East Meets West: CREATORPALOOZA 2025 in ATX
We're baaaaaack!
AUSTIN, we’re bringing the ultimate creator meetup to SXSW for the second year in a row with our friends from both coasts!
Join Passionfruit, Creator Economy NYC, Bay Area Creator Economy, Teachable, What's Trending, SAG and more for a full day of networking, programming, and good vibes with creative people.
Expect insightful conversations, epic connections, and a party to cap it all off. Whether you’re here to learn, meet fellow creators, or just recharge, we got you.
🔥 What’s Happening?
The Agenda:
1:30 PM – Doors Open
Get checked in, grab a drink, and meet fellow creators before we kick things off!
1:40 PM | Creating in Chaos: The Art of Viral Activism
How do you create content that actually makes an impact (and doesn’t just get lost in the void)? This panel brings together comedians, creators, and activists who have mastered the art of using humor, satire, and storytelling to inspire change.
Panelists:
Liz Plank (Journalist & Creator, Moderator)
Walter Masterson (Comedian & Creator)
Josh Burstein (Comedian & Political Strategist)
Sid Marcos (Co-founder, Cripple Productions)
2:15 PM | The Secrets to Top Creators’ Success
Only 9% of creators earn more than $100K/year*. This panel pulls back the curtain on how top creators build lasting businesses—covering everything from brand deals and financing to hiring teams and securing collaborations.
Panelists:
Dylan Huey (REACH)
Megan Lightcap (Slow)
Carlos Gil (GetResponse)
Monica Kahn (Strand Entertainment)
Moderator: James Del (Passionfruit)
2:45 PM | Sustaining Success: Thriving as a Creator in an Evolving Landscape
Going viral is one thing—staying relevant and financially stable is another. This conversation dives into the business of being a creator, from brand deals to digital rights to mental health.
Panelists:
Shira Lazar (Founder, What’s Trending, Moderator)
Shaine Griffin (SAG-AFTRA)
Christy Carlson Romano (Actress, Creator, Entrepreneur)
Dr. Joel Bervell (Medical Mythbuster)
Patrick Janelle (Founder, Untitled Secret)
3:45 PM | AI: The Creator’s Bestie… & Worst Nightmare
🤖 Love it or hate it, AI is reshaping the creator economy. In this panel, creators share how they use (or avoid) AI, the challenges it brings, and where they see the industry heading in the next few years.
Panelists:
Cassandra Bankson (Creator & CBLLC)
Don Allen Stevenson (Creative Technologist)
Special Guest 🤫
Moderator: Rachel Masters (Masters Collective)
4:15 PM | Forget the Masses: Why Smaller, Committed Audiences Win
📢 The “new 1,000 true fans era” is here! This panel explores how creators are shifting from chasing big numbers to building engaged communities that drive real revenue.
Panelists:
Olivia Owens (Teachable)
Colin Rocker (@careercolin)
Jayde Powell (Creator)
Hannah Doyle (Publish Press)
Moderator: Brett Dashevsky (Creator Economy NYC)
5:00 PM - LATE | DJ, Special Performance, & Creator Hang
We’re closing out the day with music, drinks, and time to connect with fellow creators. You won’t want to miss this. This space is ADA accessible and we invite all our disabled friends to come hang, for the meet up and all day long. Please make a note on your RSVP if you’d like accommodation so we can make sure we’re available to assist!
🗺️ When & Where?
IYKYK @ Inn Cahoots: 1221 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Sunday, March 9
2 PM - 8 PM (or later!)
Pull up, meet your people, and let’s make some magic.
RSVP now & arrive early, entry is subject to capacity! 🚀
Who are we?
The Daily Dot launched Passionfruit as a newsletter in 2022 with the belief that too much "creator economy" coverage was focused on the "economy" and not the creative labor that goes into making it an economy.
Have a news tip for our editors? tips@passionfru.it
Creator Economy NYC is the premier hub connecting thousands of content creators and creator economy professionals through in-person events and insightful media.
Follow us on Linkedin & Instagram.
Teachable is where seasoned creators around the world build their legacy through education. On Teachable, it’s easy to create high-quality courses, coaching, memberships, and digital downloads that help creators scale their businesses — and truly impact people's lives.
With tools designed to grow revenue and drive deeper engagement, creators can confidently move towards real financial freedom, while delivering a learning experience their audience loves.
Learn more at teachable.com.
The Bay Area Creator Economy is a new community organization designed to serve the creators and creator economy industry professionals who reside in the San Francisco Bay Area and anyone else that is interested in connecting with this community. Follow on LinkedIn!
What’s Trending is an independent media brand that curates and covers the most viral and shareable content across the social web. Launched in 2011 by award-winning host, journalist, and digital personality Shira Lazar, it has grown into a trusted destination for entertainment and digital culture.
SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other media professionals.
Disclaimers:
*RSVP acceptance is not guaranteed.
**By signing up for the event you will also be subscribed to our partners' newsletters for future event updates & promotions.
***This event will be photographed, and all sponsors & partners reserve the right to use photos and video from the event for marketing and communications purposes. By attending the event, you consent to the use of your image for these purposes.