Second Annual MadHackers Tech Festival Coming to Danbury

The City of Danbury is hosting its second annual MadHackers event on Saturday, June 7, on the CityCenter Danbury Green.

The event — the brainchild of Danbury Mayor Mark D. Boughton — is being organized through the Office of Economic Development, Director Bruce R. Tuomala.

The event consists of a Technology Fair, Social Media workshops, live music (featuring three bands) and a food truck rally, beginning at 10 a.m. and running through 5 p.m.

Technology Fair

The Technology Fair will take place in the Danbury Ice Arena with dozens of makers, artists, craftsmen and electronics wizards on hand to demonstrate their projects and products. It is an interactive event with fun activities for people of all ages.

As a celebration of the innovation movement, it will be a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness. People will show what they are making, and share what they are learning.

Exhibitors range from tech enthusiasts, to crafters, to homesteaders, to scientists, to garage tinkerers.

Social Media Workshops

MadHackers Social Media Workshops are designed to provide insight into social media applications for business development, career growth and personal use. With a special focus on the small business segment, these panels feature experts in today's key social media issues and opportunities.

Workshops will take place at 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Paul Mitchell School and Danbury Ice Arena, both adjacent to the Green.

Confirmed topics include: Seven Keys to Social Media Success; Campaigns That Drive Action – Newsletters & Announcements; Basics of Social Media; Crowdfunding; Five Strategies to Build a Stronger Brand in the Digital Age; Become a Marketing God(dess); Tweet What?; LinkedIn for Job Search; LinkedIn for the Small Business Owner; and LinkedIn for Career Growth.

Tickets for the event are $10 (Age 12 and up) and $5 (Ages 3-11) and can be purchased by going online to www.madhackers.com. Activities on the Green (music and food) are free of charge. Convenient parking is available for $3 all day at the Patriot Garage adjacent to the Green.

Sponsors are Hearst Media Services, NewOak, Matrix Corporate Center, and Savings Bank of Danbury.

CityCenter Danbury and the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce are partnering with the City of Danbury to present the event.

Proceeds will benefit the non-profit Danbury Hackerspace at the new Danbury Innovation Center, opening May 29.