The doors are officially open. Welcome to TC 2027! Stop by to check in, grab your badge, and get everything you need for the days ahead. If you were not able to attend early badge pick-up the day before, you can take care of it here.

This is your first official touchpoint of the conference. It is a chance to say hello, get oriented, and start connecting. Our team will be ready to answer questions and point you in the right direction so you can jump in feeling confident, prepared, and excited for what’s ahead.

Tastemaker Conference feels strongly that community over competition is the key to success. Creators of all levels can benefit from interacting in a small-group setting with one another. The goal of these roundtables is to provide a more personal setting in which creators of all different backgrounds, niches, and experience levels can discuss industry topics with one another. And who knows–you might just meet your new creator bestie!

How do I participate in Networking Roundtables?

All attendees who would like to participate in networking roundtables will be placed into randomly assigned groups.

Each group will have approximately 5-10 members. Roundtable groups are encouraged to meet together Day 1 & Day 2 from 8:20 – 8:50 am for chatting over coffee! 

A discussion facilitator will be assigned to each group (by Tastemaker Conference, ahead of time). Facilitators will organize virtual introductions via email one week prior to the conference, so everyone will have a few friendly faces to look out for at TC27!

Sally McKenney started Sally’s Baking in 2011, before SEO was a strategy, before Instagram was a platform, and long before anyone was talking about algorithm updates. What followed was 15 years of navigating every major shift in food media: the rise and fall of Pinterest traffic, Google’s endless core updates, the explosion of short-form video, and now the arrival of AI-driven search.

She didn’t just survive each wave. She built one of the most trusted baking brands on the internet.

In this opening fireside conversation, Sally pulls back the curtain on what that journey actually looked like — the decisions that paid off, the pivots that didn’t, and the moments she had to choose between chasing a trend and protecting what she’d spent years building. We’ll talk about how she’s thought about brand equity when traffic dipped, how she’s balanced SEO-driven content with the recipes her audience actually loves, and what 15 years of showing up consistently has taught her about the difference between reach and longevity.

Hear from Mediavine as they take the stage to share insights, ideas, and what’s top of mind for creators right now.

Search is shifting again and mid level creators cannot afford to ignore it.

In this 301 session, we will break down what is actually happening with SEO and GEO in 2027 and how AI is reshaping the way content is discovered, surfaced, and summarized. From AI overviews and zero click results to generative search engines and evolving ranking signals, we will separate fear from fact and focus on what still works.

You will learn how to optimize for both traditional search and generative engines, how to structure content so it is understood and cited by AI systems, and where human expertise still creates a competitive advantage. We will also discuss how to evaluate your data differently in a world where impressions, clicks, and traffic patterns look very different than they did just a few years ago.

This session is designed for creators who already understand SEO fundamentals and are ready to adapt their strategy for an AI driven search landscape without losing sight of sustainable growth.

Your email list is not just a distribution channel. It is an owned asset and one of the most valuable pieces of your business.

In this 701 session, taught by a blogger who has successfully monetized their email list, we will move beyond basic list building and open rates to explore how to treat email as a long term revenue and brand equity driver. You will learn advanced segmentation strategies, behavior based automations, monetization models beyond sponsored sends, and how to align email with product launches, partnerships, and recurring revenue streams.

We will also dig into list health, deliverability in a privacy first world, and how to build a newsletter people genuinely look forward to opening. Because at the highest levels of the creator economy, email is not an afterthought. It is infrastructure.

This session is designed for established creators who want to leverage their list strategically, increase lifetime subscriber value, and build a business that is not dependent on algorithms.

Take a break, recharge, and grab lunch from one of the many restaurants nearby. This is the perfect time to connect with new friends, continue conversations from the morning sessions, or enjoy some solo downtime before diving back into the afternoon programming.

Scaling a food brand does not have to mean diluting what makes it meaningful.

In this 301 session, we will explore how to build a mission driven brand that grows sustainably without losing clarity, values, or voice. As a mid level creator, you are likely moving beyond solopreneur mode and making bigger decisions about partnerships, team, content direction, and revenue streams. This session will help you ensure those decisions align with a clear mission that guides growth rather than reacting to every opportunity.

We will cover how to define and articulate your brand’s core purpose, translate that mission into content and monetization strategies, choose partnerships that reinforce your positioning, and build systems that support scale. You will also learn how to communicate your mission in a way that resonates with both your audience and brands.

This session is designed for creators who are ready to grow intentionally, expand their impact, and build a food brand that is both profitable and principled.

In this 701 session, Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes and Susie Bulloch of Hey Grill Hey share the behind the scenes realities of launching and scaling successful CPG lines. From Jocelyn’s Every Day Grand cakes in Walmart to Susie’s nationally recognized spice line, both have translated digital audiences into physical products that sell.

This advanced conversation will unpack product development, manufacturing, retail partnerships, margins, distribution, marketing, and the operational shifts required when you move from content creator to product founder. We will also explore how to leverage your audience as proof of concept, pitch to major retailers, and protect your brand as you expand into new categories.

This session is designed for established creators who are thinking beyond ad revenue and sponsorships and are ready to explore what it looks like to build a product based business rooted in their brand.

