Make: and Reed Exhibitions are partnering up to launch Maker Faire Chicago 2017. Set for April 22-23 at McCormick Place, the two-day, family-friendly event will be collocated with the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2).

Co-founded in 2006 by Maker Media, Maker Faire festivals gather together tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors to celebrate innovation, creativity and hands-on collaboration across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, performance and craft.

Upon its debut, Maker Faire Chicago will take its place as the third flagship Maker Faire, alongside the New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area Faires.

Approximately 20,000-25,000 attendees and 300-400 “Makers” (i.e., exhibitors) are expected to converge from around the Midwest and beyond for the inaugural Chicago Faire, according to show officials.

“We have known that Chicago supports a growing maker community and we have wanted to organize Maker Faire Chicago to reflect the extent and diversity of making in Chicago,” said Dale Dougherty, founder and CEO of Maker Media, which co-founded Maker Faire in 2006.

He added, “We are excited to partner with Reed Exhibitions to bring Maker Faire to Chicago at McCormick Place, co-located with C2E2.”

Last year, the 11^th annual Maker Faire Bay Area at the San Mateo Event Center drew in 150,000 attendees and 1,300 exhibitors, while the 7^th annual World Maker Faire at the New York Hall of Science in New York City drew in 95,000 attendees and 950 exhibitors to both indoor and outdoor event spaces.

From DIY experts to complete beginners, Maker Faire attendees of all ages can expect plenty of creative inspiration and opportunities to find something to learn about, build or make.

As creative, hands-on events for makers of all ages, ranging from DIY experts to complete beginners, Maker Faire Chicago attendees can look forward to finding something fun and inspiring to learn about, build or make.

“Reed Exhibitions is excited to partner with Make: to launch a flagship Maker Faire alongside C2E2,” said Nancy Walsh, president of Reed Exhibitions North America.

She added, “Make: is a respected brand and a leader in the Maker Movement, and we believe that this launch will open up many opportunities for the future growth of both events, continuing to bring a one-of-a-kind event weekend to the city of Chicago.”

In 2016, Maker Faire celebrated 192 Faires in 38 countries across the globe, including Tokyo, Rome, Oslo, Berlin, Paris and Singapore, and in U.S. cities including Atlanta, Detroit, Kansas City, Orlando, Pittsburgh and San Diego.