Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

Making Montana, a FREE two-day event designed to inspire the next generation of innovators and highlight 21st century skills, features makers, manufacturers, and technology companies all under one roof.  This celebration of invention and creativity is a result of a collaboration between ImagineIF Libraries, Flathead Valley Community College, Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, Job Service Kalispell and Montana West Economic Development.

February 28 - 29
Flathead Co. Fairgrounds Expo Building

Manufacturers & Tech Companies
Makers & Local Innovators
Flathead Valley Community College
Educators, Students & the Public

Friday, February 28th 
Area schools will bring middle and high school students to the event from 8:30am-3pm. Makers, manufacturers and technology companies will demonstrate what they do and offer hands-on activities to engage students. Exhibits and activities will highlight the innovation, problem solving and collaboration skills needed in the work place today.

Saturday, February 29th
This free event continues on Saturday from 10am-2pm, showcasing the amazing work of all kinds of makers, people who embrace the do-it-yourself spirit and want to share their creations with an appreciative audience. Exhibits will be interactive and highlight the process of making things.

Students said:

"I'm surprised there are this many important jobs in Montana."

"It's great as a senior because it is motivating and gets the creative juices flowing."

"It's a great opportunity to learn about local jobs.""

75% of teachers surveyed at Making Montana felt they had a greater awareness of the skills that are important to manufacturing that are currently taught at most regional schools as a result of participating in the Making Montana event.

During Making Montana, teams from Code Girls United competed in "Minnow Tank," pitching the apps they had developed to solve real world problems to a panel of judges .