2025 LTK Conference Recap: What you Need to Know

Audrie Dollins, Bloggers, LTK, Marketing, Monetization Management

The 2025 LTK Conference at the stunning PGA Frisco opened with an atmosphere of excitement, anticipation, and collaboration. As attendees arrived from across the country, the welcoming day set the stage for days of learning, networking, and celebrating the growth of the creator economy.

It is so important to surround yourself with amazing professionals who share your vision for company growth, client impact, and your own personal development. I had the privilege of having Holly Bell, our Operations Manager, join me at LTK to meet and greet these incredible professionals alongside me. We fully value what LTK has built and we are committed to education and marketing to the fullest extent for our clients.

What excites me even more are the new features LTK has added. Brand Profiles give brands their own space in the LTK app where millions of users can explore and engage with curated creator content in one place. Agency Access now allows partner agencies to manage campaigns, discover creators, scale creator partnerships, and analyze insights more robustly than before. The redesigned LTK app delivers a video first consumer experience, letting users watch creators near them or around the world, discover by interest and location, and control their feed more than ever. Additional features such as the Watch Tab, Activity Tab, and Profile Tab make it easier to stay connected with favorite creators, see what content is trending locally or globally, receive updates on products or sales, and personalize what you see. These innovations are not just improvements. They empower creators, brands, agencies, and consumers to build stronger and more authentic connections.

Audrie Dollins with Hayden Cohen at Omni Frisco PGA Lobby Smiling

Hayden, known online as @hayderz, has built his own form of influence by playfully making light of influencer culture. People like Hayden bring so much personality to this industry and remind us why it is fun and creative. Every creator approaches influence in a different way, whether it is through humor, valuable resources, sizing tips, affordable finds, or luxury recommendations. In Hayden’s case, his humor draws people in and sparks conversations, while others bring different strengths to the table. All of these voices come together under one roof to share, support, celebrate, and learn from one another. Events like this create a special opportunity to say hello, congratulate each other on success, and gain fresh insight from the diverse community that shapes our industry.

DRESS | SHOES | EARRINGS | RING

The kickoff concluded with a vibrant Agency Rooftop Party where agencies from across the country gathered to celebrate their collective contributions to the LTK ecosystem. Being recognized as part of this elite group of agencies was a powerful moment for our team. We are proud to stand alongside peers who are shaping the future of influencer marketing and thrilled to see how LTK continues to elevate agencies as essential partners in this space.

The rooftop atmosphere buzzed with conversation, collaboration, and anticipation for what is next. From connecting with familiar faces to forging new relationships, the night reinforced the importance of community, innovation, and the power of working together to drive growth.

DRESS | SHOES | EARRINGS | RING

LTK Vendors and LTK Sweaters at the merch table.

DRESS | SHOES | EARRINGS | RING

Audrie dollins wearing striped dress at LTK by Quince Party

Activations like Quince with their creator parties during LTK bring so much energy and value. Brands supporting creators and creators supporting brands is such a fun experience. A multitude of brands invest in creators because they see the value creators bring to their audiences. Each creator has a niche, and each brand understands the marketing expertise and the weight the creator carries, ultimately fueling the creator economy.

The Power of the Consuming Audience

The consuming audience plays an equally powerful role in this industry. Today’s shoppers are more intentional than ever, seeking authentic connections and trusted recommendations from the creators they follow.

61% of consumers trust influencer recommendations more than traditional advertising.
80% of consumers report they have purchased a product based on an influencer’s recommendation at least once.
62% of Gen Z discover new brands through creators on social media before any other channel.

The Scale of the Creator Economy

The influence of creators, combined with the purchasing power of engaged audiences, continues to drive record growth for brands. These statistics show just how significant this mutual support really is:

The global influencer marketing industry is projected to reach $32.55 billion in 2025, up from $24 billion in 2024.
Over 80% of marketers say influencer marketing is a highly effective strategy.
71% of marketers plan to increase their influencer marketing budgets in 2025.
For every $1 spent on influencer marketing, brands typically see a return of about $5.78.
Long-term creator brand partnerships are preferred, with roughly 49% of creators saying long-term campaigns are their favorite way to work with brands.

With brands, creators, and audiences working together, the conference activations showcase how vibrant and profitable the creator economy has become. It is not just about entertainment or advertising. It is about a thriving community where audiences find trusted recommendations, creators build influence and income, and brands gain loyal customers who feel connected to the people they follow.

