iMAGiNExpo seeks to open doors for entrepreneurs, creatives, inventors

On Saturday, May 17, the Covington branch of the Kenton County Library will host iMAGiNExpo, a free event that spotlights and supports creativity and innovation. iMAGiNExpo is a new collaboration between the NKU Steely Library’s Intellectual Property Awareness Center (IPAC), Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, and Kenton County Public Library.
 
The event, which runs from 1-4 p.m., is intended to give an overview on what it takes to work in a creative field, covering topics like intellectual property rights and basics of business.
 
“We want to bring together some of the most creative and curious minds, young and old, to mingle with entrepreneurs and inventors,” says John Schlipp, associate professor at NKU and librarian at the IPAC. “It is part of our charge as a designated patent resource center to work with the community.”
 
The iMAGiNExpo will also feature a creativity and innovation panel with representatives from the Inventor’s Council of Cincinnati, the Better Business Bureau, NKU’s Virtual Business Center and more.
 
“We want people to be aware of the vast amount of resources we have to offer, most of which are free,” Schlipp says. “This event will show people some of that, but it will also show off how we are growing innovation in the region here.”
 
In addition to the panel, there will be a student creativity exhibit showcasing regional high school students’ digital media presentations. Submissions are based on the students' project-based research, and awards will be given out for the best projects.
 
The program’s partners aim to make iMAGiNExpo an annual event, rotating between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky each year.
 
“Small business is important. We’re seeing a lot of growth in Cincinnati and areas of Covington, like the eZone,” Schlipp says. “But we think there is still a huge opportunity to spur the growth of people creating new things here and filing for more patents. We want to educate our community on how they can be part of that.”

By Mike Sarason