This year we want to make the Reno Mini Maker Faire extra big, extra fun, and extra inspirational for all participants and attendees! We are seeking anyone who wants to take their creativity and innovation and give back to the community by inspiring others to MAKE and be creative. It’s a vibrant gathering of innovative minds and the perfect opportunity to learn, as well as share! Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 10 at 11:49pm.
If you want to exhibit, we require a hands on/learning/sharing element to your exhibit. Think about how you can make your exhibit that much more exciting and engaging for attendees by having some sort of hands-on or learning activity. Here are a few ideas about what types of Maker Exhibitors we are looking for! (Don’t see your category below? Please still apply – we want makers of all kinds to inspire our community!)
- Student Clubs and Projects
- Robotics
- Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects
- Space Projects (Rockets, telescopes…the sky’s the limit! Or rather, the observable universe is!)
- Food Makers (Bakers and brewers and sous chefs, oh my!)
- Conductive Materials Projects (Circuit boards, anyone?)
- Interactive Art Projects
- 3D printers and CNC mills
- Textile Arts and Crafts (Attendees love learning these art forms!)
- Home Energy Monitoring
- Remote Controlled Toys and Gadgets
- Sustainability and Green Tech (We think we live in the most beautiful place on the planet – how are you helping to keep it that way?)
- Theatre, Music and all Performing Arts (We’d love to have you perform!)
- Kites (Love to fly kites? Idlewild Park is the perfect place to do it!)
- Bicycles (Simply put: Reno LOVES bikes – of all kinds!)
- Radios, Vintage Computers, and Gaming of All Kinds
- Electric Vehicles (Want to show off that fancy new Tesla you got or that oldie you converted to run on veggie oil?)
- Biology/Biotech and Chemistry projects
- Shelters (Tents, domes, and tiny homes!)
- Unusual Tools or Machines
“Humans do two things that make us unique from all other animals. We use tools and tell stories. And when you make something, you’re doing both at once.”
-Adam Savage
FEES:
There is no fee for makers to exhibit at the Reno Mini Maker Faire.
If you want to sell items, products, or services, you will need to pay the Commercial Makers Fee. The Commercial Maker fee is $50 for those with a City of Reno License or Non-Profit Status and $65 for those without one. (You’ll be able to choose which one you qualify for in the online application form.)
SOME GUIDELINES FOR EXHIBITS:
- Best: An interactive exhibit where the public can safely get their hands dirty and make something or learn something. (Examples: Learn to Solder, Ham Radio, Squishy Circuits Demo, Recycled Crochet and Plarning, Make a Kite)
- Best: A playful, interactive exhibit where kids (of all ages) can free their mind and simply play. (Examples: Thinker Linkers, Lego Bricks, Robotic Gladiators, Fly a Kite, Ride a Crazy Custom Bike)
- Next Best: An in-person demonstration of a project, skill, art, craft, or talent. Something that will inspire folks to go home and get involved in that subject,or learn more. (Examples: Tesla Coil, Wood Turning, Arduino Programming, Underground Railroad Quilting)
- Next Best: Peformances, Exhibits, or Kinetic Art that include “How and Why I Made This” (Examples: Steam Punk Art, Interesting Musical Instruments, Giant Robotic Suits)
- Next Best: A showcase of your invention, project, new-product, or maker-related business. (Examples: ShopBot Tools, Kickstarter Projects, Science Kits)
- Next Best: Static Displays and only if the creator is willing to be available to answer questions and explain how-why the made what they made. (Examples: Sculpture, Student Projects, Science Projects)
A FEW DON’TS:
- Unsafe Exhibits will not be allowed (a safety plan must be submitted for any exhibit that may be potentially harmful)
- Maker Faire is about showcasing your ideas and your art, it is not a trade show or commercial venue. The goal is to inspire but not necessarily to sell. If you would like to sell something, please be sure to let us know so we can register you as a vendor. Only registered vendors will be allowed to sell anything.
- Arriving late or leaving early: The exhibit should be set up and running for the public at 10:00am and you should not tear down your exhibit prior to 5:00pm. (If you need special accommodations due to distance or other factors, please let us know.)
WHAT YOU GET IF YOU ARE SELECTED TO EXHIBIT WITH US:
- Space is generally 10×10 but larger spaces are possible for the right exhibits. This year all spaces will be located outside.
- Electricity for those booths that require it (110 VAC only). Please bring your own UL approved outlet strips, extension cords, and cord hold-downs as needed (rubber trip guards or non-marring gaffer tape only).
- Tables and Chairs (If at all possible please bring your own tables and chairs – it really helps us on our end!)
- WiFi Access from the event venue. (Please note, access may be spotty due to the number of people accessing it, or due to radio interference from exhibits such as Tesla Coils. If internet access is critical to your project, please provide your own hot-spot.)
- Promotion of your exhibit (links and information on our makers page, mention on our Twitter account, links and promotion via our Facebook page.)
- Assistance with unloading, loading, and booth sitters for bathroom breaks thanks to our amazing volunteers!
- A great time, a relaxed atmosphere, lots of good memories!
Need some inspiration? Check out the Maker Faire video below!
Craftsmen
Apprentice
