Last weekend at World Maker Faire New York, almost 30 Mini Maker Faire producers gathered for workshops, food, and fun.  We also held a Sunday morning presentation and panel discussion on the Make: Live stage about the Mini Maker Faire program and how it works. (To watch, scroll down.)

Special thanks to Mark Mathias of Westport Mini Maker Faire, Shannon Hoover of Calgary Mini Maker Faire, and Luis Rodriguez from Maker Faire Kansas City for participating.  I chose these Mini Maker Faire representatives not just because they produce great Faires, but because they each represent a unique category of event organizer.  Mark/Westport = library.  Shannon/Calgary = makerspace.  Luis/Kansas City = museum.  Sabrina/East Bay = school.

Now for the updates! Three Mini Maker Faires are happening this weekend:

• Fort Wayne Regional Maker Faire (IN): October 6 & 7, 2012 – third annual
• Salt Lake City Mini Maker Faire (UT): October 6, 2012 – first annual
  
• Atlanta Mini Maker Faire (GA): October 6, 2012 – second annual
  

And there are also five fairs coming up within the next two weekends:

• Somerville Mini Maker Faire (MA): October 13, 2012
• Ottawa Mini Maker Faire (Canada): October 13 & 14, 2012
• East Bay Mini Maker Faire (Oakland, CA): October 14, 2012
• Norfolk Mini Maker Faire (VA): October 20, 2012
• Groningen Mini Maker Faire (The Netherlands): October 20, 2012

Please note that unfortunately the Chico Mini Maker Faire on October 13, 2012 has been cancelled. Ticket buyers will be refunded. We encourage anyone from that community who would like to take the reigns next year to let us know of your interest.

Participate! Here are fairs with active and open Call for Makers:

• Mission Mini Maker Faire (San Francisco, CA):  January 27, 2013 - NEW!
• Las Vegas Mini Maker Faire (NV): February 2, 2013
• Denver Mini Maker Faire (CO): May 4, 2013 – NEW!

As promised, here’s the video to our session at Maker Faire New York, “Mini Maker Faires: Building Local Maker Community Around the Globe.”