Stay tuned for future dates

A gathering
of people who
make places

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ABOUT


Why do you do what you do?

What keeps you going when others would have stopped, or cut corners, or made it beiger, or opted for the path of least (or lesser) resistance?

Why do difficult work that’s likely to be misunderstood by the many for the sake of the passionate few?

Because you can see it.
Because others will be fed by it.
Because it’s inside of you yearning to be expressed.
Because more-bigger-faster is ultimately a hollow pursuit.

Each spring, an eclectic mix of creative, restless souls gather for a time of quiet contemplation and expansive thinking, fueled by stirring speakers sharing provocative, vulnerable stories.

Who attends? Developers, musicians, makers, planners, writers, architects, artists, activists, teachers, agitators. In short, the people who together, altogether, make places. Who take matter and make it matter.

For two days, this small, eclectic and highly potent brew of speakers and participants will wrestle with difficult questions, engage in rich conversations, and share meals, stories, ideas, and human experiences.

It’s why we do what we do.

—

Matter is created and curated by Greg Fuson as a project of the Plan Be Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that celebrates and supports people whose work fosters community and connectedness.

PROGRAM

What can you expect at Matter? Stirring speakers in an intimate setting sharing vulnerable stories. Be prepared to laugh, cry, be provoked, be inspired, and feel something.

Here’s a look at some the special guests who are on board for our next gathering (dates to be announced; lineup subject to change).

Tiffany Shlain

Founder of the Webby Awards, Tiffany Shlain is an Internet pioneer who's calling for a healthier balance between our online and offline selves.
Founder of the Webby Awards, Tiffany Shlain is an Internet pioneer who's calling for a healthier balance between our online and offline selves.

Kate Canales

Kate Canales is a former IDEO designer who's now shaping future innovators at the School of Design & Creative Technologies at UT Austin.
Kate Canales is a former IDEO designer who's now shaping future innovators at the School of Design & Creative Technologies at UT Austin.

John Francis

In the early '70s, John Francis embarked on a walking pilgrimage across North and South America that would last 22 years — 17 of those years without speaking.
In the early '70s, John Francis embarked on a walking pilgrimage across North and South America that would last 22 years — 17 of those years without speaking.

Pamela Slim

Pamela Slim is a business coach and bestselling author whose next book is about forming business models as ecosystems, not empires.
Pamela Slim is a business coach and bestselling author whose next book is about forming business models as ecosystems, not empires.

Daron Babcock

Daron Babcock started an urban farm in a South Dallas food desert. Bonton Farms now provides healthy food, jobs and hope to a once forgotten neighborhood.
Daron Babcock started an urban farm in a South Dallas food desert. Bonton Farms now provides healthy food, jobs and hope to a once forgotten neighborhood.

e bond

e bond makes digital spaces by day and handmade books by night. Her one-of-a-kind pieces merge and blur the boundaries of art, craft, design and poetry.
e bond makes digital spaces by day and handmade books by night. Her one-of-a-kind pieces merge and blur the boundaries of art, craft, design and poetry.

Dee Williams

For tiny house pioneer Dee Williams, building an 84 s.f. house—on her own, from the ground up—was just the beginning of building a whole new life.
For tiny house pioneer Dee Williams, building an 84 s.f. house—on her own, from the ground up—was just the beginning of building a whole new life.

Drew Shaw

Drew Shaw is the founder of Voyce Threads, a socially conscious lifestyle brand that designs mismatched socks to “cause a conversation” around meaningful issues.
Drew Shaw is the founder of Voyce Threads, a socially conscious lifestyle brand that designs mismatched socks to “cause a conversation” around meaningful issues.

Ivan Cash

Ivan Cash is an artist and filmmaker whose work sparks cultural conversations, celebrates human connection, and inspires strangers to interact.
Ivan Cash is an artist and filmmaker whose work sparks cultural conversations, celebrates human connection, and inspires strangers to interact.

LOCATION & LOGISTICS

m20 sofia exterior circle
m20 sofia interior circle
m20 tower bridge circle

SETTING

The Sofia Tsakopoulos Center for The Arts (affectionately known as “The Sofia”), is home to Sacramento’s beloved B Street Theatre. Located in the heart of the culture-rich midtown district, it’s an inspired setting for unconventional thinking.

ACCOMMODATION

We’re in the process of setting up a group discount with nearby properties. Details to follow.

AIRPORT

The venue is 13.7 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

PARKING

Sutter Community Garage is just around the corner ($15/day).

ATTIRE

Relaxed and comfortable. Like you’d dress to hang out with close friends. Jeans? Shorts? Parachute pants? It’s all good.

PARTNERS

STRADA

STRADA

DMB COMMUNITY LIFE

DMB COMMUNITY LIFE

GUNN | JERKENS

HOLSTEE

GARMAN HOMES

Matter is generously supported by these organizations. Interested in joining them? Sponsorship opportunities are available. Learn more >

REGISTER

Registration will open when our next meeting dates are in place. If you’re already on our invitation list, we’ll be in touch as soon as that happens. If you’re not and would like to be added, see the form below (especially the movie question—bonus points for that one—seriously).

Matter is a purposefully small gathering, with attendance capped in order to preserve a personal and connective environment.

A limited number of nonprofit discounts and scholarship registrations will be available.

Registration details to be announced

If you’re not on Matter’s invitation list and would like to be added, tell us a little about you. We’ll send you info about future gatherings.

CONTACT US