Date: Thursday, April 3, 8:30 -11:30 a.m (Registration & Breakfast from 8:00-8:30 am).

Location: DoubleTree Hotel, Independence

Description: A culture that encourages, fosters and brings structure to innovation is crucial to a company’s ability to consistently innovate and see results from their innovations. This session will explore how small to medium sized manufacturing executives can create an environment that supports innovation and uncovers powerful insights from employees at all levels. Manufacturers will share their stories and techniques that show how their teams have an impact on the innovation process and company financial results. Immediate actions will be presented allowing participants to make a positive impact on their existing company culture.

Register now for one or both events or contact Katharine Boone, (216) 432-5159.

Stephen Brand, Executive Doctor of Management, NorTech Fellow in Innovation

Stephen Brand, E.D.M., provides vision and creative input for the NorTech/MAGNET Innovation Accelerator initiative.

Brand studied personal characteristics and environmental predictors of innovation with the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University receiving his doctorate in 2004. He also holds a master's in Interactive Technology in Education from Harvard University and a B.A. from The Ohio State University.

Brand was the first president of the National Inventor Hall of Fame in Akron. Previously, he served as vice president of Education and Exhibits at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, N.J. He has also served as manager of public outreach at the Boston Museum of Science.

Most recently, Brand was the chief imagination officer of OneCommunity, a nonprofit organization that serves Northeast Ohio by connecting public and nonprofit institutions to its next-generation fiber optic network.

As an innovation and new venture consultant, coach and strategist, Brand has worked with companies and organizations in manufacturing, academia, education, public television, telecommunications, new media, Internet start-ups, financial services, economic development, executive coaching, and museums, including Ford Motor Company, Polaroid, Children’s Television Workshop, WNET – New York, Corporate College, The Jason Foundation, Forbes, the Jewish Federation of Greater Detroit, the Jewish Federation of Canton, and the JCC of Cleveland.