Creator Economy
innovation conference
Culture, content, commerce
Explore the rapidly evolving world where digital creators, communities, and content shape culture and commerce. With nearly one in four people participating globally in the creator economy, this track unpacks the tools, trends, and tactics to succeed within the fastest-growing sector in small business.
Jon Youshaei
Youshaei Studios
“Copy with taste. Find something that’s working, adapt it, because everything is a remix.”
programming themes
- Media
- Creator Monetization
- Owned Audiences vs. Algorithmic Reach
Past Speakers
The people shaping how stories get made.
Tefi Pessoa, Tefi Talks
“Last Meals Live with Mythical Chef Josh”
Jack Conte, Patreon
“A Conversation with Jack Conte”
ExtraEmily, Twitch
“Twitch Streaming and the Evolution of the Creator Economy”
Elyse Myers, Comedian
“Last Meals Live with Mythical Chef Josh”
Conference Rewind
Take a look back at the sessions you don’t want to miss.
From Meme to Meaning: Making the Most of Accidental Virality
In today’s content-driven landscape, brands can go viral in ways they never intended. This panel explores the unpredictable nature of online virality through the lens of brands like Nuuly and Graza. Panelists will unpack what it takes to lead with creativity, clarity, and cultural fluency under pressure—and how chaotic moments can become opportunities for connection, growth, and relevance. Expect a rare behind-the-scenes look at the modern social media playbook these experts are writing in real time.
Enough with the Bullsh*T: BuzzFeed Founder Shares His Plan to Make the Internet Fun Again
After years of doomscrolling and algorithmic slop, BuzzFeed founder Jonah Peretti believes the internet is overdue for a reset, and for the first time he will share his plan to make the internet fun again. He’ll take you behind the scenes of BuzzFeed’s AI incubator where they are creating a new medium for content, self-expression, and social connection.
A Conversation with Jack Conte
Jack Conte is CEO and co-founder of Patreon, a media and community platform where creators give their biggest fans access to exclusive works and experiences. He founded Patreon in 2013 with Sam Yam (CTO), driven by the belief that creators should be paid for the value they provide to the world. Jack leads the team on their mission to build tools that give Patreon’s 300,000+ creators freedom, independence and ownership over their work and the communities they build. Since launching, Patreon has sent over $10 billion to creators.<br>
Additional Information
Each year, SXSW brings the best speakers in the world to Austin, TX< to present sessions on what’s next in the worlds of film, culture, music, and technology.
The convergence of first-class talent from so many different disciplines and backgrounds creates a unique environment for attendees to explore.
SXSW Conferences include the Innovation Conference, Music Conference, and Film & TV Conference.
Accompanying the SXSW Conference are events including expos, a pitch competition, parties, and more.
Explore Keynotes, Featured Speakers, Session Formats, and programming tracks, of visit the Conference Formats page.
SXSW Conference sessions will be divided into multiple tracks across three overarching verticals:
- Innovation Conference Tracks explore technology, marketing, health, the creator economy and more.
- Film & TV Conference covers both the creative and business elements of film and TV production.
- Music Conference features content on the making, marketing, impact and future of music.
Visit the Tracks pages for detailed information on each of the tracks.
Conference session formats range from presentations and fireside chats to panels, workshops, mentoring, networking and more.