Schedule

Friday, Sept. 27

  • CURIO AT THE MAKER EXCHANGE

    Start the weekend off by meeting speakers, networking with other makers, and familiarizing yourself with the beautiful space where we’ll spend the next two days. This portion of the Summit is open to all and will also welcome the beginning of Innov865 Week with The Innov865 Alliance.

Saturday, Sept. 28

  • You will receive your welcome bag, Summit program and all your coffee needs will be met.

  • Mayor Kincannon + Summit Chair Jonathan Clark

  • Cymone Wilder, Simon and Moose

    Cymone will dive into the process of scrappy lettering, and how this approach can be applied to any craft. Say goodbye to elaborate tools and embrace a hands-on, tactical approach to create impactful work without the frills. Learn how to unleash your craft in the most resourceful and playful manner possible.

  • Biz of Making 101
    Haseeb Qureshi, Forthlaw PLLC

    A foundational session where we'll explore the essential principles of turning your craft into a thriving business. From setting up your shop to pricing your products, discover the key steps to launch your creative venture with confidence.

    Biz of Making 201
    Sarah Loebner, Towns Toffee

    Level up, where we dive deeper into the strategies and tactics essential for growing your creative enterprise. Explore advanced topics such as expanding your product line, scaling production, and optimizing your online presence for maximum impact.

    Biz of Making 301
    Damon Rawls, Innovation Digital Agency

    An intensive session designed for established makers ready to scale their operations and maximize profitability. Dive into advanced topics like strategic partnerships and diversifying revenue streams to future-proof your business. With expert guidance and practical insights, this session empowers you to navigate the complexities of growth with confidence.

  • Real Good Kitchen

  • Matt Reed and Drew Beamer, redpepper

    Tailored specifically for makers, redpepper will delve into the world of artificial intelligence and simplify complex concepts and showcase practical applications relevant to craft. Discover how AI can revolutionize creative processes, from generating design inspiration to optimizing production workflows.This panel offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to incorporate AI into your creative journey.

  • Power in Story
    Chrissie Batts, Mama Bear Sweet Treats

    Discover why people remember stories more than bullet points and how it taps into our innate need for connection. Learn about the pillars of storytelling, including finding your voice and staying authentic to your brand.

    Scaling Your Business Online
    Mel Mullins, All Ya’ll Skincare

    Prepare to embark on an immersive exploration of e-commerce in this enlightening session. Delve into the heart of online retailing as we uncover the core steps for e-commerce scaling, gain invaluable insights and hands-on experience to propel your business forward. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the game, this session equips you with the tools and expertise needed to thrive in the dynamic world of online retail. You will leave the session with actionable steps, resources and recommendations to put these ideas into action.

    Stop the Scroll with Photos
    Taryn Ferro, Aw Snapp Photography

    In this instructional session designed to empower makers to capture their work effectively and stand out on social media, Taryn will share essential tips and techniques to elevate your photography skills and create eye-catching images that command attention. Learn how to showcase your creations in the best light, stop the social media scroll, and represent your designs well.

  • Austin L. Church, Consultant and Author of Free Money

Sunday, Sept. 29

  • Zach & Jessi Townesmith with Jaia McClure

    Start your day with focus.

    Immerse yourself in a soothing sonic experience as we explore the transformative benefits of sound therapy. In this session the healing vibrations of instruments from around the world will guide you through a journey of relaxation and renewal. Allow the power of sound to wash away stress and tension, leaving you refreshed and revitalized.

    This session is limited in availability and require preregistration.

  • Jeremy Cowart, Photographer

    Recognized as the "Most Influential Photographer on the Internet" by Huffington Post, Forbes, and Yahoo in 2014, Jeremy Cowart continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling and inspire others to use their talents for positive change. Cowart's work is celebrated for its distinctive blend of artistry and empathy, capturing the essence of his subjects with a unique perspective. He will present a two-part series.

    The first will guide us through his transformative 7-step framework. This framework is designed not just for pursuing ideas or personal projects, but for cultivating passions that can lead us to discover our deeper purpose in life. 

