Call for Makers 2024 Regulations

1. Promoter and organizer

1.1. These Regulations concern the “Call for Makers 2024” in occasion of the Event “Maker Faire Vientiane 2024” (hereinafter also the “Event“), (makerbox.la/makerfairevientiane), promoted by the The Makerbox Lao (hereinafter the “Promoter“) and organized by The Makerbox Lao Company, with headquarters in Hadxaykhao, Hadxayfong, Vientiane Capital (hereinafter also the “organizer“).

2. Object of the “Call for Makers 2024” initiative

2.1. The objective of the “Call for Makers 2024” is to promote innovation, through the diffusion of digital culture and the development of individual and collective entrepreneurship, by rewarding the projects that are deemed most worthy.

2.2. The exhibition event will be in person, while some events (conferences, workshop talks and training events) may take place digitally.

2.3. In compliance with these Regulations, makers who will participate in “Maker Faire Vientiane 2024” (hereinafter, the “Participant /s“) will be identified by means of a selection.

3. Date and place of the event

3.1 The Exhibition Event will take place from 17^th to 20^nd October 2024. Conferences, workshops, webinars and other training and information events will also be held on dates indicated above. The calendar and detailed organizational methods will be communicated by the organizer and made known by publication on the website makerbox.la/makerfairevientiane

3.2. The Event will take place, on the dates indicated above, in Vientiane Center.

3.3. The features of the platform(s) identified for the development of the digital part of the Event will be made known through publication on the website makerbox.la/makerfairevientiane. For any technical and organizational needs, the organizer reserves the right – at any time – to change the day, time and platform of the Event, by giving notice to the Participants well in advance. Participants who have already been selected will be notified of any changes by email and this will be also communicated on the website makerbox.la/makerfairevientiane.

4. Recipients of the “Call for Makers 2024” and methods of participation

4.1. Participation in the “Call for Makers 2024” is free and permissible for individuals and legal entities who intend to present their project and participate according to the methods chosen from those listed below:

Exhibit the project: a space will be provided free of charge, so as to allow the use of exhibited projects by curious visitors interested in the project
Perform activities (presentations to the public): a physical and / or virtual space will be provided, free of charge, where presentations can be made on topics related to the themes proposed by the Event (please refer to point 7.1), share experiences and perform demonstrations of practical activities (workshops).
Perform in public (performance): a physical and / or virtual space or a physical and / or virtual stage will be provided free of charge allowing you to perform in your own creative, technological, robotic or musical performance. The performances can take place in presence during the days of the event or even in the form of a webinar on an earlier or later date, in order to facilitate the use and dissemination among the public.

4.2. Each Participant can present one or more projects and choose one or more ways to participate.

4.3. The organizer reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify the methods of running the Event (physical or virtual location) , including introducing any limitations to the number of Participants and visitors admitted to the physical location of the Event. The Participants, aware of the unquestionability of the organizer’s evaluation of the choice and allocation of any spaces for physical events, now renounce the right to raise objections about the choices that will be taken directly by the organizer in relation to the projects that take place on a stand or physical exhibition area.

5. Methods and Terms for submitting applications

5.1. Requests for participation in the Call for Makers 2024 must be submitted exclusively following the online procedure, by completing (in Lao or English) the appropriate form, which is available in the area reserved for exhibitors on the official website of the “Maker Faire Vientiane 2024” (makerbox.la/makerfairevientiane), selecting the methods of participation referred to in point 4.1. The submission of the application will take place upon creation of a personal account.

5.2. Requests to participate in the Call for Makers 2024 must be received not later than September 15^th 2024 23:59. except for any extension of the deadline, the provision of which is reserved exclusively to Makerbox and which will be communicated to potential participants in the “Call for Makers 2024” with the methods it deems most appropriate (Example: publication on the event website).

5.3. All communications between the organizer and participants will take place using the email address provided during registration on the platform.

5.4.To participate in the Event, each Participant must accept these Regulations.

6. Accuracy of Information

6.1. Participants declare under their own responsibility that all information, data and, more generally, any other material provided in the presentation of the application and/or in any other phase of the “Call for Makers 2024” respect the criteria of correctness, truthfulness and completeness. In the event of changes in the information, the Participant undertakes to promptly communicate them to the organizer.

6.2. In the event that this provision is violated, the Participants undertake to fully indemnify and hold harmless the organizer, the Promoters, and the Sponsors from any claim or compensation claim presented by any third party, making themselves exclusively and fully responsible for the falsehoods declared.