Growing your brand today requires more than reposting the same content everywhere. It requires intentional expansion.

In this 301 session, learn how to expand your content across platforms in a way that feels native to each channel while staying unmistakably on brand. If you are juggling multiple platforms and feeling the pressure to “be everywhere,” this session will help you do that strategically, not chaotically.

You will learn how to adapt messaging for different platform behaviors, identify what format works best where, and build a content ecosystem where each platform plays a distinct role in audience growth and monetization. We will also cover how to maintain visual identity, voice, and positioning so your brand feels cohesive even as your reach expands.

This session is for creators who are ready to grow beyond one primary traffic source and build a multi platform presence that is both scalable and sustainable.

Pinterest is no longer just about traffic. It is about visibility, positioning, and long term audience growth.

In this advanced session, established creators will learn how to move beyond basic pinning tactics and step into a strategic, data driven approach that builds authority and compounds results over time. We will break down how to align Pinterest with business goals, identify high intent search behavior, structure boards for topical ownership, and optimize content for both saves and conversions.

You will also explore how Pinterest fits into a multi platform ecosystem in 2027, what is actually driving distribution right now, and how to evaluate performance beyond vanity metrics.

This session is designed for creators who already understand the fundamentals and are ready to treat Pinterest as a core growth channel, not an afterthought.

Your audience is not static and neither is your life. So what happens when the brand you built five years ago no longer reflects who you are today?

In this 301 session, we will explore how to thoughtfully evolve your brand as your audience matures, your interests shift, and your business goals expand. From changing content pillars and visual identity to refining your voice and positioning, growth requires clarity and courage.

You will learn how to assess when it is time to pivot, how to bring your audience along without alienating them, and how to communicate change in a way that strengthens trust rather than erodes it. We will also discuss navigating personal milestones, industry shifts, and new opportunities while maintaining consistency and credibility.

This session is for creators who are building long term brands and want to evolve intentionally rather than reactively, ensuring their business grows in alignment with both their audience and themselves.

Attention is earned, not assumed.

In this 701 session, we will break down what it really takes to create food content that educates and entertains at the same time. In a landscape where audiences scroll fast and algorithms reward watch time, the creators who win are the ones who understand pacing, storytelling, personality, and payoff — while staying authentically themselves.

This advanced conversation will explore how to structure videos for retention, build recurring content formats, and develop a distinct on camera presence that feels natural rather than performative. We will discuss how to inject humor or narrative without sacrificing authority, and how leaning into your genuine voice and perspective is often the most compelling strategy of all.

You will also learn how to balance depth and accessibility so your content delivers real value while still being highly shareable.

This session is designed for established creators who want to elevate their presence, increase engagement, and create content that people do not just click on but actually watch.

A brief and meaningful moment to come together around purpose, impact, and the power of community. In this short message, St. Jude will share how our collective efforts make a difference and how this industry can continue to gather for good.

Platforms evolve. Algorithms fluctuate. But owned audiences remain one of the most stable and profitable assets in a creator’s business.

This panel brings together email marketing experts and creators with highly successful email lists to unpack why email still matters so much in 2027. From deliverability in a privacy first landscape to segmentation, automation, and monetization, we will explore both the strategy and the real world execution behind high performing newsletters.

Panelists will share how they have built lists that drive consistent traffic, fuel product launches, support affiliate revenue, and create deeper community than any social platform alone. You will also hear how email integrates into a modern multi platform strategy without overwhelming your audience.

If you are serious about building a sustainable brand, this conversation will make one thing clear: the creators who win long term are the ones who own their audience.

Unwind after Day 1!

Join us for an hour with a relaxed happy hour complete with cocktails, mocktails, and snacks. It’s the perfect chance to mix, mingle, and connect with fellow attendees after a full day of education.

Provided by JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Join us for an evening excursion to a working ranch with your fellow Tastemakers! Complete with transportation, dinner, drinks, and dancing, we’re celebrating our 10th Tastemaker in true Texas style.

Join the waitlist.

Waitlisters get first access to tickets on March 24!

Connect over coffee and continue the conversation with your roundtable group. This dedicated time is designed to deepen relationships, reflect on key takeaways, and build meaningful connections that last beyond the event.

Take a quick pause to refresh and reset with actor and creator Kalen Allen. In this uplifting session, Kalen will share insights and inspiration to help food creators approach their work with renewed energy and perspective.

Belonging is not a buzzword. It is a strategic choice.

In this session, we will take a practical look at how creators and community leaders can intentionally design businesses and spaces where people feel respected, represented, and valued. We may not be able to fix every systemic issue in the world, but we can lead by example within our own brands, teams, and the Tastemaker community.

We will explore the tangible decisions that shape belonging, from hiring and partnerships to content, accessibility, and community standards. You will learn how to align values with action, build trust through consistency, and create environments where diverse voices are not just invited but supported.

When belonging is approached with clarity and intention, it strengthens culture, deepens loyalty, and sets a higher standard for our industry.

