Innovation's the word at South Ohio Society of Women Engineers Conference

Innovation, and how to cultivate and creatively use it, will be the topic of conversation at the South Ohio Society of Women Engineers Spring conference.

"The world is changing fast. Consumers want more from companies, but want to spend less. It's through innovation that we can provide superior products to consumers," explained Margaret Adriatico, South Ohio SWE social chair.  "Innovation is about changing and improving lives by bringing new and better things to consumers."

The third annual spring conference is quickly becoming SWE's signature event. Last year it attracted 100 attendees from Greater Cincinnati and Dayton. This year's goal is to bring in 150.

This year's keynote speaker is Brett Bonner, Kroger's resident chief of R&D. He'll speak on why innovation is imperative to a successful business. Doug Brownstone, of Eureka Ranch, and Jim Sinclair and Tom Hortel of Zenovate will also present.

"We'll be talking about the difference between breakthrough innovations and step change innovations. We can go along step by step in innovation, but what most companies are looking for is breakthrough. So we'll talk about what kind of culture you need, and the kind of people that it takes to cultivate those breakthrough innovation," Adriatico said.

The conference is eligible for continuing education credits, and will include a course outline and certificate of completion. It starts at 8 a.m. at Cincinnati Marriott North, 6189 Muhlhauser Rd, in West Chester. The cost is $75 for SWE members, $100 for non-members and $55 for students. It's open to both men and women and to non-engineers.You can register here for the conference before April 1. Afterward, registrations will incur a $20 surcharge.

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Margaret Adriatico, South Ohio SWE social chair

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