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MIC 2008 ~ The 51^st annual event, Invention & Idea Show™

 June 13 & 14, 2008

The Minnesota Inventors Congress (MIC) is reinventing itself.

Inventors from across the globe have test marketed their inventions at the MIC since 1958. Inventors set up their booth like they would at a traditional trade show and have access to thousands of potential customers. Product scouts, manufacturers and investors also attend our expo. We are very excited about what's new for this years’ event.

 IDEAS: One major change: Inventors can promote an invention that is still in the idea stage or maybe the prototype is too expensive or so large that it makes it a challenge to display. This area of the show floor will provide a smaller booth space and lower fee, for presenting your idea.

               LOWER REGISTRATION FEES FOR EXHIBITORS: Another change: The early bird registration fee for inventor exhibitors is $295.00. Our motive for making these changes is to make the experience of test marketing your product and exhibiting at the MIC Invention & Idea Show™ 2008 a great value for your money.

               TWO DAY EVENT: The show will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The awards ceremony is held on Friday evening.

               FREE INVENTING SUCCESS™ WORKSHOPS FOR EXHIBITORS: On Friday and Saturday, from 8:00 to 10:45 a.m. we will be hosting product development workshops. Our keynote speaker on Friday is Stephen Key, award winning inventor and patent holder; and Saturday features Louis Foreman, Publisher, Inventors Digest. Public is welcome to attend, for a nominal fee. Other workshops start at 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.

               SELL YOUR PRODUCT TO THE PUBLIC. Another change allows inventors to sell market ready products directly from the exhibit booth, whether you are a first time inventor/exhibitor or a coming back as a marketplace exhibitor.

               BREAKING NEWS: The MIC is proud to announce that we will be hosting an International Federation of Inventors Associations (IFIA) event. This organization has been networking inventor's groups for 40 years; we are proud to be a part of their Jubilee celebration. IFIA members from all over the world will be extended an invitation to participate in this joint effort hosted by the MIC and IFIA. 25 countries were represented at the Jubilee kick off event in Bangkok Thailand, February 2-5, 2008.

Press Release: MIC Going Global 2008!

January 23, 2008

Going global is taking the Minnesota Inventors Congress on the road again. This time its Bangkok Thailand.

It wasn’t that many months ago that the Minnesota Inventors Congress (MIC) Executive Director, Deb Hess, returned from an international invention show in Taipei Taiwan. And now she is packing for a trip to Bangkok Thailand. Hess will be participating in the First International Inventor’s Day Convention as a speaker, jury member and exhibitor, Feb. 2-5, 2008.  The organizers are hosting an international seminar on Feb. 3^rd celebrating “Global Sustainability.”  She will be covering initiatives being developed by independent inventors, companies and research facilities in North America. Featured projects will include an aviation fuel that reduces greenhouse emissions; biofuels; hybrid vehicles; sustainable communities; wind power and geothermal manufacturers.

This event also kicks off the year long celebration of the 40^th Jubilee of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA), according to the organizations’ President, Dr. András Vedres, Budapest Hungary. Inventors from 23 countries are registered to participate.” The MIC is the first United States organization to join this prestigious international organization,” comments Hess. MIC members were invited to submit their inventions for consideration and these 5 will be showcased:  

Invention name and inventor: IRE Rejuvenater Portable Battery Charger, Rafael Ruiz, Poteet Texas USA.
Invention Description: High amp portable battery charger powered by internal combustion engine, that charges and rejuvenates drained lead acid batteries. Charges from one battery, to a series of batteries, in parallel or series. Go Green with the BioDiesel option, also available in gas and propane.

Invention name and inventor:  Mass Transit Concept, Bill Kurtz, St Croix Falls Wisconsin USA.
Invention Description: This mass transit concept uses an enclosed system by means of magnetic levitation rail cars that will transport people with their vehicles, powered by electric motors (wind/solar power option available.) This concept offers the independence of using your own vehicle to enter and exit the system.

Invention name and inventor: Stay-Clean Curtains, Donald Darnell, Auburn California USA
Invention Description: To keep dust, debris, sprays and spills from remodel projects for home or businesses safely. Low cost plastic disposable dust curtains that resist falling down and can be quickly installed in under two minutes.

