03/14/2026
MAX 2026 – What an incredible time!
I’ve spent the last couple of days trying to put everything I’m feeling into words… and it’s harder than I thought.
Putting together a conference for 320 people is no small task. Coordinating instructors, vendors, sponsors, finding a hotel that can house us all, selling tickets, building schedules, menus, maps, signs, banners, goodie bags, registration, class materials… the list goes on and on. We think about every little detail and hope it all somehow comes together.
But the real magic happens when you arrive.
Watching everyone land safely, find their way to the hotel, walk through the doors, and show up with smiles and open hearts… that’s when MAX truly begins.
And wow, did you show up.
You came ready to learn, ready to create, ready to push yourselves. You adopted new friends and probably discovered a few new addictions along the way. You built relationships, you shared your art, you allowed yourselves to be vulnerable, and you grew.
The energy in the rooms was contagious.
Balloon artists learning face painting.
Face painters learning balloons.
Some of you picked up new tricks and hardware at the airbrush track.
Brave souls walking into a henna class and leaving with a brand new obsession.
And a packed room at 9am ready to tackle the most dreaded topic of all… accounting!
You are such impressive, hardworking business owners. Watching your growth throughout the week filled my heart in ways I can’t fully describe.
Some of you arrived carrying stress, challenges, and uncertainty — and you allowed your village to help you through it. You came ready to evolve, to challenge your skills, and to move forward stronger.
I could not be more proud of you.
Thank you for recognizing that MAX is a safe space to learn, grow, experiment, and support one another.
Thank you for trusting me and The Art Factory to create an experience you’ll never forget.
Thank you to the incredible teachers who volunteered their time, knowledge, and energy to help others soar.
Thank you to our sponsors who brought tools, supplies, and support into the classrooms.
Thank you to everyone who contributed items to the goodie bags.
And most of all, thank you — the attendees — for showing up and making MAX what it is.
Please keep those photos coming… they are fuel for my soul. Share your stories, your art, and your experiences with your communities.
I hope to see all of you again next year in the same place.
Keep an eye out for a survey coming in the next few days. Your feedback helps us make MAX even better, and we truly want to hear everything you have to say.
With so much love and gratitude,
Tal ❤️
