Big names at Brighton Mini Maker Faire Conference

This year’s Brighton Maker Faire will have a mini conference running alongside the main show. In addition to all the amazing makers in the interactive exhibition, there will be some inspiring speakers and high profile panellists discussing hot issues. From conductive paint, digital pyrotechnics, toys of the future, and 3D printing to the Raspberry Pi phenomenon and the art of metalworking. You can’t afford to miss this if you are curious about the latest thinking in the world of makers.

Maggie Philbin, presenter of BBC TV programme Bang Goes the Theory and Founder of Teen Tech, will chair a debate about ‘Making for Social Good’ exploring how the spirit of Maker Faires could be transferred into the school curriculum and whether the government’s latest proposal to get five year olds into programming is a step too far.

Bill Thompson, BBC News Online Technology columnist, pundit and presenter of BBC radio programme Click, will chair a debate about ‘The 3D printing revolution’ to find out whether the hype around this industry is justified and whether it does have the potential to trigger the return of the cottage industry.

For Willard Foxton, a TV producer and journalist, this might be one of the last debates he takes part in. In 2012, he issued a challenge that the first person to 3D print a firearm was welcome to shoot him with it. Later this year he’ll travel to Texas to make good on that promise. His scepticism might have gotten him into serious trouble, but hopefully his wit will help him survive the trip to the US.

Other highlights include talks by award-winning digital artist Seb Lee-Delisle who is the brains behind the famous PixelPyros, a digital fireworks display projected onto a large screen, which the audience controls with their bodies through motion detection sensors.

Jon Mills, one of the most influential UK makers of the last 30 years, will talk about his career as a metalworking artist, and, as age has caught up with him, the emergence of his alter ego “Mr Watt Grumpy Man of Metal”.
If you haven’t been to the Brighton Maker Faire yet, then what are you waiting for, buy your tickets quickly before they are sold out. You might pick up a few tips and tricks from the people behind famous arts or maker projects and exciting start-up companies.

And if you are a regular visitor, then do the same, get in quick and buy an early bird ticket before the end of July! Kids get in for free.

Full running order of talks and debates with background information about speakers and panellists.

Where?
>> Founders Room at the Corn Exchange

When?
>> 11am-5pm, Saturday 7 September

Brighton Mini Maker Faire is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. The event is sponsored by Create and Semantico and produced in association with Make magazine, Build Brighton, Developing Dreams,Brighton Dome, and Draw Blank.

Brighton Mini Maker Faire is part of Brighton Digital Festival, a month-long celebration of digital culture throughout September in Brighton.

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