Before LTKCon, there was just LTK! Originally, LTK started as LiketoKnow.It, a subsidiary of their parent affiliate company, rewardStyle. Before the changes were made to Instagram’s API, followers were able to simply double tap or like a post on their feed and immediately get outfit details to their email. With the updates, rewardStyle pivoted to creating its own app in order to still serve influencers. After a few branding evolutions, LiketoKnow.It and RewardStyle are now simply, LTK!
Now, LTK is one of the top affiliate networks for over 250,000+ influencers to use to share product details. When a follower purchases an item through a link shared through LTK, that influencer receives a small commission on the sale. The great thing about LTK is that they partner with hundreds of brands across any industry you can think of. Not only does it simplify monetizing your following, but it also allows you the opportunity to share concrete data with potential partnerships of the sales and conversions you’re able to drive to a brand.
P.S. Learn how you can join these 17 Influencer Networks for FREE!
Previously known as RSthecon, LTKcon is an annual conference for influencers. You get to learn about the industry from insiders themselves, tips on how to grow your social media followings, and how to better utilize the platform. It’s a 3-day event that features keynote speakers, pitch meetings with brands, and typically ends with an awards show. Given the exclusivity of the invite-only event, it can be considered prestigious by certain niches to attend.
The LTK Conference is typically held in Dallas, Texas- headquarters of LTK. It can definitely change in the future, but it looks like it will be held in Lone Star State for a while!
The select group of 300 influencers includes the app’s highest earners, faces of the influencer industry, and movers and shakers within the influencer space. Invites typically go out 2-3 months beforehand in order to allow enough time for travel plans. In order to be invited to LTKcon, you need to first be a user of the LTK app. From there you need to essentially be on their marketing team’s radar. If you find that you’d love to go one year and think you’ve done a considerable amount of sales through their platform, you can always reach out to your personal LTK rep to see if there are additional spots available!
It might come as a shock, but you do actually have to pay to attend even if you’re invited. The cost of the tickets might vary on the year but this year it was $350. That included breakfast and lunch daily attendance to all of the keynote speeches and one on one time with over 20 brands. Just like a conference for any other industry, it’s always important to network and make the most of your time while there. If you’d like to learn more about how much it costs to attend LTKcon, you can watch my breakdown below!
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You’ll want to bring outfits that truly represent your brand! As a social media influencer, you’ll most likely be shooting content during your time at a conference. And you’ll most likely be shared on other social media channels besides your own. It’s a great way to gain more eyes on your content. You always want to put your best foot forward! No, I’m not saying you have to go out and buy a bunch of new clothes or dress in a business casual style. It’s whatever makes you comfortable so that you can look and feel your best!
Because we were in Dallas in the summertime, I figured the ballrooms inside the hotel would be freezing. I opted for colorful suit separates for meeting days and summer to fall transitional style for the evenings.
Between grad school and covid years, this was my first time actually attending the LTK conference. I honestly had a great time! Although I do wish I had a few more of my own influencer friends at the event, I am thankful that I was able to push myself to make new connections. I think a common complaint of new people who have attended in the past is that the other attendees can be sort of “clique-y”. Especially because oftentimes the attendees include the same groups of people year after year. But I think that also comes from the industry that we’re in. We’re constantly chatting with people through a screen! So it can be hard to start developing those same parasocial relationships that we’ve had with each other online in real life.
I would suggest trying to secure at least one person you know beforehand. That way you can split a hotel room, plan to meet up for dinner, and save seats for classroom sessions. And even if you don’t know anyone in particular, search the hashtag a week or two before attending. You can try reaching out to some people who you think you might vibe with!
As for the diversity and inclusion at LTKcon, I definitely feel like it could be improved. As one of the biggest brands in the influencer space, I feel like LTK has an even bigger responsibility to have all types of voices represented. While I did see multiple ethnicities and body types, we were in the extreme minority. However, it did warm my soul to get messages from other Black women supporting me while I was there!
Breaking barriers is one of the reasons I started blogging in the first place. It’s also why I offer coaching for other influencers looking to break into this space. Essentially, acting as a sounding board to help women no matter their background feel less alone and supported. My hope for the future is that when LTK is taking into consideration what their guest list will look like, they’ll reflect a list as diverse as the users and creators that use their app.
Would you go back?
Absolutely! I think the time that you’re able to get with brands that you might not have had a previous relationship with is invaluable. And I know it was a privilege to be able to attend from a financial perspective and from this point in my career. Though it’s only my second year as a full-time influencer, I’ve been in the game for 7. I can fake confidence with the best of them but I feel like I’m still constantly learning and growing as a creator. My mantra when I started this blog was “you can never be overdressed or overeducated.” And that is something that I still live by! If I’m not lucky enough to be invited back next year, I’ll still make a point to attend other influencer conferences, take classes and learn how to become a better businesswoman.
If you have any other questions about LTK Conference, drop em below!
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So many value-bomb! Loved meeting you in person. And it was refreshing to see another Naija girl doing this full-time (away from the traditional 9-5 our parents encourage many of us to purse)!
Haha, You’re right about that! Loved meeting you too! :)