We’re still buzzing from the energy and inspiration of the 2nd Annual GoSadi x h+h americas Creator Summit! Held on the Tuesday before the official kick off to h+h americas, this year’s event proved once again that when creators and brands come together, our industry only gets better.
At GoSadi, our mission is to educate, empower, and connect makers with the brands they love. We believe a stronger community is built through collaboration.
Let’s take a stroll through the highlights and celebrate the creativity, insights, and connections that made this year’s summit unforgettable.
Welcome Breakfast Mixer: A Fresh Start for a Day of Learning
The day kicked off bright and early with our Welcome Breakfast Mixer. It was a chance for creators, panelists, and brands to fuel up for the day ahead and connect before the sessions began.
Our co-founder Hilary Cerbin, started the day and welcomed everyone to the summit. Followed by our opening keynote, “Creative Connections,” delivered by our other Co-Founder Michele Costa. Her keynote was filled with heartfelt words about our mission: to bridge the gap between creators and brands, fostering a space where we can learn from each other and grow together.
With our incredible sponsors by our side, we set the tone for a day dedicated to building community and sharing knowledge.
Collab & Convert: Maximizing Affiliate Revenue Through Strategic Partnerships
The first panel of the day, moderated by marketing expert Zontee Hou, dove into one of the hottest topics for creators: affiliate marketing. Featuring insights from Kristen Stark (Premier Yarns), Corey Pearson (Linda’s), Tara Swiger (SewTites), Katie Burk (Twice Sheared Sheep), and Cindy Cloward (Riley Blake), this session unpacked the opportunities to turn affiliate links and discount codes into real, sustainable income.
In the panel we talked about the importance of trust, authenticity, and how creators can collaborate effectively with brands to genuinely resonate with their audience. It was a powerful reminder that collaboration isn’t just about sales. It’s about building authentic relationships that benefit everyone.
The Future of Patterns: Evolving Models of Pattern Distribution
Next up, moderator Trisha Malcolm guided us through the ever-changing world of pattern publishing. Panelists Amy Gunderson (Independent Designer and Creative Director at Premier Yarns), Anne Merrow (Long Thread Media), Safiyyah Talley (Author and Designer, Drunk Knitter), and Sally Holt (the Founder & CTO knitCompanion) shared their experiences navigating the shifting landscape of pattern distribution, particularly in the age of AI.
We discussed everything from indie publishing to digital downloads to market trends that impact how (and where) patterns find their audience. It was so inspiring to hear how each panelist adapted their creative journey to fit their audience and goals. This conversation proved that there is no one size fits all roadmap in this ever changing landscape.
Tech in Craft: Innovating & Applying Technology in Heritage Crafts
Zontee returned to moderate this fascinating discussion on how technology is transforming traditional crafts. Michele Costa, Sally Holt, Amellia Diemer (Product Manager, Artspira by Brother), and Sarah Vanderkooy (Creative Ramblings Blog & Content Creator) shared incredible insights into how apps, AI, and digital tools can enhance rather than replace our craft traditions.
The conversation highlighted how embracing technology can open new doors for makers and small businesses—whether that’s designing more efficiently, reaching new audiences, or creating innovative products that blend the best of old and new. The tech world is constantly evolving and this panel helped attendees keep up.
Workshop: Creating Impactful Content That Tells Your Story
Samantha Brunson returned for the second year and hosted a hands-on workshop led by photographer GiGi Jackson of Lens of Her, all about leveling up your content game. Attendees learned how to capture authentic visuals, use storytelling to build a brand, and boost engagement in a noisy social media world.
The interactive session in the second half then gave everyone a chance to practice what they’d learned, with GiGi’s warm and hands on guidance helping attendees feel confident in their content creation journey.
