in partnership with Volkswagen Group of America
June 7-9, 2023 in Chattanooga, TN
The Chattanooga Fab Institute is a 3-day digital fabrication conference presented by Public Education Foundation and Hamilton County Schools that offers educators an opportunity to engage in authentic experiences with 3D printing, laser engraving/cutting, vinyl cutting, CNC routing, micro-computing, and much more!
This is our flagship, 5th annual institute for educators eager to learn more about how the world's largest FabLab network, VW eLabs, are transforming education! This year, we have added PreConference Workshops on June 6th, where attendees can jump into introductory sessions to learn the basics of how to use the equipment and software featured during the institute.
presented by PEF and eduFab
June 5-6, 2023 in Chattanooga, TN
FabConnect is new event presented by PEF and eduFab designed to provide opportunities for makerspace, FabLab, and STEM lab leaders to engage with like-minded individuals in an effort to create national network as we collaborate to Build What's Next!
If you lead a FabLab or makerspace in a formal or informal educational setting, or if you run a community space, this event is for you. It will be a chance to engage with others who share your passion as we all exchange insights, ideas, best practices, and work together to continue to drive forward!
PERSONALIZEDEXPERIENCES
In response to attendee feedback, we have once again improved the experience. For 2023, we are introducing pre-conference workshops on June 6th. This requires separate registration, but allows attendees to engage in hands-on, tool-specific learning to gain a basic understanding of how to use the equipment and software prior to the institute!
Each day will feature brief tech-workshops as attendees gain hands-on experience working with the technology in the labs. While no one can master this tech in three days, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the joy and wonder of learning when you can "make almost anything!"
ADMINDAY
Returning to the 2023 institute is the CFI Admin Day (June 9, 2023) specifically designed for building and system-level administrators. This one-day experience will expose leaders to the potential of digital fabrication and will provide opportunities to interact with the stakeholders who have to made Hamilton County Schools a world leader in school-based Fab Labs! The day will include site visits to the labs hosting the institute and a series of sessions with the principals, district leaders, and community partners who developed the framework for revolutionizing student experiences through digital fabrication.
Administrators are encouraged to attend the full institute, but separate registration for the CFI Admin Day is required.
FABPRESENTATIONS
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Iona Holloway // 06.07.2023
Iona is the co-founder of the breathwork app, Soul, a creative inner work coach at Brave Thing, and the best-selling author of Ghost — Why Perfect Women Shrink. She’s also a former NCAA D1 All-American athlete. Iona has spoken on the topics of creativity and bravery and facilitated Soul@Work experiences for organizations including Teach for America, Creative Mornings, NeuroGym, and her alma mater, Syracuse University. Her work has been featured on platforms including the BBC and Entrepreneur. Iona’s gift: using vulnerability, strength, and humor to speak directly to the hearts of others. When she speaks, people feel seen, crack open, and make moves. Follow Iona on Instagram at @ionaholloway and @soul.breathwork.
Volkswagen eLab Student Inventors // 06.08.2023
Hamilton County students in Volkswagen eLabs have made incredible progress. Student teams have worked in the labs throughout the year to create functional solutions to authentic problems.
Chattanooga Fab Institute attendees will have a chance to hear lightning talks from students as they share their work. Then, students will host a brief expo where attendees can engage with the students to learn how they use the labs to transform their learning experiences.
This is a perfect opportunity for institute attendees to engage with students as they share the results of their experiences in digital fabrication. Come prepared to ask tough questions and find out what and how students are learning in these labs!
INSTITUTELOCATION
Chattanooga Whiskey Event Hall
890 Riverfront Parkway
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Each day will begin at the Chattanooga Whiskey Event Hall where attendees can park for free all day and will have easy access to all of Chattanooga's downtown attractions. Our team will provide complimentary busing each day to the Volkswagen eLab or HCS eLab host sites.
HOTELINFORMATION
Any downtown Chattanooga area hotels will work nicely for the event, but we encourage you to check out the great deal from our lodging partner below.
434 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 || 423.777.5858
$145 / night plus taxes and fees
promotion ends May 5, 2023