Creator Palooza 2025: A Cultural Reset in Atlanta
- Black Girl Digital
- Oct 29
- 6 min read
Presented by The Black Girl Digital Foundation in partnership with My Code, powered by Walt Disney World
The Cultural Reset
Something powerful is happening in Atlanta this November, a cultural reset designed by creators, powered by community, and anchored in excellence.
From November 3–9, Creator Palooza transforms Atlanta into a playground of creativity, connection, and celebration. What began as Black Influencer Weekend has evolved into a global destination where creators of color lead, inspire, and shape the future of media and storytelling.
And this year, that vision reaches new heights, culminating at Zoo Atlanta for the sold-out 4th Annual BGD Global Creator Awards, powered by Walt Disney World.
This isn’t just another conference or influencer meetup.
It’s a cultural destination.
A celebration.
A reset.
Born from the spirit of Black Influencer Weekend, Creator Palooza has evolved into a global platform celebrating the creators shaping the future of media, culture, and commerce. This year’s celebration takes on new meaning as it’s officially presented by The Black Girl Digital Foundation, set to launch in January 2026.
The Foundation will expand BGD’s mission, empowering creators of color through education, equity, and opportunity, into a long-term, community-driven impact model.
And at the heart of it all is the rallying cry that started it: Dream Bigger.
The Why
In a world where creators drive trends, influence buying decisions, and define culture itself, there’s still an urgent need for spaces that pour back into them.
Creator Palooza exists because creators deserve to be seen, celebrated, and supported, not just as content producers, but as cultural innovators shaping the next era of storytelling.
As LaToya Shambo, Founder & CEO of BGD Media, puts it:
“Black Influencer Weekend was where we started, but Creator Palooza is where we’re going. Here, creators don’t just show up for brands, they show up for their communities.”
And this November, that vision takes center stage.
The What
Creator Palooza 2025 is an immersive week of events connecting creators, brands, and communities through experiences that celebrate authenticity, innovation, and cultural excellence.
Each day offers something new, from food and wellness to business and storytelling, designed to honor the creators defining today’s global culture.
Key Highlights Include:
🍽️ Creator Restaurant Week (Nov 3–9) Presented in partnership with Hungry Homegirl, this citywide celebration connects Atlanta’s top restaurants with creators and food lovers, proving that food is culture and community in motion.Each participating restaurant — from Emilio’s and SM44 to Mistora, The Alden, and Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails — will host creators and offer exclusive menus and 15% off for Palooza Tastemakers.
All attendees throughout Creator Palooza Week (Mon–Sat) are automatically entered into the Hotel Sages Getaway Giveaway for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Bali.
💼 Creator Upfronts (Nov 7) Hosted by Shy Taylor, this invite-only event presented by My Code, Ehko, Hotel Sages, Society 18, and Publicis Groupe explores Creators, Culture & The Future of Advertising.The Upfronts connect top creators and brand leaders in a dynamic environment featuring live pitches, panels, and conversations powered by Ehko & Friends, Hotel Sages, and Society 18.
📚 Black Girls Who Write Literary Awards Luncheon (Nov 8) Presented in partnership with Spotify for Authors, this invite-only event uplifts and honors Black women storytellers shaping the next generation of literature, media, and culture.
🎮 Dream Playground: The Ultimate Creator Game Night (Nov 8) Hosted by Duckie Confetti and powered by That Game Social, this nighttime experience merges fun and networking in true Palooza fashion — a playground for creators to connect, play, and create content in real time.
🏆 The 4th Annual BGD Global Creator Awards (Nov 9) The week closes with the largest creator award show in Atlanta — a sold-out evening honoring the new, next, and now of the creator economy. Powered by Walt Disney World, the Awards will celebrate “Excellence in the Wild” with performances, tributes, and unforgettable storytelling moments.
The Where
All roads lead to Atlanta, the cultural heartbeat of the South. From midtown vibes to private dining rooms and industry boardrooms, Creator Palooza transforms the city into a stage for creativity and connection.
Zoo Atlanta’s Savanna Hall serves as the grand finale, the stunning backdrop for the 4th Annual BGD Global Creator Awards, where 200 creators, executives, and cultural tastemakers will gather to celebrate Excellence in the Wild.
The When: Full Week Schedule
🗓️ November 3–9, 2025📍 Across Atlanta, GA Follow along at www.creatorpalooza.com
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 — The Palooza Pour-Up
📍 Emilio’s Taco & Tequila
Hosted by: Hungry Homegirl & LaToya Forever
Kick off Creator Restaurant Week with tacos, tequila, and community.
