The Creative Launchpad: Beyond the Feed
A Curated Mixer & Panel for Creatives Building Beyond the 9–5
The Creative Launchpad is an elevated gathering designed for creatives, multi-hyphenates, and 9–5 professionals who are actively building something of their own (a business, a brand, or a creative identity) while navigating the complexities of the modern world.
This installment centers on the theme Beyond the Feed: Building a Creator Economy Creators Can Own. We’re moving past algorithm-chasing, transactional brand deals, and traditional industry expectations. We are bringing together leaders across entertainment, technology, talent strategy, and brand capital to explore how creators can build real infrastructure, leverage AI-enabled tools, and transition from content producers to durable enterprise owners.
The evening features a curated panel of industry pioneers and thought partners who have operated at the forefront of media, technology, communications, and enterprise building:
Ian Schafer — Co-Founder & President of Ensemble, under HOORAE Media (co-founded alongside Issa Rae)
Alicia Gooding — Brand Architect & Operational Strategist, The C.O.D.E.
Alexandra Bernard — Renowned entrepreneur, author, media host, and Founder of the international Think Like a Boss movement.
This is a space for aspirational connection offering attendees access to insight, perspective, and proximity that extends far beyond the room.
Through candid storytelling, tactical insight, and audience Q&A, we’ll explore:
From Content Creator to Enterprise Owner: Building equity, operational infrastructure, and business models that exist independently of platform algorithms.
Beyond Transactional Brand Deals: Creating sustainable revenue streams, licensing models, and proprietary IP that compound over time.
Leveraging AI-Enabled Workflows: Harnessing modern technology and automation to multiply creative output and scale operations without burning out.
Talent Strategy & Brand Capital: Negotiating from leverage, cultivating true community ownership, and turning cultural capital into institutional trust.
Whether you’re launching something new, refining your business model, or looking to connect with people operating at your next level, this space is your launchpad.
✨ What to Expect
✔️ A grounding opening activity to help you arrive present, clear, and ready to engage
✔️ A candid panel conversation rooted in real playbooks across media, tech, and enterprise building
✔️ Discussions on brand infrastructure, AI toolkits, intellectual property, and community ownership
✔️ An elevated mixer atmosphere with open bar and curated vibes
✔️ Organic networking with ambitious founders, creators, and operators who are actually building
💡 You’ll Walk Away With
Clarity on how to transition from trading time for views to owning durable business assets
Frameworks for integrating AI and modern digital tools into your creative workflow
Actionable strategies to diversify beyond sponsored posts and negotiate sustainable brand equity
New connections with collaborators, leaders, and peers who are building real infrastructure alongside you
A renewed sense of focus, clarity, and strategic momentum for your venture
🕰️ Event Flow
6:00 PM — Welcoming Mixer & Open Bar
6:40 PM — Grounding Activity
7:00 PM — Panel Conversation + Audience Q&A
8:00 PM — Networking & Community Building Mixer
👗 Dress Code
Creative Business Casual
Polished but comfortable. Think clean fits, statement pieces, sneakers or heels welcome.
Come styled like you’re building an empire.
🌿 About the Series
The Creative Launchpad is an ongoing event series by Conscious Eats, created to cultivate a connected community of creative entrepreneurs and purpose-driven professionals.
This isn’t just a one-night event, it’s a living, growing ecosystem.
We’re building this together.