7. Topics of the project presented and evaluation criteria

7.1. The projects to be presented may concern, by way of example, the following topics:

3D Printing
Aerospace
Agritech
Artificial Intelligence
Big data
Biohacking
Circular Economy
Digital Manufacturing
Education
Health & Wellbeing / Wellness & Healthcare
IoT & Electronics
Mobility and Drones
Robotics
Smart Cities
Smart Robotics

With insights and areas dedicated to:

Art
Artisans & New Craft
Augmented – Virtual Reality
Coding
Cultural Heritage
Design
Fablab
Food
Green Building
Green Tech
Music
Recycling & Upcycling
Robotics
Science & Biotech
Sport
Wearables

7.2. For evaluating the projects presented, pursuant to Article 4.1, the following criteria will be applied:

The participants must present a working prototype.
The submitted project must meet the requirements of creativity and originality.
Projects that actively involve visitors and that show not only the result but also the process of conception and realization will be preferred.
The project will also be evaluated on its novelty compared to what may have already been presented in previous events.
As regards the part of the event that will be held on site, the projects will also be assessed in light of the technical and logistical requirements and security risks.

8. Selection of participants for the “Maker Faire Vientiane 2024”.

8.1. Pursuant to point 4.1, the assessment of accepting proposals to participate is the sole responsibility of The Makerbox Lao, who will be able to contact the proposers to request any clarifications and additions that are necessary for the assessment. The decision taken by the Makerbox Lao will be based on the criteria set out in point 7.2.

8.2. The Makerbox Lao’s judgment is unquestionable and they are not required to justify their decisions. Therefore, as of now, the Participants renounce the right to raise objections or disputes against the Makerbox Lao or the decisions they have taken.

8.3. By the end of September 15th or another time that will be announced on the Event website, the acceptance of the participation proposals will be communicated via email to the selected subjects. Any communication relating to the contract, between The Makerbox Lao and the selected Participants, and to the other logistical indications will follow.

8.4. The accepted proposals, relating to the projects’ exhibition, will be followed by the allocation of virtual and/or physical spaces, based on the decisions made by the organizer.

8.5. In any case, the right to participate in the “Maker Faire Vientiane 2024” as an exhibitor is completed when the relevant contract is signed. This must take place within the deadline indicated by The Makerbox Lao in the selection communication. If the selected Proponent does not proceed with the signing of the contract, Makerbox reserves the right to replace it with another Participant included in a special “waiting list” prepared by Makerbox.

8.6. With regard to face-to-face events, the organizer reserves the right to place the projects selected for the exhibition in the area deemed most suitable, with respect of, where possible, any indications or requests from the Proponent, based on the availability of the overall exhibition space.

8.7. The Participant’s admission and the participation of the project in the “Maker Faire Vientiane 2024” will be free of charge, and there will be no cost for the use of the assigned space. The selected Participant has no right to receive any reimbursement or compensation from the organizer and from the promoters for the costs incurred attending the Event (by way of example but not limited to, and also with regard to exhibitions on site: expenses event attendance, travel or subsistence expenses, costs for raw materials, preparation or purchase of goods and services instrumental to participation, etc.).

8.8. The Organizer reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to allow the participation of particularly innovative projects that bring content of great value to the event.

8.9. The Organizer, if necessary, reserves the right to place the selected makers also according to criteria of territorial origin, and to customize the graphics of the space with logos of the project’s Institutional Partners.

8.10. During participation in the “Maker Faire Vientiane 2024“, the sale of products may be allowed insofar as the products are made by the exhibiting participants. Special conditions will exist and the event is not intended to become a ‘fresh market’. Further guidelines related to sales will be posted on makerbox.la/makerfairevientiane.

9. Allocation of spaces through the Call for Makers

9.1. Each Participant whose project is selected will be entitled to have a space assigned

9.2. The organizer will be responsible for providing details on the time slots for the attendance required for the physical and/or virtual stand during “Maker Faire Vientiane 2024”.

10. Responsibility of the Participant

10.1. Except if a physical exhibition space set up by the organizer is assigned, in relation to presentations and / or performances that will take place online , the selected exhibitor will be responsible for finding a suitable space to set up for the exhibition of their own project and for the presentations to the public, as well as for giving any performances. In particular, since it may be necessary to proceed with the recording and transmission of these activities via the selected platform in order to display and give any performances, the space where the registration will take place must be equipped with a stable and adequate internet connection. Furthermore, the organizer will take care of providing all details regarding the technology kit that the exhibitor must be equipped with to guarantee the minimum quality level for the connections on the virtual platform. The exhibitor is aware that compliance with the technological requirements that will be indicated by the organizer will be a necessary condition for entering in the contract agreement.

