Creators Take Washington: Inside the Inaugural White House Creator Economy Conference

Washington D.C. put creators center stage on Wednesday with the first-ever White House Creator Economy Conference. Organized by the Office of Digital Strategy, this inaugural event brought together 100 of the most influential digital creators and industry leaders to dive deep into the future of the creator economy. This wasn’t just a conference—it was a pivotal moment that acknowledged the power and impact of the digital creator space. From privacy and AI to fair pay and mental health, no topic was off the table.

President Joe Biden himself joined the conversation, underscoring the importance of this new era. He addressed the crowd in the iconic Indian Treaty Room, adding a touch of humor to his impactful message. 

“You are the future. You are the new possibilities. You are the breakthrough in how we communicate. That’s why I’ve invited you all here to the White House—because I’m looking for a job.”

But behind the jokes, Biden delivered a timely message about the growing influence of the creator economy, which is currently valued at $250 billion and is expected to double in the coming years. “You’re changing not only what people listen to and what they put their faith in, but you also have an obligation to record what you think is true and say what you think is true,” he emphasized. This viral White House Creator Economy Conference town hall highlighted just how significant creators are in shaping public discourse and driving cultural change.

The White House, known for hosting the world’s top leaders, brought together the best of the best from the creator economy for this landmark conference. The gathering was a who’s who of digital powerhouses, including world-class speaker coach Jerry Won, who shared some behind-the-scenes moments on LinkedIn.

Tech, money, and culture creator Uptin also took his audience inside his White House Creator Economy Conference experience on TikTok. Not only did he share a first-hand account of President Biden’s town hall, he also documented a game at the Truman Bowling Alley and showed his 1 million followers what he purchased at the official White House gift shop.

Jellysmack creator partner SidneyRaz was also in attendance, and gave us some exclusive insights into what it was like to spend the day at the nation’s most prestigious landmark. “My favorite moment was when the press core started showing up, the podium appeared and a hush fell over the room. Everyone knew what was about to happen. The President was about to show up,” he shared about Biden’s anticipated town hall. 

“Sitting in the room and the break out rooms felt really amazing. We were there to give a larger perspective on what matters to so many of us like AI regulations, healthcare coverage and more. It felt like we really had a voice.” 

He also left us with some of his signature words of wisdom.“Here’s one thing I didn’t know until I was in my 30s…if you ever visit the White House, the gift shop closes at 4, so shop early!”

The White House embracing the creator economy marks a turning point, signaling that digital creators are not just influencers—they’re influential. President Biden admitted he hadn’t paid much attention to this space until recently, but thanks to his granddaughter’s encouragement, he began to listen and recognize their impact. Creators are now shaping narratives, driving cultural change, and even playing a role in informing policy. By the end of the first-ever White House Creator Economy Conference, one thing was clear: the future of communication, culture, and even politics is digital, and the White House is fully on board.