The Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Columbus Ahead, in partnership with Georgia Entertainment, will host the inaugural Created in Columbus event Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will take place at The PATIO (Pierce Anderson Theatre in the Outdoors), the Springer Opera House's outdoor venue in downtown Columbus.

Created in Columbus will celebrate the creative professionals making their living in the region, including artists, filmmakers, musicians, performers, writers and independent producers, alongside the local businesses and professionals whose work supports their success. The event will also showcase Columbus to decision-makers across Georgia and beyond who are seeking distinctive filming locations, experienced industry partners and communities investing in their creative economies.

"Columbus has spent years building something real in its creative and entertainment community, and the businesses and professionals behind that work deserve to be recognized and connected," said Jansen Tidmore, president and CEO of the Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. "The Chamber and Columbus Ahead are proud to present Created in Columbus as a statement that the creative industries are a serious part of our region's future — for the businesses we're growing, the talent we're attracting and the story we're telling to the rest of Georgia and the world."

The event will be held at The PATIO, the Springer Opera House's outdoor venue completed in 2026 and named in honor of longtime artistic director Paul Pierce and Springer Theatre Academy founder Ron Anderson. The space was inspired by the Springer's 2021 outdoor theater festival, which attracted approximately 10,000 attendees during the COVID-19 pandemic and led the organization to establish permanent outdoor programming.

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"Columbus is where Georgia's creative economy shows its full range," said Randy Davidson, founder and CEO of Georgia Entertainment. "The artists, filmmakers, musicians and makers building livelihoods here are exactly the story Georgia should be telling. Created in Columbus puts that story in one place, and puts it in front of the people who most need to see it."

The evening's programming will feature Columbus-area creative professionals in conversations with statewide industry leaders, local business spotlights and a live performance. Expected attendees include local business owners, elected officials and entertainment executives from across Georgia and beyond.

"The strength of an evening like this is the room," said Jezlan Moyet, president of Georgia Entertainment and co-founder of Navigate Georgia. "We've spent years bringing Georgia's creative and business communities together for events that turn conversations into partnerships. Created in Columbus will do exactly that."

Created in Columbus is presented by the Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Columbus Ahead in partnership with Georgia Entertainment. Additional supporting organizations will be announced.