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.
Are you a leader in your field?
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.
our partners and sponsors
key partners
Sagebrush collaborative
Birdhouse Collective
Handmade MT
Missoula Makers Collective
Title Sponsors
ZACC
Confluence Center
Marriot Hotels
Community sponsors
Are you a retailer interested in selling handmade products?
YAY- selling handmade products in your shop is good for you and good for your community. As a part of our 2026 MCEC, we’re hosting a Retail Buyers Expo to connect retailers with makers they might be interested in carrying in their stores!
This two-hour event flips the usual dynamic. Instead of makers having a booth at a 100 or 1,000 vendor expo, retail businesses will have the spotlight. You’ll host a table where you can share information about your shop, connect directly with makers, and let them know what types of products you’re looking to bring in. It’s an easy, engaging way to meet a wide range of creative entrepreneurs in one place and start conversations that could lead to new consignment or wholesale relationships.
If you’d like more information, send us an email at bailey@mslamakers.com