Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Nelson.
Cody, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My passion for helping people connect their ideas with the community has led to over 15 years of experience in the development and execution of large public events. For many years, this included the numerous events hosted by Fleet Week San Diego and always includes the mission to connect and foster vibrant, diverse, and engaged communities. I apply this same ambition to my work as the lead producer and content expert for Maker Faire San Diego, held in Balboa Park since 2015.
I have a multidisciplinary background and always bring this perspective to my work. Being able to look at problems from many perspectives helps me “think outside box,” while enhancing my creativity and innovation. My education and experience include non-profit management, large public events, membership, and marketing. I have worked for organizations such as CuriOdyssey, Maker Faire Bay Area, Historic Motorsports Association, Fleet Week San Diego, Fleet Week San Francisco, YMCA of San Diego County, University of San Diego, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
I am the past VP of Membership for ILEA, International Live Events Association, and serve on the advisory board for the San Diego Mesa College Fashion Program. A long distance swimmer for many years, I also hold the world record for being the youngest person to swim around Manhattan Island, at the age of 12.
I earned a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Nova Southeastern University, Florida, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, with an emphasis in nonprofit management from Springfield College, Massachusetts. I also completed the George Washington University Event Management Certificate Program at the University of San Diego.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Other than the usual challenges of finding work after moving to a new area, my career path has been fairly smooth. Ever since working for Norwegian Cruise Line during a hiatus from college, I knew I wanted to work in the event world. I enjoyed the large-scale production of the cruise line experience; it taught me a framework for operational logistics and entertainment and I wanted to replicate that experience on land. So, I did my research and volunteered for numerous events and worked my way up to where I am today. Volunteering was a significant factor in gaining experience and proving my dedication to learning
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am so happy that Maker Faire and the maker movement have come to San Diego. It’s a natural fit as San Diego is at the forefront of biotechnology, has one of the largest concentrations of self-employed business owners, plus is the craft beer capital! I was living in the Bay Area for several years, where the maker movement was well established and well known. Coming to San Diego, I realized that there was significant opportunity for growth in bringing makers together to share their passions with each other and the public.
What is a maker? A maker is anyone who endeavors to create something on their own like building their own robot, sewing a cosplay outfit, making jewelry or building their own tiny home; there is minimal manufacturing and you create it yourself.
What is Maker Faire San Diego? Maker Faire San Diego is an event that showcases makers and their projects with the public and fellow makers. It’s all about sharing. One thing I love about Maker Faire is the experience. You don’t just attend Maker Faire to see what is on display, you get to interact and make it yourself or be shown how it was made; the experience is engaging and multidimensional.
I think the maker movement is important because it reminds us to be our own makers and less of a consumer. It also helps those that are passive creators to be an active creator and it brings techies and non-techies together.
Pricing:
- 2017 Maker Faire Ticket Prices: Weekend Pass Adults 13 & Up, Early Bird–$22, Online Advance—$30, At the Door–$38
- 2017 Maker Faire Ticket Prices: Children 3-12, Early Bird–$15, Online Advance—$18, At the Door–$23
Contact Info:
- Website: sandiego.makerfaire.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdmakerfaire/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SDMakerFaire/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sdmakerfaire
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