Community Beyond the Feed: Building Real Community with Email & Private Platforms
Likes and followers are great, but real community happens off social media. That was the focus of this panel moderated by Zontee. Panelists Natalie Thomas (GoSadi alpha tester and designer behind Detroit Knots), Britt Garber (GoSadi early adopter and Knott Bad Britt designer), Tamara Kelly (GoSadi alpha tester and designer behind Moogly Blog), Becky Jorgensen (Patchwork Posse), and Caroline (SewCanShe) shared how email lists, Discord servers, and other private platforms can deepen connections and build loyalty.
Attendees left with practical tips for turning casual followers into engaged community members. Reminding us all that your email list and platforms that you own are the most important tool in a creator’s tool box.
From Passion to Pages: Publishing Craft Books
Ever dreamed of publishing a craft book? This panel, moderated by Samantha, brought together authors and GoSadi designers Safiyyah Talley, Patty Lyons, Ashley Parker (the Loopy Lamb) along with Gailen Runge (C&T Publishing) to demystify the publishing process.
From developing proposals to choosing between self-publishing and traditional routes, the panelists shared their own honest journeys and the lessons they learned along the way. It was a peek behind the curtain that so often gets glossed over. We already can’t wait to read the stories this session inspired in the years to come.
Make & Take Lunch: Connecting Creators and Brands
Our lunchtime break was anything but ordinary! Attendees grabbed a boxed lunch and mingled with sponsors at dedicated tables during our returning Make & Take lunch event. The goal was for creators to make a connection and take a sample so that the conversations could continue post show.
It was the perfect opportunity to ask questions directly to the brand reps, and sample new and upcoming products. We loved seeing the spark of collaboration ignite as creators discovered new brands and brands met the passionate makers who inspire their products.
Copyright, Trademarks & Creativity: Protecting Your Work
We were back to business after lunch, Zontee moderated a powerhouse panel featuring Rob Margolis (Partner Robinson Curley & Former Treasurer and Executive Board member Lawyers for Creative Arts) and Brenda Schamy (Partner DS Miami). These passionate legal experts broke down the essentials of copyright and trademarks in our industry.
From protecting your original work to negotiating brand contracts, this session was a masterclass in creator empowerment and the response from attendees was overwhelming! It was a must-attend for anyone turning their craft “hobby” into a business.
Pitch It: Winning Brand Deals in a Crowded Creator Space
The final panel of the day, moderated by Samantha, tackled one of the biggest challenges for creators: pitching themselves to brands. Panelists Corey Pearson, Tamara Kelly, Sarah Vanderkooy, Marcie Bourne (Bad Sheep Yarn), and Derek Rollberg (Katia Yarns) shared the DOs and DON’Ts of pitching from both sides of the process, along with game-changing tips for standing out in a crowded market.
Attendees left with a toolkit of strategies for turning their creativity into opportunity and a reminder to think outside of the box when it comes to the brands you are planning to work with.
Brand Mixer: Where Partnerships Begin
Our signature Brand Mixer was back again this year and was the heart of the summit. It was a lively, informal gathering where creators and brands could meet face-to-face and build connections. It’s always incredible to see attendees and sponsors sharing ideas, brainstorming collaborations, and laying the groundwork for future partnerships.
The room buzzed with possibility as creators moved from table to table, proving that the best business relationships often start with a genuine conversation.
Creator Party: A Celebration of Community
We capped off the day and celebrated with the annual Creator Party. Brands took center stage at their tables around the room to share their stories and products, while creators mingled, made, and dreamed up future projects.
It was the perfect ending to a day full of learning, growth, and connection.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up another incredible Creator Summit, we’re reminded of why we do this. GoSadi’s mission is to empower creators and brands alike to build meaningful connections that fuel creativity and success.
We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us this year. To our panelists, sponsors, attendees, and the h+h americas team thank you for your support and efforts to make this event what it was.
This is more than just an event. It’s a community. And we can’t wait to see how these new relationships and insights blossom into collaborations that will shape the future of craft in our industry. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready for an even bigger, brighter summit next year!