In this 301 session, we will break down how to move from chasing spikes in views to building a YouTube strategy that delivers consistent, compounding growth. Instead of relying on one hit video, you will learn how to design repeatable formats, optimize for search and suggested traffic, and create content ecosystems that turn viewers into long term subscribers.

We will explore packaging strategy, retention patterns, thumbnails and titles that drive qualified clicks, and how to analyze performance beyond vanity metrics. You will also learn how to build workflows and production systems that support consistency without burnout.

This session is for creators who want to transform YouTube from a platform that occasionally pops into a dependable, valuable growth engine for their brand.

In this 701 session, learn directly from those who have built and scaled high revenue creator businesses. They will share the administrative and operational frameworks that support sustainable growth, from org charts and leadership structure to financial oversight, legal infrastructure, and workflow management.

This conversation will unpack hiring strategy, building strong support roles such as executive assistants and operations leads, defining accountability, documenting processes, and creating reporting systems that drive smarter decisions. You will also hear what did not work, what they would do differently, and how they transitioned from being the doer to leading as a true CEO.

This session is designed for founders running multi six and seven figure businesses who are ready to strengthen their infrastructure, protect their margins, and build a company that can scale beyond them.

Meet the brands who power the creator industry! Network with Tastemaker Conference sponsors, explore potential partnerships, and discover tools to help grow your business. In the Connection Hub you can meet for 15 minute 1:1’s with your favorite brands to ask questions, get support, and more!

Enjoy a beautifully catered onsite lunch.

Provided by JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

For years, food creators have optimized for traffic. The next evolution is optimizing for transaction.

In this session, Ben Jabbawy of Grocers List will challenge creators to rethink the role of the recipe in their business model. A recipe is not just content to be consumed. It is intent. It is purchasing behavior. It is data. And it is an opportunity to build direct consumer relationships.

You will explore how top food creators are shifting from passive publishing to active commerce strategies by:

• Designing content with shopping behavior in mind
• Capturing first-party audience data at the moment of highest intent
• Using technology to shorten the gap between inspiration and checkout
• Building systems that turn trust into measurable revenue

Rather than relying solely on ads and sponsorships, this session will demonstrate how creators can use modern commerce tools and infrastructure to transform their content into a scalable creator-to-consumer ecosystem.

This is not about adding more links. It is about thinking differently about how recipes function inside your business.

In this session, we’ll explore how to convert social momentum into long term business value — even if you do not have a website. Because going viral is not the same as building infrastructure, and platform success alone does not equal sustainability.

We will unpack how to move from social growth to owned audience capture, scalable revenue streams, strategic partnerships, and brand positioning that extends beyond the algorithm. You’ll learn what to build next, how to diversify smartly, and how to avoid becoming overly dependent on a single platform.

If you’re crushing social but unsure about your next move, this session will help you turn attention into durability — no website required.

Building a successful creator business should not come at the expense of your well being.

In this 301 session, we will explore the practical side of protecting your mental health while scaling your brand. As opportunities grow, so do expectations, comparison, visibility, and pressure. Without clear boundaries, burnout is not a possibility. It is a pattern.

We will discuss how to set sustainable work rhythms, establish boundaries with audiences and brand partners, navigate online criticism, and design a business model that supports longevity rather than constant urgency. You will also learn how to recognize early warning signs of burnout and implement systems that protect both your creativity and your capacity.

This session is for creators who want to build not just profitable businesses, but sustainable careers.

Scaling a creator business eventually requires more than better operations. It requires a new identity.

In this session, we will focus on the leadership shift from being the face of the brand to becoming the CEO of a company. This is not about bookkeeping or backend admin. It is about building teams, developing leaders, and designing a business that does not depend on your constant involvement.

We will explore how to:

• Transition from doer to decision maker
• Hire and empower department leads
• Build culture intentionally as your team grows
• Delegate outcomes, not just tasks
• Create clarity around ownership and authority
• Step out of daily execution without losing brand vision

This session is designed for creators who are scaling quickly and realizing that growth now depends on leadership capacity more than personal productivity.

Because at a certain level, the bottleneck is no longer strategy. It is you.

The food creator industry is entering a new chapter, one that is increasingly social first, not search first. In this forward-looking panel, leading voices in the space will explore how influence, identity, and opportunity are evolving in a world where platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are shaping discovery, authority, and revenue.

As audience behavior shifts toward video, personality, and real-time connection, what does that mean for food brands built in a blog-first era? From AI-driven feeds and creator monetization tools to community building and platform dependency, this conversation will examine how a more social-forward future changes the way creators show up, differentiate themselves, and build sustainable businesses.

Expect honest insights on staying relevant, protecting your brand identity in fast-moving feeds, and preparing for what comes next in a creator economy where social is no longer just a marketing channel. It is the main stage. Panelists will also share candid perspectives on what is changing, what is working right now, and where creators should focus their energy moving forward.

Wrap up the event with a celebratory evening designed for connection and fun. Our theme is DISCO RODEO and we can’t wait to go all out. Join us for music, dancing, and drinks as we toast to an incredible few days together. It’s the perfect way to unwind, let loose, and end the conference on a high note.

Denim, diamonds, and your favorite cow-folk attire encouraged!