Hi Linda, Use the ‘search’ button above and type in ‘Inpex’ and see what went on last year. I contacted them and the 5×10 booth is $1395 and the 10×10 booth is $1895: I asked the agent how inventors could afford that and she told me that they always sell out and many have already purchased booths. I am going to go to their website and check out the Awards to see what type of inventors went the last time they had a show.

Let me know if you learn anything more….

Hi Julie,
Thanks for telling me how to search within. A good read. I called Inpex and they told me the same thing. They said if you buy a booth that they would target and invite manufacturers in your invention category. I will let you know if I learn anything more.

When they called me yesterday (in response to an on-line inquiry) they said the same thing but also that they couldn’t guarantee any company would show up. They also told me that SkyMall would be there and since I had inventory, it was a good shot that my travel pillowcase could get picked up. About 8 years ago, I looked into advertising in the SkyMall magazine and for the smallest ad it would have cost something like $4000 for a one-time run. Based on that, I asked Inpex if Skymall would pay for the ad if they liked the product and I was told that SkyMall would pay for one run.

There is a deadline for getting a discount on the booth – think it is soon. Where do you live? I am in Yuma, AZ so it would be a real trip for me and, having done trade shows before, I know that one person cannot / should not do it alone.

Duh…. I just looked at your profile and see that you are in the Chicago area so that migh be ‘do-able’ for you.

Go to this forum for current answers from Mike Drummond:

Official Media Q & A with the Editor of Inventors Digest

Hi Julie,
Sorry it has taken me a while to check in. Am I correct in thinking that you are thinking about doing this trade show? And yes, I do live in the Chicago area. I will check out the forum.

Hi Julie,
I read the forum. It sounds like the trade show is good for inventors, but not the inventhelp company.

Hi Linda – I WAS thinking about getting a booth but can’t really justify the huge expense. There is another trade show (not only for inventors) which has an area dedicated for inventors and the space is a lot less expensive than a regular booth. I think it might be the Spree convention – not sure.

I was about to sign up for the Minn event last year but life happened and I couldn’t get away.

Hi Julie, I’m still thinking about going. I’m trying to decide if it would be a good deal for me. currently, I’m taking steps in learning how to bring my invention to market myself. I’m also wondering if a booth could be shared by two inventors. That would cut the expense in half.

I believe you can share a booth but Inpex will provide just one sign so the two people would have to agree to a name for the sign. I have a pillowcase and let’s say you have a gardening tool: that might be a challenge to come up with something for the sign. I received their packet in the mail yesterday but set it aside for later – probably much later.

I am very surprised that no one else from EN has posted – I am going to start a forum called “Anyone going to INPEX in PA in June?” and see what happens.

The sign could read “Dirty Pillows” like from the movie Carrie.

Keep thinking, Ralf – Dirty Pillows doesn’t really entice buyers. ;-)

It does on my street.

How far is INPEX from Philly? What’s the nearest airport?

If I go I’d like to make a trip of it and at least see Philly but I’m not sure if that will be possible. I see that it’s close to Pittsburgh but what is there to do in Pittsburgh? At least Philly has some history.

Another thing thats bothering me is that if I just want to go see the show and not get a booth there is only one day for the public, and it’s a friday which is even worse. Doesn’t make much sense to me and I don’t know why they don’t do it on the weekend instead of the middle of the week. That would mean I would have to take Thursday and Friday off of work to fly over there and see the show.

I really want to go to the show and learn more about the industry but it’s not going to be easy. (or cheap)

Frank, go to their website, www.inpex.com, and I’m sure they have all the info. you need. Maybe you can find out which big companies in your area might be attending and maybe they would get you a pass for the other days. Talk sweet – plead if you must.

Frank, according to MapQuest, about 5 hrs.

We need a show closer to NYC. Logistically, a NJ location has a lot of potential. Close to Philly, NYC, the so populated state of New Jersey and even CT. And easy access from other states, by train, air (3 airports) and of course, driving.

It has taken too long to get that show.

Hi Everyone!
Just wanted to make you aware of an event in Chicago that some of you might be interested in. I am currently organizing an Inventors Pavilion called Inventors Corner at the International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago from March 14-16, 2010. We are planning to have between 30-40 Inventors. In addition to exhibiting you will also have the chance to pitch your product to two panels of Housewares experts for feedback and advice and Louis Foreman and Warren Tuttle from the UIA will also be speaking there. You can get more info at www.housewares.org/show/exhibit. Look under “I want a booth” and you’ll see a link for inventors or you can go to www.brainchildmarketing.biz. If exhibiting is too expensive or if you aren’t ready, on Saturday Mar. 13, we are holding an all-day inventor education/networking event that includes a badge to the show. The cost for that is $249
Also, just as an fyi— I am the former show director from INPEX, so I can probably provide some insight into the show if you want it. Thanks!

