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Maker Faire Licensing Guidelines
We have developed a set of guidelines and recommendations for licensed Maker Faires. Please review these carefully before applying for a license.
Leadership Team Maker Faire is truly a collaboration. It is recommended to have a leader and/or a core team responsible for the organization and production. This team will work closely with the event venue, the makers, and community stakeholders.
Application Basics
- Who Can Apply Anyone can apply for a Maker Faire license. Non-profits, businesses, institutions, museums, schools, community organizations, government entities, and individuals are all eligible for Maker Faire licenses. Please apply for a license at least four months before your proposed event date (and be considerate of other Maker Faire events in your region by checking the Maker Faire Map).
- Licensing To organize a Maker Faire, you must have a signed licensing agreement. You may not use the Maker Faire brand or trademark without this license. Licenses typically cover a 12 or 24 month period. Organizers must reapply and be in good standing to renew their license.
- License Fee Fees are applicable for both free and paid ticket events. Given the variety of organizations that apply, fees are determined in conversation with the applicant.
- Size Maker Faire come in all shapes and sizes — from 100,000 person extravaganzas to intimate, community celebrations. Featured Maker Faires tend to be larger, multi-day events with more makers, more participants, and a higher public profile.
- Duration It is recommended that first-year events are no more than eight-hours. Most, but not all, larger Maker Faires extend through a whole weekend. Some Maker Faires also open their events early (before the public) for special groups like students or educators.
- Sub-Events We will consider applications for Maker Faires as part of festivals or other events, assuming all requirements are met.
Production Budget & Tasks It is important to create a budget that identifies what resources are available to you and the associated costs. Up-front costs might include:
- Venue rental
- Furniture rental (eg.at a minimum, tables, and chairs, and tents)
- Advertising and Marketing
- Insurance (Organizers are asked to provide evidence of event insurance and, unless agreed upon, list Make: Community as additional insured no later than 30 days before the event.)
- Security
- Permits
- Equipment rentals
- On-Site Materials
- Staffing
- License fee
Plan carefully and create a budget to accommodate estimated revenue and expenses. Make sure you have a core team member devoted to tracking costs and managing revenue.
Selling tickets, sponsorship, and fundraising can help underwrite costs. Get creative with in-kind sponsors or partners who can donate supplies, equipment, and possibly a venue to reduce costs.
Maker Faire Marks & Branding
- Naming Maker Faires are named for a community, district, or city. If your preferred naming extends into the surrounding region, please be prepared to provide examples of common usage of that name within the specified geographic area.
- Logos and Visual Identity Maker Faire will deliver a complete logo set to licensed Maker Faire organizers for use during the term of the license and in conjunction with the event. Maker Faire organizers must follow Maker Faire identity guidelines. Designed collateral (posters, web banners, ads, signs, etc.) are subject to review and approval.
- Images We ask that organizers be sensitive setting audience expectations and to not promote their event using images of large projects from other Maker Faires that will not be present at their event.
- Websites A custom domain, hosting, WordPress theme (with Call for Makers feature), and basic support are provided upon licensing unless otherwise agreed upon with the Make: Community team. Additional website support can be arranged for a fee.
- Social Media Do not employ the Maker Faire trademark in a username, page, or profile on any social media platform (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr) for a proposed event until your license has been approved.
Registration and Ticketing Maker Faire registration and ticketing for both free and paid events is run from the Maker Faire Eventbrite master account. Exceptions are considered for events with comprehensive registration systems in place. Eventbrite is not required (though can be used) for events outside of the United States. Eventbrite also provides a high level of analytics that we have found very useful.
Location Your venue is the “frame” of your event. The design and feel of the space influences the experience for Makers and guests. Consider the following when choosing a location:
- Indoor and outdoor space
- Accessible water fountains and restrooms
- Accessible public transit and sufficient nearby parking
- Required permits
- Convenient access for families and safe surroundings
- Good load-in access for trucks, etc.
- Electricity and Internet access
- Protection from inclement weather
Sponsorship Developing a sponsorship program for your faire is suggested for events that need additional funding. We have the tools and resources available to help you get started.
- Approaching Potential Sponsors Maker Faire is a family-friendly event; sponsors must align with the interests of this audience.
- Make: Community is to be treated as a highest-tier sponsor of the event by displaying the Make: Community logo wherever highest level sponsors are referenced (i.e. on the website, program, and in marketing materials for the event).
