Event Date: April 22 & 23, 2017
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!