AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - Mar 11, 2016) - Leaders from TechShop Inc., a membership-based, do-it-yourself workshop and fabrication studio, will be participating in two panels at this year's SXSW Interactive Conference to discuss the maker movement. The panels will discuss the maker movement's impact on both frugal innovation, and the widespread entrepreneurial spirit and growing support in America for the future of making.
Since President Obama hosted the first White House Maker Faire in 2014 and declared June 18 the National Day of Making, governments, cities, businesses and citizens responded to the call to action to render America a "Nation of Makers." The U.S. Department of Education even issued a "make over" challenge to create more makerspaces in schools. Hear TechShop CEO Mark Hatch and White House Deputy Director Thomas Kalil speak to how the country is supporting the movement, how maker tools are becoming more accessible to consumers and the effects of this widespread entrepreneurial spirit on the future.
What: SXSW Panel: Nation of Makers 2.0: Rise of Maker Millionaires
Who:
- Mark Hatch, CEO and co-founder, TechShop, @MarkHatch
- Thomas Kalil, White House Deputy Director for Policy, @WhiteHouseOSTP
When: Saturday, March 12, 2016, 12:30-1:30pm CT
Where: Palmer Events Center - SX Create Stage, 900 Barton Springs Rd
In a separate panel, the frugal innovation movement will be discussed, including how it's shifting the paradigm and mentality of society on what can actually be accomplished by making. A "frugal" mentality is not only about doing more with less, but creating an even bigger difference than what was originally possible by reducing the complexity of a product or service to maximize impact. Along with makers who will speak to personal success in this area, TechShop's Vice President of Marketing Carrie Motamedi will be discussing TechShop's ability to provide access to tools only previously available to those with excess capital.
What: SXSW Panel: Frugal Innovation: Making A Culture of Ownership
Who:
- Carrie Motamedi, vice president of marketing, TechShop, @suzychap
- Navi Radjou, innovation and leadership advisor, Frugal Innovation Hub, @NaviRadjou
- Sally Dominguez, innovation consultant, Rainwater HOG LLC, @SallydeMinx
- Ashley Dara Dotz, principal designer and co-founder, Feld Ready, @flylikeagirl42
When: Monday, March 14, 2016, 12:30-1:30pm CT
Where: JW Marriott - Room 303-304, 110 E 2nd St
In addition, TechShop will be exhibiting at SXCreate, booth 201. Stop by to learn more about the company, tools, education, classes and membership. Tours of the Austin-Round Rock location are also available.
About TechShop, Inc. Founded in October 2006, TechShop Inc., is a membership-based, do-it-yourself (DIY) workshop and fabrication studio that provides access to a vibrant community of creative makers and more than $1 million worth of equipment, tools, and software. Based in San Jose, Calif., with locations nationwide, TechShop offers classes, workshops, instruction, and training for people of all ages and skill levels to build whatever they can dream. For information and course listings, visit www.techshop.com, email info@techshop.com or call 855-TECHSHOP. You can follow TechShop on Twitter at @TechShop. TechShop is also on Facebook as TechShop Incorporated.