Events To Attend As A Black Content Creator/Influencer
I’ve learned so much as a creator over the last three years that I wouldn’t have known without the guidance and opportunities from other creatives that came before me. If I had to give advice for any up-and-coming creator, this is what I will tell you.
Go To The Creator Events
Creator conferences are for creators of every platform, every size, and every niche that to expand their craft and brand. I started going to creator events when I started creating fulltime two years ago and it has been such great investment. I’ve learned so much from panels, workshops, and activities. I’ve met so many people and has led to me gaining new friends and collaborators. I’ve been able to network with representatives and founders of brands and agencies that I admire and would love to work with in the future.
Now you’re probably tired of me yapping so I’m going to go into the list. here are the creative events you need to attend as a creator.
YouTube Creator Collective Events
The YouTube Creator Collective is an invite-only community program put on by YouTube. I was invited by my now project manager to join the shorts community and two years ago and it has been such an amazing experience. I’ve been able to attend virtual webinars, gifted creator tools, and attend in-person creator events in my city. I’ve been able to meet other creators of different niches and reps from different companies and brands.
When It Takes Place: Monthly events, depending on your metro city.
How To Attend: Be contacted and reached out to by YouTube or a project manager member
Vid Con
Vidcon is the biggest creator event to attend, whether you’re a speaker, creator attendee, or platform representative. This is the most high-profile creator event and the costliest just off of tickets, travel, and hotel stay alone. If you’re serious about content creation, this is a trip to invest in attending. Creators of every platform have been able to learn, collaborate, and network with different people from all parts of the world by going to this conference.
When It Takes Place: June 19th-21st, 2025 in Anaheim, CA
How To Attend: Purchase the Creator Track tickets or buy single days tickets when they become available for purchase.
Essence Festival of Culture
This is a family reunion for creatives at every level and every niche. If you know anything about Essence Fest, it is the ultimate girls’ trip and work trip. I know every year folks have FOMO thinking a brand has to fly you out but you don’t. I got to attend last year for the first time and spent a week in New Orleans on my own dime and it was amazing. The content I got to create, the people and mutuals I got to meet. The workshops and panels I attended where I learned from different creatives from various industries made the trip so worth it.
When It Takes Place: July 4th-6th, 2025 in New Orleans
How To Attend: Attending the convention center is free, the only thing you pay for is concert series tickets.
Culture Con NYC
What is called “The Creator Homecoming”, Culture Con NYC is a Black creator conference for Black creators and entrepreneurs to come learn, network, and grow. Whether you into fashion, music, beauty, business, or entertainment, this is the conference you need to go to. The number of opportunities at this conference to meet other creatives, the people working at your favorite brands and agencies. You leave the weekend with new friends, a new contact for your rolodex, or a job opportunity in your creative sector.
When It Takes Place: Oct 4th and 5th, 2025 in Brooklyn
How To Attend: Get on the waitlist to purchase tickets online when they go on sale.