Summit of Future Makers

• Theme: “Creating the Future: From Insight to Impact”
• April 30 – May 1, 2026

• Forward-thinking keynotes and plenary sessions
• Interactive breakout discussions with national peers
• Real-world demonstrations, including ACC’s Digital Twin
• Collaborative problem-solving across disciplines
• Networking with innovators from across the country

This is more than a conference—it’s an invitation to step into a new journey of future-focused leadership.

• DoubleTree by Hilton
  6505 N. Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78752
  (1.8 miles from campus)
• Holiday Inn Austin Midtown (IHG)
  6000 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, TX 78752
  (0.4 miles from campus)
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Central
  5901 N. Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78723
  (2.5 miles from campus)

Keynote Guests:

Mark Bryan is the Chief Research and Strategy Officer at the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), where he leads the organization’s global research, foresight, and strategic intelligence agenda. In this role, he is responsible for expanding IIDA’s capacity to generate industry-relevant insight and advance the profession through research, thought leadership, and future-focused strategy.

He also leads IIDA Futures, the association’s dedicated research and foresight platform focused on advancing the interior design profession and the broader built environment through structured, mission-driven research, insights, and educational offerings. Under his leadership, IIDA Futures develops industry-facing research, scenario-based work, executive learning, and capability-building programs that expand shared knowledge, surface leadership considerations, identify future skill needs and capability gaps, and strengthen professional development and future readiness across the field.

Prior to joining IIDA, Bryan served as Senior Foresight Manager at the Future Today Strategy Group, where he led work across the built environment, supply chain and logistics, hospitality, retail, restaurants, and consumer goods. His research has explored manufacturing, urban systems, workplace strategy, emerging technologies, the future of communities, and the evolving dynamics shaping organizations and industries.

Earlier in his career, Bryan worked across design, strategy, and research, advising global consumer brands, owners and operators, higher education institutions, healthcare systems, developers, senior living operators, and major corporate organizations. He has authored and contributed to work on workplace culture, co-living, distance learning, senior living, and the evolving relationship between design and human experience.

Bryan previously served as IIDA’s Futurist-in-Residence and played a central role in developing and facilitating its Certified Design Futurist course. Across his work, he is committed to elevating the profession through research, expanding access to future-oriented insight and learning, and helping build the knowledge, capabilities, and confidence needed to lead through uncertainty.

A transformative leader in the global events industry, Hugh Forrest dedicated more than three decades of his life to building South by Southwest (SXSW) into one of the world’s most influential gatherings of technology, innovation and culture.

Over the course of his 30+ year tenure at SXSW, Hugh was honored as “Austinite of the Year” by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce (in 2012) and was also awarded as “Austin Entrepreneur of the Year” by Ernst & Young (in 2014).

Austin Mayor Steve Adler honored him with a key to the city in January 2023. And in September 2025, Hugh was given the Legacy CEO of the Year Award by the Austin Business Journal.

Kenyon College, his alma mater, bestowed him with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2018, acknowledging his significant impact on arts, culture, and education.

His commitment to diversity and inclusion was likewise recognized when Hugh received the Diversity Champion of the Year award from the Austin Black Business Journal in June 2021.

In addition to SXSW, Hugh served as the co-organizer of the Austin Reggae Festival for more than 30 years. This event raised more than one million dollars to help the Central Texas Food Bank feed hungry families in the Lone Star State.

Hugh now channels his experience and expertise into exciting new directions with Gather & Grow Experiences, a consultancy that serves community-focused events, experiences and organizations globally.

Current clients include SP2B (an eight-day celebration of culture and business scheduled for August 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil), the Texas Tribune Festival (September 24-26 in Austin), the Austin Forum (a weekly ATX-based event series) and Borderlands AI (a new event launching in El Paso in the spring of 2027).

Learn more about these and other projects at gatherandgrowexperiences.com.

He is also lending his insights to the Austin Sister Cities International (ASCI), as an at-large board member for this important committee. Other current Board positions include the school food program Common Threads and as as a Trustee for the Better Business Bureau, Heart of Texas Chapter. He previously served on the Board for Austin Habitat for Humanity.

Become a Sponsor

The Summit of Future Makers at Austin Community College District brings together bold thinkers, educators, innovators, and partners committed to building what’s next—for learners, communities, and the workforce of tomorrow. By sponsoring the Summit, your organization becomes a visible partner in innovation, opportunity, and transformation, while gaining meaningful exposure to national leaders and change-makers shaping the future of education and work.

Sponsorship Opportunities