My darling friend Michelle of Michelle Rice Photography was capturing the stunning setup for Quince designed by Social Llama Events, so we took a moment to share a charcuterie board and a smile on the beautiful patios of the Omni at PGA Frisco. Moments with my dear friend each year during LTK are always so special. Finding authentic friendships in the midst of the excitement, demands, and determination of the conference is invaluable. These friendships offer champion conversations and a grounding dose of reality and guidance that I will never take for granted.

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Audrie Dollins and Ryanne Janca standing in Lobby at Omni PGA Frisco

One of the most rewarding parts of attending LTK Conference each year is reconnecting with longtime friends and clients who have become an essential part of our work. No matter where life or business takes us, the shared foundation of hard work and mutual support remains constant. Seeing Ryanne of The Recruiter Mom thriving was a special highlight. Her growth as a trusted voice and strategist continues to enrich not only her own audience but also countless creators across our industry. Her dedication and insight embody the collaborative spirit that makes events like this so impactful.

The success of our clients and playing a truly supportive role has always been at the heart of what we do. As we often say, when you win, we win. Monetization fundamentals are the core of our marketing approach, and it is incredibly fulfilling to apply those principles for clients who embody style, dedication, and authenticity. Working with Anna of Blushing Rose Style is a perfect example. Her ability to balance beautiful content with smart business strategy makes her an inspiring partner. We are honored to help her amplify her reach, optimize her monetization opportunities, and grow a brand that resonates with her audience while elevating the industry as a whole.

Whitney, Audrie, Lindsey of the Double Take Girls smiling in coffee shop at Omni PGA Frisco LTK Conference 2025

I have had the privilege of working with Lindsey and Whitney of Double Take Girls creating content for many years. Their grace, elegance, and kindness are truly admirable. Their poise and work ethic blend seamlessly, creating an effortless professionalism that stands out in every project. Equally inspiring is their loyalty to the LTK platform. Year after year they show up with dedication and authenticity, helping their audience discover meaningful products and experiences while strengthening the creator community. It is always a joy to greet these wonderful friends and celebrate the creativity and heart they bring to our industry.

AD Media Group Parlay team dinner at Omni PGA Frisco

It truly takes a team. I make it a priority to carve out time to bring my team into the heart of LTK so they can experience firsthand what their daily hard work has built. It is invaluable for them to see the results of their efforts, understand the scope of the platform, and meet their clients in person. These special moments are deeply impactful for my team, inspiring them to strive toward their own goals while strengthening their connection to our work. They are equally meaningful to me because sharing this world with them reinforces why we do what we do together.

Cheers to another year of milestones reached and goals celebrated, each achievement laying the foundation for new ambitions to conquer in the year ahead. Cheers to the incredible team at LTK who orchestrate the most extravagant, detailed, and thoughtful event, one that inspires, drives, and supports creators, brands, and agencies alike. Their dedication and innovation make it possible for all of us to gather, learn, and elevate the work we do. I am already inspired to see what the next year will hold, the ideas that will emerge, and the continued partnerships and friendships that will grow. Here is to the ongoing evolution of our industry and to the limitless possibilities that await.

If you’re ready to amplify your monetization strategy or activate stronger brand campaigns, our team is ready to implement an approach with proven results.

As always, I hope my insight helps you guide your business to the most success. I love assisting fellow entrepreneurs, business owners, and content creators to find their footing and capitalize on it. For more business insights and entrepreneurial tips, be sure to view some of my latest blog posts below. You being here means the world to me! I am driven daily by your continued support.

Some Other Blog Posts You May Find Helpful: The Rise of ShopMy: Features and Insights For Creators and Brands, More Than A Game: How Student Athletes Are Shaping The New Era of Influence, Industry, and Income The Most Effective Brand Collaboration My 2025 Guide For Brands and Influencers, Founder’s Favorites, Comparing Monetization Platforms: LikeToKnowit, Collective Voice, Mavely, Shop My, Amazon Influencer Program, & More

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I’m the Founder and CEO of Parlay Collective, where I oversee strategy, growth, and platform performance across brands and creator-led businesses.

My work centers on building strong online foundations through structure, clear execution, and a deep understanding of what drives conversion, return on investment, and sustained relevance. The perspective I share here comes from experience, scale, and long-term thinking.

Alongside this work, I share the realities of modern founder life, from corporate workwear, travel, and office life to the tools and considerations that support showing up prepared in demanding environments.

This platform reflects how I build today, focusing first on what works, then on how it shows up in real life.

2025 LTK Conference Recap: What you Need to Know