MakerFest Logo

October 10 & 11, 2024

About MakerFest

Connecting talent with companies

MakerFest was launched in 2015 as a two-day event that showcased the region’s diversity in employers and skills of the future and current workforce.

MakerFest began as a way to link talent with employment openings. Students from more than two dozen school districts throughout the Greater Lima Region gathered at the Veterans Memorial Civic Center to learn about opportunities available at over 100 companies. Students also competed in skilled trades competitions, STEM activities and received career advice during breakout sessions. The event was capped off with a public job fair on the second day.

Greater participation led to the event being moved to the Allen County Fairgrounds in 2019. That year, 1,500 students representing 37 career tech and high schools participated in competitions, heard career presentations, and made contact with 100 companies.

MakerFest 2024 will include interactive demonstrations by companies in the region. Students will learn aspects of a particular job and the skills/training needed to earn that job.

We are excited to share that MakerFest Your Path. Your Future was a success!

Thanks, in large part, to our sponsors. To everyone involved – your support and contributions to the event was incredible! We are fortunate to have such generous sponsors and we can never thank you enough for all the support. With your help, we were able to provide 1,300 students, from 20 schools in the region an opportunity to get a glimpse at the tremendous career opportunities in the region and the educational pathway needed to find success.

The freshmen and sophomores were able to choose from 76 different interactive, hands-on activities. Our goal was to utilize demonstrations to inspire area high school students to pursue career opportunities that exist in the region.

MakerFest Your Path. Your Future. will return in 2024. It will be held at the Allen County Fairgrounds on October 10 & 11, 2024. If you would like to get involved, please reach out to Tina Mathews at the AEDG office. 

Photos from 2023 Event