The line between digital creators and traditional media has never been blurrier. Streaming platforms are investing in online talent, studios are tapping into creator-driven IP, and social-first content is shaping mainstream entertainment. This panel at the Digital First Canada Summit brings together creators, media executives, and industry leaders to explore the evolving relationship between creators and traditional media. What opportunities exist for collaboration? How are creators navigating the shift into film, TV, and publishing? And what can traditional media learn from the creator economy? Join us for an in-depth discussion on the future of entertainment in a world where digital and traditional are no longer separate lanes.

Meet Mia, Kourosh, and Iman, the creative force behind the rapidly growing content empire in North Vancouver. These creators have successfully scaled their passion into a full-fledged business, with two YouTube channels, a podcast, and a brand-new, cutting-edge 4,000 sq ft production studio. In this conversation, we’ll dive deep into their journey from early hustle to the strategic investments that fuel growth, including how they built their production space, and the ROI to-date.

In a world where audiences crave authenticity, creators have become the most powerful storytellers for brands. This panel at the Digital First Canada Summit explores how brands and creators can collaborate to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. Industry leaders and top creators will discuss what makes brand partnerships successful, how to balance creative freedom with brand messaging, and the evolving role of storytelling in digital marketing. Whether you’re a brand looking to connect with consumers or a creator navigating collaborations, this session will provide actionable insights on making storytelling work for both sides

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way creators produce, distribute, and monetize content. From AI-powered editing tools to algorithm-driven discovery, the technology offers both exciting possibilities and new challenges. This panel at the Digital First Canada Summit brings together creators, industry experts, and AI innovators to discuss how AI is changing the creative process, where it helps and where it hinders, and what the future holds for digital creators in an AI-driven world. Whether you’re leveraging AI in your workflow or questioning its impact, this session will provide valuable insights into the evolving relationship between AI and creativity.

As platforms, governments, and regulators shape the future of online content, creators must stay informed on the policies that impact their work. This panel at the Digital First Canada Summit brings together policy experts, platform representatives, and leading creators to discuss the latest developments in digital regulation, copyright, monetization rules, and content moderation. Learn how policies are evolving, what they mean for Canadian creators, and how you can advocate for a fair and sustainable creator economy.

Podcasting has become a dominant force in the media landscape, reshaping how stories are told, audiences are engaged, and brands connect with listeners. In this special spotlight session at the Digital First Canada Summit, leading podcasters and industry experts will dive into the evolution of podcasting, the business behind it, and the strategies for growth in an increasingly competitive space. From monetization and audience building to platform trends and creative innovation, this session will provide key insights for creators looking to amplify their voices and make an impact in the audio world.

Building a successful career as a creator goes beyond making great content—it requires strategy, sustainability, and a business mindset. This panel at the Digital First Canada Summit brings together creators who have transformed their creative passions into thriving businesses. From monetization and brand partnerships to diversifying revenue streams and scaling a personal brand, learn the key steps to turning creativity into long-term success. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this session will provide actionable insights on making creativity work for you.

Canada has long been a powerhouse in media and entertainment, and today’s digital creators are taking that legacy global. In partnership with the Canada Media Fund (CMF), this panel at the Digital First Canada Summit highlights Canadian creators who are breaking through international markets, building global audiences, and redefining what it means to be a Canadian storyteller. Join leading creators and CMF representatives as they discuss the opportunities, challenges, and funding initiatives that help propel Canadian talent to worldwide success.

Snapchat continues to be at the forefront of innovation in social media, offering unique tools for creators to engage with their audiences in new and creative ways. In this exclusive session at the Digital First Canada Summit, a Snapchat executive sits down with top Snap creator Kristie Smith to discuss the platform’s latest features, trends, and opportunities for growth. They’ll dive into how Kristie has leveraged Snapchat to build her personal brand and connect with her community, while also exploring what’s next for creators on the platform. Whether you’re an aspiring Snap creator or an industry professional, this conversation offers insider insights on creating compelling content and thriving in Snapchat’s dynamic ecosystem.