Maker Faire Austin 2008
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What is MAKE Magazine?
MAKE magazine is a quarterly, project-based magazine dedicated to celebrating the "Do-It-Yourself" (DIY) spirit. MAKE was coined "Martha Stewart For Geeks" by Newsweek's Stephen Levy.

Our mission at MAKE Magazine is to unite, inspire, inform, and entertain a growing community of highly imaginative and resourceful people who undertake amazing projects in their backyards, basements, and garages. We call these people "Makers."

What is the Maker Faire?
In a nutshell, Maker Faire is a two-day, public gathering of tech DIY enthusiasts, teachers, students, tinkerers, hobbyists, inventors, science clubs, authors, manufacturers and retailers, print and broadcast media all coming together to share their projects. There will be scheduled performances, demonstrations, and an abundance of hands-on activities, all designed for an amazing and thrilling experience for those who attend!

When is the Maker Faire?
Saturday, October 18, 2008 - 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, October 19, 2008 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How much are the tickets?

	Advance Purchase before October 3rd		Onsite
	Single Day	Weekend Pass	Single Day
Adult	$20.00	$40.00	$25.00
Student (13 to 21)	$10.00	$20.00	$15.00
Youth (4 to 12)	$5.00	$10.00	$10.00
Kids (3 & under)	Free	Free	Free

Where can I buy tickets?
Maker Faire tickets for the general public can be purchased at a reduced rate at http://www.makerfairetickets.com until midnight on October 3, 2008. Onsite purchases at the Travis County Expo Center and Fairgrounds will be cash and credit cards (American Express, Mastercard and Visa). ATMs will be nearby.

Will there be ATM machines onsite?
Yes, ATM machines will be onsite. To avoid waiting in line, it is best to bring cash for entrance fees and food. The Maker Store will accept credit cards for your purchases in the bookstore.

Where is the Maker Faire?
The Travis County Exposition Center and Fairgrounds located at 7311 Decker Lane, Austin, Texas, 78724. Just 10 miles from downtown Austin!

How to I get to the Travis County Fairgrounds
From the intersection of I-35 and US 290 East in north Austin, go 6 miles east on 290 until you come to the intersection of 290 and Decker Lane (a stop light). Turn right onto Decker Lane and go 3 miles to the front gate of the Expo Center, which will be on your left.
Map for the event site: makezine.com/go/austinmap

Where can I park?
Parking is available at the Travis County Expo Center and Fairgrounds. Public entrance will be at Gate 1. You will be directed to designated parking areas.

Will there be food onsite?
Yes, there is food available onsite. Outside food and beverage is not allowed inside the Travis County Expo Center and Fairgrounds. If you have special dietary needs, please make sure you eat before you come. See the camping details for guidelines about food for campers.

Will there be recycling?
We would like to make certain that everyone is aware of the recycling available at the Maker Faire. We have teamed up with Ecology Action and CLIF Bar to offer recycling options. The public areas we will be collecting aluminum cans, plastic cups, plastics bottles and glass bottles and jars. These bins will have blue tops and be scattered throughout the area.

Is public transportation available?
Capital Metro Bus Route #37 will drop off at Wentworth and Loyola. The Expo Center and Fairgrounds is about an 8-block walk from the drop-off spot. The bus runs approximately every half hour and the cost is $.50 one-way. For a map of the route from downtown at 6th and Brazos see http://www.capmetro.org/riding/current_schedules/maps/rt037_sb.pdf
For specific route information, contact 512-474-1200.

What other local transportation services are available?
Yellow Cab: 512-452-9999
Austin Cab: 512-478-2222

SuperShuttle: Austin direct number: 512-258-3826
We have negotiated a prepaid roundtrip rate at $19 per person if reserved online at www.supershuttle.com. The group discount code 9TTKY.
National number: 1-800-BLUE VAN (512-258-3826)


Rental Car Companies:
Advantage Rent-A-Car: 512-530-3330
Alamo/National Rent-A-Car: 512-530-3500
Avis Car Rental: 512-530-3400
Budget Rent-A-Car: 512-530-3350
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 512-530-7368
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 512-530-8100
Fox Rent-A-Car: 512-530-3900
Hertz Rent-A-Car: 512-530-3600
Thrifty Car Rental: 512-530-6811


Are there hotels nearby?
The official Maker Faire Hotel:

The Radisson Hotel & Suites
Town Lake - Downtown
111 E. Cesar Chavez
Austin, Texas 78701
Reservation Line: 1-800-333-3333
Hotel Front Desk: 1-512-478-9611
http://www.radisson.com/austintx

Discount rooms are available with discount code MAKER. Early booking is strongly recommended, as availability is limited.

What can I expect?
To have the time of your life! You'll be surprised and intrigued with every corner that you turn.

What if it rains?
The show will go on! Bring rain gear to keep you dry when walking outdoors.

Can we bring strollers?
Yes.

Are backpacks allowed?
Yes, you can bring in a backpack. Just remember, no food or bottles. There will be onsite security at the gates.

Can we bring dogs on leashes?
No. Dogs are not allowed at the Travis County Exposition Center and Fairgrounds. For the safety and well being of our four-legged friends, please leave your pets at home. There are loud noises, many moveable parts, fire elements, and large crowds, all of which do not create a safe environment for pets.

Can we camp?
Yes, camping will be available to weekend ticket holders only. The price is $35 per person, over the age of 18. Camping passes for those under 18 are free, but a parent or legal guardian must accompany them. Tickets are available online through the Maker Faire Bookstore.
Find out more about camping at Maker Faire Austin.

What about RVs?
Yes, there are a limited number of RV spaces available at the Travis County Fairgrounds. The fee for Friday and Saturday night RV overnight parking is $200. This includes hook-up for water and 110V power. Should you require additional power, an additional fee will be incurred.

Where is the campground?
The Maker Faire campground will be on the grounds of the Travis County Expo Center. It is a very rustic area with limited facilities. Once you have reserved your camping pass, you will receive a wristband and everyone that enters the camping area will be required to wear their wristband.

Is there a deadline for buying camping passes?
The deadline for purchasing weekend passes is October 10, 2008. Only weekend pass holders can buy camping passes.

What about food for campers?
As you may know, you can not bring food in to the Maker Faire, but ice chests and food will be allowed for those camping and must remain at your campsite during the Maker Faire.

Will campsites be available to purchase onsite?
No camping passes will be sold onsite. All campsites must be reserved and paid for in advance, as camping is limited.