Connect with creators & brands
#paid brings together North America’s top marketers, macro creators, and thought leaders to shape the future of brand partnerships and build community.



Join the 2026 Waitlist
Creator Bodega




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Agenda
Check-in & Breakfast
8:30 - 9:30am
The New Age of Influence
2024 is the year creators took over, reshaping culture, commerce, and technology. In this fast-paced session, we’ll dive into how creators aren't just shaping trends—they're building the future. We’ll uncover how creators are driving platform innovation, revolutionizing industries like media and politics, and becoming the go-to voices for audiences worldwide. From AI-powered content and emerging social series to seamless social commerce and the rise of fully AI-generated influencers, this is the new era of influence.
Speaker:
Jacqueline Tsekouras
9:40 - 9:55am
How creator content is giving every marketing touchpoint a makeover
As more brands look to repurpose creator content for campaigns outside of social platforms, it is clear that creator marketing is no longer a siloed strategy. How are marketers incorporating internet culture and creator content styles throughout their ad campaigns? In this session, panelists will discuss the impact of internet culture and creator trends on advertising strategy, and how marketers can work with—rather than compete against—a growing population of digital creators.
Speakers:
Lori Pantel, Elayane Merriwether, Ed Romaine
Moderator:
Reza Mousavi

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9:55 - 10:20am
Turo: How Turo is tapping creators to build a bolder brand
As car sharing marketplace Turo works to build a bolder reputation, it has recognized that some of the most memorable campaigns stem from collaborations with creators. Hear from Matthew Kerbel (MK), global brand strategy director at Turo, and #paid’s Courtney Sands on the power of endorsements from the right creators in building a standout brand.
Speakers:
Matthew Kerbel, Courtney Sands
10:20 - 10:40am
What do creators and their communities think of your brand?
While marketers still use focus groups to capture audience sentiment, consumer feedback around your brand can now be pulled from social platforms. Join our panelists as they break down how creator partnerships play a role in capturing audience insights. How can creators bring brands closer to consumers and their needs? How can brands adjust their strategies to account for feedback from creators and their communities?
Speakers:
Jazmin Griffith, Sarah Thomas, Chris Allen, Preeya Khanna
Moderator:
Bomanizer


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10:40 - 11:05am
AM Break

11:05 - 11:30am
Gen Z: More than a shiny demographic: How brands can truly align with youth culture
From niche digital communities to the value of heritage over hype, join Gen Z analyst Quentin Humphrey as he breaks down the priorities and values of the generation every marketer wants to attract.
Speaker:
Quentin Humphrey

11:30 - 11:50am
Snapchat: Brand storytelling with Snapchat's essential characters
Snapchat is the OG storytelling platform. Today, Creators still count on Snapchat to share the 'behind the scenes' and most relatable moments in their everyday lives -- and the Snapchat community feels more connected to Creators than ever before, looking to creators for inspo, product recommendations, and everyday musings. Learn more about why Snapchat is a destination for Creators and marketers who want to connect with audiences in meaningful ways, and how Creators and brands are collaborating to achieve success on the platform.
Speaker:
Noah Wieseneck

11:50am - 12:10pm
Lunch




12:10 - 1:30pm
How can creators and highly regulated industries coexist?
As creator marketing expands to encompass industries from finance to healthcare, brands must balance engaging outreach with regulation. From promoting cold and flu remedies to investment accounts, learn how marketers can create memorable creator content while abiding by industry guidelines.
Speakers:
Eric Yarbough, Tristan Schukraft , Vinnie Butera
Moderator:
Jason Tartick


1:30 - 1:55pm
From awareness to action: How creator partnerships build business results
Working with creators is often a brand awareness play, but universal names like Walmart and Coca-Cola are eager to bring this tactic down the marketing funnel. Join our panelists as they highlight how they're turning creator audiences into engaged customers and crafting partnerships that drive conversions.
Speakers:
Romulo Correa, Jesse Spencer, Allen Lau
Moderator:
Colin Daniels



1:55 - 2:20pm
Brands and social impact: Why creator buy-in builds audience trust
When it comes to brand purpose, consumers want to see buy-in from the people they trust. Whether the initiative is around education or sustainability, the right creator strategy can legitimize a brand’s commitment to their cause. Join our panelists as they break down the power of creator partnerships in establishing and upholding a brand purpose that consumers believe in.
Speakers:
N'Yaisha Aziz, Tess Guttieres, Taylor Berringer
Moderator:
Emmy Liederman



