Maker Faire Traveler Program
Maker Faire Bay Area 2015
Help out at the Maker Faire and attend for free! The Maker Faire Traveler Program takes you behind the scenes at our flagship events in Bay Area and New York. Take the skills you learn from these events into your community and spread the Maker Spirit.
To get started, click on step 1.
Traveler’s Guide
Learn more about becoming a Traveler with this Guide. For Travelers, we provide the opportunity and platform to enhance your skills. You travel throughout the Maker Movement to get behind-the-scenes experience, and help make the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth happen!
Maker Media, Inc., Maker Faire and the Maker Movement:
- What is the Maker Movement?
- What is Maker Faire?
- What is a Traveler?
- Why was the Maker Corps at Maker Faire renamed the Maker Faire Traveler Program?
Traveler Preparation:
- What is important for me to know about being a Traveler?
- How old do I have to be to become a Traveler?
- How do I become a Maker Traveler?
- What are the perks of being a Maker Traveler?
- What are the time commitments of the Maker Traveler?
- What are the available shifts for the Maker Traveler at Maker Faire?
- What sort of jobs do Maker Travelers do at Maker Faire?
- How do I sign up with a specific Maker?
- How do I become a Green Traveler?
- What are the perks of being a Green Traveler?
- What are the available shifts for the Green Traveler at Maker Faire?
Becoming a Maker Traveler
Becoming a Green Traveler
Directions, Parking, Entry:
- What will I need to have with me onsite for Maker Faire?
- Where will I park when I arrive at Maker Faire?
- Where will I enter when I arrive at Maker Faire?
- What if I have additional questions?
Maker Media, Inc., Maker Faire and the Maker Movement:
What is the Maker Movement?
With the launch of MAKE Magazine in 2005, Dougherty and his team provided the catalyst for a tech-influenced DIY community that has come to be identified as the Maker Movement. As the movement has gathered increasing momentum, makers have created their own market ecosystem, developing new products and services. The combination of ingenious makers and innovative technologies such as the Arduino microcontroller and personal 3D printing are driving innovation in manufacturing, engineering, industrial design, hardware technology and education. Over the years, the MAKE division has become synonymous with the Maker Movement and is the recognized leader of this growing community of makers.
What is Maker Faire?
Maker Faire is primarily designed to be forward-looking, showcasing makers who are exploring new forms and new technologies. But it’s not just for the novel in technical fields; Maker Faire features innovation and experimentation across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, performance and craft.
Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. It’s a venue for makers to show examples of their work and interact with others about it. Many makers say they have no other place to share what they do. DIY (Do-It-Yourself) is often invisible in our communities, taking place in shops, garages and on kitchen tables. It’s typically out of the spotlight of traditional art or science or craft events. Maker Faire makes visible these projects and ideas that we don’t encounter every day.
What is a Traveler?
A Traveler is someone who sees the value in being a part of the Maker Movement and the important place Maker Faire has in that Movement. The Traveler is willing to lend a hand where needed, is flexible, eager to work, and is well versed on all things Maker Faire. A Traveler also has the skills to help and make throughout the Maker Movement.
Why was the Maker Corps at Maker Faire renamed the Maker Faire Traveler Program?
The Maker Movement extends far beyond the inspiring days of the Maker Faire. Many of the ideas born at Maker Faire, grow and develop throughout the Movement. The Maker Corps at Maker Faire was a name that conveyed the great sense of commitment and willingness to serve the greater community of Makers. It conveyed that message so well, that our Founder Dale Dougherty, decided the name should be used in the greater Movement to represent those who support Young Makers, Makerspaces and The Maker Education Initiative. For those who are new to this Movement, we invite you to become a Maker Traveler. Join us on a journey where you can learn about the Maker Movement, help in the production of the Maker Faire and share the influence of the Maker Faire in your community. Become a Maker Traveler, adventure awaits!
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Traveler Preparation:
What is important for me to know about being a Traveler?
