President Joe Biden’s administration is doubling down on its interest in the creator economy. In August, the White House will host the first-ever White House Creator Economy Conference, inviting influential social media personalities and industry professionals to discuss issues like data privacy, fair pay, AI, and mental health with senior White House officials.
Christian Tom, the director of the White House Office of Digital Strategy, announced the news onstage at VidCon on Friday.
“The inaugural White House Creator Economy Conference will emphasize the administration’s commitment to creators and reinforce the economic and cultural value they represent,” Tom said. “The Office of Digital Strategy has prioritized working with digital creators, and we are excited to engage with creators on how these topics impact their lives and how they can help inform policy decisions.”
The White House Office of Digital Strategy is distinct from Biden’s reelection campaign, which has also recognized the influence of online creators by seeking to hire a meme manager, despite the campaign’s current uncertainty. The timing of the conference is significant, occurring about three months before election day.
The one-day conference will feature mainstage discussions and smaller breakout sessions.
Throughout Biden’s presidency, the White House has utilized creators to reach wide audiences on critical issues. In 2021, during the rollout of coronavirus vaccines, Biden’s administration collaborated with influencers to promote vaccination. The White House has also briefed creators on topics such as the Ukraine conflict.
These outreach efforts are strategic—according to the Pew Research Center, half of U.S. adults use social media for news consumption. Social media remains a crucial tool for politicians; despite Biden’s involvement in efforts to restrict TikTok, his reelection campaign and that of former President Donald Trump, who is challenging Biden, both use the platform to engage voters.