Today, we kick off the 17th Annual Shorty Awards.

The significance of turning 17? Independence, freedom, and ambition - a thrill for what’s next, and nostalgia for what got us here. Just like the evolution of social media and the creator economy.

In 2025, both the number of US social network users and social video ad spending will surpass linear TV; creators are redefining media, marketing and commerce (source: …

Consider this: the carbon footprint of the internet and data centers now surpasses that of airlines, and with the rapid rise of AI, this footprint could double by 2030. Every move we make, from photoshoots to media bids and live events, impacts the planet.

Given this reality, it’s critical for all of us—from event professionals to company leaders—to ask: How can we practice sustainable production in creating our ads, marketing …