modash Brand Amplifiers Stage
On the Brand Stage, Dani Murphy and Kate Mander, founders of the podcast agency Just Add Joy, will deliver a thought-provoking keynote titled ‘Feed It, Don’t Bleed It: How Performance Marketing is Destroying Culture and What We Can Do About It.’
Murphy and Mander will present a compelling case for why brands need to prioritise deep cultural engagement over short-term performance marketing tactics. They’ll emphasise the importance of fostering long-term partnerships that enrich culture and advocate for a more sustainable approach, one that allows for authentic storytelling and deeper connections with audiences.
Following this will be a session with leading brands as they discuss ‘Navigating Influencer Marketing in a Shifting Retail Landscape.’ Hear from the Director of Marketing at Free People, John Sadeghipoor, and the Head of Digital Trade Planning at Sainsbury’s Heana Thakur. They’ll be diving into key strategies that brands use to win big and highlighting potential pitfalls to avoid. Additionally, they’ll be sharing some of the emerging trends to watch out for in a rapidly changing market. Stay tuned for guest speakers from the likes of Lulu Guinness and Pangaia.
Kat Keen, Head of Social & Influencers for UK & EMEA at YouTube, and Oliver Lewis, CEO and Founder of THE FIFTH, will be sharing data-driven insights in a session that breaks down the science behind transforming brand perceptions.
You’ll walk away with an understanding of how to balance data with human insight to select the right creators for your brand. You’ll also learn how to measure the true impact of perception shifts by looking beyond traditional KPIs, and how to co-create campaigns that push beyond boundaries and inspire consumers.
The insights, strategies, and discussions from both the Big Picture and Brand stages are invaluable for anyone looking to stay ahead in this fast-evolving industry. Whether you're a brand focused on building genuine connections, an agency seeking impactful collaborations, or a creator navigating the landscape, CreatorFest offers the tools and opportunities to stay ahead of the curve.
Check out the rest of the agenda here.
