April 2024
No innovator is an island. Successfully marketing an invention requires learning firsthand what people want, who those people are, and how to connect the two. An easy and fast way to learn about those things is to attend trade shows and expos relevant to your invention. Local inventor Kenton Brett told us about his recent experiences at the international Inspired Home Show in Chicago, IL and at the 3D Printing Expo 2024 in Carmel, IN. The annual 5-day Inspired Home Show is the largest housewares trade show in North America. This year's attractions included keynote addresses, a hall of global innovation, an inventors' corner, a display of new products, and free food samples prepared by celebrity and award-winning chefs. A lunchtime conversation with a stranger gave Mr. Brett insight into what his customers want. At the Carmel Clay Public Library, Jordan Goddard (owner, Indy Toy Lab ) gave a fascinating talk on the role of artificial intelligence and 3-dimensio