New Product Ideas and More at INPEX® 2003
"The assortment of ideas showcased at INPEX was much more than I expected," said Jonathan Scharf, of Access Asia, LLC, an international business development firm, as he summed up his first invention show experience. The 19th annual Invention/New Product Exposition (INPEX), America's largest invention trade show including the INPEX Inventors University was held this past May in Pittsburgh, Pa. Scharf was one of the business representatives walking the showroom floor in search of new product ideas.
"For companies interested in new products, INPEX is an excellent resource. The show features hundreds of inventions available for licensing, manufacturing or marketing," said Trade Show Director, Jennifer Lawlor.
There were more than 1,000 innovations on display and more than 30 different product categories for attendees to choose from. "INPEX is worth the trip," said Lee Archibald, of Archibald Marketing, Ltd., who traveled to Pittsburgh from Conyers, Ga. Archibald specializes in product importing and distribution. "I think that you have to be at this show if you are going to be in the new product development business."
Exhibits differ in size, and inventions vary in their stage of development — from drawings, to prototypes, to finished products. Categories represented on the show floor include; automotive, kitchen and bath, and tools and hardware, to name a few. For many, INPEX has become more than just a product resource for business. Since 2000, the show has presented a series of seminars and panel discussions through the INPEX Inventors University. "The university was originally established as a resource for inventors," said Lawlor. "Today, we offer business oriented sessions that also cater to the needs and interests of our business attendees." The programs offered through the university are presented by industry professionals, and are designed to provide insight into a variety of topics, including marketing, licensing and venture capital. "I found the university classes offered a good cross-section of topics for industry professionals," noted Scharf.
This year's INPEX Inventors University keynote address was delivered by Ron Foxcroft, inventor of the Fox-40 pea-less whistle and CEO of Fox-40 International. The Fox-40 whistle is currently sold in more than 100 countries and is used by sports organizations, including the NFL, NBA and NHL.
In his address, Foxcroft shared his experiences of taking the pea-less whistle from concept to market.
INPEX 2003 concluded with its International Awards Ceremony at Heinz Field, the new home of the National Football League's Pittsburgh Steelers. The category awards are determined by an international judging panel. The Grand Prix award, the final prize of the evening, which included a $5,000 cash prize, was awarded to Mark Sheahan of Great Britain for his SIMPLY SQUEEZE TO OPEN, a container that easily opens when squeezed and seals when closed. Sheahan stated he "was delighted and honored to win the major prize at INPEX 2003."
Planning is underway for INPEX's 20th anniversary show, to be held May 12-15, 2004 at the Greater Pittsburgh ExpoMart. Admission to INPEX and INPEX Inventors University is FREE for pre-registered attendees. INPEX general admission is $15 at the door and INPEX Inventors University sessions are $35 per seminar. To pre-register for INPEX, call (888) 54-INPEX or (412) 288-1343.
Ron Foxcroft and Fox 40 International served as a Platinum Sponsor of INPEX 2003 and delivered the Keynote Address at the 2003 INPEX Inventors University. Mr Foxcroft has not exhibited at INPEX.
While the above exhibitors' experiences are not typical of what most INPEX exhibitors can expect from attending the trade show, the events reported are a result of what can happen from attending INPEX — the Invention Show.
