January 31 – February 1
Tickets on Sale Now + Scholarships Available
The Maker City Summit returns this month, bringing makers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs together for a weekend of hands-on learning, business education, and community connection.
Tickets are on sale now, and a limited number of scholarships are available to help ensure cost isn’t a barrier for makers who want to participate.
Now in its 10th year, The Maker City is celebrating a decade of supporting Knoxville’s creative economy through connecting makers to resources, building community, and helping more
people make a living doing what they love.
What to Expect
The Maker City Summit is designed for anyone building a maker business or exploring how to grow one—whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale. Attendees can expect practical sessions led by local experts, meaningful networking, and inspiration from a community built on creativity and collaboration.
The Maker City is proud to welcome an outstanding keynote lineup spanning design, culture, entrepreneurship, and community building:
● Debbie Millman — Designer, educator, and host of the award-winning Design Matters; co-founder of SVA’s Master’s in Branding; President Emeritus of AIGA.
● James Victore — Artist, designer, and author known for bold, boundary-pushing work (including in MoMA collections) and teaching creatives to lead with authenticity and risk.
● Phillip Collins — Founder of Good Black Art; Oak Ridge–born marketer, collector, and advocate expanding access and pathways for emerging Black creators.
● Sarah Sewell — Founder of Flourish With Sarah, an e-commerce training community helping product-based business owners turn passion into sustainable growth.
Scholarships Available
A limited number of Summit scholarships are available for makers who would like to attend. Scholarship support helps cover registration costs and expands access to professional development for creatives across Knoxville and the region.
Extras for Registered Attendees
In addition to Summit sessions, registered attendees can sign up for complimentary add-ons, available on a first-come, first-served basis:
● Expert Sessions: 45-minute 1:1 meetings with a local expert to help attendees work through business questions and dive deeper into topics that matter most. Sessions take place at Maker Exchange before the Summit or immediately after.
● Professional Headshots: Quick 5-minute headshot appointments offered throughout the Summit to help makers refresh photos for websites, marketplaces, and professional profiles.
Tickets and Information
Tickets and scholarship information are available now at themakercitysummit.org. Updates will also be shared on social media at @themakercity.