Thank you, Jen. I would like to know how many INDEPENDENT inventors usually have a booth at the show.

Luis, the Yankee Invention Expo is in CT and it will hopefully not be canceled again this year. I learned a lot the year I had a booth there – think it was in 1998 or 1999.

I hope you’re right, Julie. I wanted to go last year… Still, quite a drive from central NJ. But well worth it. We love Connecticut :-)

Jen, After checking out the links, I have the same question about the Chicago show: how many INDEPENDENT inventors (can afford to) have a booth?

I had a booth at an AARP Convention in Anaheim 2 years ago and didn’t pay anywhere near what these ‘inventor’ conventions are charging – absolutely unbelievable.

Hi Julie!
Thanks for checking out the links! Believe me, I do understand that the cost of these booths in addition to travel and hotel is not a small expense, especially for inventors who have already had to put out so much for their IP work, prototyping, manufacturing etc. That being said, many of the exhibitors in the pavilion are independent inventors who look at this as a marketing opportunity.

The thing to keep in mind about this pavilion is that it is at the Housewares Show—which is a huge show with 60,000 attendees. When you are in a pavilion with other folks with new products—you become a destination point at the show. And the Housewares Show team actively promotes it to drive traffic to it. If you have a housewares type of product—you will meet the right kinds of people, that you might not have access to on your own.
But again, I completely understand that this is a big expense. One of the reasons I mentioned the Inventor 911 educational event is that it is much less expensive, you have the opportunity to meet all the people who speak that day, you get a badge to the Housewares Show and you are more than welcome to come hear the speakers, watch the product reviews and check out the pavilion. Something to think about. And again, I really appreciate that you took the time to learn more about the pavilion. Thank you so much!!!

Thank you, Jen (I really want to call you Betty Crocker – love that avatar!)

If you ever saw me in the kitchen it would be even funnier! :-)

Can I horn in on this conversation?? LOL I’m a greenhorn with EN submissions that don’t even have a prototype or patent. I wonder if anyone can tell me about the invention expo in Ft. Lauderdale Feb 7th. I saw it somewhere on the E.N. site. I’m in Orlando area and would love to go to that one. Anybody know details about it?

Norma, I did a search through the forums (using the ‘search’ button in the upper right corner of every forum) and couldn’t find any mention of Ft. Lauderdale or Feb. 7th. So, I did a search on-line and this is what I found on the Ft. Lauderdale Calendar of Events:

AMERICAN CHRONICLES: THE ART OF NORMAN ROCKWELL
Through February 7, 2010

Are you sure of the date? of the town? If it had been mentioned in one of the EN forums, I think it would have shown up in either one of the searches I did.

If you find it, keep us posted – I’m sure others live in FL….

Check out: http://www.meetup.com/The-Inventors-Society-of-... for more information. I think there is a typo for the date, but there is contact information.

Dond, THIS is why these forums are so great! A guy from Northern CA finds out about an inventor’s meeting in FL! Hope that Norma is following this ….

Thanks Julie and Dond… I AM following! Gonna check out that link….

This isn’t necessarily a show for inventors but if anyone is in the Las Vegas area, they might find it interesting and they will probably come up with ideas.
http://www.spreeshow.com/

Hey all, I have attended Inpex for 3 years in a row. It’s a great place for someone like myself to find inventors and patent owners who need marketing and advertising help. But, if you are under the impression that licensees are there scoping out new technology….not so much. Invent Help (the old ISC) puts it on. They have contests for best new product, etc. It’s fun, but not a place to try find licensees. Keep in mind most licensees get booth space at National shows…like home and housewares in Chicago for instance. And, just a bit of advice, you have to be careful approaching them on their territory. They are attending those shows to gain market share, to add distributors, etc. If you have intentions on networking come prepared but don’t push. You may just get a card and follow up with them AFTER the show. I will try to keep weekly updates of trade shows coming up on my profile in a blog entry. Those are the good ones. And, you don’t have to get a booth to network, just fyi.

Amy,
You are correct, many licensees are exhibiting at the National shows and do NOT want inventors wandering into their booths when they are trying to talk with buyers, distributors etc. The nice thing about being part of an Inventor Pavilion at shows such as Housewares or Hardware is that during slow times, the licensees do walk the show. I can say from experience they will stop by an Inventor Pavilion because they know there is a bunch of stuff to look at in one place. When they come up to you, they are very open to hearing about your new product.
Since I was the INPEX Show Director for many years, I wonder if our paths ever crossed???

Jen,
I would love some info on your Inventor Pavilion. Maybe I can post some info on our blog. Are you not doing Inpex anymore? Btw, love the pic!

