What a better way to start off the new (lunar) year than to take a glimpse of what the future may bring? This weekend, San Francisco and Bay area residents will have an opportunity to take part in Worlds Fair Nano, a two-day festival dedicated to technology, art, music, and….the future.
This event brings together industry leaders in technology (think gadgets), innovative artists, talented DJs, and speakers who are ready to give us a glimpse of what the future may hold: all in the spirit of sharing ideas and information, and inspiring the young and old alike.
There will be over 50 companies exhibiting their latest inventions in wearable tech, robotics, personal transportation, virtual reality, and more. In terms of the fashion industry innovations, one can look forward to experiencing Sensoree and their “mood changing sweater,” which relies on a technology that reads your ‘excitement levels’ and translates it into a visible color in the bowl-neck design of the garment. Also, exhibiting is the L.E.D. customizable C.A.T. Clutch, Tinsel’s Dipper necklace that also doubles as headphones, a one-wheeled hoverboard, speed-enhancing footwear, and other cutting edge fashion solutions for discerning modern consumers.
However, technology, while fascinating, will not be the only focus. Attendees can also look forward to futuristic novelties in art, such as the Space Palette, created by Tim Thompson. This instrument uses a wood frame as an interface that allows you to simultaneously make music and visual art. There will be talks covering the future theme on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, augmented and virtual reality, online dating, consumerism, neuroscience, smart cities, space exploration, and humanity.
And no event would be complete without a gourmet food experience! At the fair, one can enjoy delectable delights like the Asian fusion cuisine of 3 Brothers Kitchen and decadent, hand-churned ice cream by Smitten Ice Cream. Offering a healthy alternative to oil and grease fried burgers is The Steamin’ Burger; while Soylent and Bai will provide beverages, and for a lighter snack Exo will have cricket-powder based protein bars. However, these are just a few of the many options to enjoy.
The brain child of founder Michael Weiss, Worlds Fair Nano comes as just a small step towards the much larger goal of raising money for the more ambitious project of Worlds Fair USA. The 1984 World’s Fair hosted in New Orleans was the last in the nation, though World’s Fairs continue to be held in cities across the globe. Astana, the new capital of Kazakhstan, will be hosting the 2017 World’s Fair, and the United Arab Emirates has already claimed it for 2020.
Weiss’s objective is to raise $16 million to bring the World’s Fair back to the United States. It seems the ‘smaller’ Worlds Fair Nano will help raise funds, but also bring back the excitement and imagination of the past fairs. In fact, it was at these magical events where technologies we take for granted today where first showcased: the telephone (1876, Philadelphia), the zipper (1893, Chicago), television (1939, New York), and touchscreen (1982, Knoxville), just to name a few.
Tickets for Worlds Fair Nano are still on sale and can be purchased at ticketfly.com. Prices range between $45.00 – $120.00.
However, college students are encouraged to join the fair as volunteers. Volunteers enjoy free admission and receive an official t-shirt, while giving a helping hand in an event that can help change the future as we all know it. Plus, this is also a great networking opportunity! If interested, please email your resume to info@worldsfairusa.com for more details.
For a full list of exhibits, participating companies, guest speakers, artists, and schedules please visit the Worlds Fair Nano website.
World’s Fair Nano will be held January 28th and 29th, from 10 am to 6 pm at Pier 70.
World’s Fair Nano
January 28 – 29, 2017
Pier 70
420 22nd Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Text by Adneisha White, MA Fashion Journalism
