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The 2019 Vancouver Maker Faire has found a new home at Telus World of Science! Part science fair, part county fair, and part something-entirely-new, Maker Faires are family-friendly showcases of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness that bring together tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, food artisans, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. Makers come to show their creations and share their learnings; attendees flock to Maker Faires to glimpse the future and find the inspiration to become Makers themselves.

 

 

Ready to be a VMF Maker?

APPLICATION FAQS:

Does it cost anything to participate at Maker Faire Vancouver?

Thanks to the generosity of our venue sponsor (thank you, Science World!), we’re able to offer Makers, Maker Groups, Young Makers, and Non-Profit Makers their spots at no cost; however, a $50 deposit will be required to secure your spot at the show if you’re accepted. Deposits will be returned to participating Makers within five days of the event’s end.

If your project requires a table, there will be a small rental fee.

Commercial Makers are subject to a $200 non-refundable booth fee.

What’s my Maker category?

MAKER: One or two Makers involved in a passion project.

MAKER GROUP: Three or more Makers involved in a project. Includes hobby clubs, elementary/middle/high school Maker clubs, meet-up groups, etc.

YOUNG MAKER: Individual or pairs of Makers who will be 18 years old or under on September 14th.

MICROBUSINESS MAKER: Maker-businesses somewhere in between being an Individual Maker who likes to tinker for fun and a full-fledged, stand-alone commercial operation (IE if it’s still in the “hobby-that’s paying-for-itself” stage and not your full-time job).

PLEASE NOTE: Science World’s by-laws prohibit the sale of items from your booth, but you’re welcome to hold a contest to build your email list, give away samples, and collect information from interested buyers to follow up with after the event, so it’s still a great (and fun!) marketing opportunity 🙂

COMMERCIAL MAKER: Maker-related businesses (I.E. 3D printer manufacturers, component suppliers, technology companies).

PLEASE NOTE: Science World’s by-laws prevent third-party sales, so unlike previous years Commercial Makers will not be allowed to sell any items from their booths. However, Science World is granting special permission for our Exhibiting Sponsors to sell DIY kits, project components, and tools within the show; to find out more about becoming an Exhibiting Sponsor, please contact john@vancouvermakerfaire.com.

Not all commercial activity is off limits 🙂 Commercial Makers may take orders at the event for items to be delivered later, or sign Makers up for classes or workshops. Hosting a free activity is a great way to connect with new customers, and you’re welcome to hold a giveaway to build your email list.

REGISTERED NON-PROFIT OR HIGHER ED SCHOOL: Provincially or federally registered Maker-related non-profits and charities, and post-secondary institutions.

EXHIBITING SPONSOR: VMF couldn’t exist without the support of our sponsors <3. Exhibiting Sponsors are Maker businesses and organizations who have generously kicked in extra funding to help make Maker Faire happen. Science World is granting special permission for our Exhibiting Sponsors to sell DIY kits, project components, and tools within the show. To find out more about becoming an Exhibiting Sponsor, please contact john@vancouvermakerfaire.com.

Why is the show only one day?

The VMF organizing team decided to reduce the event from a full weekend to Saturday largely in response to feedback from Makers at previous events that two days was too long. Ok, TBH… also in recognition of our own limitations -we’re a small team with full-time (or more!) commitments elsewhere, which means we’re stretched pretty thin. That being said, we’re gluttons for punishment, and if we hear from a lot of exhibitors that you’d rather go back to the two-day format, we’re open to it 🙂 The last question on the Maker application will ask for your feedback, and we’ll base the final decision on what Makers want.

Is load-in and set up still on the Friday before the show?

Yep.

There is no set-up Staurday morning.

Are there opportunities to make presentations or host workshops?

We haven’t got space for a dedicated presentation stage or workshop zone, but if you have an idea, we’d love to hear about it! Please email brigitte@vancouvermakerfaire.com so we can chat about it.

What other changes should veteran Makers know about before they apply?

Power is provided by Science World and is in limited supply, so we won’t be able to accommodate large machinery as we have in previous years. Makers won’t be able to drive vehicles into the building for load-in and load-out, so please plan your display accordingly.

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please email makers@vancouvermakerfaire.com.