Maker Faire Chicago 2017:

Event Date: April 22 & 23, 2017Screen Shot 2017-01-26 at 10.47.50 AM
Location: McCormick Place
2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616

Application Schedule
1st Round: Open through February 17 at 11:59pm PST
2nd Round: Closes March 3 at 11:59pm PST
*Applications submitted in the 1st Round are reviewed first.

Applications submitted before March 4th will be notified before the end of March.
Late Entries: Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed based on available space. Apply below.

To apply:
Select an entry form from blue boxes below that best fits your participation in Maker Faire.
You may fill out more than one entry form. Upon submitting your application, you will be sent a link to your Maker Admin Tool. This tool allows you to edit and manage your completed entry form(s).

Maker Exhibit
An all weekend exhibit to show-off your project(s), to share how you made them, and to inspire people to make (includes Individuals, Groups, Schools, Non-Profits and Commercial Makers – more details below.)

Performance
A scheduled performance, usually on a stage, set lengths vary.

Presentation
A scheduled 12, 25 or 45 minute presentation, usually on a stage.

Startup Company
Requirements and benefits are listed in the Entry Form Types information below. Limited positions are available.

Sponsors
Corporate entities and/or established companies can visit our Sponsor Page or contact sales@makerfaire.com. Positions fill quickly.

Please Note

    • Details and descriptions of the entry categories can be found below.
    • You can fill out more than one proposal in one or more categories.
    • Before starting your application, select a quality photo of your project and yourself.
    • You will be able to edit your completed application using the Maker Admin Tool. A unique link will be sent to you after submitting your application.
    • Makers with commercial interests or marketing intentions are asked to pay an exhibit fee

Entry Information

To apply, choose the entry form above which best fits your proposal: Maker Exhibit, Performance, Presentation, Startup Company, or Sponsor.
Immediately after submitting your application, you will be sent an Application Received confirmation letter with your Exhibit Name and ID number. If you have not received this letter, contact ChicagoMakers@makerfaire.com.

We particularly encourage exhibits that are interactive and that highlight the process of making things.

Here are just some of the topics that we’re looking for:

    • Student projects
    • Robotics
    • Homegrown Drones
    • Arduino projects
    • Raspberry Pi
    • Space projects
    • Food makers (not concessionaires, more info below)
    • Conductive materials projects
    • Kit makers
    • Interactive art projects
    • 3D Printers and CNC Mills
    • Textile Arts and Crafts
    • E-Textiles
    • Home Energy Monitoring
    • Rockets and RC Toys
    • Sustainability & Green Tech
    • Radios, Vintage Computers and Game Systems
    • Electronics
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Science, Biology/Biotech, and Chemistry projects
    • Puppets, Kites, and Other Whimsical Creations
    • Bicycles
    • Large-scale Art
    • Shelter (Tents, Domes, etc.)
    • Music Performances and Participation
    • Unusual Tools or Machines
    • How to Fix Things or Take them Apart (Vacuums, Clocks, Washing Machines, etc.)

Entry Form Types

Maker Exhibit : Individuals, groups, schools and organizations that would like to demonstrate what they make and/or how it works in an all-weekend exhibit space; interactive exhibits are encouraged. For maker groups, please have one point person to coordinate your efforts.

Performance: Musicians and entertainers who would like to perform at Maker Faire. Performances are usually on stage and scheduled for approximately 50 minutes. Set lengths vary. Some performances in the past have been roaming and unscheduled, which is welcomed. Please mention scheduling details in your application.

    • If you need a space, away from a stage to perform many times during the weekend, fill out the Maker Exhibit application.
    • If you plan to have a scheduled performance once or twice during the faire, fill out the Performer application.

Presentation: Individuals and groups who would like to talk about an idea or project of interest to the Maker community, OR makers who are interested in demonstrating what they make and how it works in a stage setting. Presentations are typically 10, 20, or 45 minutes, with some time for Q&A. If you are applying on behalf of someone else, you’ll have the opportunity in the Entry Form to enter public-facing presenter information and remain the primary contact.

Startup Company: Young companies within certain criteria can apply for a discounted “startup” sponsorship package of $2500. Startup package criteria: been in operation 5 years or less, business consists of more than two and under 10 employees, privately funded or have startup capital of no more than $3 million, pre-profitable and gross sales under $1 million. Complete requirements and benefits of this opportunity are listed in the introduction of the Startup Companyentry form above. Limited positions are available.

Sponsor: Corporate entities and established companies are welcomed as sponsors at Maker Faire. For more information about becoming a sponsor, please see our Sponsor page.


Entry Form Photo Information

When applying, you are required to provide a project (or presentation) photo and a bio photo. Please have these ready before you start your application. The image file should be at least 500px wide or larger and you must have rights to the image used. This image will be the public imaged used relating to your exhibit content. Logos and low-res photos do not work well. For example photos gohere.

What Happens Next

After receiving the Call for Makers notice and applying, we will send an email confirming that we have received your entry form. If you don’t receive this email, let us know: ChicagoMakers@makerfaire.com. Acceptances are sent via email approximately 1 months before the show. Once accepted, begin to plan for your participation. We will send regular Maker Newsletter updates in advance of the event.

Aspiring makers are encouraged to follow Maker Faire on Twitter, via our Maker Faire Facebook feed, and on Google+ to keep up with the latest news on makers and Maker Faire.

Have questions about the logistics of participating in Maker Faire? Please see our Maker Toolkit.

We look forward to seeing you at Maker Faire!