West Slope Startup Week is back, October 6-10 in Durango! And we are now accepting session submissions for the 2025 Makers Track. Built for entrepreneurs who create physical products—whether you’re working out of your garage or managing a small-batch production line—this track is designed to support a range of “makers.”
If you’ve navigated the path from prototype to product, figured out how to scale your process, or found smart ways to protect and grow your creative business, we want to hear from you.
This year’s Makers Track theme is “Making vs. Having it Made.” It’s all about knowing when to invest in doing it yourself, and when it’s time to bring in outside production help. We’re looking for session leaders who can share actionable advice, tested strategies, and real-world insights to help other makers move forward.
Track Focus: From Small Batch to Big Picture
The Makers Track is focused on entrepreneurs who have a prototype or small-scale operation and are looking to step up their production for a broader market. These are the makers who are filling online orders in their garage, managing booths at weekend markets, or testing their products with early adopters.
We’re especially interested in sessions that tackle practical questions like:
- How to protect your idea (IP)
- How to choose the right manufacturing partner or vendor
- How tariffs, global supply chains, and international regulations might affect your scaling strategy
- How artists can grow their business while maintaining the value of one-off or custom work
These are often overlooked topics in traditional startup conversations, but they’re essential for makers. There’s also a big gap we’re hoping to fill this year: how artists and craftspeople can scale their operations, even if what they make is intentionally unique.
What Makes a Strong Session?
For this track, solo talks and light interactive sessions tend to work best. We want sessions that offer real insight and value to attendees, especially those who are early in their maker journey. Workshops don’t tend to translate well in this setting, so we’re keeping the focus on ideas and storytelling that lead to action.
The best submissions are clear in purpose and know their audience. We’re not looking for overly polished speakers, but we do appreciate people who come prepared, know their stuff, and can speak with clarity and confidence. Co-speakers are welcome if they bring something truly complementary to the session.
Ready to Show Your Stuff?
If you’ve built a thriving business making and selling goods, or if you support makers as a patent attorney, engineer, manufacturer, or studio owner, we’d love to see your session submission. This is your chance to help others avoid mistakes, learn faster, and gain the confidence to take their next step.
The deadline to submit is June 18, 2025.
Submit your session idea here: https://sessionize.com/wssw25
For questions, reach out to our Makers Track captain, James Thomas. James is a design engineer, project manager, and entrepreneur looking to help others find their way in the undulating maker’s landscape. jimstevetom@gmail.com