SAN JOSE, CA -  TechShop, a membership-based, do-it-yourself workshop and fabrication studio with locations nationwide, will celebrate the maker spirit this week in a series of exciting activities in the Washington, DC area. TechShop will kick off the week by hosting Maker Media’s inaugural Maker Summit at the Crystal City location in Arlington, VA on June 17.

The event will begin with a traditional ribbon cutting as only TechShop can do, with a hand held plasma cutter that will cut through a steel ribbon. COO and VP of Business Development Dan Woods will lead the ceremony along with key partners and government officials. Following the ceremony, invited guests will participate in Maker Summit to highlight the present and future impact of the Maker Movement in the US and beyond.

“TechShop is the perfect location to bring together leaders from the maker, business and educational communities to brainstorm ways to develop and nurture future makers locally and nationally,” said Dale Dougherty, founder, president and CEO of Maker Media. “Our Summit is designed to provide additional context and support the efforts of the White House as they host their first-ever White House Maker Faire on June 18.”

Speakers at the Summit will include John Hagel, director of Deloitte Consulting LLP and co-chairman of Center for the Edge.

“The Washington, DC area has embraced TechShop and the Maker Movement,” said Mark Hatch, CEO of TechShop. “Our grand opening and the Maker Summit will continue to propel the movement forward and spark creativity within the capital and surrounding cities. We’re excited to empower this community to see what innovations will emerge.”

To further celebrate National Day of Making on June 18, all eight TechShop locations across the US will host open houses for makers and aspiring makers in those cities. Come into any location from 9AM–midnight and discover how you can learn how to use new tools to create and make something. Special promotions will also be available for visitors. Tag your visit/check-in with #NationofMakers.

TechShop will end the week by celebrating the official grand opening of its DC-Arlington facility, its eighth location, on June 21 from 11AM–4PM. The grand opening will showcase TechShop DC-Arlington’s collection of advanced machinery, tools and technologies for members, including laser cutters, 3D printers and robotics. Attendees of all ages can wage robot battles, play games, tour the facility, join giveaways and learn about special membership promotions and class packages. More information is available here.

About Maker Media

Maker Media is a global platform for connecting makers with each other, with products and services, and with our partners. Through media, events and ecommerce, Maker Media serves a growing community of makers who bring a DIY mindset to technology. Whether as hobbyists or professionals, makers are creative, resourceful and curious, developing projects that demonstrate how they can interact with the world around them. The launch of Make: Magazine in 2005, followed by Maker Faire in 2006, jumpstarted a worldwide Maker Movement, which is transforming innovation, culture and education. Located in Sebastopol, CA, Maker Media is the publisher of Make: Magazine and the producer of Maker Faire. It also develops "getting started" kits and books that are sold in its Maker Shed store as well as in retail channels.

About TechShop, Inc.

Founded in October 2006, TechShop is a membership-based, do-it-yourself (DIY) workshop and fabrication studio providing access to a vibrant community of creative people and more than $1 million worth of high quality machines, tools and software. TechShop offers classes, workshops, instruction and meet-ups for people of all ages and skill levels. TechShop is based in San Jose, Calif., with locations nationwide.