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If You MAKE It, They Will Come--O'Reilly Media Alert: Maker Faire attracts an incredible 65,000 attendees

Press release: May 19, 2008

Maker Faire 2008
"The appeal of trying a little science at home has put the Maker Faire at the center of a movement of tinkerers and backyard experimenters."
—Forbes.com

Sebastopol, CA—Earlier this month, an astonishing 65,000 people from all across the country (and beyond) came to the San Francisco Bay Area to celebrate the world’s premier event for DIY (Do It Yourself) creativity—Maker Faire! Organized by Make Magazine and Craft Magazine, Maker Faire celebrates things people create themselves—from electronic gizmos that would make James Bond jealous, to “slow made” foods and homemade clothes that would make Martha Stewart swoon.

“The whole Faire was wonderful, with surprises around every corner.”
—Jeff Bezos, CEO Amazon.com

The next Maker Faire will take place October 18 & 19 at the Travis County Fairgrounds in Austin, TX. In 2009, Maker Faire may expand to even more locations. “Makers are everywhere, in every city across America and the world,” explained Dale Dougherty, founder of Maker Faire. “We want to tap into these communities, to showcase what people are making, and, in the end, to encourage and inspire even more people to become Makers.”

“The premier event for grassroots American innovation.”
—G4TV

While still the ultimate playground for hackers and geeks, Maker Faire is bringing the inventive and fascinating world of DIY into the mainstream. “We’re amazed at how fast this has grown,” said Event Director Sherry Huss. “Maker Faire has clearly struck a nerve in American culture. We’re reaching 7 year olds, 70 year olds, and everyone in between.”

“The gathering of folks from all walks of life who blend science, technology, craft and art to make things both goofy and grand.”
—The New York Times


To speak with a representative from Maker Faire, please contact Mark Ballard at 212-255-8455 or Mark@rosengrouppr.com.

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