Maker Network 2024
Maker Network 2024
January 10, 2024 | 9a-1p
Siebel Center for Design
Creating a UIUC Maker Network
SCD is producing and hosting the first annual Maker Network event, as an opportunity for managers at UIUC makerspaces, creator studios, and production labs to connect and learn about the resources available on campus. Inspired by the need to connect students to resources, and a guidebook created by one of SCD's first student team members, the Maker Network looks to develop an ongoing solution to keeping our staff and students informed.
During this event, we will present our vision for the Maker Network and the combination of resources we believe can support a sustainable approach to keeping the campus better connected. Check out the schedule and session descriptions below to learn more, and RSVP to join us for this inaugural event!
When completing your RSVP, we will collect some information about your labs or spaces to help us update the Maker Network Guide for 2024. Please let us know if you are coming, so we can have refreshments and lunch for everyone!
Schedule and Session Information.
All sessions held at Siebel Center for Design, 1208 S. 4th Street, Champaign
9a-9:30a: Welcome Activities and Announcements (light refreshments and coffee provided) [SCD Gallery and Upper Lobby]
As guests arrive, we will have a series of prompts that will help us gather some initial data and insights from this group. In true SCD fashion, we will have whiteboards and post-it notes available to collect your thoughts, while you start mingling with your fellow Maker Network managers.
9:30-9:50a: The Maker Network: From a Guidebook, to an RSO, to Today [SCD Gallery]
SCD's Sr. Associate Director of Operations and Experience, Nicholas Puddicombe, will take you through a brief overview of the Maker Network concept and history. Pulling from experiences with advising RSOs and managing student teams, along with overseeing the opening of SCD and learning about the resources available on campus, Nick developed a concept, and the SCD team has implemented the foundations of a connected network of UIUC resources.
10a-10:45a: Keynote Presentation with Neil Pearse: SCD Information and Resources [SCD Starlight Room and Upper Lobby]
SCD opened the Shop and Media Studio in January of 2022, and we are celebrating 2 years of operations and experiences as the new makerspace on campus. Neil Pearse, the SCD Lab and Equipment Operations Manager, will provide an overview of what the SCD labs have to offer, how we have operated the spaces, and what we have learned from supporting guests from across campus.
10:45a-11:15a: The Maker Network RSO and Precious Plastics UIUC [SCD Starlight Room and Upper Lobby]
Learn about the Maker Network RSO and their work with the Precious Plastics project, which will offer a sustainable future for plastic waste across makerspaces on campus. SCD has supported the creation of the RSO with advising, space, and team support, and is excited to have the group working to connect our various spaces through this sustainability initiative. We will also take this time to collect information for the next volume of the Maker Network Guidebook, and preview the latest edition coming this Spring.
11:30-12p: Tours of the SCD Labs and Media Studio
We will offer self-guided tours of the SCD Labs and Media Studio, with members of the SCD team available in each space to answer questions and share information about what you can find in SCD.
12p-1p: Lunch and Networking (lunch provided- please RSVP) [SCD Starlight Room, Gallery, and Upper Lobby]
Finish your morning with the Maker Network by joining us for lunch and networking. We will have a video from a presentation Neil shared at the International Symposium on Academic Makerspaces (ISAM) playing in the Starlight Room, and plenty of open seating in the Gallery if you want to chat and network.