History of InventorFest
Now in its third year, InventorFest grew out of a series of programs and interactions that developed between two U.S. Patent and Trademark Depository libraries in southwestern Ohio and their ongoing relationship with regional inventor councils. Seeking to expand outreach and highlight library resources for inventors to develop, protect and market their new product ideas, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and Wright State University Libraries partnered together to build a regional event around the invention process.
Rotated from year to year from Cincinnati’s public library and Wright State University’s libraries, this free inventors’ festival brings independent inventors, and invention experts, as well as business professionals and entrepreneurs, together with the public. The first InventorFest was held in October 2004 at the Atrium of the main public library in downtown Cincinnati and showcased 33 exhibitions by independent inventors, inventors councils, business incubators, and informative talks by experts on patents, frauds and scams, and product promotion. It brought together over 250 attendees (not only from the Tristate region, but also from as far away as Pittsburgh, Arkansas, and Florida).
The next InventorFest (2005), which was held at the student union of Wright State University, grew even more expansive while attracting about 350 attendees. Along with the 50 exhibitors that participated, there was a note-worthy lineup of guest speakers that included officials from the U.S. Patent and Trademark office and a panel of experts from various facets in the field.
From its inauguration, every year something new has been added to the InventorFest experience. This year’s InventorFest (2006) returns to the downtown public library in Cincinnati and offers more for the entire family. The featured speaker is the renowned patent attorney and writer David Pressman followed by a panel of experts, including attorneys and industry experts, who will discuss inventor-related topics and answer questions.
New for 2006, Inventing Is for Everyone offers kids an opportunity to explore invention through games and crafts as well as a hands-on exhibition on the science of energy from the Columbus-based COSI. For teens, computer gaming expert Michael Fatten, of Indiana University, will talk about the present and future of online gaming and virtual universes. As with previous events, this year’s InventorFest promises to set the stage for even greater things in the future.