Present, Exhibit or Run a Workshop
Are you interested in presenting, exhibiting or running a workshop at AutomataFest 2027?
Whether you create mechanical wonders, have a desire to share knowledge, or your creations inspire curiosity, we want to showcase the vibrant variety of the automata community at AutomataFest 2027. This is an opportunity for you to bring your knowledge, and creations to an international audience of makers, collectors, and enthusiasts. Share your expertise with others by facilitating an automata workshop or deliver a presentation on stage at AutomataFest 2027.
With an expanded programme of talks, workshops and exhibitions the event will be bigger, bolder and have more opportunities for you to get involved!
Click below to choose the application form that is right for you.
Please note that we have limited exhibition space available and all applications will be subject to review by our AutomataFest panel. All entries will be given close consideration.
AutomataFest will take place on May 7th-9th 2027 in Hastings, UK.
This is an opportunity for you to bring your knowledge and/or creations to an international audience of makers, collectors, and enthusiasts.
You will probably have your own ideas but here's a list of topics that would be of interest to our audience:
- Technical sessions: skills & methods
- Tools & techniques
- Sourcing components & materials
- New technologies such as laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC, electronics
- Working with materials: wood, metal, plastics
- Problem solving - why won’t my automaton work?
We are seeking speaker applications for sessions no longer than 1 hour. The deadline for submission is 31 July 2026.
Please note: If you would also like to run a workshop you will need to complete the relevant form.
Please be sure to read through our 'Important Information' prior to completing this form.
Important Information:
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- All information needs to be provided in English.
- Travel insurance and Visa arrangements are to be made by the Presenters. Visa invitation letters can be issued by us if required.
- All Presenters must agree to provide their final presentation to the AutomataFest team in a standard electronic form, such as Google Slides, PowerPoint or Keynote, no later than 8 weeks before the event (Monday 8 March 2027).
- Presenters may be required to submit a headshot for event marketing materials.
- Successful Presenter applications will receive a complimentary 3-Day pass to AutomataFest 2027, if you have already purchased a ticket it will be refunded in full.
- All submissions will be reviewed by our AutomataFest panel committee. All applicants will hear back from the AutomataFest team no later than November 2026 regarding the next steps.
Makers, whatever form your automata takes, we’re excited to see it!
We'd also be happy to hear from sellers who have tools, kits, books, or materials related to making automata.
The deadline for submission is 31 July 2026.
Exhibiting your work is free provided you have a 3 Day Pass to AutomataFest 2027, unless you intend to sell in which case additional fees apply. See below for details.
Please note: If you would also like to make a stage presentation or run a workshop, you will need to complete the relevant form. Please be sure to read through our 'Important Information' prior to submitting this form.
Important Information:
- All information needs to be provided in English.
- Travel insurance and Visa arrangements are to be made by the Exhibitor. Visa invitation letters can be issued by us if required.
- Selected exhibitors are responsible for travel and shipping costs.
- All electrical automata will need to have an in-date PAT test to be able to be displayed in the venue.
- The Exhibitor may be required to submit a headshot for event marketing materials.
- The Exhibitor will be required to purchase a 3-Day Pass for AutomataFest 2027 to display their work.
- There will be an additional fee of £50 (half table) or £100 (full table) + VAT for sellers.
- All submissions will be reviewed by our AutomataFest panel committee. All applicants will hear back from the AutomataFest team no later than November 2026 regarding the next steps.
Share your expertise with others by facilitating an automata workshop. We are interested in workshops that are accessible for all levels of automata makers, from first-time tinkerers to established creators.
You will probably have your own ideas but here's a list of topics that would be of interest to our audience:
- Tinkering
- Re-thinking & reimagining materials
- Skill sharing
The deadline for submission is 31 July 2026.
Please note: If you would also like to make a stage presentation you will need to complete the relevant form. Please be sure to read through our 'Important Information'.
Important Information:
- All information needs to be provided in English.
- Travel insurance and Visa arrangements are to be made by the Workshop Facilitator. Visa invitation letters can be issued by us if required.
- The Workshop Facilitator must agree to provide their final workshop plans, risk assessment, and method statement to the AutomataFest team in a standard electronic form no later than 8 weeks before the event (Monday 8 March 2027).
- All electrical tools or automata will need to have an in-date PAT test to be able to be used in the venue.
- The Workshop Facilitator may be required to submit a headshot for event marketing materials.
- Successful Workshop Facilitator applications will receive a complimentary 3-Day pass to AutomataFest 2027, if you have already purchased a ticket it will be refunded in full.
- All submissions will be reviewed by our AutomataFest panel committee. All applicants will hear back from the AutomataFest team no later than November 2026 regarding the next steps.
Important Information:
-
- All information needs to be provided in English.
- Travel insurance and Visa arrangements are to be made by the Presenter/Exhibitor/Workshop facilitator. Visa invitation letters can be issued by us if required.
- The Presenter/Exhibitor/Workshop facilitator is responsible for travel and shipping costs.
- All presenters must agree to provide their final presentation to the AutomataFest team in a standard electronic form, such as Google Slides, PowerPoint or Keynote, no later than 8 weeks before the event (Monday 8 March 2027).
- All workshop facilitators must agree to provide their final workshop plans, risk assessment, and method statement to the AutomataFest team in a standard electronic form no later than 8 weeks before the event (Monday 8 March 2027).
- All electrical automata will need to have an in-date PAT test to be able to be displayed in the venue.
- The Presenter/Exhibitor/Workshop Facilitator may be required to submit a headshot for event marketing materials.
- Successful Presenter applications will receive a complimentary 3-Day pass to AutomataFest 2027, if you have already purchased a ticket it will be refunded in full.
- Successful Workshop Facilitator applications will receive a complimentary 3-Day pass to AutomataFest 2027, if you have already purchased a ticket it will be refunded in full.
- All exhibitors will be required to purchase a 3-Day Pass for AutomataFest 2027 to display their work. In addition, there will be an additional fee of £50 (half table) or £100 (full table) + VAT for sellers.
- All submissions will be reviewed by our AutomataFest panel committee. All applicants will hear back from the AutomataFest team no later than November 2026 regarding the next steps.
