Sneak Peek at The Maker City Summit Breakout Sessions
Each year, The Maker City Summit brings together Knoxville’s most creative entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators — and this year, as we celebrate 10 years of making space for makers, we’re taking things to a whole new level.
From January 31 – February 1 at the Maker Exchange, the 2026 Summit will feature an incredible lineup of breakout sessions designed to spark ideas, strengthen your business, and connect you with the people who get it — other makers building something real right here in Knoxville.
Here’s a look at a few sessions you won’t want to miss:
Build Your Business Like You Mean It
Sarah Sewell, founder of Flourish with Sarah, will lead “Ecommerce: How to Build an Artisan Brand Online.”
If you’ve been dreaming of turning your creative passion into a thriving business, Sarah will help you shift your mindset, price with confidence, and build a brand that reflects your worth. This session is all about helping makers stop playing small and start thinking like business owners.
AI, Art & Ownership
Ever wonder where creativity ends and technology begins? In “AI: Intellectual Property & Where Creative Worlds Collide,” Melissa Centers of the University of Tennessee explores how emerging tools like AI are reshaping art, law, and innovation. You’ll walk away ready to protect your ideas — and use AI responsibly to grow your craft.
Trends You Can Trust
Keeping up with social trends can feel like a full-time job — but Jade Pacifico, owner of Mother Shop and Oglewood Avenue, makes it practical. In “Social Trendspotting,” she’ll show you how to see what’s coming before it hits the feed and how to align your brand with what truly resonates (not just what’s viral).
Building Strong Foundations
Husband-and-wife team Frank and Eboni James of Command & Counsel will host “Build It Right: Business Structures,” a maker-friendly guide to setting up your business legally and financially the right way. Whether you’re a sole proprietor or ready to scale, this session will help you future-proof your work.
Bots & Boundaries for Social Media
If you’ve ever wished social media could feel a little less chaotic, this one’s for you. Halee Sprinkle of Czech Yourself Marketing will walk through the best ways to use automation and AI without losing your human voice. You’ll leave with practical systems to stay consistent and stay authentic.
Ideas, Ideas, Ideas
Known for his bold and inspiring talks, James Victore of Victore Productions brings a creative jolt with “Ideas, Ideas, Ideas.” This session will push you to think braver, bolder, and weirder — because the world doesn’t need more of the same, it needs more of you.
The Art of Visual Storytelling
Debbie Millman — designer, author, and host of Design Matters — joins us to explore how visuals shape emotion, meaning, and connection. This breakout is a must-attend for any maker who wants their brand or product to speak before they say a word.
AI Automations: Should vs. Should Not
Marcus Blair of Omega Business Solutions will help you strike the right balance between efficiency and authenticity. You’ll learn where automation can help — and where it could cost you your creative spark.
Licensing & Business Growth
Former Walt Disney Co. SVP Ann Buckingham offers an insider’s look at how to grow your brand through licensing partnerships. Whether you sell products, design experiences, or create content, she’ll show you how to collaborate with confidence.
Join Us for The Maker City Summit 2026
The Maker City Summit is more than an event — it’s a movement.
It’s where creativity meets community, where small businesses find big opportunities, and where Knoxville’s maker culture shines.
January 30 – February 1 at Maker Exchange
Tickets are on sale now — grab yours today!
