Thank you for an amazing virtual conference! Replays are available for our attendees.

APRIL 15, 2023

a virtual conference designed for creative entrepreneurs

The Makers Summit is a single day online conference that brings makers together to learn from industry experts and peers.

2023 Keynote Speakers

Morgan Harper Nichols

Morgan Harper Nichols (also known as “MHN”) is an autistic artist and poet whose work is inspired by real-life interactions and stories. Based in Atlanta, Morgan's work is inspired by stories, conversations, and everyday life. Morgan is the creator of the "Storyteller" app and shares her work on a daily basis reaching over 2 million people across platforms.

Jeff Sheldon

Jeff Sheldon is the founder and designer of Ugmonk – A design studio in Downingtown, PA creating and curating products that combine form & function. What started as a side project in 2008 to design a few t-shirts has now grown into a full line of products shipped to over 50,000 customers around the globe.

Lisa Jacobs

Lisa Jacobs is a forward-thinking corporate development executive and best-selling author of multiple books, including Your Best Year: Final Draft and Marketing Playbook. She's passionate about your business' annual planning and strategic growth.

frequently asked questions

Schedule

    
    All times Eastern (EDT)

    FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023

    6-8PM Open Studio Night
Kick off the conference with a virtual visit to 8 Maker Studios!

    SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2023

    10 am
Welcome

10:15 am
Keynote: Morgan Harper Nichols

    11:15 am
Discussion Panel

    12:00 pm
Workshop

      1-2:30 pm
Lunch / Expert Q&A

    2:30 pm
Keynote: Jeff Sheldon

    3:30 pm
Workshop

    4:30 pm
Keynote: Lisa Jacobs

    5:30 pm
Closing

Keynotes, workshop sessions, and interactive panel discussions will address both big picture and day-to-day challenges facing small business owners as we find our own unique paths to growth.

open studio night April 14, 2023
conference April 15, 2023

attend in real time online or
replay sessions any time

Workshops

Attendees will choose two workshops to attend live on the day of the event, and will have access to replays of all workshops after the conference.

Content Creation for an Ever-Changing Platform:
Kristen Bousquet

Get to know the best and latest techniques for creating eye-catching content on Instagram that will help your product stand out.
***About the Teacher:*** Kristen Bousquet is a social media expert and mentor, content creator, creator coach, and the CEO/founder of Your Soulcialmate. She wants entrepreneurs to be successful digital business owners while keeping the "soul" in "soulcial media". This workshop is sponsored by SkillPop.

Email Marketing:
Matt Cook

Best practices for email marketing: learn how to build a list, deliver engaging content, and make meaningful connections.
***About the Teacher:*** Matt is an independent digital strategist, producer and director. He's worked with startup brands you've never heard of as well as companies such as Adobe, Walmart, and ESPN. When not hammering away on scary digital projects you can find him working as a partner at *Atlas Local* *and* *Really Good Emails*.

PR for Artists & Makers:
Amy Flurry

Be your own publicist, pitching your story to media contacts – and know what to do with press opportunities when they come your way.
***About the Teacher:*** Amy Flurry is a nationally recognized speaker and frequent podcast guest on the subject of DIY PR. She’s authored two books and the popularity of Recipe for Press, has created a platform that gives interior designers all the tools they need to take advantage of press opportunities.

Legally Legit:
Brittany Ratelle

Learn how to protect your brand and business boundaries with entity formation, strategy, solid contracts, and smart intellectual property tools.
***About the Teacher:*** *Brittany Ratelle is a business and intellectual property attorney who gets creatives and online business owners legally legit and set to scale.*

Discussion Panel: Unique Paths to Business Growth

Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions for panelists ahead of the Discussion Panel session.

Lisa Jacobs, Moderator

This panel will showcase some of the unique paths to business growth. As an expert in strategic business growth, Lisa will guide the conversation, direct Q&As, and remind us there’s more than one definition of success.