Entrepreneurs invited to polish ideas at "Innovation Expo™ "
PIERRE , S.D. - The Governor's Office of Economic Development is partnering with the Enterprise Institute to present the Innovation Expo 2005. The day-long event for entrepreneurs, business resources, educators, students and others interested in advancing the state's economy will be held October 19 at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Sioux Falls . Registration can be made online at www.sdei.org.
"This event lives up to its billing - it will be focused on 'Where Innovation Meets Industry,' and fits perfectly into the state's 2010 Initiative," said Jafar Karim, director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development. "Our goal is to foster innovative business ideas that move the state's economy forward."
"There's a little bit of something for everyone at this year's Innovation Expo," said Enterprise Institute Director Marcia Hendrickson. Innovation Expo TM 2005 will offer a diverse group of presentations, workshops, tradeshow booths and even a concert-like venue for aspiring recording artists.
Morning sessions include information on launching a brand, using a state entrepreneur program, protecting ideas with patents, funding innovation, licensing products and developing teams. The "Spirit of Enterprise Award" will be given at lunch, followed by an update of the 2010 Initiative by GOED Director Jafar Karim and the Distinguished Entrepreneur Lecture.
The afternoon opens to an Exhibit Hall tradeshow with booths of vendors, service providers and entrepreneurs while brief infomercial workshops offer advice on a variety of topics critical to the success of start-up or developing businesses.
At the day's conclusion, a stage set up next to Exhibit Hall will feature four bands in free concert between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to showcase some of the state's musical talent, and the multifaceted efforts of a state-of-the-art recording studio in Aberdeen .
For more information please visit www.sdei.org or call 605- 697-5015.