OpenAI’s first creator trip, a retreat at Wildflower Farms in New York’s Hudson Valley, sparked backlash that exposed reputational risks of partnering with AI companies. OpenAI organized last week’s “ChatGPT Summer Club” to build relationships with tech-adjacent creators and educate them on new ChatGPT tools, but several attendees saw comment sections flooded with criticism from AI skeptics, including questions about posting farm-to-table meals, luxury cabins and countryside views while partnering with a company whose data centers have raised environmental concerns. The pushback prompted attendees including Marisa Chentakul, Jodie Taylor and Sreya Halder to delete posts documenting the trip. OpenAI said the controversy would not deter it from continuing to work with creators, with a spokesperson telling Ad Age, “Creators are an important part of our community and how people get information and learn about our products today.” AI and tech giants such as Anthropic, Microsoft and Google are also reportedly offering lucrative deals to creators, with opportunities expected to grow in the next 18 months, said Lily Comba, founder and CEO of influencer marketing agency Superbloom. Influencer marketers, talent managers and creators told Ad Age that those considering such partnerships should take extra precautions, including researching a company’s reputation, being transparent about why the collaboration makes sense, negotiating stronger contractual protections and preparing a response plan before content goes live. Jo Wong, chief revenue officer of creator monetization platform Pop.Store, advised creators to examine what the