Where Content Becomes a Business Plan: What to Expect at Content Entrepreneur Expo 2025
The Content Entrepreneur Expo is where content creators turn strategy into revenue. Whether you’re publishing, consulting, designing, or teaching, this is where the business side of content comes into focus. (Keep reading for a discount code!)
Why CEX 2025 Should Be on Your Calendar
My Take as an Author and Strategist
Why Just Keep Posting Isn’t a Strategy
Who’s on the Agenda
What You’ll Walk Away With
Register Now
Why CEX 2025 Should Be on Your Calendar
You’re not just creating to stay visible. You want to turn your content into something that brings in revenue, builds trust, and supports your business long-term.
That kind of clarity doesn't happen in a vacuum. You need to be in the room with people who are building businesses the same way you are. Through writing, speaking, videos, and thoughtful strategy. This year, Downstage Media is a proud media partner of CEX, and for good reason.
The Content Entrepreneur Expo is where creators learn how to treat content like a real asset and run sustainable businesses around it.
My Take on The Content Entrepreneur Expo as an Author and Strategist
Annie Figenshu with the book she co-authored, The Content Entrepreneur
In 2022 and 2023, I went to CEX and walked out with more than just a tote bag full of books and a head full of ideas. I left with a notebook packed with strategy, a phone full of new connections, and the spark that led to co-authoring The Content Entrepreneur. I had conversations that sharpened my offer, challenged my assumptions, and introduced me to collaborators who actually got what I was building.
I talked to consultants, course creators, podcasters, and business owners who were building outside the typical boxes. They were mixing business models, testing new formats, and finding traction in creative ways.
This year, I’m coming back with something new. I’ll be in Author Alley signing Simple Social Media, now relaunched under my new (old) name, Annie Figenshu. The book may have a new cover, but the mission is the same: give business owners the clarity they need to show up consistently and confidently.
This year, I’m coming back in a different role. You’ll find me in Author Alley signing copies of Simple Social Media, freshly relaunched under my new (old) name, Annie Figenshu. The book has a new cover and a new energy, but the mission hasn’t changed: to help business owners find clarity in their content so they can show up with confidence and consistency.
CEX is the kind of event that gives you momentum. If you’re serious about using content to build revenue, this is where you want to be.
Why “Just Keep Posting” Isn’t a Strategy
If you don’t make time for strategy, your content will keep feeling like a scramble. You’ll keep guessing. You’ll stay stuck in the cycle of posting and hoping.
And eventually, that effort starts to feel like noise. Not just to your audience, but to you.
CEX gives you a clear plan, a strong network, and the momentum to move forward with purpose.
What’s On the Agenda
This year’s lineup is stacked with people who know how to build real businesses with content.
You’ll hear from:
Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose, the powerhouses behind This Old Marketing, The Tilt, Content Inc., and the Content Marketing Institute
Ann Handley, bestselling author of Everybody Writes and one of the sharpest minds in content strategy
Andy Crestodina on SEO, content promotion, and performance
Matt Briel on thought leadership in publishing and turning IP into income
These aren’t vague pep talks. These are smart, tactical sessions that help you make decisions about what to build next and how to share it in a way your audience actually cares about.
What You’ll Walk Away With After CEX 2025
After three days at CEX, you’ll leave with:
A strategy for monetizing your expertise through content
New collaborators who actually understand your business model
A clearer sense of where to focus next—whether that’s audience growth, offers, or systems
A renewed sense of momentum (and probably a few new frameworks to test)
And maybe even a signed copy of Simple Social Media.
Register Now
The Content Entrepreneur Expo takes place August 24th to 26th in Cleveland. I’ll be there signing books in Author Alley. And Downstage Media is proud to be a media partner for this year’s event.
If content is part of how you grow your business, this is where you need to be.
Use the code Downstage100 to get $100 off your registration.
Check out the agenda and register now.
