Creator Guide

HTW partners with a select group of content creators each year to document and amplify the week through video, photography, and social media.

Note: This page covers the Creator program and how to participate. For the public-facing creators page, see /creators.

About the Creator Pass

The Creator Pass is HTW's official creator program — a curated cohort of social media creators, videographers, photographers, and podcasters who cover HTW each year. Creators get access, introductions, and amplification in exchange for producing content that captures the energy and impact of the week.

This isn't influencer marketing. We believe we've entered a new era of media where creators replace corporate — and we want the people who tell HTW's story to be authentic voices who genuinely love what's happening in Hawaii tech.

Benefits

• Access — Credentials to HTW events for filming, photographing, and coverage
• Introductions — Direct intros to event hosts, speakers, and sponsors relevant to your content
• Amplification — Your content shared and promoted across HTW's channels (email, social, web)
• Recognition — Listed as an official HTW Creator for the year
• Community — Part of a small, curated group of creators covering the week together

Expectations

Creators are expected to:

• Produce and publish at least one piece of content covering HTW (video, photo set, episode, post, etc.)
• Share content in a timely manner — ideally during or shortly after the week
• Tag HTW and follow our brand guidelines in published content
• Be responsive and collaborative in the lead-up to and during the week

We keep the group small so every creator gets real attention and support. In return, we ask for genuine effort and follow-through.

Selection Process

The creator application window is open year round. To express interest or ask questions: aloha@hawaiitechweek.com

We look for creators who are:

• Active in Hawaii's tech, business, or creative community — or with a strong interest in it
• Producing consistent, quality content in their format (video, photography, social, podcast, etc.)
• Genuinely interested in telling the story of Hawaii tech — not just building their own brand

Onboarding

Once accepted into the Creator Pass program:

• Intro call with HTW team — walk through the calendar and discuss your content focus and interests
• Submit your bio, headshot, and channel links for your listing on the HTW creators page
• Join the creator communication channel
• Review HTW brand guidelines and tagging requirements
• Press credentials and event access confirmed
• Introductions made to relevant event hosts and speakers ahead of the week

How We Work Together

Prior to HTW, creators work with the team to identify the events, speakers, and stories most relevant to their content focus. The HTW team facilitates introductions to event hosts and VIPs based on each creator's format and interest area.

During the week, creators operate independently with full credentials and direct access. The HTW team is available for real-time support, last-minute introductions, and coordination across the week.

After the week, HTW amplifies creator content across email, social, and the website. Creators are encouraged to share their recaps broadly and tag HTW to extend the reach of the week's coverage.

Creator Timeline