Maker Faire Chicago Set to Launch in the Windy City
January 24, 2017
Make: and Reed Exhibitions are partnering up to launch Maker Faire Chicago 2017. Set for April 22-23 at McCormick Place, the two-day, family-friendly event will be collocated with the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2).
Co-founded in 2006 by Maker Media, Maker Faire festivals gather together tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors to celebrate innovation, creativity and hands-on collaboration across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, performance and craft.
Upon its debut, Maker Faire Chicago will take its place as the third flagship Maker Faire, alongside the New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area Faires.
Approximately 20,000-25,000 attendees and 300-400 “Makers” (i.e., exhibitors) are expected to converge from around the Midwest and beyond for the inaugural Chicago Faire, according to show officials.
“We have known that Chicago supports a growing maker community and we have wanted to organize Maker Faire Chicago to reflect the extent and diversity of making in Chicago,” said Dale Dougherty, founder and CEO of Maker Media, which co-founded Maker Faire in 2006.
He added, “We are excited to partner with Reed Exhibitions to bring Maker Faire to Chicago at McCormick Place, co-located with C2E2.”
Last year, the 11th annual Maker Faire Bay Area at the San Mateo Event Center drew in 150,000 attendees and 1,300 exhibitors, while the 7th annual World Maker Faire at the New York Hall of Science in New York City drew in 95,000 attendees and 950 exhibitors to both indoor and outdoor event spaces.
From DIY experts to complete beginners, Maker Faire attendees of all ages can expect plenty of creative inspiration and opportunities to find something to learn about, build or make.
As creative, hands-on events for makers of all ages, ranging from DIY experts to complete beginners, Maker Faire Chicago attendees can look forward to finding something fun and inspiring to learn about, build or make.
“Reed Exhibitions is excited to partner with Make: to launch a flagship Maker Faire alongside C2E2,” said Nancy Walsh, president of Reed Exhibitions North America.
She added, “Make: is a respected brand and a leader in the Maker Movement, and we believe that this launch will open up many opportunities for the future growth of both events, continuing to bring a one-of-a-kind event weekend to the city of Chicago.”
In 2016, Maker Faire celebrated 192 Faires in 38 countries across the globe, including Tokyo, Rome, Oslo, Berlin, Paris and Singapore, and in U.S. cities including Atlanta, Detroit, Kansas City, Orlando, Pittsburgh and San Diego.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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