10.2. With regard to physical events participation , each Participant selected pursuant to Article 8 will use the premises where the Event will take place, as well as the equipment made available by the organizer and/or brought by the Participant themselves, with the utmost care and diligence and will strictly adhere to any indication provided by the organizer, also during the Event, in order to ensure the safety and security of all Participants. The Participant is required to use the spaces in accordance with the indications and directives issued by the organizer, as well as any other applicable regulatory provision – safety standards, fire regulations, etc. In any case, the Participant is required to know and comply with the provisions provided by the organizer. In case of any doubts about the correct use of the spaces, the Participant is required to contact the organizer, who reserves the power to prohibit the performance of any activity that is contrary to the provisions of this article.

10.3. Under no circumstances may the physical and / or virtual exhibition spaces be used for:

Carrying out activities prohibited by law or otherwise contrary to public order or morality
The performance of activities capable of representing danger to things or people present at the Event or hindering or preventing the smooth running of the Event
Carrying out activities in violation of the rights of third parties, having regard, by way of example but not limited to, trademarks, patents, copyright, etc.

11. General conditions and causes of exclusion from the Call for Makers 2024

11.1. The organizer will have the right to cancel, modify or suspend at any time the Call for Makers 2024 as all its content, aspect or selective criterion and, moreover, the same is reserved exclusively to them, as well as the right to postpone or cancel the Event for causes of force majeure. In addition, they reserve the right, at any time, to modify the technical methods identified for carrying out the event (including, for example, the platform)..

11.2. The organizer will also have the right, at its sole discretion, to exclude any Participant who:

violates the conditions of this regulation;
attempts to tamper with the participation process or the operating of the “Call for Makers 2024“.

11.3. In any event, the organizer reserves the right to proceed in the terms deemed most appropriate, and in compliance with the laws in force, to limit and inhibit any initiative aimed at circumventing the selection system.

12. Guarantees and indemnities

12.1. By accepting these regulations with the application form, each person participating in the “Call for Makers 2024” declares and guarantees that the project presented:

Is original and in relation to this the Proponent has the right to participate in the “Call for Makers 2024“;
Does not conflict with rights worthy of protection due to third parties, including rights on trademarks and trade secrets, copyrights, rights deriving from contracts or licences, rights relating to privacy and the protection of personal data, moral rights, advertising rights or image rights;
Is not inherently defamatory or outrageous or contains any content capable of damaging the name, honour or reputation of the organizer or of any person involved in “Maker Faire Vientiane 2024“;
Does not violate applicable laws and does not contain features designed to encourage illegal or threatening, intimidating or harassing behaviour.

12.2. The subjects who will participate in the “Call for Makers 2024” declare, from the moment they submit the application to the “Call for Makers 2024“, to fully indemnify and hold harmless the organizer, Promoters and Sponsors from any claims or claims for compensation presented by any third party, for the violation of one of the provisions of these Regulations and for the maximum legal deadline.

12.3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, by submitting the application, the Participant authorises the Promoters, organizers and Sponsors to:

Be able to use your name, company name, your image as well as the name, image and signs that identify the project that is also presented through the publication of the same on the makerbox.la/makerfairevientiane site and other communication tools or on third party sites subject to authorisation by The Makerbox Lao for promotional and advertising purposes that are connected to participation in the “Call for Makers 2024”;
Make available to the public the materials related to the project on the “Maker Faire Vientiane 2024” website and other communication tools or on third party sites with the authorization of The Makerbox Lao;
Exhibit the project and related materials during any congresses, conferences, and seminars;
Communicate the necessary information to third parties interested in investing in the development, marketing, and economic development of the project;
Communicate project contents and contact details to third parties in order to guarantee participation in contests and initiatives directly connected to the Event.

12.4. The Participant is aware that, should they be assigned a physical exhibition spaces, participation will take place at their own risk. The Organizer cannot be considered responsible in any way – except in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence – for any loss or damage that is a direct or indirect consequence of participating in the Event. Therefore, the Participant undertakes to hold the organizer harmless and indemnified for any damage, direct or indirect, injury, loss, cost, expense (including legal), sanction, in which the same should incur as a result of the application or action of a third party resulting from the Participant’s violation of any of the conditions of these Regulations or from their negligent or malicious conduct.