2:20 - 2:45pm
Meet the creator: MD Motivator
Speaker:
Zachery Dereniowski

2:45 - 3:05pm
PM Break

3:05 - 3:15pm
TikTok: The science of creating an impactful hook
90% of ad recall impact is captured within the first six seconds of an ad. Communicating the value proposition of your ad early and keeping your audience's attention will drive view time and, ultimately, impact. At TikTok, we know the importance of hooking your audience early, but there has been little knowledge about what makes an effective hook and how brands and creators could use commercially valuable assets to hook.
Speaker:
Rachael Ryan

3:15 - 3:30pm
Doritos bets $1 Million creators can make a better ad than them
Why is Doritos handing their Super Bowl ad over to fans? A live chat with Chris Bellinger, Chief Creative Officer PepsiCo Foods US as Doritos brings back its iconic Crash the Super Bowl contest, encouraging fans and critics alike to shoot their shot to have their commercial aired during Super Bowl LIX and win $1 Million.
Speaker:
Chris Bellinger

3:30 - 3:55pm
AI and influence: The future of creator authenticity
In the creator economy, authenticity remains a cornerstone of influence. Yet, as AI revolutionizes content creation and audience engagement, traditional notions of genuine influence are being redefined. This session explores AI's profound impact on the creator landscape, analyzing the delicate balance of utilizing advanced technologies while maintaining influential connections. We’ll explore the challenges and opportunities AI presents and principals for how creators and brands can navigate this new era to foster impactful engagement while shaping the future definition of “authenticity”.
Speakers:
Omar Karim, Bryan Gold

3:55 - 4:10pm
Creator Bodega

4:20pm - 6:20pm
Cocktails & Creators
Beverage Sponsors:



Creator Bodega Sponsors:


















4:20pm - 6:20pm
Previous Agenda
Check-in & Networking


The Power Shift: Why the Future Belongs to Creators
2024 is the year creators took over, reshaping culture, commerce, and technology. In this fast-paced session, we’ll dive into how creators aren't just shaping trends—they're building the future. We’ll uncover how creators are driving platform innovation, revolutionizing industries like media and politics, and becoming the go-to voices for audiences worldwide. From AI-powered content and emerging social series to seamless social commerce and the rise of fully AI-generated influencers, this is the new era of influence.
The gatekeepers have lost their grip. In the year ahead, creators will dictate what we watch, what we buy, and where culture moves next. This session dives into the predictions shaping 2026 and why brands, platforms, and entire industries will need to bend to the creator-first world that’s already here.
Speaker:
Jacqueline Tsekouras, VP, Strategy, #paid
How Consumers Discover Brands in the Age of Social
Many consumers now begin their searches on social platforms, turning to them for product reviews and recommendations. As discovery shifts from traditional search platforms to social feeds, brands are rethinking how creators shape visibility. In this panel, marketers share how they’re adapting strategies to stand out where consumers are searching most.
Speakers:
Eric Lucari, Global Digital Commerce Sales Director, Mars Snacking
Sally Phelps, Associate Director of Influencer & Celebrity, Free People
Vimla Gupta, EVP, H2/H3 Innovation Enterprise Oral Care, Colgate-Palmolive
Jayde Powell, Founder & Head of Creative, The Em Dash Co
Moderator:
Jayde Powell




Lunch


2026 Culture Codes: Translating Trends into Brand Relevance
1:45pm - 3:00pm
While 2026 will be defined by mega events across sports and entertainment, brands must also stay close to niche communities to maintain social capital. In this session, WGSN Director of Creative Intelligence Quentin Humphrey will share how marketers can identify the cultural moments that make sense for their brand while ditching transactional relationships for long-term relevance.
Speakers:
Quentin Humphrey, Director, Creative Intelligence, WGSN

Effective Creator Strategies for Full Funnel Impact
Creator campaigns are proven awareness drivers, but the real test is showing measurable business impact. This session explores how brands are refining attribution, tracking cross-platform performance, and iterating on these insights to demonstrate full-funnel impact that drivers continued investment in the channel.
Speakers:
Bashel Lewis, Creator @bashel_lewis
Farah Deen, Brand Engagement Lead, Couture Fragrances, L’Oréal
Kimeko McCoy, Senior Marketing Reporter, Digiday
Moderator:
Zeinab Sayed, Director, Measurement, #paid