Invention name and inventor: Multi-Function Toilet Tool, Richard Bixby, Ukiah California USA.
Invention Description: Self attached hanger and tool saves water, chemicals, energy, eliminates problem before, during or after you flush. Opens clogs, removes hidden items, no rubber gloves needed, sanitizes in seconds. Wheelchair accessible one hand use, uses rotation inertia.

Invention name and inventor: Invisible Home Gym, Shula Pressler, Northridge California USA
Invention Description: Conversion from furniture to gym configuration takes about 30 seconds. Arms, upper body, legs and thighs can be exercised in the comfort of your living room while watching TV. Single chair and His & Hers configurations are available.

Plans are underway for the 51^st Minnesota Inventors Congress event, Invention & Idea Show™ 2008, June 13 & 14, in Redwood Falls MN.

MIC Board of Directors announces changes ~ 10-30-2007

Inventors: International Exposition is planned for 2008!

The Minnesota Inventors Congress Board of Directors has made progressive changes for 2008.
These changes include YOUR Suggestions that MIC has planned to adopt this coming year,

These changes are designed to meet the ever changing global economy and increase product exposure for local and international inventors.  This international visibility to the international markets may open new doors for exports and local product development for export.

Cost Savings: The cost of a booth has been reduced to $295.00 ~ Second booth only $95.00!

Inventors will be able to sell their inventions and products at their booths!

Ideas and concepts will also be allowed without a working prototype keeping with the USPTO current policies regarding patents.  MIC will have a new award classification for Ideas and Concepts.

To meet the travel needs of inventors, the MIC Board of Directors decided to keep the congress in 2008 to Friday and Saturday.  High Impact, High Visibility, International Exposition at a much lower cost to inventors.  MIC is starting to take reservations starting in November, 2007.

Thank you for your suggestions!

Purchase your booth early to assure your product receives International Exposure in 2008. 

NOTE: Inventors will be able to pre-display their invention(s) on the MIC website with their booth purchase.    This includes web links and custom graphics as needed for a minimum additional fee. The sooner you purchase your booth the more exposure your invention will receive. Call for more details.

News Release 8-30-2007

International Federation of Inventors Associations (IFIA.)

The Minnesota Inventors Congress will make its international debut at the 2007 Taipei International Invention Show and Technomart, in Taiwan from Sept. 27 through the 30th. Deb Hess, MIC Executive Director, and her husband Gerry, will be showcasing 3 inventors’ products in the International Federation of Inventors Associations exhibit arena. The event sponsors anticipate that 55,000 people will visit the 4 day show. Over 49,000 people attended in 2006.

Hess has been will be serving as a judge for the Computer Implemented Inventions Semifinals. This is a world wide competition, exhibition, and business event for Computer Implemented Inventions (CIIs), organized by the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) and other connected international invention exhibitions. In 2008, the winner of this competition will be awarded $100,000.00.

News Release 6-13-2007

MIC: Deb Hess,
Executive Director
Minnesota Inventors Congress

MIC celebrates the 50^th annual inventor’s expo.

“Based on the comments received from the exhibitors and student inventors the 50^th annual Minnesota Inventors Congress was a huge success,” comments President Kirby Josephson. “Inventors from as far away as Connecticut, New Hampshire, Texas and Washington brought their latest products to showcase at the expo. Several exhibitors reported getting national media exposure and many made solid contacts with product scouts and manufacturers.”

The MIC is becoming an international event. Dr. András Vedres, Budapest, Hungary, current President of the International Federation of Inventors Associations (IFIA), presented awards to several of our exhibitors.  The MIC is the only US organization that belongs to IFIA.

