Whether it be a fleeting idea or a life-long passion, everyone has some form of a creative bone in their body. Innovation comes in a variety of forms, and what might seem like an obvious or superficial concept to you could very well alter an industry or positively impact the lives of others. When is it time to take your dream into reality, though, and how do you do it?
As a kick-off to this year’s Tools of the Trades Conference, led by CraftNow and NextFab, this program will offer a place for creatives, startup leaders, and corporate innovators to connect and generate new ideas. We’ll discuss what creativity and innovation mean and how they can be measured and evaluated in the market. Learn from industry leaders when it’s time to scale your idea and gain insight into the mistakes and lessons they’ve learned from their ventures at every stage of their evolution.
9:00 AM- 10:00AM– On-site Registration, Networking & Breakfast
10:00 AM- 11:00AM– Virtual Program
11:00 AM-11:30AM– Speaker Q&A
*This event offers the opportunity to participate solely virtually or in-person at the Chamber offices for a “watch party” and additional networking with fellow attendees.
Speakers to Date:
Sharif Pendleton, Senior Multimedia Developer, Capital One & Founder, LaserPhilly
Sharif Pendleton is an entrepreneur, creative consultant and educator. He’s a self-professed nerd, ever-curious artist and designer with a BFA from Uarts and more than 10 years experience using lasers in his practice. In addition to being an experienced educator and speaker, Sharif is obsessed with creating products and processes that solve problems for people and industries. Previously, in 2009, Sharif founded Masters of None – the precursor to LaserPhilly.
Monica O. Montgomery, Director of Community Engagement & Programs, Historic Germantown & Co-Founder, Museum Hue
Monica O. Montgomery believes museums must be in service to society! She works at the nexus of art, culture and and inclusion, engaging communities across Philly, NYC and DC around experience and education. She previously served as Curator of Social Justice and Programming for the FUTURES exhibit celebrating the Smithsonian’s 175th Anniversary. She has directed 3 cultural centers, and independently curated 40+ social justice, contemporary art and public history exhibits, and festivals, with renowned organizations like the South African Embassy, Brooklyn Museum, Portland Art Museum, T Thomas Fortune Cultural Center, Weeksville Heritage Center, Teachers College, The Highline and more. As a co founder of Museum Hue, she works with a myriad of organizations on scaling innovation, training and community engagement.
Roger Lee, Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Penn State Brandywine & Owner, Roger Lee Arts, LLC
Roger Lee is an award-winning non-profit executive, an award-nominated arts entrepreneur, a multidisciplinary visual and performing artist, an author, and TEDx speaker. He was featured by ABC, FOX, CBS, KYW, TBN, Comcast, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The Huffington Post. Roger currently serves as the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Penn State Brandywine, the founder and owner of Roger Lee Arts, LLC, and the founder and artistic director of Roger Lee Dance Company.