From URL to IRL: How Brands Are Creating Offline Activations
Creators may rise to fame online, but their influence isn’t limited to social platforms. As consumers seek offline experiences, brands and creators are turning to OOH campaigns, community events, and experiential activations to create memorable, in-person touch points. In this panel, marketers share how creator partnerships bring offline strategies to life, and how creators are leveraging in-person influence to build their own brands.
Speakers:
Lucy Feldman, Editorial Director, TIME
Jaclyn Osterloh, Senior Director of Social & Digital, North America, Coca-Cola
Julius Solaris, Founder, Boldpush
Christine Pierson, Vice President of Communications and Special Events, North and South America, Caudalie
Moderator:
Kerry-Anne Hamilton, Director of Growth, #paid


Networking Break


Owning the Audience Journey: Social to Streaming
As consumers stream while they scroll, marketers are challenged to tell one cohesive story across both screens. With most marketers calling CTV a must-buy in 2025, platforms are increasingly tapping creators to reach digital-first audiences. This panel explores how marketers are extending creator-first campaigns into living rooms, and why creators themselves see streaming as the next stage of their growth.
Speaker:
Quentin Humphrey
Speakers:
Boman Martinez-Reid, Creator @bomanizer
Emily Weiner
Nicole Marcus, Manager of Influencer Strategy, DICK’s Sporting Goods
Moderator:
Jack Appleby, Founder, Future Social

The Art of Product Placement in Entertainment
As creator marketing blends with mainstream entertainment, brands need strategies to appear in long-form platforms without disrupting the audience experience. In this session, panelists will explore the nuances of product integration, when to choose this approach over standard ad placements, and how to balance business goals and visibility with a strong entertainment product.
Speaker:
Quentin Humphrey

11:30 - 11:50am
Speakers:
Chris Schonberger, CEO, First We Feast
Michael Kaye, Head of Brand, ARCHER
Jen Winston, Director of Brand Social, Lyft
Moderator:
Michelle Fine-Smith, SVP, Global Brand Partnerships, Variety


Unlock your Growth with YouTube Creators
The creator marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and brands are seeking more authentic ways to connect with audiences and drive meaningful results. In this session, they’ll explore the blueprint for successful brand-creator collaborations, offering valuable insights to help you understand how YouTube creators can supercharge your marketing to build impactful campaigns and unlock growth.
Speakers:
Célia Salsi, Director, Global Head of Product Marketing, YouTube Ads
Haley Kalil, Creator @haleyybaylee

Cocktails & Creators
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4:30pm - 6:30pm
Creator Bodega




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The Power Shift: Why the Future Belongs to Creators
2024 is the year creators took over, reshaping culture, commerce, and technology. In this fast-paced session, we’ll dive into how creators aren't just shaping trends—they're building the future. We’ll uncover how creators are driving platform innovation, revolutionizing industries like media and politics, and becoming the go-to voices for audiences worldwide. From AI-powered content and emerging social series to seamless social commerce and the rise of fully AI-generated influencers, this is the new era of influence.
The gatekeepers have lost their grip. In the year ahead, creators will dictate what we watch, what we buy, and where culture moves next. This session dives into the predictions shaping 2026 and why brands, platforms, and entire industries will need to bend to the creator-first world that’s already here.
Speaker:
Jacqueline Tsekouras, VP, Strategy, #paid
How Consumers Discover Brands in the Age of Social
Many consumers now begin their searches on social platforms, turning to them for product reviews and recommendations. As discovery shifts from traditional search platforms to social feeds, brands are rethinking how creators shape visibility. In this panel, marketers share how they’re adapting strategies to stand out where consumers are searching most.
Speakers:
Eric Lucari, Global Digital Commerce Sales Director, Mars Snacking
Sally Phelps, Associate Director of Influencer & Celebrity, Free People
Vimla Gupta, EVP, H2/H3 Innovation Enterprise Oral Care, Colgate-Palmolive
Jayde Powell, Founder & Head of Creative, The Em Dash Co
Moderator:
Jayde Powell




2026 Culture Codes: Translating Trends into Brand Relevance
1:45pm - 3:00pm
While 2026 will be defined by mega events across sports and entertainment, brands must also stay close to niche communities to maintain social capital. In this session, WGSN Director of Creative Intelligence Quentin Humphrey will share how marketers can identify the cultural moments that make sense for their brand while ditching transactional relationships for long-term relevance.
Speakers:
Quentin Humphrey, Director, Creative Intelligence, WGSN