At the first event in 1958, MIC President Carl Beireis reported that the key to the whole show is not the ribbons we are giving away, but the contacts the inventors make.  The MIC gives inventors the opportunity to show their ideas to those who may want to finance, manufacture, market or buy new products. Josephson responds, “I think it is incredible that 50 years later the MIC’s mission remains timeless.”  When presented with the F. Robert Starr Grand Prize, Harold Fratzke of Cottonwood MN, commented that he has a potential manufacturer and marketer interested in meeting with him after the event. This is Fratzke’s 17^th time exhibiting at the world’s oldest annual invention convention. He exhibited The New Step-up System, (a step designed to make access to your pickup box safe and simple.  This attachment can be used for a pickup or van.) Presenting the award to Fratzke was current MIC Board Member Bob Starr, co-founder of the event, along with Tony Knight of the United State Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

One of the highlights of this year’s event was the student inventors. At the 20^th annual Minnesota Student Inventors Congress (MSIC) children from across the state of Minnesota displayed their ideas and as usual, stole the show. Students involved in the program are taught the product development process: from creating a solution to a problem; to keeping timely records of their research in an invention log book; through building a prototype and testing the public interest. USPTO Supervisor Knight hosted an intellectual property seminar for the students each day of the event.  Invent MN, represented by Phil Reinhardt and Nicholas Powley, also hosted educational sessions for those attending. United States Congressman Collin Peterson, who visited the expo on Friday afternoon, and Supervisor Knight held an award ceremony for the students who exhibited on Friday.

News Release 5-27-2007

MIC: Is proud to announce that the Minnesota Inventors Congress is the first United States Inventor Association to be affiliated with the:

International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA)

News Release 3-5-2007
MIC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno ~ Airs on Tuesday, March 13, 2007
The segment will showcase selected inventions from the Minnesota Inventors Congress’ 49th annual event
Invention EXPOsure™2006.
FYI: The date is subject to change and the list of inventors and their inventions is not available.

News Release 5-15-2006

MIC: Inventors: MIC Keynote Speaker:
John Calvert (US Patent and Trademark Center)
John Calvert

News Release 5-15-2006

MIC: Inventors: MIC Keynote Speaker:
John Calvert (US Patent and Trademark Center)
John Calvert of the U. S. Patent and Trademark Center will be the keynote speaker on the “National Interest in Renewable Energy”, on Friday, June 9, 2006 at the Minnesota Inventors Congress Invention Exposure tm event being held at the Redwood Area Community Center and Fieldhouse in Redwood Falls, Minnesota.

News Release 5-9-2006

MIC: Inventors: ATTENTION INVENTORS:
The cameras of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno will be on hand at the 2006 Minnesota Inventors Congress to tape a segment of The Tonight Show's "Pitch To America." "Pitch to America" is a recurring bit that airs about once a month on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. It is a game that our audience plays - 7-12 pitches are chosen that we have taped at a particular convention and show them to our audience. The audience then guesses which of the pitches they have seen have been "SOLD" or "NOT SOLD" to buyers at or after a particular convention. The objective of "Pitch to America" is to help you, the inventor, to get your inventions out to the American public so that people will be interested in your ideas -- the goal is to have fun, not make fun. Any registered exhibitor/inventor at the Minnesota Inventors Congress is welcome to participate, at no charge, in "Pitch to America.”

News Release 4-15-2006

MIC: Inventors: Minnesota Inventors Congress 49th annual event
INVENTION EXPOsure^tm June 9, 10, and 11, 2006 at the Redwood Area Field house and Community Center!

News Release 3-13-2006

MIC: Inventors: Do you want exposure for your new product?
INVENTION EXPOsure^tm June 9, 10, and 11, 2006 at the Redwood Area Field house and Community Center!

News Release 3-06-2005
MIC: Inventor Resources: Reliable or Scam: Can you tell the difference?
Only 21 inventors out of 8,685 received more money back paid into an invention promotion firm!

News Release 6-15-2005
MIC Announces 2005 Invention Awards .

News Release 3-09-2005
Governor Calls All Entrepreneurs
Winner to receive $25,000 in seed capital and first annual “Minnesota Cup”
Governor Tim Pawlenty announced "Breakthrough Ideas" a statewide contest to seek out, support, celebrate and promote Minnesota's newest and most innovative business ideas through an annual competition that connects resident entrepreneurs with our state's leading CEOs, investors and the University of Minnesota.

. . . News Release . . . Minnesota CUP . . . Factsheet . . . University of Minnesota

News Release 3-1-2005
DEED To Take on Role of MPI . .

News Release 12-17-2004
MIC Grand Award Invention Named Top Five of 2004!

Article Fall Journal 2004
MIC In the News! Minnesota's Hospitality Journal, Fall 2004

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