Many students dream of becoming famous YouTubers, TikTokers, or social media influencers, but often lack the necessary resources and skills to turn that dream into reality. This is where the Clermont County Content Creators Conference comes in. With more than 200 registrants from all 12 school districts across Clermont County, the conference provided a unique opportunity for 15 dedicated Milford students to immerse themselves in a day of hands-on learning and creative exploration.
Throughout the day, the Milford students engaged in interactive workshops that covered everything from video production and podcast creation to the latest trends in digital media.
Each station featured professionals in the field who answered questions and explained how they entered their respective positions. Through these interactive workshops and industry insights, the students honed their storytelling abilities—gaining the tools and expertise needed to excel in the fast-evolving world of digital media.
For some Milford students, a familiar face joined them—on the opposite end of the table. Milford alumna Ella Sander, who graduated in 2023 and now excels in the media production program at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College-Conservatory of Music, led a session focused on unique ways of telling student stories on UC’s campus using social media.
“I grew up as a creative. I was always in the creative field, and I knew I wanted to stick to that path in college. I was looking at the majors that UC offered, and I saw media production, which incorporated all the things I was interested in,” said Ella.
Ella’s journey—from her early creative days at Milford, where she contributed to the yearbook and honed her graphic design skills, to her current role as a mentor and presenter—illustrates the transformative power of creative education. Returning to guide students, she shared the insights and experiences that helped shape her path, offering advice and inspiration to those now standing where she once did.
“I also took a couple of graphic design classes, which helped me grasp the basics of Photoshop. I returned to that in college and realized I had received a solid foundation there. Milford definitely gave me the tools to realize what I wanted to do in college and post-grad.”
The day’s program was enriched by the presence of notable media professionals who shared their expertise with the aspiring content creators. TV journalist and NATAS President Evan Millward provided an insider’s view of the broadcast world, underscoring the importance of effective storytelling and communication. Producer Allie Martin, from Digital Media Good Drama Network, delved into the creative and logistical challenges of producing digital content.
The conference’s agenda encouraged active participation, critical thinking, and meaningful networking. Whether during the dynamic sessions or over lunch, students had ample opportunities to ask questions, share ideas, and build relationships with both their peers and mentors.
For these Milford students, the conference represented more than just an educational event—it served as a foundation for building networks essential for their future success. Largely inspired to start thinking about networking early, the event provided numerous opportunities for students to engage directly with active college students, professors, and professionals in the field. Through these meaningful conversations and connections, the students took their first vital steps toward forming relationships that could lead to internships, mentorships, and collaborative opportunities in the digital media industry.