Why a makers conference?

Montana’s maker community is thriving. Across the state and beyond, handmade communities are taking root and flourishing.

Missoula has the Msla Makers Collective storefront, markets, and Making Missoula 501 c (3). Bozeman is home to the Bird House Collective and Biome, alongside seasonal markets. Butte boasts Dandelion Salad and the Cleveland Market. In the Flathead, the Montana Diaries Gallery showcases handmade goods, while Boise, Idaho, is energized by the Sagebrush Collaborative and its markets. Billings has its own Makers Market, the Handmade Montana Made Fairs continue to grow each year, and new events like Bubblegum and Bozeman Fashion Week are emerging in larger hubs.

This momentum signals something important: makers are seeking connection, collaboration, and platforms to expand this. A conference provides just that. It creates space to network, spark inspiration, and gain practical knowledge- tools every creative entrepreneur and maker needs.

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Big Ideas,
Real Impact.

Coming spring 2026, Missoula Makers Collective and Making Missoula will host Montana’s first-ever Makers and Creative Entrepreneurs Conference: a three-day gathering in the heart of downtown designed to celebrate, connect, and strengthen our creative community. This event will bring together makers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs from across the state and region, offering opportunities to learn from one another, connect with mentors, and imagine a stronger, more vibrant creative future together.

Over three days, the conference will feature eight breakout sessions covering essential topics like financial management, design, resiliency, marketing, and more. Each session will be led by local mentors and industry leaders who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of building a creative business in Montana and the surrounding region. This is more than a conference- it’s the start of a tradition that will uplift makers, strengthen our communities, and shape the creative economy of our state for years to come.

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2026 Session Leaders

  • Marika Marx

    FOUNDER of Bird Brain Creates

    How to Add Interactive Elements to Your Market Booth and Why You Should

    Marika spent the summer of 2025 doing something simple that transformed her business; she add an interactive element to her market booths. What started as a way to create inclusivity and connected became a cult-obsession and launched her businesses to the next level. Attendees will leave with confidence in engaging with their customers in new and interactive ways.

  • Emma Jacqueline

    FOUNDER of Bright Spots Studios

    Position Your Brand for Success: How Brand Positioning leads to financial sustainability.

    Emma has been a creative entreprenuer for nearly 10 years with experience as a maker of ceramics, art prints, jewelry, and most recently: a kick ass graphic designer. Emma has worked with dozens of small makers to create branding suites with longevity. Participants will leave with new knowledge on positioning their brand strategically to elevate their brand as. a whole- even if they don't change anything about their current offering.

We are looking for experts in a number of fields to lead breakout sessions- that could be you. As one of our first-ever session leaders, you’ll play an important role in shaping this conference and empowering our creative community. It’s a chance to connect with passionate makers, share what you know, and help spark ideas that will ripple through local creative businesses for years to come.

If you’re interested in leading a session or would like more information, click the button below.

Are you a leader in your field?

Become a session leader

our partners and sponsors

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Click here to learn more.

key partners

Sagebrush Collaborative
Missoula Makers Collective
Birdhouse Collective
Handmade Montana

ZACC
Confluence Center
Marriot Hotels
The Historic Florence Building
The Wren
Ahead by 11
High Mountain Creative

Presenting Sponsors

The Florence Cocktail and Coffee Bar
Basecamp Coffee
Basal Hospitality
Stockman Bank
MUD
Bernices Bakery
Pearl Boba Tea

Community sponsors