January 31 - February 1

10 Years of Making Space.

For a whole decade, makers, dreamers, and doers have been coming together at The Maker City Summit to build businesses, spark ideas, and cheer each other on. And this year, we’re celebrating 10 years of Making Space: space for creativity, for community, and for the next big thing.

Through speakers, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, you'll learn how to scale your business, attract customers, and build a sustainable brand.

No matter if you’ve been at this for years or you’re just dipping your toes in, there’s a seat saved for you. Our lineup’s as diverse as the makers themselves — from painters to potters, brewers to bakers, performers to fabricators. Whether you're a part-time hobbyist or a full-time entrepreneur, this is where you’ll learn, be inspired, and connect with folks who get what it means to build something from scratch and pour your heart into it.

Makers from 30+ states and 130 cities have come together here. The largest gathering in our region to learn, connect, and be inspired. 

Keynote Speakers

  • Debbie Millman

    DESIGN MATTERS

  • James Victore

    VICTORE PRODUCTIONS

  • Phillip Collins

    GOOD BLACK ART

  • Sarah Sewell

    FLOURISH WITH SARAH

CHECK OUT ALL 2026 SPEAKERS

Early
Bird

$85

Until October 31

General
Ticket

$95

Day
Of

$115

Student rates: 50% off general pricing. Contact hello@themakercity.org for a discount code.
Scholarships available upon request and review.

Schedule

  • SUMMIT KICKOFF & 10 YEAR CELEBRATION

    Able Trade, 203 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902 : 5:30 PM

    Come Together & Celebrate

    We’re inviting all makers to gather at a local maker space to swap stories, reflect how far we’ve come, and look ahead to what’s next for our community.

  • Headshots

    8:15 AM : SIGN-IN AND COFFEE

    9 AM : INTRO + WELCOME

    10 AM : KEYNOTE SPEAKER
    10 YEAR PLAN
    Debbie Millman, Design Matters

    11:00 AM : BREAKOUT SESSIONS
    Three Options

    12:00 PM : LUNCH

    1:30 PM : GROUP ACTIVITY

    2:30 PM : BREAKOUT SESSIONS
    Three Options

    3:30 PM : KEYNOTE
    BORDERS ARE SUGGESTIONS
    Phillip Collins, Good Black Art

    4:30 PM : SOCIAL: Location TBD

    Keep the conversation going after the day’s programming has come to an end.

  • Headshots

    8:15 AM : SIGN-IN AND COFFEE

    9 AM : KEYNOTE
    MAKER TO MERCHANT
    Sarah Sewell, Flourish with Sarah

    10:00 AM : BREAKOUT SESSIONS
    Three Options

    11 PM : KEYNOTE
    STOP BEING SO DAMN REASONABLE
    James Victore, Victore Productions

    12 PM : Go have lunch downtown with old friends and new connections to discuss the weekend and scheme new business plans.