Inventors, bring your gadgets and entrepreneurial spirit to the 4th annual Gulf Coast MakerCon, Sat., April 18, at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

The Gulf Coast MakerCon is a great place to get together and celebrate all the wonders of technology, as well as the DIY inventive spirit. "We've got a ton of stuff for people to see and do and learn about!" says MakerCon organizer Terri Willingham. And she is not kidding.

This year, expect to see some amazing demos including 3D printing by students from St. Petersburg College, the Electrathon of Tampa Bay, the Inventor's Showcase, and a demonstration in old school crafting by the Heritage Crafters. On top of that, there will also be live music by Digital Berrybot and Nepchune's Noise Circus plus drone races, the Southeastern Combot Championships, a ComiCon & Gaming Expo, a Young Makers workshop for the the kids and oh so much more.

It all started in 2012 when Eureka Factory partners Terri and Steve Willingham put on the first con at the University Area Community Center to great success. Subsequent success in 2013 moved the festival to the Florida State Fairgrounds where it gained community-wide fame as a place of innovation and collaboration. MakerCon emphasizes technical creativity and professionalism as well as education about the inventive process, covering everything from patent development to open source technologies that can be used with inventions.

The Gulf Coast MakerCon will be held on April 18. Tickets are $12 at the door for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 6-12, and children five and under get in free. Visit gulfcoastmakers.com/ for deals and more information.

This made-in-Florida event is a nationally recognized Satellite Event of the USA Science & Engineering Festival as well as a National Robotics Week Event. It's a great way to see how technology is building tomorrow and is definitely worth checking out. Take a look at this video from last year's MakerCon and see for yourself: