Calling All Makers for the 6th Annual Southwest Michigan Mini Maker Faire, May 30, 2020!

The Southwest Michigan Mini Maker Faire is a full day community event that brings together science, art, craft, and engineering plus music, food, workshops, and performance. We look to connect hobbyists, professional makers, and students.

2019 was our fifth annual event and we attracted over 1600 attendees. Attendees got to meet the nearly 50 makers showing and explaining projects of all sorts and sizes; participate in hands-on workshops and making across tech, craft, science. We also added a stage to include live performances, flew drones in the fountain area, printed art using a steamroller and hacked power wheel cars for students with special needs.  We look forward to adding your programming this year!

This family-friendly event showcases the amazing work of all kinds of makers across the Southwest Michigan region and beyond—anyone who is embracing the DIY or DIT (do-it-together!) spirit and wants to share their accomplishments with an appreciative audience. Exhibits that are interactive or highlight the process of making things are especially desired.

 

Entries

Apply as an exhibitor, performer, or presenter.  The first step to participating in the Maker Faire is to submit an entry that tells us about yourself and your project. Entries can be submitted from individuals; groups such as hobbyist clubs and schools; commercial makers or crafters; startups; and companies.

Entry Open Date:  February 10th, 2020. Please enter early so we can reserve space for your exhibit.

Applications to present must be submitted by May 1, 2020 to ensure we have space for you!

Applications will still be reviewed following this date, but we may not be able to accommodate requests.  We will respond on a rolling basis.

Note there is no fee to participate in the Maker Faire if you are not selling or promoting a product. If you are a “commercial maker” and want to sell, booth fees are $100. Startups and companies can participate at varying levels (please check out our Become a Sponsor page for more information).

Here’s some suggested ideas for topics that we’re looking for:

Robotics
Wearables, E-Textiles, Fashion Tech
Biology/Biotech and Chemistry Projects
Drones & RC Fun
Kinetic & Installation Art
Digital Fabrication – 3D Printers, CNC, ETC
Open Hardware Projects
Design: Industrial, Fashion, Product, Urban
Young Makers & School Maker Clubs
Music Performance
Hacks of Any Sort
Glass
Ceramics
Foundry & Blacksmithing
How-To Workshops, Panel Discussions and Presenters
Electronic Projects
Textiles and Arts and Crafts
Rockets and RC Toys
Sustainable Transportation
Radios, Vintage Computers and Game Systems
Electronics
Puppets
Bicycles and Human-Powered Machines
Shelter (Tents, Domes, etc.)
Unusual Tools or Machines
How to Fix Things or Take them Apart (Vacuums, Clocks, Washing Machines, etc.)
Maker Exhibit: Our standard setup for a Maker exhibit is a 8’x10′ space that includes a six foot table and two chairs. If you need more space for your exhibit or project, please let us know. Use this space to display your work and/or demonstrate how you make something.

Presentations or Workshops: Might be demos, stories, how-tos, or group (panel) conversations.

Apply Early for Priority Placement

If you have any questions about participating in Maker Faire, please contact us by email: makerfaire@berrienresa.org.