welcome to the platform

putting content creators center stage

march, 15 2024 | 12:30 PM - 6:00 PM
franklin on penn | pittsburgh, pa 15222

about the platform

the platform is the first conference of its kind, designed exclusively for influencers and content creators in the pittsburgh area. creating is an entirely new career, full of challenges and opportunities that are novel. building a brand and online community takes work. now, members of the cohort and other like-minded individuals can come together to learn, network, and grow.

keynote fireside chat, hitakshi shah, duolingo

1:00 pm

be inspired by a renowned industry expert who has successfully navigated the digital landscape by breaking rules and building important relationships. our keynote speaker will chat about insights and strategies to help motivate and empower you to take your influence to the next level. expect a conversation that you will not want to miss.

the conference experience

join us for two panels as we talk content creation, branding, monetization, audience engagement, operating as a business and more.

creator panel. three creators talking about how they approach brand partnerships, and the challenges of working with brands who don’t get “it” – not wanting a script, value and rates, etc.

brand panel. three brands talking about how they approach creator partnerships, and the challenges of working with creators who don’t get “it” – not wanting to show data, understanding a good brief, etc.

the takeaways? valuable knowledge, practical tips, and actionable advice from those who have achieved major success in the digital realm.

2:00 - 4:30 pm

brand partnership mixer

network with big brands and local businesses to discover potential partnerships during our happy hour mixer. this is your chance to make valuable connections and unlock important brand relationships. NA drinks will be provided by Pittsburgh Juice and Vibrant Sunshine Kombucha

4:30 - 6:00 pm

gifting loft

you can't forget our gifting loft! grab a cohort shopping bag and snag samples from pittsburgh-based businesses who would love to be on your radar.

the number of followers does not matter. the platform is meant to provide opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration, and personal growth. connect with fellow influencers, industry professionals, and potential collaborators who share your passion and ambition.

how to register

secure your spot at the platform conference by registering today. if you're a creator who wants to bring two friends, you can get a group discount for 20% off.

if you're a talent manager, and you want to bring three of your creators with you, we can offer discounted pricing.

if traveling from out of town

if you're coming in from out of town, there is a hotel block available at The Joinery Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh, minutes from the event space.

check out The Joinery's space website by clicking here.

why sponsor the platform?

the platform conference offers a unique opportunity for businesses to connect with a community of content creators in Pittsburgh, each representing their own category of influence. sponsors will be the only businesses with access to the event in its entirety. by becoming a sponsor, your business can benefit from increased visibility, targeted marketing, networking opportunities, and thought leadership.

sponsorship packages start at $500. to request more information about sponsorship, email thecohort.pgh@gmail.com

keynote speaker

hitakshi shah

Hitakshi Shah is a the Global Influencer Marketing Associate at Duolingo. She leads creator and celebrity partnerships across all major social platforms. She spearheads influencer marketing strategy and has partnered with hundreds of influencers. Hitakshi empowers creators to continue making the content they do by giving them creative freedom, which leads to a high quality of content. As a direct result of Hitakshi’s work, Influencer Marketing has proven to be an effective channel to amplify word of mouth and build further social buzz. As a Gen Z, she is consistently bringing fresh perspectives and seamlessly blending her passion for social media with her day-to-day work.

creator panel moderator

brooke hyland

Brooke, brings her experience working on both sides of the brand/creator relationship. with more than 7 million followers, across platforms, Brooke takes us inside her day-to-day life and shows the power of connection.

7.4 million followers

creator panelist

barbie brignoni

Barbie Brignoni is a vibrant Latina Fashion & Lifestyle influencer whose remarkable storytelling abilities breathe life into your feed. With a Master's degree in Creative Direction for Fashion Brands - she is an expert in the field - and her positive outlook on life and infectious personality, she inspires her audience to live their best lives, both inside and out.

605k followers

creator panelist

chloe brown

Chloe is a strategic social media content creator and body-positive influencer. she has over 543,100 followers on tiktok and 226,000 followers on instagram. Chloe has worked with many brands for national campaigns such as Anthropologie, Aerie, American Eagle, Dove, Lululemon, and Sephora. Chloe is making waves in the digital space, and fighting for a better, more inclusive world both on and offline.

972k followers

creator panelist

kati nairn

Kati Nairn is an original content creator on Instagram where she is best known for home decorating, story-telling and design inspiration. She shares lifestyle content and shopping finds, along with creating buzz for brands. Kati has made numerous television appearances and is currently featured in Better Homes & Gardens magazine. She has partnered with high-profile companies and has built many long-term relationships. She connects with her audience by sharing the decorating process, behind-the-scenes content, wins and fails, and lots of laughs.

253k followers

brand panel moderator

cooper munroe

Cooper Munroe, CEO of The Motherhood Inc., is an award-winning influencer marketing expert with 30 years experience working in public relations and marketing for the world’s leading agencies, consumer brands and non-profits.

Recently named one of PR News Top 50 Game-Changers of PR, as well as the the PRSA Renaissance Communicator of the Year, Cooper has also won the Business Women First Award, the Enterprising Women of the Year Award, Outstanding Achievement in Media Award from Media Association of Pittsburgh, a Top Ten Power Mom on the Web by Parents Magazine, a Person of the Week by ABC News, and has coined a New York Times “Buzzword of the Year.” Under Cooper’s leadership, The Motherhood Inc. was named one of Pittsburgh’s fastest growing companies and second fastest growing marketing agency.

Cooper currently serves on the board of directors of Fred Rogers Productions and UPMC Shadyside Hospital Foundation, as well as on the advisory board of Mums Village in Kenya, Africa. She is also an Official Member of Forbes Magazine Agency Council.

Cooper has also served on numerous, additional advisory boards including One.org, Kimberly-Clark, ConAgra Foods, National Wildlife Federation, Care.com and MomsRising.org.

brand panelist

meredith goode

Meredith Goode is a digital marketer turned influencer professional with over ten years of experience building and executing influencer marketing strategies for corporate retailers. She is currently the Senior Manager, Influencer Strategy for DICK’S Sporting Goods. Prior to her current role, she spent seven years managing influencer activations for Ulta Beauty. In her free time, she enjoys running, traveling with friends and spending time with her dog, Hershey.

brand panelist

saheedat abdul

Saheedat is a Creator Marketing Expert who launched her career just as brands began to understand the value of bloggers (now influencers) as the social media landscape grew into a special part of the marketing strategy, especially in the fashion and beauty space. After gaining valuable experience at several startups like Rent the Runway and Galore Magazine, Saheedat's career was catapulted by creating meaningful campaigns for global lifestyle brands with the end-user in mind.

Currently, she focuses on catering to multicultural and niche markets after consulting for several luxury and lifestyle brands such as American Express, R+Co Hair, BECCA Cosmetics, and Armani.

brand panelist

lexi christie

Lexi Christie is a brand marketer who started her career as a social media manager for BodyMedia, Jawbone and Style Me Pretty. She entered the CPG world just over 7 years ago as a social media strategist for Chobani and has spent her time building the brand through social and digital content, partnerships, and campaigns. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Brand Marketing for Chobani.

our sponsors

specialty group

mixer sponsor

Specialty Group helps individuals open the restaurants of their dreams by buying and selling properties, and licenses, and offering micro-loans to their clients to get started

check out specialty group