ABOUT
makers alliance is a peer-to-peer group rooted in the confluence of lasting design, modern manufacturing and artisanal innovation—and the belief that as members of this hyper-niche community we can learn and grow from each other. we are both an organization and a platform for roundtable discussion, professional networking, candid connections and shared solutions.
the importance of carving out a professional network and community.
As the founder of The Urban Electric Co., Dave Dawson has sought out collaborations, guidance and opportunities for discussion and solutions-sharing from CEO’s and executives in his own and other industries throughout his career. Along the way, however, he realized the need for an organization more tailored to the unique nature of his business, something that was missing from the existing leadership and peer enterprise landscape. As a result, he began taking steps in 2018 to launch and formalize a more focused peer-to-peer organization that would speak specifically to high-end product design and craft manufacturing.
FRIENDS
A community built upon dynamic peer-to-peer relationships and a shared commitment to traditional craftsmanship and manufacturing.
The group is comprised of top-level professionals creating products and solutions for the high-end design industry whose unique expertise, high standards of artisanal craftsmanship and manufacturing and proven track record of success serve as an incredibly valuable collective resource. This is a group of people who are doing things the right way, the best way, always striving for excellence in their respective fields.
events
walk away feeling reinvigorated, inspired and supported by the notion that modern manufacturing is thriving.
To date, Makers Alliance has hosted several events—from New York City to  Los Angeles—with more to come. Business leaders travel from across the country to attend because purposeful and intentional exploration naturally flows from travel and gathering together in a physical space. After all, that’s at the heart of what we do as makers everyday. And though our products originate in different destinations across the country—in our respective ateliers and workshops, factories and foundries, mills and manufacturing centers, welding and weaving studios—our commitment to craft, innovation and production is born of ideas that thrive on human connection—not just with our clients and colleagues, but with our contemporaries, as well.

*Events by invitation only for Makers Alliance members.
upcoming events
October 6-7, 2025
Dinner with Friends and Factory Tour of Porter Teleo, Kansas City, MO
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November 16-18, 2025
Makers Retreat, Charleston
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past events
June 23-24, 2025
Dinner with Friends and Factory Tour of  Twenty2, Litchfield, CT
May 5-9, 2025
Design LA: Sales and Marketing Leadership Breakfast
April 21-22, 2025
Dinner with Friends and Factory Tour of Refractory and Troscan, Chicago
November 10-12, 2024
Makers Retreat, Charleston
September 16-17, 2024
Showroom Tours, New York City
May 6-7, 2024
Dinner with Friends and Factory Tour of Brendan Ravenhill Studio and Makers Alliance Round Table Lunch, Los Angeles
February 26-27, 2024
Dinner with Friends and Factory Tour of Doorman Designs, New Orleans
October 16-17, 2023
Dinner with Friends and Factory Tour of Heath, San Francisco
May 24-25, 2023
Dinner with Friends and Factory Tour of Phillip Jeffries, Fairfield, NJ
March 14-15, 2023
Dinner with Friends and Factory Tour of New Ravenna, Exmore, VA
October 18-19, 2022
Dinner with Friends and Factory Tours of Merida and Matouk, Fall River, MA
September 28-29, 2021
Dinner with Friends and Factory Tour of Nanz, New York City
August 23-24, 2022
Dinner with Friends and Factory Tour of Henrybuilt, Seattle
May 15-17, 2022
Makers Retreat, Charleston
March 8-9, 2022
Dinner with Friends and Factory Tour of Kyle Bunting, Austin
July 20 - 21, 2021
Dinner with Friends and Factory Tour, Grand Rapids
May 11-12, 2021
Dinner with Friends and Factory Tour of McKinnon and Harris, Richmond
February 20, 2020
Factory Tour of Marmi, Atlanta
February 19, 2020
Le Colonial, Atlanta
February 13, 2020
Factory Tour of Amuneal, Philadelphia
December 8-10, 2019
Makers Retreat, The Dewberry, Charleston
November 13, 2019
Elske, Chicago
July 18, 2019
Tosca Café, San Francisco
May 8, 2019
Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles
April 25, 2019
Menton, Boston
February 28, 2019
Cecconi’s, Los Angeles
November 8, 2018
The Modern at MOMA, New York