9:00 AM – Welcome Breakfast Mixer

Welcome mixer breakfast. Enjoy a healthy start to the day as we kick off the Second Annual Creator Summit.

Keynote to be given by GoSadi co-founder Michele Costa and meet our sponsors for the event.

Panel Moderators:

Zontee Hou:
Zontee Hou is a marketing advisor and founder of Media Volery, whose clients have included Tahki Stacy Charles, GoSadi, Cocoknits, and Vogue Knitting, as well as tech, professional services, and travel brands. Her nearly 20 years working with the fiber arts industry started at Lion Brand Yarns, where she hosted the popular podcast YarnCraft and was seen on the Martha Stewart Show and on PBS’ Knitting Daily. She’s also a sought-after business speaker, whose book, Data-Driven Personalization is out now from Kogan Page.

Samantha Brunson:
Samantha Brunson is a knitwear designer, marketing strategist, and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the fashion and fiber arts industries. She’s the founder of Bobble Club House, a blog celebrating the voices of diverse makers, and former social media manager at Lion Brand Yarn. Through her agency Yes & Social, Samantha helps creative brands craft authentic, community-driven marketing strategies. A regular contributor to Modern Daily Knitting, her column Making It spotlights the creative journeys of fellow fiber artists. Part of the GoSadi marketing team since the beginning, Samantha brings her passion for craft and connection to everything she does.

9:45 AM Collab & Convert: Maximizing Affiliate Revenue Through Strategic Partnerships

Moderator: Zontee Hou
Panelists:
Kristen Stark, Premier Yarns
Corey Pearson, Linda’s
Tara Swiger, SewTites
Katie Burk, Twice Sheared  Sheep

Brand Collaborations & Affiliate Marketing is a vital part of brand success. Affiliate marketing isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a powerful revenue stream when done right. In this insightful panel, creators and affiliate program managers pull back the curtain on what it really takes to drive results through links, codes, and collabs. 

From building trust with your audience to choosing the right partners and leveraging performance data, this discussion dives into how to make affiliate and collaborative content feel authentic and profitable. Learn how top creators are turning casual mentions into consistent income, and how brands are identifying the right voices to amplify their message.

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your brand and maximize your partnerships!

9:45 AM The Future of Patterns:  Evolving Models of Pattern Distribution 

Moderator: Trisha Malcolm
Panelists:
Amy Gunderson, Independent Designer and Creative Director at Premier Yarns
Anne Merrow, Long Thread Media
Safiyyah Talley, Author and Designer
Sally Holt, Founder & CTO knitCompanion

Join moderator Trisha Malcolm and a panel of seasoned craft publishers, authors and independent designers as they unravel the evolving world of publishing in the fiber arts & craft industry. Whether you’re an aspiring author or an experienced designer looking to expand your reach, this discussion will offer invaluable insights into the publishing process—from crafting compelling proposals and understanding market trends to navigating distribution and promotion.

Gain practical strategies for bringing your patterns and craft books to life while staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry. The session will conclude with a Q&A, giving you the chance to connect with experts and get personalized advice. If you’re passionate about sharing your designs with the world, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

11:00 AM Tech in Craft: Innovating  & Application of Tech for Heritage Crafts

Moderator: Zontee Hou
Panelists:
Sally Holt, Founder & CTO knitCompanion
Amellia Diemer, Product Manager Artspira by Brother
Michele Costa, Co-founder, CEO, Development Lead GoSadi
Sarah Vanderkooy, Creative Ramblings Blog & Content Creator 

Explore how cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing traditional crafts in this forward-thinking panel discussion. From AI-driven tools and digital pattern-making to innovative materials and sustainable production methods, discover how technology is breathing new life into heritage fiber arts like sewing, knitting, and weaving.

Industry experts will share insights on how creators can embrace emerging tools to enhance their craft, streamline workflows, and expand their creative possibilities—all while preserving the artistry and traditions that make fiber arts so special. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just beginning your journey, this discussion will inspire you to see technology as a powerful ally in the future of craft. Don’t miss this chance to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation!

11:00 WORKSHOP: Creating Impactful  Content That Tells Your Story & Grows Your Brand

Moderator: Samantha Brunson
Presenter:  GiGi Jackson

Join us for an exclusive workshop led by GiGi Jackson, of Lens of Her, designed for small creative businesses, brands, and content creators looking to elevate their content. The session kicks off with a presentation on how to craft engaging, high-quality content that resonates with your audience. Learn photography tips, storytelling techniques, and strategies for increasing engagement and building your brand through visuals.

Following the presentation, we’ll host an interactive Q&A and hands-on workshop time, where you can apply what you’ve learned with direct guidance from the photographer. 

This workshop will equip you with the tools to enhance your content, experiment with new ideas, and create visually captivating materials that help your business or brand stand out.

12 PM Community Beyond the Feed: Building Real Community with Email & Private Platforms

Moderator: Zontee Hou
Panelists:
Britt Garber, Knott Bad Britt who has built a hugely successful Discord Community
Tamara Kelly, Moogly Blog 

Becky Jorgensen, Patchwork Posse
Caroline of SewCanShe

Likes are fleeting—but community is forever. In this forward-thinking panel, creators share how they’re shifting from chasing algorithms to building spaces where their audiences actually connect—through email lists, Discord servers, and other private platforms. 

