“Houston Strong” is the theme of this year’s Houston Maker Faire.

But that’s a lot more than just a theme.

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In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Houston makers have already been using their skills and imagination to help rebuild communities.

And Maker Faire Houston, happening this Saturday and Sunday, October 21st and 22nd, is going to challenge them.

As Maker Faire Houston celebrates its fifth anniversary, David Brunet and Andrew Lynch, two of its three co-founders , discussed the ways they’ve reached out to local makers.  For 2017 especially, Maker Faire Houston has asked to showcase their ideas, even beyond what they’ve done in the past.

The result: some exciting keynotes, new educational sessions geared towards teachers, startups, a pitch competition, and lots of fun.  And they’re having Houston’s first-ever

David and Andrew are the President and Vice-President, respectively, of nonprofit Innovation Spark.  In addition to producing Maker Faire Houston as its flagship event, Innovation Spark is dedicated to advancing STEM education in the Houston area.  Innovation Spark furthers that mission with additional events throughout the year, including Comic Palooza and mini maker faires at local schools.

Andrew and David talked about their Maker Faire experiences, the creation of Maker Faire, five years ago, and what 2017 Maker Faire Houston visitors can experience, as makers go “Houston Strong”.

On this edition of Over Coffee® you’ll hear:

• The surprise David received at his first Maker Faire, in San Mateo;

• How David, Andrew and fellow co-founder Mike Kinkel came to create Houston’s Maker Faire;

• “Don’t miss” features at Houston’s Maker Faire 2017;

• What’s going to be going on at Houston Maker Faire’s first “Raspberry Jam” session, with Raspberry Pi;

• What attendees can look forward to, for keynote presentations;

• How the Houston Maker Faire is working to inspire and rebuild Houston after Hurricane Harvey;

• What will be available, in the areas of educational workshops for teachers;

• How a high-school activity sparked Andrew’s passion for robotics;

• What First Robotics will be offering for students;

• A preview of the 3D printing and virtual reality activities onsite;

• What arts and crafts opportunities will be available to younger attendees;

• How the Houston Maker Faire has led to some startups’ success