12.5. In any case, the Organizer cannot be considered responsible for any damage including, by way of example and not limited to, indirect, consequential, special, incidental damages, or for any damages and/or anomalies that may occur and escape technical control, such as, for example, malfunctions in the management of the computer networks or malfunctions due to defects in the means essential to accessing the online platform on which the Event will take place, or to an improper use of the same.

12.6. The Organizer cannot be held responsible for any problems encountered during the process of submitting the application for participation online or during the Event, caused by the internet loss of the, maintenance work or server malfunction. Each Participant is solely responsible for their own access to the Internet.

12.7. Each Participant undertakes to participate in the Event at their own risk. During the Event, each Participant is required to take all appropriate measures to safeguard their data and/or software stored in their computer equipment from any attack (e.g. by installing antivirus software and firewalls). Among other things, the organizer cannot be held responsible for any infection by any computer virus or for the intrusion of third parties into the Participant’s IT equipment.

13. Recordings of the event

13.1. The Participant is aware that during the Event, the organizer or one of its commercial partners will be able to take photographs (including screenshots) and audio-video footage (hereinafter, the Material) of the Event itself and that such footage may be of interest to the Participant.

13.2. The Participant undertakes to provide the organizer with the requested (release) documentation after being selected.

14. Competition

14.1. The organizer does not recognise any exclusive right to the Participant.

14.2. The Participant therefore renounces to assert any right, claim or action based on the presence among the Participants of the Event of one or more of its possible direct competitors.

15. Intellectual Property

15.1. The intellectual property rights inherent in the projects presented remain with the Participants, who will be fully responsible for the protection of these rights through the means provided for by the law (application for registration, presentation of a patent application, etc.).

15.2. The Organizer assumes no responsibility in the event of use and / or abuse of the idea or project by anyone who becomes aware of it. The Participant waives the right to make any claim for damages and/or compensation against the organizer for any reason or cause.

15.3. The Participant therefore acknowledges the fact that the communication, dissemination and/or publication of their works, or part of them, within the Event and/or through means and communication media that may be used for the promotion of the event itself (even after its development), will result in visibility for all Participants of the Event and/or for the community receiving the communication actions.

16. Effectiveness

16.1. The obligations contained in these Regulations will be effective from the moment when the application is submitted.

17. Provisions for the protection of personal data

17.1. The data provided by the Participant and collected by The Makerbox Lao from the moment of the request to participate in the “Call for Makers 2024” will be processed in compliance with the current legislation on the protection of personal data and in the manner described in the Privacy Policy.

17.2. The data provided by the Participants, including that relating to the project presented, may be disclosed to third parties for the purposes related to the performance of the “Call for Makers 2024” and, for the same purposes, be disseminated through the publication of the same on the makerbox.la/makerfairevientiane website or on third party sites, with the authorisation of Makerbox Lao.

17.3. The privacy policy is available at this address makerbox.la/makerfairevientiane/privacy-policy-maker-faire-vientiane-2024/

18. Applicable law and competent court

18.1. These Regulations are regulated by Lao law. Any dispute that may arise in relation to the Regulations and the various conditions contained therein, including disputes relating to its validity, interpretation, execution, termination or fulfilment, will be the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Lao PDR, so that any other competing Court that could be appointed will be excluded.

19. Acceptance of the regulations

19.1. Participation in the Call for Makers 2024 implies, for Participants, the unconditional and total acceptance of the rules and clauses contained in these regulations without limitation.

19.2. If the organizer finds a violation of the rules of the Regulations by a Participant, they will have the right to order their immediate exclusion from the Event.

19.3. These Regulations are prepared in Lao and English. The English version shall prevail in the event of any discrepancy between the two versions.

20. Cancellation of the event

20.1. In the event of the cancellation of the Event or change of dates and location for any reason, the organizer will promptly notify the Participant.

20.2. The Participant waives, as of now, their right to assert any right to compensation for damages – including costs and any travel expenses, accommodation, etc. – connected to the possible cancellation of the Event or replacement of the platform, regardless of the causes or reasons that brought it about.

20.3 Exhibitions for the purpose of awards and/or prizes will be categorized under a variety of headings, including but not limited to : a) individual; b. highschool student; c. Vocational student; d. University student; e. University Researcher; f. Corporate entry/research etc.

[1] Natural persons that are of age, or have approval from their parents or legal guardians are admitted to the Call for Makers 2024.

[2] All legal entities are admitted to the Call for Makers 2024, including universities (public and private), research or educational institutions or institutes (public and private), vocational schools, highschools, technical colleges, and corporations.