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Dependability and Punctuality
Your assignment is an important one. Therefore, we ask that you honor the commitments that you make. Should you be unable to fulfill an assignment that you have accepted, prior to showtime, please communicate your situation with us. Maker Travelers email traveler@makerfaire.com and Green Travelers email greentraveler@makerfaire.com with any questions or information about your assignment.
Professionalism
Although this experience is part of a training program, the commitment is professional. Event production training at Maker Faire requires that you be punctual and communicate agreeably with the staff, guests, and other Travelers. Occasionally, you may have challenges with the behavior of a guest, exhibitor, or staff person that you may deal with. We are here if you feel uncomfortable; if you have any problems, please bring it up with the Maker Traveler Agent, Sonia Russell.
Assigned Positions
Please remain in your assigned area until you are released by your manager. Your role is important, and once you depart, we need to fill it. You should remain in your position until the next shift arrives, even if your relief is late. If you feel you have been left at your position for longer than agreed, please get word back to the area manager assigned to your area.
Understanding Your Assignment
Please take the time to understand your assignment. Do not hesitate to ask any Crew Member for assistance if you need it. They will be able to radio Sonia Russell onsite to assist you further with any concerns or questions you may have. It is most important to let the attendees know that you will check, rather than give out incorrect information.
Checking Out
Return to the Maker Traveler booth to check out after you have completed your assignment.
How old do I have to be to become a Traveler?
You must be at least 18 year old to participate alone.
If you are younger than 18 years old, and older than 16 years old, you can participate alone, but must have an additional permission slip submitted BY YOUR PARENT/GUARDIAN.
PERMISSION SLIP FOR 15-16
If you are younger than 16, and older than 13, you must have a PARENT/GUARDIAN ONSITE.
PERMISSION SLIP FOR 13-15
If you are under 13 years old, we are unable to have you participate as a Traveler.
Becoming a Maker Traveler:
How do I become a Maker Traveler?
In order to become a Maker Traveler you must:
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Complete the two Training Modules:
Module 1
Module 1 Assessment
Module 2
Module 2 Assessment
Sign up for a shift!
What are the perks of being a Maker Traveler?
- Day Pass to Maker Faire
- Maker Traveler T-shirt
- Maker Traveler Credential
- Traveler Passport
- Access to exclusive Maker Lounge
Perks for a 4 hour shift:
- Day Pass to Maker Faire
- Maker Traveler T-shirt
- Maker Traveler Credential
- Traveler Passport
- Access to exclusive Maker Lounge
- Maker Faire Paperback Journal
Perks for a 5 hour shift:
- Day Pass to Maker Faire
- Maker Traveler T-shirt
- Maker Traveler Credential
- Traveler Passport
- Access to exclusive Maker Lounge
- Maker Faire Paperback Journal
- An extra special gift!
Perks for an 8 – 10 hour shifts:
Sign up for the 3rd shift on Sunday and receive an additional special gift!
What are the time commitments of the Maker Traveler?
Before Maker Faire you will need to complete the online training module learning about Maker Faire and the Maker Movement and answer the assessment questions that follow the video. (approximately 15 minutes of your time). Once you arrive onsite, each shift is a minimum of 4 – 5 hours. Of course, our hope is that you will enjoy working with us at Maker Faire and want to participate throughout the weekend. We’re happy to work with you on your schedule in terms of breaks and time off to experience Maker Faire on your own.
What are the available shifts for the Maker Traveler at Maker Faire?
| Wednesday, May 13 | SET UP | 1:00pm – 6:30pm | ||
| Thursday, May 14 | SET UP | 10:00am – 2:00pm | 1:00pm – 5:00pm | |
| Friday, May 15 | SET UP | 8:00am – 12:00pm | 11:30am – 4:30pm | 4:00pm – 8:00pm |
| Saturday, May 16 | SHOWTIME | 8:00am – 12:00pm | 11:30am – 4:30pm | 4:00pm – 8:00pm |
| Sunday, May 17 | SHOWTIME | 8:00am – 12:00pm | 11:30am – 4:30pm | 4:00pm – 8:00pm |
What sort of jobs do Maker Travelers do at Maker Faire?
