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In this episode, Alexa sits down with best friends and business partners Julie Loken and Dom Damaskey to talk about what’s broken in traditional conferences—and how immersive, activation-focused events can transform creative businesses.

Julie, a former attorney turned media strategist, shares her frustration with attending conferences where attendees passively listen, leave inspired, and then… do nothing. Dom, a publisher and live-event believer, explains how Cre8tiveCon was born from a shared vision during the Clubhouse era: bringing creatives together across industries to collaborate, learn by doing, and build real relationships.

Together, they unpack what makes Cre8tiveCon different—no velvet ropes, no hierarchy, and no “talking head” energy. Instead, attendees experience hands-on workshops, facilitated networking (even for introverts), pitch sessions with real media professionals, and direct access to speakers.

The conversation also explores why authors, publishers, coaches, consultants, and creative entrepreneurs benefit from learning alongside radio hosts, media professionals, and tech founders—and why understanding video, podcasts, books, AI, and social media together is essential heading into 2026.

Key Takeaways from this episode:

• Traditional conferences often fail because inspiration without execution doesn’t create change
• Relationships—not platforms—are the foundation of sustainable business growth
• Immersive, activation-based learning leads to faster clarity, confidence, and momentum
• Cross-industry collaboration sparks better ideas and unexpected opportunities
• Books, podcasts, video, stages, and social media work best when aligned together
• Pitching is a skill—and practicing it live with feedback accelerates visibility
• Conferences should feel inclusive, accessible, and human—not gated or hierarchical
  
  

Guest BiosJulie LokenJulie Loken is the CEO of The Media Casters, a media strategy and PR company. Trained as an attorney and driven by creativity, Julie helps entrepreneurs, authors, and thought leaders amplify their message through media, relationships, and strategic visibility.

Dom DamaskeyDom Damaskey is a publisher and live-event strategist based in Pittsburgh. With a deep belief in media, publishing, and collaboration, Dom co-founded Cre8tiveCon to create immersive experiences that connect creatives across industries and platforms.

Event Details Mentioned

Cre8tiveCon

• Dates: February 20–22
• Location: InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
• Website: https://www.cre8tivecon.com
  
  

🎟️ Special Offer Mentioned

• Coupon Code: ALEXA
• Savings: $50 off Cre8tiveCon tickets
  
  

Publishing and book marketing advice.