Effective Creator Strategies for Full Funnel Impact
Creator campaigns are proven awareness drivers, but the real test is showing measurable business impact. This session explores how brands are refining attribution, tracking cross-platform performance, and iterating on these insights to demonstrate full-funnel impact that drivers continued investment in the channel.
Speakers:
Bashel Lewis, Creator @bashel_lewis
Farah Deen, Brand Engagement Lead, Couture Fragrances, L’Oréal
Kimeko McCoy, Senior Marketing Reporter, Digiday
Moderator:
Zeinab Sayed, Director, Measurement, #paid


From URL to IRL: How Brands Are Creating Offline Activations
Creators may rise to fame online, but their influence isn’t limited to social platforms. As consumers seek offline experiences, brands and creators are turning to OOH campaigns, community events, and experiential activations to create memorable, in-person touch points. In this panel, marketers share how creator partnerships bring offline strategies to life, and how creators are leveraging in-person influence to build their own brands.
Speakers:
Lucy Feldman, Editorial Director, TIME
Jaclyn Osterloh, Senior Director of Social & Digital, North America, Coca-Cola
Julius Solaris, Founder, Boldpush
Christine Pierson, Vice President of Communications and Special Events, North and South America, Caudalie
Moderator:
Kerry-Anne Hamilton, Director of Growth, #paid


Owning the Audience Journey: Social to Streaming
As consumers stream while they scroll, marketers are challenged to tell one cohesive story across both screens. With most marketers calling CTV a must-buy in 2025, platforms are increasingly tapping creators to reach digital-first audiences. This panel explores how marketers are extending creator-first campaigns into living rooms, and why creators themselves see streaming as the next stage of their growth.
Speaker:
Quentin Humphrey
Speakers:
Boman Martinez-Reid, Creator @bomanizer
Emily Weiner
Nicole Marcus, Manager of Influencer Strategy, DICK’s Sporting Goods
Moderator:
Jack Appleby, Founder, Future Social

The Art of Product Placement in Entertainment
As creator marketing blends with mainstream entertainment, brands need strategies to appear in long-form platforms without disrupting the audience experience. In this session, panelists will explore the nuances of product integration, when to choose this approach over standard ad placements, and how to balance business goals and visibility with a strong entertainment product.
Speaker:
Quentin Humphrey

11:30 - 11:50am
Speakers:
Chris Schonberger, CEO, First We Feast
Michael Kaye, Head of Brand, ARCHER
Jen Winston, Director of Brand Social, Lyft
Moderator:
Michelle Fine-Smith, SVP, Global Brand Partnerships, Variety


Unlock your Growth with YouTube Creators
The creator marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and brands are seeking more authentic ways to connect with audiences and drive meaningful results. In this session, they’ll explore the blueprint for successful brand-creator collaborations, offering valuable insights to help you understand how YouTube creators can supercharge your marketing to build impactful campaigns and unlock growth.
Speakers:
Célia Salsi, Director, Global Head of Product Marketing, YouTube Ads
Haley Kalil, Creator @haleyybaylee

Past Speakers and Attendees


















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More Information
What should I do if I need to cancel my registration?
Please notify us at least 72 hours in advance by replying to your confirmation email. This allows us to open your spot to another guest.
Is there a dress code?
Whatever makes you feel confident and camera-ready. You’ll be mingling with industry leaders, creators, and marketers.
Can I bring a guest?
Due to the exclusive nature of this event, attendance is by invitation only and non-transferable. If you'd like to recommend someone for future events, drop us a note at events@hashtagpaid.com.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We’ve got you covered! Let us know during registration, and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
Will there be parking or transportation provided?
Venue-specific transportation details will be included in your final confirmation email.
Who can I contact for additional questions?
Reply directly to your confirmation email or reach out to our team anytime at events@hashtagpaid.com.
Please notify us at least 48 hours in advance by replying to your confirmation email. This allows us to open your spot to another guest.
We recommend business casual attire for the event.
Due to the exclusive nature of this event, attendance is by invitation only and non-transferable.
We’ve got you covered! Please let us know your dietary needs during registration, and we’ll ensure accommodations are made.
Details regarding parking or transportation will be included in your confirmation email.
For any additional inquiries, reply to your confirmation email or reach out to our events team at events@hashtagpaid.com