A special announcement from Fangirl Forward
This one's for the fangirls who became professionals, and the ones who are on their way.
When I first launched this publication, I said it was the beginning of something bigger. Today, I’m finally telling you what that something is.
Fangirl Forward NYC: Fandom as Foundation is happening on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Caveat in New York City, 11AM-2PM.
It’s a half-day gathering exploring the future of fandom in entertainment, one lens at a time. This fall, we’re exploring Fandom as Foundation, because the thing you loved was always preparing you for what comes next.
When I first started creating the concept of Fangirl Forward, the vision came to me in the form of an event. One where people passionate about fandom — both fans and industry professionals — could come together to talk about what's next, and inspire the next generation of fan-first leaders. Being a fan has always been a huge core of who I am, and it's something that has influenced my social circles, personal life, and ultimately my career. I know I'm not alone in feeling inspired and educated by the things I've grown up loving and passionate about. So I created Fangirl Forward, launching with a publication, to start getting the ideas out and platforming people who aligned with the stories I wanted to tell, how fandom influences us and the entertainment industry.
The mission has always been simple, even if the work isn't: to push fandom forward. That means reporting on what fans care about so the industry can build better for them. It means connecting fans to real career opportunities, because the pipeline from fan to professional is so real and so underreported. And it means helping fans understand the systems they're participating in, because knowledge changes how you engage.
The goal, as far as I can move the needle, is better fandom. That includes internally, in how fans treat each other and themselves, and externally, in how the media covers fans and how the industry works with them.
While one girl can’t change everything about fandom, the future is built by inspiring or educating one person at a time through open conversations and community-building with fans, industry pros and experts, both online and IRL.
Every story, guest, and edition of this newsletter has been part of proving that this conversation is worth having in-person, and building a community around. You, the people reading this, are part of why I knew it was.
So what’s happening on October 9?
Fangirl Forward: Fandom as Foundation is a careers-focused event. We're exploring the fan-to-professional pipeline, and how fandom builds the skills, instincts, and fluency to succeed in the industry before anyone gives you a title for it. You’ll leave Fangirl Forward NYC with a clearer understanding of where you belong in this industry, meaningful connections with people who actually get it, and practical insight you can apply to your own career—whether you’re looking for your first internship, your next opportunity, or the confidence to build something yourself.
The lineup is locked, and I’ve spent the last several months finding exactly the right people for this room. Journalists, content creators, marketers, creatives, managers, and founders who never left their fan identity at the door. We’ve got two panels, and both center on one idea: your fandom was always the foundation.
The first, Fandom as Fluency, features the fans working within industry institutions, and what they know that nobody taught them. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of how fandom fluency translates into real industry careers, and the specific moves, mindsets, and moments that got these people from fan to professional.
The second, Fandom as Ownership, features founders, creators, consultants, publishers, and managers who turned their deepest interests into platforms, businesses, publications, and communities without waiting for an institution to validate the idea first.
Whether you want to further your career in entertainment or start something of your own, there’s a seat at this table for you.
There’ll also be plenty of time to connect with other fans and professionals during our networking mixer!
The room itself feels like the fandom spaces you already love
This is an intentionally fan-first event — designed from the inside, by a fan, for fans. Every detail reflects that. It’s not a conference that happens to mention fandom. It’s not a fan meetup that happens to talk careers. It’s intentionally, and unapologetically, both.
The dress code is FanBiz Casual. Wear a tour tee under a blazer, a character pin on your bag, or merch styled your way. Bring your fandom into the room while still showing up professionally. There is no wrong way to show up as yourself here.
Your nametag isn’t just your name. It’s a fill-in-the-blank. ___ TO ___. Swiftie to Marketer. Stan to Founder. Music Lover to A&R. Whatever your version of that sentence is, that’s who you are in this room.
During the networking mixer, trade friendship bracelets...and business cards.
This is a space where pop culture passion and professionalism clearly coexist. There’s no other room like this one.
Tickets are live now
Founding Fan tickets are $15 and limited — closing July 29, the same day the full speaker lineup drops. They’re for the fans who love being there since the beginning, and believe in the vision from day 1. Your name gets permanently printed in the official program, you’ll receive a commemorative Founding Fan keepsake ticket made exclusively for this tier, and you get to say you were an OG.
→ Get your Founding Fan ticket here
Student ($25) and General ($35) tickets open July 29.
Community Partners
Fangirl Forward NYC is proud to partner with some incredible organizations across the music industry and fandom. These organizations were chosen because they're already doing the work, whether it be through building fan community, creating industry opportunities, or taking fans seriously as a force in this industry. I'm proud to have them in the room:
Girls Behind The Rock Show — a non-profit empowering women and marginalized genders in the music industry through education, programs, and hands-on opportunities.
Gen Admission — a volunteer-run non-profit educating and empowering aspiring music professionals worldwide through career resources, community, and events.
irl. fans for friends — founded by two fangirls turned best friends, irl. creates real-life spaces where fans can take online connections offline — at concerts, listening parties, pop-ups, and beyond.
The Fangirl Pipeline — a community and educational resource helping aspiring music professionals navigate their careers with transparent advice and real support.
The Tracy Morgan Show — a nationally syndicated radio show using its platform to celebrate culture and elevate women in music and entertainment.
And what about the publication?
Still here, and still very much part of the plan. The publication has taken a different shape over the past couple of months as I've been super busy preparing for this, but that was always part of the process. I'll continue publishing about fandom careers and impact and everything in between. The newsletter is where this all started, and it's not going anywhere. If anything, there's a lot more to write about now. Thank you for being here from the start. New York, I'll see you in October!
— Kat