It’s almost here, October 12-13, 2019 in Bel Air, Maryland. With the bankruptcy announced earlier this year by the Maker Fair sponsors, the #ERRF2019 is set to be the next big event for the maker community. 2018 was the first time East Coast RepRap was held and saw a modest turnout for vendors and makers alike. This year’s festival seems to have the makings of an even larger festival then the 2018 show.
So what is East Coast RepRap?
Vendors will be showing the latest in 3D printing technology, while users will be showing off their latest projects. The festival will even host contests such as a print derby. Contestants are asked to print 3D Derby Cars to be raced the day of the festival. One other such contest will have participants altering and printing Daniel Noree’s 3DBenchy. Prizes will be given for best and worse prints. Their will even be cosplay at the event, although the event staff have asked that no swords, guns or other 3D printed weapons be brought into the show, as you will not be allowed to enter.
Sponsors and Vendors
At the time this article was written the show already had more than 50 sponsors and venders signed up for the show. Most of these will be on the floor selling discounted merchandise as well as giving away swag. After all who doesn’t need another free drink cozy? We were just joking on the last.
Speakers and Guests
There will even be a keynote from Adrian Bower, the “father of RepRap”. The Friday Night Kickoff party time and location is yet to be announced. You might even bump into Joel Telling, the 3D Printing Nerd. There is still time to sign up to attend. Although at last look the vender tables were sold out. Tickets for $0 to $10 dollars can be found at www.ERRF2019.Eventbrite.com.
Live Stream
Don’t worry though, if you can’t make it they will be streaming live on http://YouTube.com , although an address has not been provided as of yet for the stream. We are sure one will be provided through the web site http://eastcoastreprapfestival.com/
Let’s Support Them!
As a community we need to support these shows, as it encourages vendors to support our hobby. It would be a terrible thing for the demise of the Maker Fares to adversely affect our wonderful hobby. I have been a maker in one way or another since being a child of the ‘80s and have seen many wonderful events and technologies disappear. It’s like seeing the Arcades of the ‘80s slowly start to evaporate again. Writing this article is my way to support this evolving community in hopes of showing my hobby to my kids to spark their interest in making also.
Conclusion
The 2nd Annual East Coast RepRap Festival will be held in Bel Air, Maryland October 12-13, 2019. Tickets for $0-$10 dollars can be found at www.ERRF2019.Eventbrite.com. Let’s support them and make this event the largest attended RepRap Festival in the world. Let’s keep this wonderful hobby going strong and not let the demise of the Maker Fare harm our commodity.
I would love to be able to attend.
Sounds like an event I really must visit next time for sure.