MADcon 2026: Reinvention
Downtown Staunton’s new annual event for Professional Development and Connection for Working Creatives
This April, Downtown Staunton becomes a hub for creative energy as MADcon (Music. Art. Design Convention) launches its pilot year on April 10–11, 2026.
Presented by CMA’s Valley Subaru
MADcon is a bold new gathering designed for the creative professional: artists, musicians, designers, makers, performers, entrepreneurs, students, and the culturally curious. The convention brings together voices from across creative disciplines to share ideas, sharpen craft, and build meaningful connections. The theme for MADcon’s inaugural year is “Reinvention”, drawing inspiration from Staunton native William “Billy” Haines, one of Hollywood’s biggest silent film stars of the 1920s who, after being blacklisted, famously walked away from acting rather than compromise who he was. Ultimately he reinvented himself as one of the most influential interior designers of his era and then became a prolific and successful furniture designer. His story reminds us that creative careers are rarely linear.
Creatives must constantly evolve, pivot, adapt... reinvent. MADcon celebrates that spirit.
Across two days, attendees will experience a mix of talks, panels, demonstrations, and interactive sessions exploring the creative industries from multiple perspectives.
Sessions include:
-Opening Night Welcome Session kicking off the convention with inspiration and community, featuring a Sustainable Fashion Show & Wearable Art Show (email tiernanps@stauntondowntown.org if you are interested in modeling, all types wanted!)
-A Regional Theater Panel exploring collaboration, audience engagement, and the sustainability of local performing arts (moderated by Anika Horn)
-Environmental Graphic Design with industry leader Andrew Barresi of Roll Barresi & Associates
-Footwear Designer and Collaborative Artist Anne Marie Smith
-Recording Studio founder, Producer and Audio Engineer CJ Metz of Sill & Glade Cabin
-Sarah Jones of Sanaa Design Studio presents her cross-disciplinary approach to sculpture and studio art, with a hands-on exploration opportunity
-Screening and Q&A of Deep Structure Production’s award winning, full-length feature film “500 Fireflies”
These sessions are designed not only to inspire but to provide practical insight into how creative careers evolve and sustain themselves.
Creativity and Celebration After Hours
MADcon isn’t just about seminars it’s also about connecting and celebrating creativity together.
Friday night after the Sustainable Fashion & Wearable Art Show, The Opening Night Social, a dance-driven after-party presented by The Box at the MADcon Headquarters, and Saturday the official afters (9-11p) is at Ciders From Mars with live music from local Ska sensation SKANK
Downtown Staunton has quietly become one of Virginia’s most vibrant creative communities. With its thriving theater scene, independent galleries, live music venues, design studios, and historic architecture, the city offers a uniquely collaborative environment for artists and creative professionals.
MADcon builds on that momentum by creating a space where music, art, and design intersect. MADcon hopes to serve as a catalyst for new ideas and creative innovations, as unexpected collaborations begin and multi-disciplinary partnerships form.
MADcon 2026 is intentionally launching as a pilot year; focused on quality programming and strong conversations we aim to build a foundation for future growth. It’s the beginning of something that will continue to grow and evolve with the creative community.
If you’re someone who believes creativity shapes culture, cities, and industries… MADcon is for you.
Join us in Downtown Staunton this April as we begin building something new. All tickets are pay what you can this year, suggested prices are listed. To reserve a ticket online a minimum of $1.00 is required.
