It was so worth it. You can’t expect to have something & it be an instant hit. It takes time & experience to gain more. Next year I would like to cut out key chains or something similar. Something to they can take with them that’s tangible. I will donate the steel for it.
3 Likes
Like Tim it was so worth it. A lot of Makers got to show off some of their “Makes” to outsiders as well as to eacother.
I believed the goal of Open House was 3 fold:
-
Just letting people know such a place exist and there is something for everyone, and WE, DMS are a very diverse community of talents, inerterests, and, personalities, as well as a place to express yourself. Over 300 people took the time to drive out and take time out of their day to check us out. Goal achieved.
-
Recruitment, Yes. I was helping people join and get their badges. The number may have been higher as we had some problems (many many thanks to Brooks and Alex for helping resolve some of them … plus I learned a few questions to ask to avoid problems from them). I think we will get more than 10 out of this. But 10 folks is 10 new Makers. Plus I think a number of those folks will be back.
-
We, WE as in members … Celebrated being six years old and two years where we are. We were all tired but you could see/hear the enthusiasm even in the hoarse voices of folks giving tours. The longer those of us that have been members, even just just 2 years, think of 2014 verses now. (I’m a noob at just 3 years), Wow! If you are from Ladybird or beyond …Super Wow.
Also, many thanks to all that helped or dragooned folks into carpet cleaning, painting walls, getting things ready, flyers, all of it. I only regret I missed the first batch of ice scream Ken made.
2 Likes
That looks like an interesting restaurant. What is it?
Papa’s brothers bbq off 35& northwest highway.
2 Likes
I think next time we need to screen some additional T-shirts … my husband thinks he has earned one that says Makerspace Widow(er).
4 Likes
One would hope that the longer-term net membership gain is appreciably higher than 10; I believe we’ve had Thursday nights with similar membership bumps.
1 Like
Open house is more than just gaining membership. I think it is more about seeing the interesting projects everyone had worked on the last year. Also about reconnecting and getting re-inspired.
Can’t help when you have good dinner company.
2 Likes
I was over with screen printing - heard a bang followed by cheers. Honestly, one of my favorite “maker moments” ever - just goes to prove how absolutely amazing this place is. I, for one, vote we shellac that ceiling tile and hang it on a wall for its historical context.
Great job everyone. I appreciate the love @Nick but this was the efforts of a huge dream team. I just have the credit card.
4 Likes
It could have the video coverage of the event - allowing history to be relived!
The cheers just show success is measured in different ways at the Space.
1 Like
I agree with @MellissaRhodes,
Our community building is our super power here. I gave a tour to a couple that works at the Austin Tech Shop. They walked through our space with giant googly eyes staring at all we had to offer and just couldn’t believe it. We offer much more than they do at a price point they couldn’t even come close to matching. I know this, because they tried it and told me how it was a failure. They were most impressed that our community is so inviting. They seemed dumb founded at times when I explained how we got the tools we offer, how we keep them running and how the thanks goes to all the members that chip in all the time.
I also had the honor to give a tour to a family with an autistic daughter that is excited to join our community for the opportunity to allow their daughter a safer environment to spread her wings, and of course her dad is excited to use the tools.
We are an awesome group and the pay off of our labors will show in the very near future. I know of at least another 10 people I gave tours to that I expect to see at the space in the coming weeks.
4 Likes
Our success lies within our delicate balance of community + facilities… an elusive recipe which cannot be bought and cannot be faked. Too much of the former turns it into a crash pad where nothing gets done. Too much of the latter turns it into a Home Depot-by-the-hour. Functional, but empty… with no one wanting to be there and contribute.
Events like our annual open house party prove our success due in large part to the efforts of our volunteer leaders (whether on the board or not) and the vibrancy and diversity of our members. Our willingness to collaborate and focus upon excellence, all of us, is the true greatness of our space… and the legacy we are leaving for others.
Well done all… another year in the bag.
6 Likes
I got a quick aerial video of the parking lot around peak time. The parking lot was full end-to-end:
6 Likes
I know I had a great time, even though I only saw the event from the inside of the CA room. I got to meet a lot of excited people, both members and visitors.
We do have about 85 dog tags left over from the open house. They have the Makerspace logo on one side, and I can put one of our open house designs on the other side for you. you can see all of the available designs at Dog Tags for Open House. I just ask that you donate $1 per dog tag to CA to defray the costs.
PM me if you want me to make you one.
2 Likes
I invited a friend to the open house and he signed up all of his family members, too. That is three new memberships at least. I sat down with him when he did it. @hasbridge also hunted down some tags and card for them. I was also told by several on the tour that they were going to join, so I’m a bit surprised by the 10 count.
I wasn’t able to stay all day as it was moving day for my company, but I had a fabulous time. it was great to see all of the wonderful things people are making or have made. I want thank everyone that put in the time to make the event a success.
I think we made a huge presence in the community, too. We have a lot to be proud of.
Don’t forget that the 22nd is North Texas giving day, too. https://northtexasgivingday.org/ You can give to DMS through this.
2 Likes
It is not too late for Ken to submit a 10x10…
3 Likes
Maybe the size requirement could be waved for such a historicaly significant artifact.
I think the 10 counted are primary memberships only, not including addons. I assume the guy you helped only counts as one, with his family members as add-ons to his account.
One of the visitors who took the tour showed me this video. He was good enough to send me a copy:
6 Likes