By the FL Innovation News editorial team · Community
As Tampa Bay continues to grow as a hub for startups, innovation, and creative talent, a new conference is stepping in to bridge a gap many creators feel every day, the intersection of creativity, technology, and business.
On April 10, CTRL+Create will take over Coastal Creative, bringing together filmmakers, designers, photographers, and creative technologists for a full-day experience focused on building, monetizing, and scaling creative work in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
The event comes at a time when many creatives are navigating a complex mix of tools, platforms, and expectations, often without a clear roadmap.
“I kept seeing the same thing over and over,” said Basha Ferdinand, founder of CTRL+Create. “Talented creatives doing great work, but trying to figure everything out alone. Tools are changing fast, the industry is shifting, and there hasn’t really been a space that brings all of this together in a meaningful way.”
Building a Space for Creatives Who Want More Than Just Exposure
Unlike traditional creative conferences that focus primarily on inspiration, CTRL+Create is designed to be execution-focused, helping attendees translate their skills into sustainable income and long-term growth.
“CTRL+Create is where the creatives who are actually serious about their craft show up,” Ferdinand said. “The ones building real brands, thinking long-term, and playing a bigger game.”
The programming reflects that intention.
Sessions will cover topics ranging from AI-driven product development and immersive technology to pricing strategy, licensing, and agency growth. Speakers include industry professionals working across creative, media, and technology sectors, offering practical insights rather than high-level theory.
For many attendees, the value goes beyond the sessions themselves.
“If you’re tired of just creating and ready to be seen, heard, and positioned for longevity, you need to be in the room,” Ferdinand added.
A Speaker Lineup Built Around Real Operators
A defining element of CTRL+Create is its speaker lineup, curated with a clear focus on practitioners actively building within the creative and technology space.
Rather than leaning on theory, the event brings together professionals across media, design, and digital innovation who are working in real time, navigating the same tools, platforms, and challenges as the audience.
The lineup includes Vincent Hunt of The Bureau of Creative Intelligence, who will explore how AI and emerging tools are enabling creators to move from concept to execution faster than ever before.
Robyn Spoto of SpotOn will share insights into scaling creative businesses, pricing strategy, and building sustainable agency models in a competitive market.
From the music and distribution space, Jorge Brea of Symphonic Distribution will break down how creators can generate revenue through licensing, sync, and strategic partnerships.
Additional speakers are bringing perspectives on brand growth, identity, and turning creative work into scalable business models.
View the full lineup here of the speakers at CTRL+Create
“What makes this lineup different is that these are people actively building,” said Basha Ferdinand. “They’re in it right now, figuring it out, testing things, and sharing what’s actually working.”
Why Coastal Creative Became the Home for CTRL+Create
The choice of venue was intentional.
“When I first walked into Coastal Creative, I immediately knew this is where we would host CTRL+Create,” Ferdinand said. “It already has that energy of creativity, collaboration, and community.”
Located in downtown St. Petersburg, Coastal Creative has become a known gathering space for artists, founders, and cultural events, making it a natural fit for a conference built around connection and collaboration.
“We’ve been building this for months, and in just a few short weeks it’s all coming together,” Ferdinand said.
More Than a Conference, A Community Play
At its core, CTRL+Create is not just about education, it’s about building a stronger, more connected creative ecosystem in Tampa Bay.
“Most of us are juggling tools, deadlines, clients, and constant changes in the industry,” Ferdinand said. “It can feel like you’re figuring it all out on your own. CTRL+Create is about bringing creatives together to learn, share ideas, and build real community.”
That community-first approach aligns with broader trends across Tampa Bay’s innovation economy, where collaboration between industries, from tech to media to entrepreneurship, continues to accelerate.
Who Should Attend
CTRL+Create is designed for creatives who are ready to take the next step in their careers, particularly those working at the intersection of content, design, and technology.
“This is for the creatives who are ready to scale and build smarter, not harder,” Ferdinand said.
With a full day of programming, hands-on experiences, and an evening after-party designed to extend networking beyond the sessions, the event aims to offer both tactical value and meaningful connection.
Event Details
Get Your CTRL+Create Tickets
April 10, 2026 | Coastal Creative, St. Petersburg, FL
As Tampa Bay’s creative economy continues to expand, events like CTRL+Create highlight a growing demand for spaces that don’t just inspire, but equip creators with the tools, strategies, and connections needed to build sustainable, scalable careers.
For many in the room, April 10 may be more than just another event, it could be a turning point.
