From the Founders
What we learned at our first Maker Faire.
We went to our first Maker Faire to introduce SparkBlocks. We came home with a sold-out booth, a Make Magazine Editors' Choice ribbon, and a lot to think about.
One decision shaped much of our experience: adding a build table. We wanted kids to have their own space to play while we connected with parents and explained the different ways families could use SparkBlocks.
We expected the table to open up space for conversations. What we hadn't expected was the kind of conversations it would start as parents watched their little builders get lost in their builds for up to an hour. With so much else at Maker Faire to see and do, they were happy to stay and build. Of all the responses we received, that was one of the most satisfying to watch.
Making room to stay
As we pitched the product, parents would be immediately impressed by the educational value, but as kids hung around and got lost in unstructured play, parents would see them engage in an entirely different way. It was such a great thing to see. We could explain what we hoped families would get from it and hear what interested them, all as they witnessed their children's creativity come alive.
Some of the youngest visitors surprised us too. We saw children as young as three catching on quickly when their parents built alongside them and taught as they played. The shared part of that experience mattered: parents were involved, helping their children explore. It was lovely to see families finding a way to join in together.
Giving children their own space had been a deliberate choice. Seeing how much time they wanted to spend there and the impression it left on the parents made us appreciate that choice even more. The table gave us a chance to let an experience unfold, rather than having to explain everything ourselves.
A reaction we hadn't expected
One of the most rewarding experiences was hearing so many people tell us how much they wished SparkBlocks had been around when they were children. It was heartwarming to hear people bringing their own memories and love for building into the conversation. Those exchanges were part of why we wanted time with parents in the first place. We could share the possibilities we saw in SparkBlocks, then listen to what caught their attention.
The lesson in selling out
They say that some problems are good problems to have, but selling out on the first day and spending the rest of the weekend telling people we were out of stock didn't feel good. We had no idea demand would be that high, and we were excited by the response, but we had to acknowledge that we played it a little too safe when choosing how much to bring with us.
That is the practical lesson we need to act on. It is easy to focus on how encouraging a sellout feels, but in the future it's important to arrive better prepared to meet demand. The interest we saw at Maker Faire gave us a reason to rethink our approach. Going forward, we hope we can avoid disappointing enthusiastic families.
Recognition that meant something personal
Receiving a Make Magazine Editors' Choice ribbon on our very first trip was special. We've been loyal readers for more than 15 years, so being recognized by that same publication meant a great deal to both of us.
For years, our connection with Make Magazine had been as readers. This time, we were at Maker Faire with something we had created, and we received a ribbon for it. That made the recognition feel personal. We were proud to bring it home from our first visit, and it makes us want to go back next year with an even better experience in store.
What we want to carry forward
We left with a clearer idea of what we want to make room for at future events. Children need space to get absorbed in a build. We want time to talk with parents and hear what they see in SparkBlocks. And we need to come prepared. We are so grateful for all of the positive encounters we had with kids and parents alike, who gave us plenty of encouragement as we look forward to future events.
