Thanks To Everyone Who Attended The Very First DFC Creator Summit Vancouver

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in Vancouver for this incredible event! From Canada’s leading online creators to platform innovators, industry leaders, and digital entrepreneurs, your energy and expertise made this summit truly unforgettable.

As we continue to navigate the exciting and ever-changing landscape of the creator economy, we’re grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow together. Stay connected and see you next year!

2025 Photo Gallery

Schedule

8:00am

Registration & Breakfast

Partner
8:45am

Opening Remarks

Partner

Description

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.

Location

TELUS Garden

Speakers

Morghan Fortier
Co-Owner & CreatorSuper Simple Songs
Robert Randall
Content CreatorYAPTV

Moderators

Jon Taylor
CEOIndependent Production Fund

Description

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.

Location

TELUS Garden

Speakers

Iman Dastpak
Mia Plays
Kimia Ravangar (Mia)
Mia Plays
Kourosh Zarandooz
Mia Plays

Moderators

Andrew Peterson
Head Of YouTube CanadaYouTube
10:15am

Coffee Break

Partner

Description

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

Location

TELUS Garden

Speakers

Ainsley Rose
FounderLondre
Colton Potter
Biz DevLinus Tech Tips
Derek Howe
Co-Founder, Chief Creative OfficerEllify

Moderators

Kathryn McGuire
Co-FounderNo Stone Unturned

Description

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.

Location

TELUS Garden

Speakers

Adam Rumanek
FounderAux Mode Inc.
Catherine Warren
President & FounderFanTrust
12:00pm

Lunch & Networking

Partner

Description

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.

Location

TELUS Garden

Speakers

Jason Kee
CounselDigital First Canada
JJ McCullough
Content Creator

Moderators

Matt Hatfield
Executive DirectorOpen Media

Description

TikTok has transformed the digital landscape, redefining how content is created, discovered, and monetized. In this exclusive conversation at the Digital First Canada Summit, a top TikTok executive sits down with leading creators to discuss the platform’s evolution, new opportunities for growth, and what’s next for creators. From the latest algorithm insights to monetization strategies and creative trends, this session offers an inside look at how TikTok continues to shape the creator economy. Whether you’re building your presence or looking to optimize your content, this is a must-attend discussion for anyone leveraging TikTok in their strategy.

Location

TELUS Garden

Speakers

Jaimie Weisberg
Content Creator
Laura Whaley
Content Creator

Moderators

Connie Chan
Creative Solutions LeadTikTok

Description

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.

Location

TELUS Garden

Speakers

Alex Paterson
Civics Lead, CanadaYouTube
Jen Moss
Chief Creative OfficerJAR Audio
Kristina Lao
Artist/PodcasterBombshell Brunches

Moderators

Jennifer Park
Manager/ Podcast Co-HostTELUS STORYHIVE
2:45pm

Coffee Break

Partner

Description

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.

Location

TELUS Garden

Speakers

Ali Adab
COOFixated
James Nakaji
Head of Creator PartnershipsFourthwall
Rob Balasabas
Head of Creator Partnerships & CommunityUscreen

Moderators

Jay Kerr Wilson
Communications and IP LawyerFasken

Description

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.

Location

TELUS Garden

Speakers

Rebecca Felgate
Content Creator
Uytae Lee
Content Creator

Moderators

Janine Steele
Director, Interactive & Digital MediaCanada Media Fund

Description

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.

Location

TELUS Garden

Speakers

Kristie Smith
Content Creator

Moderators

Norissa Samuels
Creator PartnershipsSnap Inc.
5:00pm

Closing Reception & Networking

at Glowbal Restaurant
Partner

Thank You Speakers

Mia Plays

YouTubers/Content Creators

Morghan Fortier

Co-Owner & Creator
Super Simple Songs

Kristie Smith

Content Creator

JJ McCullough

Content Creator

Rebecca Felgate

Content Creator

Alex Paterson

Civics Lead, Canada
YouTube

Andrew Peterson

Head Of YouTube Canada
YouTube

Robert Randall

Content Creator
YAPTV

Kathryn McGuire

Co-Founder
No Stone Unturned

Derek Howe

Co-Founder, Chief Creative Officer
Ellify

Ainsley Rose

Founder
Londre

Adam Rumanek

Founder
Aux Mode Inc.

Matt Hatfield

Executive Director
Open Media

Jason Kee

Counsel
Digital First Canada

Jennifer Park

Manager/ Podcast Co-Host
TELUS STORYHIVE

Jen Moss

Chief Creative Officer
JAR Audio

Kristina Lao

Artist/Podcaster
Bombshell Brunches

Jay Kerr Wilson

Communications and IP Lawyer
Fasken

James Nakaji

Head of Creator Partnerships
Fourthwall

Ali Adab

COO
Fixated

Rob Balasabas

Head of Creator Partnerships & Community
Uscreen

Janine Steele

Director, Interactive & Digital Media
Canada Media Fund

Norissa Samuels

Creator Partnerships
Snap Inc.

Colton Potter

Biz Dev
Linus Tech Tips

Connie Chan

Creative Solutions Lead
TikTok

Jaimie Weisberg

Content Creator

Laura Whaley

Content Creator

Uytae Lee

Content Creator

...and more coming soon

Founding Partners

YouTubeTikTok

Gold Partners

Snap Inc.TELUS STORYHIVE

Silver Partners

Fasken

Bronze Partners

Canada Media FundCreative BCHenry’sFilmoraIndependent Production Fund
FilmoraIndependent Production Fund

Community Partners

Canadian CreatorCapilano UniversityCrazy 8s

Media Partners

No Stone Unturned