BCS SESSION: The Creator Equation: How to Work with the Crowd

Wednesday, April 22, 2026
3:00 PM 4:00 PM

Bartender's Circle Summit 600 Pine Street - Floor 3 Seattle, WA, 98101 United States (map)

Google Calendar ICS

Like it or not, the "scroll" now dictates the success of the hospitality industry. In 2026, content creators have become the high-definition evolution of the Yelp reviewer—but with a reach that extends far beyond a static star rating.

Join digital storytelling experts Carla Marie and Anthony for a deep dive into the modern influencer landscape. We’re moving past the "free drink for a post" era to discuss real partnerships, current 2026 trends, and how to harness the power of social media to drive actual foot traffic into your bar.

Why You Should Attend

The New Yelp: Understand why a single "bad" influencer review hits harder than a dozen old-school critics—it reaches an audience that wasn't even looking for you yet. Learn how to manage the PR side of these interactions to protect your brand.
Vetting for ROI: Stop giving away the house to "ghost" audiences. Learn how to vet creators to ensure their followers align with your brand’s actual demographic.
From "Freebie" to "Found Money": Shift the dynamic from meeting the needs of influencers to directing them. Learn how to architect a visit that turns a viral moment into a long-term, loyal guest base.
The 2026 Trend Forecast: Get a preview of the social media shifts defining the rest of the year and how to stay ahead of the algorithm.
PR & The Success Story: Discover the "Do’s and Don’ts" of hosting media and how to turn a potential PR nightmare into your next big success story.

Don't just survive the "scroll"—command it. Learn how to work with the 2026 creator class in a way that generates positive revenue, protects your reputation, and puts your bar on the digital map.

Track: Leadership + Culture

**PRESENTED BY**

**Carla Marie Monica**
Co-Founder, EMH Media
Co-Host, *The Carla Marie & Anthony Show* and *The Morning Show Podcast*

Carla Marie is a media captivator with 15 years behind the mic and in front of the crowd, she brings energy to every platform she touches, from hosting in-stadium for the Seattle Seahawks to cohosting The Morning Show Podcast. She’s the co-founder of EMH Media and hosts The Carla Marie & Anthony Show on Twitch. Carla Marie spent over a decade in radio, including co- hosting her own live show, before evolving into a multi-platform storyteller. If she’s not cuddling with her four cats she’s at the gym.

**PRESENTED BY**

**Anthony Halwagy**
Co-Founder, EMH Media
Co-Host, *The Carla Marie & Anthony Show* and *The Morning Show Podcast*

Anthony has spend 20 years in media and 14 years on the radio, including co-hosting a morning show. He is a seasoned voice who knows how to connect. He’s the co-founder of EMH Media, co-host of The Morning Show Podcast, and one half of The Carla Marie & Anthony Show on Twitch. Off the mic, you can find him playing Pokemon Pocket or at the gym.

Bartender’s Circle Summit: Industry Session

This session is part of the Bartender’s Circle Summit and is strictly intended for members of the global hospitality industry. To attend this masterclass, you must have a BCS Class Pass. Our summit programming at Pacific Place is a dedicated space for professionals to sharpen their craft, delve into spirit categories like Cognac and Pisco, and learn from the industry’s most respected leaders.