Maker Faire Detroit 2020 Planning has Begun!

We have kicked off our 2020 planning and operations season and are looking forward to creating our 11th annual Maker Faire Detroit. Here are just some of the ideas that are bubbling: increased workshops and hands-on making opportunities; a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the ADA, featuring makers of all abilities and accessibility tech; projects that connect to the new Driven to Win: Racing in America exhibit in the Museum (vroom!); projects that connect to our limited-engagement Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes exhibition (cosplay! heroes! animation!); and of course, your awesome inventions, innovations, entrepreneurial endeavors and stunning craft skills.  What are you Making?

Dates to keep in mind:

May 1 — Maker Applications launch.  We are tightening the application season this year, opening a bit later, after seeing the trends for years that the vast majority of makers apply in May for our Faire.

May — Rolling maker acceptances throughout the month.

June 12 – Maker Applications Close

June 26 – Final round of maker acceptances, first draft of the event map and event schedule

July 10 –  Final maker placements, final draft of event map, final draft of event schedule

July 19 – Site build begins

July 23 – Pre-approved, large project early setup day

July 24 – Maker Project Set-up (10 AM – 8 PM Outdoor + Lovett /  3 PM – 8 PM Indoor Museum)

July 24 – Maker Mixer Thank You Party (5 PM – 7 PM)

July 25 – 26  – Maker Faire Detroit (morning load in 6:30 AM – 9 AM, all cars moved off Faire site / guest parking to Maker Parking by 9 AM)

July 26 – Project tear down (6 PM – 9 PM)

July 27 – Rest and share your best memories!

Questions can be sent to the team at makerfairedetroit@thehenryford.org

• • The questions for Maker Faire Detroit 2020 will be very similar to past maker applications — what is your project’s intent, how is it interactive, who is coming with the project, are you planning to sell products alongside your display / hands-on etc?  We intend to move to a different registration form site which should be even more streamlined and easier to use than past years.

• • Read EVERYTHING! We know it can be tempting to skip a line or two to get right into the application, BUT all of the information is extremely important to know so please read everything! Be as descriptive as possible about your project and fill as much detail as possible since the application cannot be changed after it’s submitted.

• • SPELLCHECK! Especially your e-mail address. E-mail will be our primary source of communication so if your e-mail is spelled incorrectly or has an extra space, you could miss your opportunity to show off at the Faire!

• • Prepare good photos or video content that you can provide with your application. If you are accepted, these will populate the Maker Faire Detroit website!

• • Application fees remain the same: $175 for commercial makers, $75 for commercial food makers, $75 for craft makers selling their items, free for makers who are not selling their goods (hands-on interactive projects, maker spaces, youth groups etc.)

• • Think about how many Booth Assistants you will need. During the application process, you will be prompted to submit the number of assistants you’re planning to bring to run your project (generally each project can expect to bring around 5 assistants, unless pre-approved for additional assistant). All assistants MUST be pre-counted to receive their event credentials. If you would like to provide a list of assistants or have any changes to your participant count, email them to makerfairedetroit@thehenryford.org.

• • Ask questions! If you are unsure about something, contact us at makerfairedetroit@thehenryford.org. The Team will be happy to assist you.

• • For Reference: 2019 Maker Manual Be sure to download and review this year’s important information as soon as possible. To ensure Maker Faire Detroit runs safely and smoothly, all Makers (and their assistants) should be familiar with the manual contents.  Don’t forget to note deadlines!

• • For Reference: 2019 Maker Faire Fire/Safety Plan Form  If your exhibit has any fire or safety issues, please provide the Maker Faire Detroit Team with the Fire/Safety Plan, if not already submitted as part of your application. Please email the completed form to makerfairedetroit@thehenryford.org.

• • For Reference: 2019 Young Maker Form and Waiver For our young makers or groups with Makers/Assistants under 18, please submit the Young Maker Form and Waivers. Please email the completed forms to makerfairedetroit@thehenryford.org.

• • For Reference: 2019 Maker Faire Driving and Parking Directions for Makers, Maker Assistants, Volunteers and Sponsors

• • For Reference: 2019 Maker Faire Loud-Out Map to look ahead for your load out on Sunday

• • Commercial Makers, Commercial Food Makers & Craft Sales: Once accepted you will receive an email with instructions on how to submit your payment. Please consult the Maker Manual for further details.