[Open Letter] i3 Detroit 2013 Year-End Reflections and Looking Forward

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Makers, Hackers, and Creators,

We achieved so much in the last year. As 2013 comes to a close, I wanted to highlight a few things this extraordinary organization has accomplished.

We had an incredible amount of classes this year, ranging from Bob Ross paint-a-longs (thanks Kevin), highly-sought after welding classes (thank you Jody), kiln classes (thanks Terry), to laser training, (thanks Matt A., Roger, Devon, Andrew and others I am likely forgetting). A few years ago, using the laser cutter was nearly impossible because there were only a select few people that were trained on it. Today, it’s one of the most used tools in the shop. That’s real measurable progress towards increasing the skills of our members.

Full Spectrum 40W Laser Cutter Up and Running!

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I'M A' FIRIN' MAH LAZER!!

At the Red Bull Creation this year, i3Detroit won a 40W Full Spectrum Generation 5 Hobby Laser with a 16″ x 12″ bed.

This prize was awarded to i3Detroit as the Team Choice award prize.

After much design work, purchasing, and duct installation, we now have the machine up and running in the Fab Lab. Wiki page for the machine.

We will be having training classes on the machine in the coming weeks, so watch this space and our mailing list for information.

Read more

RBCreation; SUCCESS!!!!

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After a long weekend full of emotion and sweat, i3Detroit was awarded the Team’s Choice award!!!

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this means they were voted as all the other teams’ favorite!

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They won a pretty BA 40 watt laser cutter from Full Spectrum Lasers!!!

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we are DROOLING back in Detroit; can’t wait to get our hands on this!

[insert picture of Eric and Sean here]

A huge shout-out to our team members Eric and Sean; who actually both missed their first father’s day to compete in the Red Bull Creation Challenge…Great job guys, I’m sure your kids will be proud 🙂

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also…Matt’s hair is doing just fine

TEDx Detroit was a rousing success!

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We’d like to thank everyone who came out and supported TEDx Detroit. The attendance was phenomenal this year, the speakers were insprational and forward-thinking, and the networking and collaboration environment is providing lift to the rise of Detroit across the nation and around the world. In addition to the traditional TED-style talks, participants were also taken on tour to view the rework-in-progress on the Grand Army of the Republic building: one of Detroit’s oldest and most historically impactful structures. On display in the TEDx Labs this year were several hacker- and maker-spaces including i3 Detroit, many with interactive and exciting crafts and hands-on items.

We ended up having about 120 people stop by at various points throughout the day and talk with us about i3 Detroit and what makes it different from other hackerspaces around the Metro area. Interest in tours and membership was high, and we’re thrilled to have the possibility to show new visitors what the space is all about in person! Many of the projects we brought along were a great hit, including the ammo-can speakers, ChronoTune, Racing PowerWheels, and the Giant Connect 4.

In addition to spending time with the attendees, we also spent quite a bit of time talking with and getting to know the organizers, staff, and volunteers of TEDx Detroit. Contratulations on a great conference, and we are looking forward to next year!

This Friday, i3Detroit can be found at TEDx Detroit

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On Friday, October 26th, 2012,  TEDx will once again shine in Detroit.  This is the fourth TEDx Detroit conference, and the entire Metro area has been looking forward all year to the amazing ways in which Detroit, the Metro Area, and Michigan will share its artistic, technological, entreprenurial, and motivational spirit with the rest of the world.  i3 Detroit is honored to be represented at this conference, and various members of the organization will be on hand to illustrate and demonstrate personal and group projects, provide information about the organization, share general knowledge, and network.  The main part of the conference is for ticketed attendees only, and will be held at the Gem Theatre on 333 Madison Street, Detroit, MI 48226.

Even if you’re not able to make it to the main TEDx Detroit conference, we still want to see you there!  The official TEDx Afterparty, Apres X, is entirely open to the public and starts at 6pm with a $20 cover.  Come meet with and get to know the fabulous speakers, sponsors, presenters, attendees, and exhibitors, and be prepared to network!  There will be music, presentations, and, of course, food and drink.  Come spend an amazing Friday night in one of the most incredible and uplifting places in the city: among the TEDx Detroit 2012 crowd!