The only conference by and for leaders of the Maker Movement, MakerCon brings together the best minds of the era to educate and lead, to learn and collaborate. With over 60 speakers on tap, MakerCon collects in one place some of the best ideas and practices to arise in and around the Maker Movement. Here’s a peek at just a few of the leaders we’re bringing to San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts during MakerCon, May 12-13.
Futurist Paul Saffo keynotes on Wednesday, May 13, by taking a look at how Makers will shape the global economy over the coming decades. If the consumer economy is passively dying, the doing economy is actively engaged, pushing huge financial growth and energizing its numbers with the excitement that is generated by mass engagement. Where does the Maker Movement fit into this landscape? Saffo says that’s an easy answer: It’s the catalyst.
Also on Wednesday, ConceptSpring founder Elaine Chen tackles a classic problem with a new set of resolutions. Titling her presentation “Are You Solving a Problem Worth Solving?,” Elaine looks at reliable methods of determining whether all of the hard work your team is doing is worth the effort. The author of Bringing a Hardware Product to Market, Elaine’s company provides strategic product development consulting services to companies just like yours.
Dr. Glenn Green, an associate professor of pediatric otolaryngology at the University of Michigan, is at the forefront of regenerative medicine, using 3D printing technology to save children’s lives. He presents on the possibilities that this tech holds for all of us. “It’s magical to me,” Green told CNN after a 3D printed splint that he had made saved a dying baby. “We’re talking about taking dust and using it to build body parts.” With hospitals across the country installing 3D printing centers able to customize medical devices, this technology is becoming a more common surgery room sight. Green has printed and installed five airway splints to date, all, he says, “with marked success.” Once implanted in a child, the splints hold the airway open until the baby’s body strengthens. Dr. Green is currently developing a prototype for a 3D-printed larynx. Dr. Green leads a plenary on Wednesday morning.
Plan to join us at MakerCon next month to meet these and other leaders of the Maker Movement.
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