Welcome margarita for the first 30 Creators that pull up.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 — Ladies Love Whisky + Cigar Speakeasy
📍 SM44
Hosted by: Hungry Homegirl, Deleesa Unique, & Ashley Dixon
Powered by Shinju Whisky, this intimate night celebrates luxury, storytelling, and connection over cigars and cocktails.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 — Golden Hour at Mistora
📍 Mistora ATL
Hosted by: Hungry Homegirl, Maggie Carrie, & Chyna Dollhouse
An intimate, curated mixer for creators and tastemakers — where conversations flow and creativity shines.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6 — The Alden After Dark: 7-Course Experience
📍 The Alden
Hosted by: Tiarra Monet & Hungry Homegirl
Presented in partnership with Hotel Sages
This luxury dinner celebrates the art of culinary storytelling — blending conversation, culture, and connection over cocktails and a seven-course tasting experience designed to delight the senses. Guests receive 30% off this exclusive evening as part of Creator Restaurant Week.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 — Creator Upfronts: The Business of Influence
📍 Publicis Groupe Atlanta
Invite-Only Hosted by: Shy Taylor
Presented by My Code, Ehko, Hotel Sages, Society 18, and Publicis Groupe
A high-impact industry showcase where creators pitch directly to brand executives and marketing leaders shaping the next era of advertising.
Request an invite
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 (Day) — Black Girls Who Write Awards Luncheon
📍 Serena Pastificio (Midtown)
Invite-Only In partnership with Spotify for Authors, this inspiring afternoon celebrates Black women authors, editors, and media voices shaping culture through written and spoken word.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 (Night) — Dream Playground: The Ultimate Creator Game Night
📍 Painted Pickle
Hosted by: Duckie Confetti Powered by That Game Social, this high-energy evening brings together creators, talent reps, and brand partners for games, cocktails, and content moments.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 — The 4th Annual BGD Global Creator Awards
📍 Zoo Atlanta – Savanna Hall
Invite-Only | SOLD OUT
Powered by Walt Disney World
Hosted by Tiarra Monet & Ne’Andre Broussard with performances by Lydia Caesar, and Jayye Michael. Featuring the Dream Bigger Film Premiere and Legacy Award Presentation by LaToya Shambo.
The Energy: Dream Bigger
At its heart, Creator Palooza is a love letter to ambition — a reminder that creativity is courage in action. Every event, every toast, every award honors the creators who continue to dream bigger despite the circumstance.
“My dreams are bigger than I could have ever imagined,” says Shambo.“Hosting the 4th Annual BGD Global Creator Awards at Zoo Atlanta is a full-circle moment — proof that our community is unstoppable. Creator Palooza is our cultural reset — our time to show the world what excellence in the wild really looks like.”
The Why Now
The creator economy is booming — expected to surpass $500 billion globally within the next few years — yet creators of color still face systemic barriers to access, equity, and recognition.
That’s why The Black Girl Digital Foundation was created: to continue to bridge that gap and ensure the next generation of creators have the tools, funding, and visibility they deserve.
This year’s Creator Palooza serves as a soft launch for the Foundation, signaling a new chapter in the movement — one focused on leadership, sustainability, and legacy.
The Invitation: Pull Up. Pop out. Post to win.
Whether you’re a creator, a brand, or a fan of culture — this is your moment to be part of the experience.
✨ Dine Out: Visit participating restaurants during Creator Restaurant Week.📸 Post: Use #CPW25 and tag @CreatorPalooza for a chance to win VIP experiences or a trip to Bali with Hotel Sages.
🏆 Engage: Follow the journey and celebrate creators making history at #BGDGlobalCreatorAwards.
💻 Connect: Learn more at www.CreatorPalooza.com.
About The Black Girl Digital Foundation
(Launching January 2026)
The Black Girl Digital Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to shaping the next generation of creative, confident, and purpose-driven leaders.
Founded on the belief that leadership, sustainability, and legacy are inseparable, the Foundation empowers young Black women and emerging creators of color through education, mentorship, and opportunity. Its mission is to amplify authentic voices, expand access to creative and economic opportunity, and prepare visionary leaders for sustainable success across media, marketing, technology, and entrepreneurship.
About BGD Media
Founded in 2016, BGD Media (formerly Black Girl Digital) is a global creator media and marketing company dedicated to driving inclusion and equity in the creator economy.With a network of over 184,000 newsletter subscribers, 130,000+ social followers, and hundreds of multicultural creators, BGD Media helps brands authentically connect with the audiences shaping modern culture.
Past partners include Walt Disney World, YouTube, Snap, African Pride, and JPMorgan Chase.
The Legacy Continues
From dining tables to digital screens, Creator Palooza is a testament to what happens when creators come together to celebrate not just their influence — but their impact.
This November, Atlanta becomes the epicenter of creativity, community, and courage. So, pull up, pop out, and post. And most importantly, celebrate those who dare to dream bigger!
#CreatorPalooza #CPW25 #BGDGlobalCreatorAwards #DreamBigger #ExcellenceInTheWild Presented by The Black Girl Digital Foundation in partnership with My Code and powered by Walt Disney World.
Comments