Speakers with a combined following of more than 3 million took the stage at SocialCon 2025. Inside the room, the energy was undeniable. More than 100 attendees moved between conversations and sessions, soaking in knowledge from both local and national creators.

The momentum began with Kalli Combs, founder of SocialCon Shreveport, who recognized something many had felt but few had acted on: Shreveport’s creative and digital talent was growing, but collaboration was not keeping pace.

“What inspired me was seeing just how much talent is growing here,” Combs said. “There are content creators, digital leaders and entrepreneurs building new things and experiences. I always wanted to build something that makes us collaborate and helps us learn and grow from each other, not just individually, but as a community and a city.”

Her goal was simple, but ambitious: create something that connects, educates and elevates.

Across the state, initiatives from Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Innovation Initiative are investing in digital education and infrastructure, aiming to close long-standing gaps in Louisiana’s digital economy. SocialCon has positioned itself within that broader movement.

“The state is pushing more resources toward digital education to strengthen industries for the future,” Combs said. “After seeing that shift, I knew we wanted to be part of that wave and help close the gap on the social and digital side.”

Still, her first goal was modest. “If I can get 100 people in a room, I’m winning,” Combs said. The inaugural event sold out, exceeding expectations and confirming what many in attendance already felt: this was something Shreveport needed. 

The response made one thing clear. SocialCon had already outgrown its original space. For 2026, the conference moves to Remington Garage, signaling not just growth, but intention.

Despite the challenges of launching a new event, Combs pressed forward. The 2026 experience will expand everything, from programming to partnerships to networking opportunities. One of the most notable additions is a collaboration with Art•ish (see page x), transforming the weekend into more than a conference. SocialCon attendees will  gain access to Art•ish, where artists, vendors and creatives will activate the space with live experiences, giving attendees something to engage with beyond sessions and speakers. The goal is to create a full, immersive weekend, not just a series of talks.

“I’m really excited as I look forward to this year,” Combs said. “A lot of time and care has gone into curated experiences for those who attend.” That experience-first philosophy is what sets SocialCon apart.

But beyond tactics, Combs has a larger vision. She wants people to leave with a new perspective. “I want them to see Shreveport how I see it,” she said. “I see growth and opportunity. I see creators and smart thinkers. I see hope. My vision is that this event, in some small way, will change people’s perspective on Shreveport.”

That perspective is especially important for younger generations, many of whom feel they need to leave to find opportunity.

“50 Cent isn’t the only person to see the value in Shreveport,” Combs said. “If he sees the value, then there is definitely something here. It would behoove us to take advantage of what’s coming. Because of where Shreveport is situated and the positive buzz around our city, something really special is brewing here. It’s important for me that we continue that spark and build something meaningful and impactful.”

For many attendees, that impact is immediate and personal. One participant shared that she was initially hesitant to attend alone but decided to step outside her comfort zone. By the end of the event, she described feeling fully embraced, surrounded by like-minded individuals on similar paths. “That’s all I wanted,” Combs said. “Everyone to feel seen, valued and able to have a great experience, and to help them develop themselves for whatever they want to do next.”

Moments like that define the success of SocialCon. But behind them are challenges that many never see.

Securing sponsorships for a new event proved difficult. Convincing others to buy into a vision that had yet to be realized required persistence and faith. In the end, Combs invested over $16,000 of her own money to ensure the first event happened.

“It’s hard for people to see the vision God is giving you,” she said. That faith became foundational.

Combs said the idea for SocialCon was placed on her heart nearly six years ago. For years, she resisted it, unsure if she was the one meant to bring it to life. But through repeated confirmations, including conversations, community encouragement and even dreams, she ultimately surrendered to the calling.

Even then, doubt crept in. Just two months before the event, she considered canceling, unsure where the funding would come from. But last-minute sponsorships and unexpected support aligned at exactly the right time. For Combs, SocialCon is more than an event. It is a faith-driven mission.

Looking ahead, the vision continues to expand. She sees SocialCon growing into one of the premier social media and digital conferences in the region, drawing attendees not just from Shreveport, but from surrounding cities and beyond. She also envisions taking the concept on the road, creating opportunities in other markets while continuing to spotlight voices that may not otherwise have a platform.

At its core, however, the mission remains the same.

“Impact is the legacy I want for SocialCon,” Combs said. “I just want to make an impact in our digital economy. I think about our kids and how they’re growing up in a whole new digital world that hasn’t even fully been realized yet. I would love for SocialCon to be a driver in pushing digital literacy and skills to the forefront.”

Not every path requires a traditional degree, she said. Careers as creators, digital analysts and content producers are not only possible, but increasingly necessary. “There are so many different aspects of business in the digital realm,” Combs said.

Through SocialCon, those opportunities are becoming more visible, more accessible and more tangible, right here at home.

This article was originally published in the May 2026 issue of Three18 Insider magazine.