Learn how to create a direct line to your audience, foster meaningful engagement, and drive long-term loyalty without relying on third-party platforms. From welcome sequences to active server channels, we’ll explore how to turn casual followers into true fans—and why owning your audience is the ultimate creator power move.

12 PM From Passion to Pages: Publishing Craft Books – a Discussion

Moderator: Samantha Brunson
Panelists:
Patty Lyons, Author & Instructor
Safiyyah Talley, Author 
Ashley Parker, Author and wrote guide to Self Publishing

This panel brings together authors and publishers from the textile arts and craft world to discuss the unique journey of publishing craft books. Hear how creators have navigated both traditional and self-publishing paths, shaped their book concepts, and built communities around their work.

Whether you’re dreaming of publishing your first pattern book or simply curious about the process, this conversation will offer real-world insights on proposals, publishing models, marketing, and the magic of turning creative expertise into a book.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM MAKE & TAKE LUNCH

Attendees will be provided box lunch while taking a break from workshops and networking with other attendees. Sponsors will have tables set up where attendees can MAKE a connection and TAKE a sample. This is an opportunity for attendees and brands to connect on a personal and 1:1 connection

2:30 PM Copyright, Trademarks & Creativity: Protecting Your Work in the Crafts Industry.  

Moderator: Zontee Hou
Panelists:
Rob Margolis, Partner Robinson Curley & Former Treasurer and Executive Board member Lawyers for Creative Arts
Brenda Schamy, Partner DS Miami

Understanding copyright is essential for any maker, designer, or creative entrepreneur—and this expert-led panel will show you exactly why. Join a dynamic legal team specializing in intellectual property, trademarks, and copyright law as they break down the legal essentials every textile artist and content creator should know.

Whether you’re a knitter, crocheter, quilter, sewist, or all of the above, you’ll gain clarity on how to protect your original work, navigate licensing and contracts, and understand what constitutes fair use in the digital age. We’ll also explore the ins and outs of creator contracts—what to look for, what to avoid, and how to negotiate terms that protect your rights, especially in collaborations or shared projects.

Learn the dos and don’ts of sharing patterns, selling handmade items, working with brands, and managing shared rights in co-created content. This is a must-attend session for anyone turning their craft into content or commerce. Walk away with the tools to safeguard your creativity—and respect the rights of fellow makers in our vibrant textile arts community.

2:30 PM PITCH IT: Winning Brand Deals in a Crowded Creator Space

Moderator: Samantha Brunson
Panelists:
Corey Pearson, Linda’s
Tamara Kelly, Moogly Blog
Marcie Bourne, Bad Sheep Yarn
Sarah Vanderkooy, Creative Ramblings Blog & Content Creator 
Joe Vecchiarelli, French European

In a saturated digital landscape, how do creators stand out—and how do brands decide who gets the “yes”? This dynamic panel brings together leading content creators and brand marketing experts to break down what makes a pitch not just good, but irresistible.

From crafting compelling proposals to understanding brand objectives and building long-term partnerships, this conversation will uncover the do’s, don’ts, and game-changing insights that lead to signed contracts and successful collaborations. Whether you’re pitching your first brand or scaling up your sponsorship strategy, this session will give you the tools to turn creativity into opportunity.

3:30 pm – 5:00 PM  BRAND MIXER

“Brand Mix & Matching,” will be the centerpiece event of the Creator Summit at h+h americas co-produced with GoSadi and has already become our signature event since launching.This exclusive gathering is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between brands and creators eager to embark on impactful partnerships. 

The goal is to facilitate conversations that align with shared interests and opportunities, serving as the first step in building lasting collaborations. 

As connections spark at the event, attendees will be encouraged to continue their discussions on the h+h Americas show floor. We want all guests to take advantage of the opportunity to build a personal connection before the show kicks off and to strengthen that connection over the coming days. 

The event doesn’t end here – we’re committed to nurturing these connections post-show, encouraging additional follow-ups and solidifying the foundation for mutually beneficial relationships. “Brand Mix & Matching” is your gateway to forging partnerships that transcend the event, setting the stage for creative collaborations that leave a lasting impact. This will be an evening of networking, discovery, and the start of meaningful collaborations within the vibrant world of content creation.

BRANDS

1. Premier Yarns
2. SewTites
3. SOAK
4. Lemonwood
5. Brother
6. Katia Yarns
7. Lindas
8. Twice Sheared  Sheep
9. Bad Sheep Yarn
10. Long Thread Media

5:00 PM  CREATOR PARTY

We’ll cap off the Creator Summit at h+h americas co-produced with GoSadi with a grand finale – our Closing Event that seamlessly blends inspiration, networking, and creative activation. Join us for an hour of learning as select brands take center stage to present the stories behind their company and a brief overview of their offerings/products. 

For brands looking to connect with a new crop of makers this is their opportunity to pitch them directly and to share their company with creators that they might not have been matched with during the prior “Mix & Match” event. Creators will also have the opportunity to enjoy our interactive make & take activation, where they can explore their creativity and mingle with fellow influencers and brands in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. 

The event also features a relaxed lounge environment where influencers and brands can connect, exchange ideas, and spark collaborations. This is more than just a kick off to the show – it’s an opportunity to witness the  wide range of brands in the craft field, hear their stories, and kickstart conversations that could lead to exciting partnerships. Brands and creators won’t want to miss this chance to unwind, connect, and be inspired as we close out the Content Creator Summit, setting the stage for a successful and collaborative journey ahead at h+h americas 2025.