Maker Faire:NC 2011 is on for 6/18/11!

Hey there!  Did you miss us?! Maker Faire:North Carolina was a huge success in 2010 with over fifty exhibitors and more than 2000 attendees.  Not bad for a first-run!  We're aiming much higher for Maker Faire:NC 2011 and I want you to be a part of it.  The event will be on Saturday June 18, 2011 from 10AM to 5PM.

We're moving to the Gov. Kerr Scott Building on the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh which gives us more than 20,000 square feet to stretch our legs.  In 2011 we're doubling the number of exhibitor slots available and we hope to better than double our attendance as well.

The best part of Maker Faire:NC is the awesome projects and exhibitions. I really want you to show off the cool robot you've been building, biological computer you've been growing, textiles you've been spinning (with or without biometric sensors!), and whatever else you've come up with.  This link has all the information you need to register your project or business and stake your claim to a booth.

Our website has been comprehensively updated with goodies and information about MFNC 2011.  Have a good look around for information about travel, venue, tickets, T-shirts, and more.

Finally, I want welcome our first 2011 sponsors: ShopBot and Hines Design Labs.  Both companies are returning sponsors for 2011 and have really helped to make this event happen. Thanks!  If you or your company is interested in a great marketing opportunity please have a look at our Sponsorship Opportunities.

I can't wait to see you in June!

Jon Danforth

CloudFab Out of Beta - eDating For Consumers & 3D Printers

Exciting news! CloudFab is out of their beta period and you can now go and sign up.  CloudFab is a company that puts designers/consumers in touch with manufacturers through a distributed manufacturing network.  From their own site:

CloudFab basically works like this: Manufacturers list their machines and prices. Buyers can then upload STL files, and request quotes from all manufacturers that have a machine that can make their part. We've written software that analyzes the file and automatically generates a quote based on various factors, including shipping cost. That way, quotes are generated (almost) instantly. Some sellers still prefer manual quoting, and so we've provided that option as well. We also hold the money in escrow, to mitigate the risk for both parties in the transaction, and will do arbitration as necessary in the case of an unfortunate outcome.

This is, in many ways, how our exhibitor 100k Garages operates.  CloudFab focuses on additive machining (3D Printing) while 100kG supports (encourages) subtractive technolgies such as those from ShopBot, Epilog, and others.

Go check them out and see how you can participate!

Ladies and Gents: We have a Date! MF:NC Is a Go!

Save the Date! Maker Faire:NC is Sunday, April 25!I'm overjoyed to announce that the Maker Faire:NC will be held on Sunday, April 25 at Loehmann’s Plaza on Hillandale Road in Durham, NC.

The address of the shopping center is 1821 Hillandale Rd, Durham NC 27705.

The MakerFaire:NC will be held in conjunction with the annual very-awesome, never-boring ShopBot Jamboree!  Come hang out with Team Shopbot and stay for Maker Faire:NC!

There is a Hampton Inn across the street from the event and a Red Roof Inn around the corner.

Hotel:Durham Courtyard by Marriott, 1815 Front Street, Durham, NC 27705,

Closest Airport:RDU International Airport, 2400 W. Terminal Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27623

In the coming few days I will be announcing more details about the schedule including dropoff/setup times for Makers, volunteer coordination meetings, etc.  Until then, spread the word for us, submit your projects, and GET MAKING!

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