    In the second part, Jeremy delves into a captivating analogy—how the human body mirrors the intricacies of a camera body. Drawing parallels between the mechanics of photography and the workings of our own selves, he explores profound connections that reveal unexpected insights into our human experience.

    Prepare to be inspired as Jeremy Cowart shares his wisdom and experiences in these two back-to-back sessions. Let’s embark on a journey of creativity, purpose, and discovery together.

  • Moderated by: Holly Rainey, KEC + The Maker City

    Panelists:
    Hunter Foster, Designsensory
    Jaleria Rivera, SpaceCraft

    Enrique Cruz, Hola Hora Latina

    Gain invaluable insights into crafting a comprehensive social media strategy, from initial planning stages to seamless execution. The panel of experts, guided by Holly Rainey, will guide attendees through the intricacies of audience engagement, content creation, and platform optimization, offering practical tips and actionable advice every step of the way.

  • Branching Out: Navigating Hustle Culture with Passion & Purpose
    Ty Murray, The Bottom + Ty’s Eye

    The grind never seems to stop as a maker or business owner. This reflective workshop takes a creative approach to branching out amidst the everyday hustle and bustle. To help balance your profession, productivity, joy and passion, the following resources will be explored:

    • Building your personal ikigai, a Japanese concept where what you love, what you’re good at, what you can get paid for, and what the world needs all overlap

    • An interactive approach to passion mapping

    • Feel Good Productivity techniques

    The Search for Funding
    Sara Baker, Non-profit Consultant

    Learn how to secure grants and funding for your creative projects, from identifying opportunities to crafting compelling proposals. Whether you're new to seeking funding or a seasoned grant writer, this session equips you with practical tips and strategies to access the resources needed to bring your creative visions to life.

    Maker Space Conversation
    Maker City Council Team: Jaleria Rivera, Shannon Herron, Jonathan Clark, Amelia Galves

    Join us for a dynamic breakout session presented by members of the Maker City Council on Maker Spaces. After a year of intensive research, interviews, and collaboration with architects and developers, we're excited to share our findings and recommendations. Whether you're a seasoned maker or new to the concept, this session offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to optimize Maker Spaces.

  • Real Good Kitchen

  • Elevating Marketing with Data Science
    Amanda Martin, Future Garage

    Learn how to leverage data to uncover actionable insights, optimize campaigns, and enhance customer engagement. This session will provide practical techniques and real-world examples to help marketing professionals harness data for more effective decision-making and drive measurable results.

    The 1, 2’s and 3’s. Brand Strategy Basics
    Tricia Bateman, Tricia Bateman Design

    Explore the link between your brand's visual identity and your business objectives. Learn how to align the look of your brand with your overarching goals for maximum impact. Discuss what essentials your logo should include—and what it can do without. Plus, delve into the elements beyond a logo that are essential for building a strong brand presence. Whether you're refining your current brand or starting from scratch, this session equips you with the knowledge and tools to create a compelling brand identity that resonates with your audience.

    Reading the Room: From Clutter to Inspired Action
    Monika Miller, Space Witch

    What if our spaces could talk? This session delves into the transformative power of deep decluttering and intentional organizing, transforming your environment into a catalyst for creativity, business innovation, and personal growth. Learn to listen and respond to your space, turning insight into action.

  • Elizabeth Hudy, The Peach Fuzz

    We'll explore the significance of community-building in entrepreneurship as Elizabeth shares her maker journey, revealing how nurturing a vibrant community has reshaped not just her business, but also the collective landscape, transitioning from competition to collaboration. Through genuine narratives and practical insights, she'll delve into the crucial role of cultivating a supportive network in fostering innovation, driving success, and creating an environment where every maker can thrive.

  • Zach & Jessi Townesmith with Jaia McClure

    A final relaxation before departure.

    Immerse yourself in a soothing sonic experience as we explore the transformative benefits of sound therapy. In this session the healing vibrations of instruments from around the world will guide you through a journey of relaxation and renewal. Allow the power of sound to wash away stress and tension, leaving you refreshed and revitalized.