SCALE Conference by Student-Made
FEBRUARY 6 + 7, 2026 | MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
a conference that empowers the next generation of creators and makers to scale their ideas.
Hosted by Student-Made in partnership with the Burgess Institute, SCALE brings together student creators, founders, and innovators from campuses across the country to learn, connect, and grow. Through keynote talks, interactive workshops, and a showcase of student-run businesses, the conference empowers young entrepreneurs to scale their ideas into impactful ventures.
Whether you're just starting out or already building your brand, SCALE offers inspiration, community, and real-world strategies to take your journey to the next level.
TENTATIVE CONFERENCE AGENDA
friday, february 6th
1:30PM - CHECK-IN
2PM - CONFERENCE INTRODUCTION + “FIND SOMEONE WHO” ACTIVITY
3PM - SESSION #1 - OPTIONS BELOW
4PM - SESSION #2 - OPTIONS BELOW
“SMALL STEPS, BIG GROWTH”
“LEVERAGING SUPPORT FROM YOUR CAMPUS COMMUNITY”
“MARKETING 101 FOR SMALL BUSINESSES”
5PM - DINE-AROUNDS
7PM - DAIRY STORE TOUR (OPTIONAL)
SATURDAY, february 7th
8:00 AM - COFFEE & CONNECTIONS
9:00 AM - BREAKFAST
10:00 AM - PANEL DISCUSSION - STAGES OF SUCCES: ENTREPRENEURS AT EVERY STEP
11:00 AM - SESSION #3 - OPTIONS BELOW
12:00 PM - SESSION #4 - OPTIONS BELOW
“THE ART OF PRICING”
“CONTRACTS, TAXES, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, OH MY!”
“PARTNERSHIPS & POP-UPS”
1:00 PM - LUNCH
2:00 PM- SESSION #5 - OPTIONS BELOW
3:00 PM- SESSION #6 - OPTIONS BELOW
“CREATIVE CAREERS”
“MASTERING MONEY FOR MAKERS”
“WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL BRAND?”
4:00PM - STUDENT-MADE MARKETPLACE
5:00PM - DINNER, DESSERT + FAREWELL
What Can I Expect?
Who’s this for?
What’s the impact?
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 18TH
student PRICING
$75 EARLY BIRD | $100 REGULAR
For any students, whether you attend a campus with Student-Made or not (yet!)— this is for you!
non-student PRICING
$125 EARLY BIRD | $150 REGULAR
For Student-Made partners, or faculty/staff at another campus— this is for you!
student-made alumni PRICING
$100 EARLY BIRD | $125 REGULAR
For any student who participated in Student-Made, but has since graduated— this is for you!
travel info
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Option 1: Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center (Recommended)
219 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
On-Campus, Walkable to Conference
$150/Night
Option 2: Graduate by Hilton East Lansing
133 Evergreen Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
$180/Night
Option 3: Marriott East Lansing at University Place
300 M. A. C. Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
$160/Night
Option 4: Residence Inn East Lansing
2841 Hannah Blvd, East Lansing, MI 48823
On-Campus, Walkable to Conference
$155/Night
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Option 1: Capital Region International Airport (LAN)
15 Min. Drive to MSU Campus
Option 2: Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
1 hr 15 Min. Drive to East Lansing
Michigan Flyer (Shuttle from DTW to East Lansing Marriott)
Option 3: Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
1 hr 5 Min. Drive to East Lansing
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Walking
Walkable from Kellogg Center
Walkable from The Graduate
Rideshare
Uber
Lyft
Spin Scooters
Bus
More Info to Come!
Parking
More Info to Come!
FAQs
Who should attend this conference?
This conference is designed for students who are interested in learning more about creative entrepreneurship and educators who are passionate about supporting creative students and engaging student in entrepreneurial education.
Is there an early bird discount?
Yes! You can receive our early bird discount if you register between July 18th and October 17th.
How can I become a sponsor?
We’d love to partner with businesses, organizations, and individuals who believe in the power of student-driven ideas to shape the future. Email info@studentmadestore if you are interested in learning more about how to support this conference.
Is there a conference app?
We’re excited to partner with Flare as the official app for the Student-Made Conference! Flare keeps everything you need in one place — from the daily conference agenda to live updates.
questions? contact us!
