New York, NY (October 14, 2025) — Forbes today announced the return of the Forbes Creator Upfronts In Partnership With Walmart Creator, taking place October 28-29, 2025, in Los Angeles. Now in its second year, the Creator Upfronts is designed as a working summit for the creator economy, where rising creators meet with leading brands in pitch sessions, and industry experts share insights on how the space is evolving. The two-day event brings together creators who are building influence with intention, and companies looking to collaborate in ways that go beyond the traditional brief. As the creator economy matures, the Upfronts aim to spotlight what’s next: new models, new voices, and new ways to build lasting value.
This year’s event will bring together more than 300 creators and brand leaders to explore the next era of creator-led innovation, including panels on creator-driven commerce, AI and authenticity, long-term brand partnerships, and the evolving role of creators as media networks.
Speakers confirmed for the 2025 Forbes Creator Upfronts include:
Dozens of creators will be taking the stage to present their creative process and brand partnerships, offering brands a unique opportunity to connect directly with the creators shaping culture and commerce. Creators on the rise who will be giving upfront presentations include Sal Farzin, Founder & CEO, Simply Sal Finds; Kate Greenwell, Founder, Kate Greenwell Home; Chelsea Parke Kramer, Founder & CEO, Parke; Jenna Wood, Founder, Hello Jenna Wood, and more.
“Marketers are starting to treat creators not as a one-off tactic but as essential partners,” said Steven Bertoni, assistant managing editor who runs the Forbes Founders team where he oversees coverage of top entrepreneurs and the Forbes 30 Under 30 and Top Creators franchises. “The Forbes Creator Upfronts is a milestone in the creator economy’s integration into mainstream advertising, offering both creators and brands a chance to learn from one another and form lasting collaborations that will shape the future of marketing.”
In its second year, the Forbes Creator Upfronts will feature hands-on workshops, interactive sessions, and curated networking designed to put the business of creators front and center. This next chapter reflects a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth and equipping creators with the tools, connections, and insights to scale their impact.
Walmart Creator is leveling up the experience, immersing attendees with activations designed to spark product inspiration and connection. The fully shoppable, Instagrammable vignettes ensure guests leave with fresh ideas, valuable tools, earning potential, and a deeper understanding of all the benefits that are unlocked by utilizing the platform.
“Creators are transforming how we connect with customers,” said William White, Chief Marketing Officer, Walmart U.S. “We see creators as trusted partners who bring creativity and authenticity to our brand. Through Walmart Creator and our partnership with Forbes, we’re helping this dynamic community grow, innovate, and shape what the future of commerce looks like.”
Last year’s inaugural event drew an in-person audience of over 350 people. More than 40 creators and marketers took the main stage, representing a combined social following of 573M+.
The 2025 Forbes Creator Upfronts also follows the release of the Forbes 2025 Top Creators list, spotlighting 50 of the most influential and highest-earning creators across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and other platforms.
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