What is Inclusify Studios?
Inclusify Studios is the first Deaf influencer marketing agency, founded by Deaf creator Patrick McCullen. Its mission is to connect brands with Deaf and Hard of Hearing influencers to build more inclusive campaigns and elevate authentic representation in media.
Patrick and his partner, Big Ben, grew their platform to over 1.3 million followers. But even with a large audience, navigating brand deals as a Deaf creator wasn’t easy. After learning the ropes himself, Patrick launched Inclusify Studios to help other Deaf influencers grow their platforms, secure deals, and work with brands that want to do inclusivity right.
Why Deaf Representation Matters at Conferences
The success of Deaf creators doesn’t stop online. For innovation and visibility to grow, Deaf leaders need access to major networking opportunities, like the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
Cannes Lions is the largest global gathering for creative communications, advertising, and marketing professionals. Held annually in France, it brings together over 15,000 delegates from 90 countries. Cannes Lions launched its ERA (Equity, Representation, and Accessibility) Programme, allocating €2 million in passes to underrepresented creatives, including those from the Global South and the disability community.
But let’s be real, attending a massive international conference isn’t always accessible. That’s where the story gets personal.
Making the Decision to Go: Why Access Matters
In Patrick’s own words on LinkedIn:
“I almost didn’t go to Cannes Lions… I didn’t feel confident about access. I didn’t know who the interpreters would be, and I didn’t want an interpreter only for workshops. I wanted someone with me the whole time for networking and connecting as a Deaf entrepreneur.”
That all changed when he learned that a friend was coordinating with the conference to ensure access. With confidence restored, Patrick and his team became the first Deaf influencer marketing agency to attend the event. When the community comes together to collaborate, they have the power to create inclusive spaces together.
“This reminded me how powerful the Deaf community is when we come together with interpreters and CODAs. Allyship is real. Building real relationships goes a long way. People matter.”
Conference Accessibility Starts with Communication
Conferences need more than a generic accessibility statement, they need clarity. Will there be interpreters? Captioning? Ramps? Is there a clear way to request accommodations?
Access isn’t one-size-fits-all. Including a dedicated accessibility or accommodations email opens the door to real conversation and real inclusion.
For the Deaf community, that often means having interpreters not just on stage, but available for meetings and networking too. Because that’s where the real magic of conferences happens.
Access to Network = Access to Opportunity
As Patrick wrote:
“My experience at Cannes Lions reminded me of one big truth: Genuine conversations can take you far. Outside of the bathroom (yup, not the most glamorous spot), someone randomly bumped into me and my team… That quick ‘hey’ turned into a convo about sign language, and it turns out that person had info on a diversity creator program that fits perfectly with what we’re building at my agency.”
Access unlocks real connections. And real connections lead to growth, visibility, and investment, which brings us to a bigger point.
Investing in the Disability Community is Smart Business
While networking at the conference, Patrick met Keely Cat-Wells, a fellow entrepreneur and disability rights advocate.
“I loved her point about reframing how we think about disabled community capital. It’s not about giving or charity anymore. The model is about investing in the disability community because time and time again, it has proven to deliver real ROI.”
There are 1.6 billion people in the world with disabilities. The total spending power of the disability market is over $18 trillion USD (2024 Global Economics of Disability Report). Representation matters, and so does collaboration.
That’s what Inclusify Studios is all about.
How to Connect with Inclusify Studios
If your brand wants to work with Deaf creators or build authentically inclusive marketing campaigns, reach out to Inclusify Studios at patrick@inclusifystudio.com.
You can also follow Patrick McCullen’s journey as a Deaf creator:
Inclusivity isn’t a trend. It’s the future of marketing.
Building an Inclusive Future Together
Patrick shared this kind message:
“A huge thank you to Inclusive Communication Services (ICS) for making sure both my team and I and others who needed access had interpreters and Deaf interpreters who really cared.”
At Inclusive Communication Services (ICS), we’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Cannes Lions organizers and staff for your leadership in hosting an accessible and inclusive conference experience.
If your team is planning a conference or large-scale event and needs expert support with language accessibility, from interpreting and captioning to planning and coordination, our team at ICS is here to help.
