Hey friend, it’s Steph.

When Ben and I first dreamed up Maker Vegas, we knew exactly what we didn’t want it to become.

We didn’t want another conference.

We didn’t want a hotel ballroom full of lanyards, lunch lines, and people talking at each other.

And we definitely didn’t want an event where everyone leaves inspired… and then goes right back to business as usual.

For Maker Vegas Spring, we wanted something different.

Not bigger.

More intentional.

Create & Connect was designed as a creative and business expansion experience; the kind that sharpens your eye and expands your network at the same time.

It’s a place where creative studio owners can step out of constant production - out of Slack, emails, deadlines, and deliverables - and reconnect with the bigger picture of why you started in the first place.

To be creative.

And my home city of Las Vegas plays a big role in that.

Vegas is built on reinvention and bold decisions. When you use it intentionally, it becomes an incredible source of inspiration. A living archive of landscape, design, spectacle, architecture, storytelling, and culture.

Day One is about getting back to creativity.

Exploring the city in small groups, art supplies included.

Noticing what others miss.

Building your own design inspiration archive and the beginnings of a personal project you can use to expand your portfolio or studio product line.

Day Two is about stepping into one of the industry’s biggest events with confidence.

We’ll prepare you to navigate Licensing Expo with intention beforehand - not wandering, not awkward pitching - but with a clear plan for building real relationships with brands and collaborators. It’s not just about licensing. It’s about building relationships. Visibility. Opportunity.

Among the neon lights and the real conversations, you’ll be part of an intimate group sharing curated experiences and hands-on support, not passive workshops or distant stages.

The goal isn’t just inspiration.

It’s momentum.

Creative expansion that moves your studio forward.

If this feels like the season where you need fresh inspiration, stronger relationships, and lead generation with a little help from the Maker Division team, we’d love to have you join us.

See you in Vegas,

Stephanie Owens

Co-Founder, Maker Division