PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Feb. 18, 2026) — The inaugural Creative Futures Conference will take place April 10–11, 2026, in downtown San Antonio, convening creators, entrepreneurs, technologists and cultural leaders to examine how creativity is shaping the future of business, technology and cities.

The first-of-its-kind gathering arrives at a pivotal moment for San Antonio, where the creative sector generated $5.18 billion in total economic output in 2023 and supports more than 20,800 jobs, according to a study commissioned by the City of San Antonio. Design and advertising alone contributed $1.32 billion to the local economy, underscoring the growing role of creative industries as drivers of innovation, talent attraction and business development.

Designed to catalyze collaboration and forward-thinking ideas, the two-day conference will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops and immersive experiences at the intersection of creativity, technology and entrepreneurship. Attendees will include designers, founders, artists, developers, strategists and community leaders from across Texas and the United States.

“The Creative Futures Conference was created to bring together people who are actively building what comes next,” said Ja’el Thompson, founder of the Creative Futures Conference. “San Antonio’s creative economy is thriving, but there has never been a dedicated space at this scale for our creative community to connect, share ideas and accelerate new opportunities. This conference is about unlocking that potential and positioning San Antonio as a leading creative city.”

Theme: Building Worlds

The conference theme, “Building Worlds,” reflects the growing influence of creative leaders in shaping industries, communities and culture. Programming will be organized across four tracks:

• Creative Industries
• Innovation and Technology
• Community and Cultural Impact
• Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth

Sessions will explore topics including artificial intelligence and creative work, storytelling and media, startup growth, design-led innovation and the role of creativity in economic development.

Featured Programming

Featured Speakers

• Steven Darby, Founder, Heavy Heavy
• Michael Fugoso, Creative Evangelist, Adobe
• Hallease Narvaez, Filmmaker and Founder, StumbleWell Studios

Influence Is Built, Not Branded
A live recording of the bigcitysmalltown podcast featuring Lionel and Kathy Sosa with Andi Rodriguez, hosted by Cory Ames. The conversation will explore leadership, creative risk and how culture shapes San Antonio’s economic and civic future.

Collage City
Hosted by the San Antonio Association of Graphic Designers, this hands-on workshop invites attendees to engage in collage-making, screen printing, clay work and live DJ sessions in an interactive studio environment.

Sixth Seat x Creative Futures Finale Experience (VIP)
A live-taped Sixth Seat dinner bringing together creatives across film, fashion, technology and media to share insights into building meaningful careers.

Design Duel at Creative Futures
Presented by the San Antonio Association of Graphic Designers, this live design competition will feature creatives competing head-to-head before a live audience.

Experience & Media Opportunities

In addition to formal programming, the conference will offer networking opportunities, collaborative workshops and interactive installations designed to foster partnerships and accelerate new ideas.

Organizers expect the event to attract both emerging and established creative professionals, reinforcing San Antonio’s growing reputation as a center for creative entrepreneurship and innovation.

Media opportunities include:

• Interviews with the founder and featured speakers
• Access to live creative activations and workshops
• Story angles highlighting the individuals and ideas driving San Antonio’s $5.18 billion creative economy

Tickets and information:
https://www.thecreativefutures.com/

Creative Futures Conference is supported by Geekdom, Adobe, Whataburger, 300 Main and Downtown West.

About the Creative Futures Conference

The Creative Futures Conference is a new annual summit based in San Antonio that brings together creators, innovators and entrepreneurs to explore the future of creative industries, technology and cultural impact. Through keynote talks, workshops, panels and collaborative experiences, the conference empowers participants to connect, learn and help shape the future of creativity and innovation.

Learn more at: https://www.thecreativefutures.com/