Who we are
Gateway Presents hosts markets, workshops and small group events throughout the Chicagoland area connecting makers, educators, and creators of all backgrounds with others interested in their local creative community.
Gateway Presents was formalized in 2024 by Sam Edgin, who has an innate passion for the arts and a penchant for bringing people together. Sam started hosting Gateway Markets in 2021 that were vegan-themed, often participating as a vendor with his own cookie business, “Vile Vegan Treats.” Over time, he gained the experience and motivation to expand the markets upon meeting more and more talented individuals & likeminded venues.
After meeting and collaborating with so many inspiring creators through Gateway’s themed artisan markets, Sam again decided to expand and begin hosting smaller classes and workshops in order to showcase amazing makers and provide guests a way to connect experientially with the artist more directly. Sam initially strove for this effort through “Interactive Markets,” and discovered that more intimate events would be a better method for experiential offerings. He thought it appropriate to rebrand as “Gateway Presents” to showcase that they now host more than just markets.
By the end of 2025, Gateway had worked with about 200 incredible artists, creators, and people with unique talents as well as several venues in Chicago, including Royal Palms Shuffleboard, The Native, and Pilot Project Brewing (Logan Square). Gateway Presents is looking forward to expanding it’s reach to collaborate with more people and places throughout the Chicagoland area in 2026.
Background
Sam has been working professionally within the event industry for over 20 years. He started working in music venues at age 17 running door, production, and security as well as booking several shows a month. Eventually, Sam started his own booking agency,
Phantom Note Productions, showcasing musicians at Chicago venues like Beat Kitchen, Subterranean, Bottom Lounge, and Quenchers.
Sam has also spent significant time working in the service industry as a bartender, barback, runner, server, and everything else in between. He is currently the
General Manager and Event Coordinator for The Native in Logan Square.
Sam’s extensive background managing artists and coordinating events sets him apart from other events and marketing companies. He is also an artist himself, not only as an active performing musician (the bass player for Just Hammers), but he also enjoys experimenting with physical media creations like acrylic painting, sculpting, and baking, as well as graphic design work.
team
Sam doesn’t do all of this alone, mind you! He is often accompanied by his lovely wife, Megan, who shares his love for art, creativity, and community building. She is often helping run our booth at markets, assisting at our events, and even helps create posts on our socials that spotlight vendors. Megan is also a creative who loves experimenting with different mediums such as painting, coloring, and pottery. She is a veteran musician, having played bass in several Chicago bands, and enjoys playing bass, guitar, and piano.
Gateway has also partnered with several talented friends and event-minded folks as photographers and help for events. We are grateful for the amazing team of people who help make Gateway markets and events happen!
We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming Gateway event!
