The first American Magazine Vanguard Awards recognizes magazines that are innovating, extending their brands, and finding new exciting ways to connect with their customers. And O'Reilly Media's Make snared an AMVA award because of the creation of Maker Faire, which celebrates DIYers and crafters of every persuasion. "Considering that some of the greatest leaps forward in American technological history have been scrappy homebrews (Apple Computer was a literal garage start-up), it's really kind of exciting to think that, given its explosive growth, the Maker Faire might well help along an invention or two that's truly important," reports Simon Dumenco in AdvertisingAge.

"At the surface, Maker Faire is a fun event for people of all ages," notes Event Director Sherry Huss about Maker Faire Austin which runs from Oct. 18 to 19 at the Travis County Expo Center. "But more than just a weekend of creative entertainment, we want people to leave feeling inspired--that they too can create things, express themselves, and engage the world around them. Our goal is to resuscitate the spirit of American creativity and innovation!"

Along with hundreds of Makers displaying their unique creations, specific event highlights from this year's Austin Maker Faire will include RoboGames, rocket making and launching, Edible Austin's Food Maker Pavilion, exciting new alternative vehicles and a sustainable village. EepyBird will be showing off its new Diet Coke and Mentos Mega Fountains and Maker Faire favorite, the Life-Sized Mouse Trap is not to be missed. There will be Maker Music, a fantastic evening program including fire arts on Saturday, and special speakers throughout the weekend including Col. Joe Kittinger, "The Man Who Fell to Earth--Skydiving from 30,000 Feet;" Dr. Gary Marcus, a cognitive neuroscientist at New York University and author of "Kluge: The Haphazard Construction of the Human Mind;" Patrick Buckley, The Hungry Scientist; Benderella, Circuit Bending, Biology and travels to India; and so much more.

For a complete list of events and ticket information check out the Maker Faire website. See you there!