- Set Up Staff — Maker check-in and load-in
- Special Activities — support with keeping the area fun and safe for Maker Camp, Education Day and Learn to Solder
- Maker Shed (Bookstore) Assistants — General set-up and basic assembly of materials distributed and sold in the bookstore.
- Information Booth — Answer questions from the public regarding the attractions and their locations.
- Maker Check-In Attendants — Assist Makers with check in, welcome packages and directing them to their location.
- Maker Assistants — Help as needed with breaks and whatever they may need in the way of assistance to help showcase their project.
- General Runners — Task related assignments directed by the Show Office, our Sales Department, Subscriptions
- Activity Wristband Stations/Roamers — Assist with acquiring signatures on waivers and distributing wristbands.
- Sustainability/Greening – Help make sure that Maker Faire minimalizes it’s footprint.
- General – I’m flexible and willing to do ANYTHING you need!
How do I sign up with a specific Maker?
If you are volunteering for a specific exhibit, DO NOT sign up here. Please contact the Maker directly to sign up with them to help with their exhibit.
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Becoming a Green Traveler:
How do I become a Green Traveler?
Join the Maker Faire Green Travelers as a zero-waste expert to teach young makers the way to preserve our environmental resources and remind all to Think before they throw by teaching people to identify compostable/recyclable/non-recyclable items at waste stations located throughout the Faire!
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Sign up for your shift(s), selecting the day and time you would like to work: here
Watch the Training Presentation sent in your confirmation email.
Complete the Training Presentation Assessment.
What are the perks of being a Green Traveler?
Perks for 1 shift:
- Maker Faire Green Traveler T-shirt
- Day Pass to Maker Faire
- Traveler Credential
- Maker Faire Journal
- Access to exclusive Maker Lounge
- Real Facts on Recycling, Zero Waste Training Course
Perks for 2 full shifts:
- Maker Faire Green Traveler T-shirt
- Weekend pass to Maker Faire
- Traveler Credential
- Maker Faire Journal
- Access to exclusive Maker Lounge
- Real Facts on Recycling, Zero Waste Training Course
Sign up for the 3rd shift on Sunday and receive a special gift!
What are the available shifts for the Green Traveler at Maker Faire?
Shifts: (Choose one or more)
| Thursday, May 14 | SET UP | 10:00am – 4:00pm | ||
| Friday, May 15 | SET UP | 11:30am – 2:30pm | 3:00pm – 7:00pm | |
| Saturday, May 16 | SHOWTIME | 9:30am – 1:30pm | 1:00pm – 5:00pm | 4:30pm – 8:30pm |
| Sunday, May 17 | SHOWTIME | 9:30am – 1:30pm | 12:30am – 4:30pm | 3:30pm – 7:00pm* |
- *Zero Waste Monitors & Maker Breakdown
Sign up to become a Green Traveler!
Directions, Parking, Entry:
What will I need to have with me onsite for Maker Faire?
You may want to bring a sun hat and sunscreen, as some assignments may be outside. Wear comfortable shoes. We also recommend a water bottle. We will provide some snacks and you will have access to the Maker Lounge where you can purchase food at a discounted price, we will NOT be providing you will meals. Be sure to bring your printed Eventbrite Entry Pass.
Where will I park when I arrive at Maker Faire?
Check out the Getting to Maker Faire page for travel and parking information. Link to the site will available Mid-April.
Where will I enter when I arrive at Maker Faire?
All travelers need to obtain an Entry Pass in advance through Eventbrite.
- Go directly to the Traveler Station at Gate 8 and show your Entry Pass.
- You will be shown the location of the Traveler Station.
- You will meet your Traveler Agent and continue your to your destination.
What if I have additional questions?
If your questions have not been answered, please send us an email traveler@makerfaire.com.
