Knoxville, TN, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Knoxville prepares to host the Maker City Summit, celebrating a decade of creativity and innovation in the community. The event features workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering connections among local makers. Participants can engage in diverse activities and attend the Maker Soirée to kick off this year’s Summit. Early registration is now open for entrepreneurs eager to explore the creative economy and enhance their business skills without missing the chance to connect with industry leaders.
Knoxville Prepares for the 2026 Maker City Summit
Knoxville is set to host the Maker City Summit from January 29 to February 1, 2026, marking a decade of creativity and innovation within the community. The Summit will commence with a Maker Soirée & 10-Year Celebration at Able Trade on January 29. The event promises a dynamic agenda, including The Maker Exchange at WFP on the following days.
The focus of this year’s Summit is on celebrating Knoxville’s creative spirit by sharing ideas, building businesses, and fostering community connections. Under the theme “10 Years of Making Space,” participants will engage with various makers, including painters, potters, brewers, bakers, performers, and fabricators, reflecting the diversity of Knoxville’s creative economy.
Attendees of the Summit can expect to participate in a host of activities, including workshops, keynote presentations, and breakout sessions designed to educate and inspire. Topics will range from business growth to attracting customers and developing sustainable branding. This year’s event seeks to welcome both seasoned entrepreneurs and newcomers eager to explore the creative economy.
Notable keynote speakers scheduled for the Summit include:
– Debbie Millman: A global design influencer and the host of the podcast Design Matters, she co-founded the Master’s in Branding program at the School of Visual Arts.
– Phillip Collins: Founder of Good Black Art, advocating for emerging Black creators in the art world.
– Sarah Sewell: Founder of Flourish, focused on e-commerce training for creative entrepreneurs.
– James Victore: An artist and educator known for teaching creatives to embrace authenticity in their work.
Additionally, breakout sessions will be led by proven business professionals, providing further insight into successfully navigating the creative market.
Early Bird registration for the Summit is currently open at a price of $85 and will remain available until October 31. After this date, general admission will be priced at $95, with day-of admission costing $115. Students can obtain tickets at a 50% discount by contacting [email protected] for a promotional code. Scholarships are also accessible upon request.
The Maker City Summit has a longstanding tradition of gathering Knoxville’s creative community, facilitating business ideation, and encouraging growth. Previous editions of the Summit featured a range of speakers and breakout sessions catering to participant interests. The upcoming event promises to continue this legacy, enhancing Knoxville’s maker culture in a post-COVID environment.
The Maker City initiative is propelled by the Mayor’s Maker Council, dedicated to fostering collaborative partnerships and opportunities within the local creative community.
Key Features of the 2026 Maker City Summit
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates | January 29 – February 1, 2026 |
| Location | Able Trade and WFP, Knoxville |
| Theme | 10 Years of Making Space |
| Keynote Speakers | Debbie Millman, Phillip Collins, Sarah Sewell, James Victore |
| Early Bird Registration | $85 until October 31 |
| General Admission | $95 |
| Day-of Admission | $115 |
| Student Tickets | 50% discount available |
| Scholarships | Available upon request |
FAQ Section
What are the dates of the Maker City Summit?
The Maker City Summit is scheduled for January 29 – February 1, 2026.
What event starts the Summit?
The event will kick off with a Maker Soirée & 10-Year Celebration on January 29 at Able Trade.
What is the theme of this year’s Summit?
This year’s theme is “10 Years of Making Space,” emphasizing creativity, community, and future opportunities.
Who can attend the Summit?
Attendees will include a diverse range of makers such as painters, potters, brewers, bakers, performers, and fabricators.
What activities are available at the Summit?
Participants can attend workshops, keynotes, and breakout sessions to learn about business growth, customer attraction, and sustainable branding.
When does Early Bird registration end?
Early Bird registration is available until October 31 at a price of $85.
What are the ticket prices after Early Bird registration?
General Admission is $95, and Day-of Admission is $115.
Are there any discounts or scholarships available?
Student tickets are available at a 50% discount by contacting [email protected] for a code. Scholarships are also accessible upon request.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Exciting Week Ahead in Knoxville: Culture, Creativity, and Community Events
Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: The 2023 Maker City Summit
- Wikipedia: Creative Economy
- Knox TN Today: Hidden Hero Silver Alert Kits
- Google Search: Knoxville Maker City
- Knox News: Knoxville Maker City Summit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneurship
- Livability: 8 Reasons to Move to Knoxville
- Knox News: Knoxville Maker City Includes Crown Upholstery
- Google Scholar: Creative Entrepreneurship Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
