Launch Events

Join us Nov. 12-13 to Celebrate the Launch of the Center for the Creator Economy

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Launch Night

6-7 p.m. | Reception

Enjoy light bites and refreshments with featured guests and influencers, along with students, alumni, faculty and staff.  

7-8:30 p.m. | Keynote Address by Jon Youshaei, followed by a Q&A

One of few creators to work inside both YouTube and Instagram, Jon Youshaei has been featured in Business Insider, Time and Inc. Magazine as “cracking the code to going viral” and TED called him the “Oprah of YouTube.” Known for his in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes series with MrBeast, Steph Curry, Will Smith and Marques Brownlee, he has 1M+ followers and been named one of NPR’s Top Commencement Speakers since 1774 alongside Steve Jobs, Conan O’Brien and John F. Kennedy Jr. In his talk, Youshaei will share the best tips to improving your creative process and building your audience as a creator in 2025.

The reception and address will take place at:

Flaum Grand Hall
Whitman School of Management
721 University Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13244

RSVP for Launch Night

Thursday, Nov. 13


’CUSE Creator Con

Connect with top alumni creators and industry leaders who are building the future of digital media at the ’CUSE Creator Con!

Get insider strategies and hands-on insights from the innovators redefining content creation, brand building and the creator economy. Whether you’re an aspiring influencer, entrepreneur or just creator-curious, this is your chance to learn from the best and level up your game.

9 a.m.-5p.m.
Whitman School, Room 404
and Newhouse School, Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium (140 Newhouse 3)

RSVP for Workshops

Detailed schedule:


9-10 a.m.

CONCURRENT PANELS


The State of Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing has grown into a $10 billion industry. Panelists will discuss how they’re integrating creators into their strategies, the latest trends in measuring return on investment, and what the future holds for partnerships between brands and influencers.

  • Location: Whitman School, Room 404
  • Host: Indaria Jones, program manager, Couri Hatchery Business Incubator, Whitman Entrepreneurship Center
  • Panelists:
    • Sharon Kanter ’07, vice president, global marketing, Stuart Weitzman

Podcasts and Content Creation

As founders of their own podcasts, Ilana Dunn Solomon ’16 and Scott Yager ’08 produce shows, book guests, handle budget, negotiate sponsorships and create social content. Learn how they juggle these roles while continuing to grow their audiences.

  • Location: Newhouse School, Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium (140 Newhouse 3)
  • Host: Lauren Bavis, professor of practice; magazine, news and digital journalism, Newhouse School
  • Panelists:
    • Scott Yager ’08, founder, host and producer, “Challenge Mania”

10:30-11:30 a.m.

PANEL: Building Trust Through Creator Partnerships

While handing the microphone to a creator can feel risky for brands, with the right tools and guidance, it can also be an impactful marketing strategy. Learn how industry leaders empower influencers with clear briefs and creative freedom, while instilling confidence at the brand and leadership level.

  • Location: Whitman School, Room 404
  • Host: Linda Dickerson Hartsock, founder, Blackstone LaunchPad, Syracuse University Libraries  
  • Panelists:
    • Alex Sall ’11, founder and creative director, ALSALL Studio
    • Kelsey Davis ’19 ’20 MBA, senior manager, global communications—content experience, Walmart

12-1 p.m.

PANEL: The Rise of the News Influencer

Carmella Boykin ’21, TikTok host/producer at The Washington Post, will discuss navigating the newsroom in the ever-changing media space and how she approaches content creation at a traditional media brand. Mosh Oinounou, founder of Mo News, will share strategies for disrupting the traditional digital news landscape.

  • Location: Newhouse School, Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium (140 Newhouse 3)
  • Host: Aileen Gallagher, professor of magazine, news and digital journalism, Newhouse School
  • Panelists:

1-2 p.m.  LUNCH BREAK

2-3 p.m.

CONCURRENT PANELS

When Sponcon Gets Personal

For the September issue of InStyle, Yerin Kim ’18 did a deep dive on the evolution of the “influencer wedding.” Kim, news director at the magazine, will discuss what she learned about what it takes to plan a wedding that will be viewed by millions. And content creators will share how they determine when they partner with brands, and when they opt to keep their personal life private.

PANEL + WORKSHOP: From Pitch to Post: Inside the Creator Economy

Learn how content creators and influencers work out an endorsement deal from beginning to end—from the people who represent them. Then Andrew Graham ’11, head of business development (digital media) at Creative Artists Agency, will outline the anatomy of an endorsement deal.

  • Location: Whitman School, Room 404
  • Host: John Torrens G’93, professor of entrepreneurial practice, Whitman School
  • Panelists:
    • Andrew Graham ’11, head of business development (digital media),  Creative Artists Agency
    • Qianna Smith Bruneteau, founder and executive director, American Influencer Council

3:45-5 p.m.

Student Workshop: Inside the Creator Economy at Syracuse University

Students from across the University will share how they are already having success in the industry and how they balance academics with running their businesses. Students and audience members will discuss and share tips about entrepreneurship and content creation.

  • Location: Newhouse School, Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium (140 Newhouse 3)

For more information, or if you require special accommodations, contact nhspecialevents@syr.edu.