The Maker City Summit returns for 10th year

Annual event brings makers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs together for hands-on learning and community connection.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:31pm

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The Maker City Summit, a weekend event celebrating Knoxville's creative economy, is returning for its 10th year on January 31 and February 1. The summit will feature practical sessions, networking opportunities, and inspiration from a lineup of keynote speakers including designer Debbie Millman, artist and designer James Victore, and marketing expert Phillip Collins.

Why it matters

The Maker City Summit has become a cornerstone event for supporting Knoxville's thriving maker community, connecting creatives to resources, building community, and helping more people turn their passions into sustainable businesses. As the city's creative economy continues to grow, this milestone 10th anniversary event underscores Knoxville's commitment to fostering an environment where makers and entrepreneurs can thrive.

The details

In addition to the keynote speakers, the summit will offer attendees the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning sessions, connect with local experts through 1-on-1 consultations, and have professional headshots taken. Tickets and scholarship information are available now on the summit's website, with updates also being shared on social media.

  • The Maker City Summit will take place on January 31 and February 1, 2026.
  • This marks the 10th year the summit has been held.

The players

The Maker City

A Knoxville-based initiative that supports makers and creative entrepreneurs through community events, business education, and ecosystem-building programs.

Debbie Millman

A designer, educator, and host of the award-winning Design Matters podcast; co-founder of SVA's Master's in Branding; and President Emeritus of AIGA.

James Victore

An 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

The founder of Good Black Art, an Oak Ridge-born marketer, collector, and advocate expanding access and pathways for emerging Black creators.

Sarah Sewell

The founder of Flourish With Sarah, an e-commerce training community helping product-based business owners turn passion into sustainable growth.

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What’s next

Tickets and scholarship information for the 10th annual Maker City Summit are available now on the event's website, themakercitysummit.org. Updates will also be shared on social media at @themakercity.

The takeaway

The Maker City Summit's 10th anniversary underscores Knoxville's commitment to fostering a thriving creative economy where makers and entrepreneurs can turn their passions into sustainable businesses. By connecting creatives to resources, building community, and inspiring innovation, the summit has become a cornerstone event for supporting the city's vibrant maker community.