SCALE Conference by Student-Made
FEBRUARY 5 + 6, 2027 | texas STATE UNIVERSITY
empowering the next generation of creators and makers to scale their ideas.
Hosted by Student-Made in partnership with Texas State University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, SCALE brings together creative student founders 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 5th
10AM - GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR (OPTIONAL)
1 PM - CHECK-IN
2PM - CONFERENCE INTRODUCTION
3PM - WORKSHOPS
Option #1: A New Phase of Entrepreneurship
Option #2: From Idea to Inventory
Option #3: Packaging That Pops
Option #4: Perfecting Your Pop-Up
4PM - WORKSHOPS
Option #1: A New Phase of Entrepreneurship
Option #2: From Idea to Inventory
Option #3: Packaging That Pops
Option #4: Perfecting Your Pop-Up
5:30PM - DINNER
7PM - LOCAL EXCURSION IN SAN MARCOS
SATURDAY, february 6th
8AM - COFFEE & CONNECTIONS
9AM - BREAKFAST
10AM - KEYNOTE
11AM - WORKSHOPS
Option #1: The Power of Storytelling
Option #2: Content Creation for Creatives
Option #3: Making Every Sale Count
Option #4: Creative Spark: Creating Tracks for Creatives in Pitch Competition
12PM - WORKSHOPS
Option #1: The Power of Storytelling
Option #2: Content Creation for Creatives
Option #3: Making Every Sale Count
Option #4: Creative Spark: Creating Tracks for Creatives in Pitch Competition
1PM - LUNCH
2PM - WORKSHOPS
Option #1: The Manager Mindset
Option #2: Career Readiness
Option #3: Student-Made TXST Creator Panel
Option #4: Pitching 101
3PM - WORKSHOPS
Option #1: The Manager Mindset
Option #2: Career Readiness
Option #3: Student-Made TXST Creator Panel
Option #4: Pitching 101
4PM - STUDENT-MADE POP-UP COMPETITION
5PM - CONFERENCE FINALE, POP-UP WINNERS ANNOUNCED & LIGHT APPS
PRICING
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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Courtyard by Marriott San Marcos - Approximately a 9 minute drive from campus, $106-$160/night
Hampton Inn & Suites San Marcos - Roughly 1 mile from Texas State, $120–$170/night
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Austin San Marcos - Around 1.2 miles from campus, $125–$180/night
Holiday Inn San Marcos-Convention Ctr Area by IHG - About 1.5–2 miles from campus, $130–$190/night
Hilton Garden Inn San Marcos - Around 2.2 miles away, $150–$220/night
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Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - Typically a 35–45 minute drive to San Marcos
San–Antonio International Airport (SAT) - Typically a 45–50 minute drive to San Marcos
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Uber/Lyft
Rental Cars
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 students in entrepreneurial education.
Is there an early bird discount?
Yes! You can receive our early bird discount if you register before November 1st.
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 lindsay@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.
our collaboration
The SCALE Conference (Student Creatives and Artists Learning Entrepreneurship) began in 2024 as a collaborative effort among universities to equip emerging artists and creative students with essential business and entrepreneurial skills. Its mission is to bridge the gap between creative practice and sustainable professional success, offering workshops on topics such as branding, pricing, legal considerations, and financial management. After successful national gatherings in St. Louis and Kansas City, the conference continues to expand its reach. This spring, Student-Made is thrilled to host the first-ever regional version of SCALE, bringing the same spirit of creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial learning to our own campus community!
questions? contact us!
