The 2026 Creator & Influencer Playbook: Why Trust-Driven Strategy Will Lead Brand Growth
Dec 10, 2025 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM EDT
Traditional brand ads are losing influence, and consumers aren’t shy about it. As we move toward 2026, trust and authenticity are no longer “nice-to-have” components of a marketing strategy, they’re the foundation. Creators have become the new media channels, and the brands winning today are the ones building creator-powered ecosystems that span UGC, micro-influence, niche communities, and culture-driving talent. With Gen Z and Millennials now trusting creators more than branded content, and algorithms rewarding creator output over brand posts, the shift isn’t coming. It’s here.
In this session, we’ll break down why every brand needs a creator-first strategy in their 2026 playbook, and how to structure a scalable ecosystem that fuels trust, credibility, and cultural relevance. We’ll explore the layers of a modern influence model — from UGC foundations to amplification via creator networks — plus how community hubs like Discord are becoming the backbone of long-term brand advocacy. While this conversation is rooted in trust and influence, not commerce mechanics, we’ll connect how strong creator ecosystems accelerate performance across emerging channels like TikTok Shop and amazon affiliate programs, setting the foundation for an integrated future where influence and conversion are deeply linked.
BWG Connect & Blue Wheel invite you to join an interactive event with industry peers to review & discuss practical insights across the digital space.
As always, there will be no sales pitch and all attendees are welcome to listen and learn.
Blue Wheel is an omni-channel marketing and operational partner delivering excellence in digital commerce -- from click to ship. As a new breed of omni-channel agency, Blue Wheel supports brands from marketplace management to performance advertising, and creative services. With over $1B in revenue managed for our clients, we help brands from click to ship, scaling brand sales across D2C, Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and retail.
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Senior Digital Strategist at BWG Connect
Tiffany Serbus-Gustaveson is a Digital Strategist at BWG Connect, a network and knowledge sharing group of thousands of brands who collectively grow their digital knowledge base and collaborate on partner selection. With over 13 years of experience in the digital space, she has built a strong reputation for driving growth, innovation, and customer engagement across a variety of online platforms. She is passionate about keeping up with the latest industry trends and emerging technologies by speaking with hundreds of brands a year thru the BWG Network.
Director of Social Commerce at Blue Wheel
Jana Weinstein is the Director of Social Commerce at Blue Wheel, an omnichannel marketing and operational agency. As a sales leader, she specializes in TikTok Shop, business development, go-to-market strategies, and creator and affiliate marketing. Before Blue Wheel, Jana was the Director of Partnerships for TikTok Shop at Pattern® and managed TikTok Shop partnerships at TikTok.
Senior Digital Strategist at BWG Connect
Tiffany Serbus-Gustaveson is a Digital Strategist at BWG Connect, a network and knowledge sharing group of thousands of brands who collectively grow their digital knowledge base and collaborate on partner selection. With over 13 years of experience in the digital space, she has built a strong reputation for driving growth, innovation, and customer engagement across a variety of online platforms. She is passionate about keeping up with the latest industry trends and emerging technologies by speaking with hundreds of brands a year thru the BWG Network.
Director of Social Commerce at Blue Wheel
Jana Weinstein is the Director of Social Commerce at Blue Wheel, an omnichannel marketing and operational agency. As a sales leader, she specializes in TikTok Shop, business development, go-to-market strategies, and creator and affiliate marketing. Before Blue Wheel, Jana was the Director of Partnerships for TikTok Shop at Pattern® and managed TikTok Shop partnerships at TikTok.
Senior Digital Strategist at BWG Connect
BWG Connect provides executive strategy & networking sessions that help brands from any industry with their overall business planning and execution.
Senior Digital Strategist Tiffany Serbus-Gustaveson runs the group & connects with dozens of brand executives every week, always for free.
