What is FAB25?

After a two-decade run, the annual Fab Lab Conference & Symposium is experiencing a reimagining this year. For its 21st edition, FAB25 Czechia, the event will be held in two different cities and will also include a journey by train reserved exclusively for conference attendees. Logistically speaking, this is no small feat, but the effort is a clear demonstration of the conference organizers’ deep commitment to expanding and strengthening connections across the community of Czech makers and the broader Fab Lab Network.

The event begins in Brno, home of the first Fab Lab established in Czechia. From July 4 through July 7, participants will engage in a variety of activities in multiple venues. With afternoons dedicated to hands-on and theoretical workshops for small groups exploring the diverse applications of digital fabrication tools and techniques, the morning symposia will provide opportunities for the entire audience to dive deep into a few selected themes:

• Fab Labs: 25 Years & Beyond - As Fab Labs near their quarter-century anniversary, this is a chance to reflect on their historic impact, share best practices with colleagues, and consider how the Fab Lab Network will continue shaping the world of digital fabrication and innovation together.

• Maker-to-Market - With inspiring maker-to-market success stories and a discussion of open-source’s role in product development, speakers will highlight how Fab Labs drive local innovation and transform communities worldwide.

• Digital-Age Competencies - Fab Labs play an essential role as hubs for distributed technical education. As such, it’s important to examine whether they’re keeping up with STEM advancements, giving space for younger generations to speak and lead, and preparing them for the future of hands-on making in a digital world.

On July 8, all in attendance will board the Maker Train in Brno for a 2.5-hour trip to Prague. During this exclusive experience, FAB25 attendees will be encouraged to network with their fellow travelers, reconnecting with old friends and forging new connections that may inspire future collaborations across the global Fab Lab Network. This will be a great opportunity to share learnings and insights gleaned from the initial days of the conference and make plans to get the most out of the days ahead.

In Prague, the conference continues, with the final morning symposium taking place July 9:

• Emerging Technology - Exploring the latest advancements in digital fabrication technology and innovations in making, this session will place a special focus on the ever-evolving world of 3D printing and its future.

The following day presents yet another unique twist to the event:

• July 10 is Prusa Day — a specially co-designed experience with FAB25's general partner, Prusa Research. This is a celebration of Prague’s role as a capital of 3D printing, featuring an exclusive Prusa factory tour, an expansive showcase, inspiring keynotes, talks, hands-on workshops, masterclasses, and a one-of-a-kind Prusa party!

And speaking of parties, in one more remix of the traditional event structure, the Fab Festival will be held on the final day of FAB25 Czechia, July 11. After a week of learning, making, and problem solving together, participants will be treated to a vibrant celebration showcasing the community spirit of the Maker Movement and the Fab Lab Network. Free and open to the Czech public, the festival offers everyone a chance to engage directly with digital fabrication techniques and the makers who use them daily to solve real-world problems, create art, and build communities. This will be a day filled with workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, and inspiring talks in a welcoming and worry-free atmosphere.

Bringing together Makers and Fabbers from across Czechia, Europe, and all parts of the world to learn from one another and celebrate the potential of digital fabrication technologies, the event organizers are making good on their promise to Bridge the Gap—the central theme of FAB25 Czechia. Make More is the driving force behind the Czech Maker Movement. And FabLab Brno is the first Czech Fab Lab, established in 2017. Together with the Fab Foundation and MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms, this incredible team is preparing an event that’s likely to redefine the FABx experience.

If you don’t have your ticket yet, buy it before it’s too late! And while you're at it, consider proposing an activity to share your knowledge with the global Fab Lab Network.