Hi Amy,

I’m not involved with INPEX anymore—I had to step down from being show director a few years ago as it was just too much with 2 small boys. I worked part-time on special projects -like organizing product reviews and corporate development, but with the economy-that just wasn’t practical for them anymore.
Anyway I would love to send you info on the pavilion—just let me know the best place to do that and I’ll get on it. Thanks so much!
That picture is pretty amusing especially since I am the complete opposite :-)
Thanks Again!!
jen

Don’t forget the first annual inventor’s show I am starting. May 22 in Union, NJ. One town from Newark Airport, 30 miles from Manhattan. Will be held in Kean College involving the college/students, NJ SBA executives, NJ, Philly, Manhattan Inventors groups, Edison Nation and Inventors Digest I am told will be sending somebody atleast to man booths, Thomas Edison foundation/museum said they will try and bring a portable museum plus we will have inventor’s resources there that will be more invited but we can turn down if we feel the companies do not cater to inventor’s needs. We don’t want vendors coming to sell hot sauce or simple printing that an inventor can get anywhere.

We want prototypers, NJ angel investor groups, the SBA will be there, a couple large local plastics manufacturers to explain molds and the process etc., patent attorneys, infomercial companies…and hopefully some VERY COOL speakers.

I do know people and this is greater NYC…and basically the same exact area that Thomas Edison and Einstein did their thing. Lemmelson was in the same area too. I even know President Obama’s Chief of Technology. I will ask him to come and speak. Media is also asking for more imformation before we gad a date or anything and I will ask the Discovery Channel people to be there too.

It will be BIG…so don’t miss it. CHEAP AS DIRT BOOTHS…the college wants to help inventors…$100 a booth for inventors and $200 for businesses that service inventors. I do expect this to be a MAJOR show, the college and others involved expect us to be possibly the biggest after next years show. I will start a post for it. Trying to think of the name now. Tri-State Inventors Expo? We are in the Tri-State area NJ,PA,NY and people in all 3 states will be promoting.

BIG party…see you there!

Jen-Send the info to 931 SW Lemans Lane, Lee’s Summit, MO 64082. I’ll spread the word and post something on our website. THX!

Ron keep us posted…

Ron, I just returned from the Pack West Trade show in CA and there were lots of prototypers there – all different types and sizes of companies. If you would like, I will check the show directory for prototypers in your area – unless you already have someone in mind. I believe there are several EN members who do that but don’t know where they live or if they would travel.

The date will be Saturday, May 22nd? Can you please provide the address of the show?

Hi Linda, I from ill, I would like to know if you already deside to participated in the inpex june 16-18. I have an prototype and design prototype may we can share a booth.

Eduardo, Why don’t you edit your profile and give a little more information about yourself – best way to make friends.

To anyone else: I am seriously thinking of REALLY going to the Minnesota show this June 11-12. Almost mailed off my booth fee, etc. last year and then things happened to keep me from going. However, getting out of Yuma in June is a plus. Anyone else going? Anyone out there who HAS been and would like to comment?

I didn’t go to the Minnesota show, but I did go to the NHS in Vegas last year, I have family that diredtion but from what I remember MN is still a long haul. I would love to go since it sounds like i might be the palce to be.

Thank You Julie, This is my first time here in this forum.I have to set up my profile. but I like the way you help others inventor in this forums that is priceless. can you explain who this MN show work because,I would like to present my idea for some feedback and may be is someone interesting in my idea.

Eduardo, You smooth-talking devil. Here is how you can get the info. about the convention – go to www.minnesotainventorscongress.org. If you can’t request a brochure there, write to info@minnesotainventorscongress.org. Good luck….

I would like to know which airport is near to Redbook MN. Thanks

Just google it

Airport: believe it is Minneapolis and quite a drive south to RedWOOD Falls.

I started a forum just for this convention: Minnestota…. but no one participated.

I google already and the closer airport is st.paul MN,but are two hour away I has to call them to see is better way to make there. Thank You Roger and Julie

There should be small airport services, in St Paul that will then take you cloer to your destination. Trouble would be how to find these services. I live 100 miles from outer Mongolia and we have a small airport service here. In WV, My cousin runs it.

I would check with the convention people to see if they will have a shuttle – you never know. If they don’t, an airport shuttle might be less expensive than a smaller airport. I believe, when I checked last year, that the convention website gave a lot of information about transportation. If you are staying in one of the recommended hotels, the hotel might have suggestions.

Sometimes you have to dig….

Julie.. I have been looking at the website. There is a ton of information but I haven’t found that info yet. Are you or anyone else planning to go? I think I might, but am looking for some feedback maybe from someone who has been. If it’s 2 hrs from St Paul.. I wonder what kind of attendance it will draw.. anybody know?

I am seriously considering going and getting a booth: if I can license or sell the patent for the pillowcase, I would be really happy and rid of it so I can go play. IF I go, I will take the motor home.

Go to the ‘search’ button above and type in ‘Minnesota Inventors’ and there is a lot of info. there and you can contact the person representing the event. I think her post is the 2nd one. I don’t have time to dig any further right now but will later.