Toronto Innovation Camp 2013
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Event Details
INNOVATION CAMP 2013
Made in Toronto
North York Civic Centre, Council Chamber, 5100 Yonge Street9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 1st
Manufacturers, designers and product innovators are thriving in Toronto! Come meet the "makers" who are competing successfully in local, regional and world markets. Learn how continuous innovation can bring you more customers and profitability. In this event, you will:
- Hear from and speak to successful business founders and CEOs.
- Learn about best business sustainable strategies and practices
- Meet leading experts in financing and cutting-edge projects
- Find out how government can help
- Make valuable business contacts
PROGRAM:Trade Show open all day (9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)9:00 a.m. Lower Level, Lobby and Member's LoungeRegistration and visiting trade showMeet experts from government agencies, investors and leading service providers. 9:30 a.m.Lower Level, Council ChamberWelcome Remark
9:35 a.m.Lower Level, Council ChamberOpening Keynote PresentationPhil White, Co-founder and CEO, Cervélo Learning to Zig When Everybody Else ZagsCervélo was founded on innovation and built by entrepreneurs. Phil White became an entrepreneur by necessity because no one was interested in the innovative new time trial bike that he and his Cervélo co-founder Gerard Vroomen had designed. That set the wheels in motion resulting in the formation of Cervélo, today the largest manufacturer of time trial bikes in the world and the acknowledged leader in cycling design innovation. Phil's tale of design innovation and zigging when others zag demonstrates the verve and sheer tenacity that entrepreneurs must possess to win in today's competitive market.
Phil has been an avid cyclist ever since he can remember. It was this initial curiosity and appreciation of how things are made that set him on his quest for design innovation and excellence.
A true entrepreneur, Phil thrives on challenge. He credits much of his perseverance and "never-give-up" attitude to his experience as a motor racing mechanic and occasional race car driver. The ability to have belief in one’s self, to get in the race, and to never give-up is strategic to Cervélo’s development.
After graduation with a business degree, Phil returned to McGill University to complete a master'ss degree in engineering where he met Gerard Vroomen, an engineering student in his composite lab. Phil teamed up with Gerard to help work on his Aerodynamic Time Trial bike.
The rigors they experienced building that first bike became the catalyst that lead to the formation of Cervélo. Cervélo bikes have been ridden to glory at every major road and triathlon cycling race in the world. Cervélo is now part of Pon Bicycle Group (RBG). In May 2012, Vancouver’s Ryder Hesjedal, riding for Team Garmin-Sharp, rode Cervélo to victory to become the first Canadian to win the Giro d’Italia and a Cycling Grand Tour.
Phil’s mantra is clear-cut: to strive to constantly innovate and to design and build better bikes than anyone else.
10:20 a.m. Lower Level, Lobby and Member's Lounge
Visiting trade showMeet experts from government agencies, investors and leading service providers.
10:40 a.m. Lower Level, Council ChamberPanel: Meet the Entrepreneurs
Dian Carlo, Partner, Sodi Designs
As a Toronto-based artist/designer, maker, lover of life and adventure, Dian Carlo has been in this city since 1995 after he landed in Vancouver one year earlier as an immigrant from Philippines.
After creatively expanding his handmade paper and lampshades store on Queen Street West into a business designing and selling his own product line, he launched SODIdesigns Inc. in 1999. Out of his Scarborough-based studio, he designs and manufactures large-scale sculpture, furniture, lighting, high-end metal signage and prototypes for various award-winning interior/industrial and architectural projects.
Installations in Toronto include the CN Tower's 360 Restaurant, McDonald's lighting/sculpture, the recently opened iQ Food Co., The Chickery, and Bannock by O&B at the Bay on Queen Street West - where he used reclaimed wood from the Queen's Wharf for the furniture. Also very much a community-centred artist, Dian is at present focusing his intentions on an interactive, large-scale fire, light and metal sculpture to be brought to Black Rock Desert, Nevada for the Burning Man Art Festival for 2013.
His second and perhaps most important current project is being the proud father of his daughter, Indigo.Jon F. Dwyer, CEO, Flax Energy Corp
Flax Energy is a Toronto-based agri-energy firm operating in Canada. Flax Energy organically crushes Canadian-grown flax seed, utilizing flax oil for the food, paint and biodiesel markets, and manufacturing flax meal into both flax animal feed and flax flour.
Jon Dwyer, CEO of Flax Energy, is also an author. His co-written novel Michael Burke was published in 2008; his play Good Evening, I'm Robert Service is currently touring Canada, starring Adam Brazier, directed by David Ferry. Jon is the energy expert for Sun News. He holds an honours BA in Political Science from McMaster University, and studied International Economics and Finance at Ryerson University.
Jon recently spoke at the TEDx Toronto series, has been featured on BNN, CTV, CBC, CBC Radio, Sun News, and was a contributor on TVO's Studio 2 with Steve Paikin, and has contributed to The Globe and Mail, the National Post, Toronto Star and other media outlets.Julia Grieve, Founder and CEO, Preloved
Julia Grieve is a true renaissance woman: an entrepreneur, a trendsetter, a local celebrity, an eco-design leader, and a wife and mother. Julia’s former career as an international model developed her keen sense of style, a passion for fit and design, and a knack for eyeing the latest hot trends. She invested her energy and fashion sense into Preloved, the store and design label she founded in 1995.
Making her mark in the media world, Julia has also worked as fashion editor of Impact Magazine and as a commentator for the fashion section of the National Post. In addition to her many guest spots and weekly appearances on shows such as Canadian Living, Modern Manners and Canadian House and Home, Julia was the host of 42 episodes of Global Television's Diva on a Dime.
Julia was also a guest mentor on Project Runway Canada, Season 2, and a guest expert on How to Look Good Naked Canada. Julia is most proud of her greatest creations, her two fashionable sons and beautiful daughter, the inspiration behind Preloved’s latest line for children, me*me.Mel Rapp, Founder and CEO, Rapp Optical
After receiving a university B.Sc degree, Mel Rapp graduated from Ryerson University with the license to practice as dispensing optician. In 1982 he opened Rapp Optical on College Street in Toronto.
His uniquely designed metal frame collection, created and made in Canada, being a hit in the International Optical Trade Show in New York in 1994 and received orders from a number of high-end optical retailers worldwide. Elton John bought several of the RAPP frames at the l.a. Eyeworks store in Los Angeles.
Rapp Optical won prestigious Ontario Business Achievement Awards OBAA in 1992. Mel also loves to play the accordion, and currently is studying, adapting and transcribing music from the Spanish flamenco guitar.*Moderated by Katherine Roos, Manager, Enterprise Toronto, City of Toronto11:50 a.m. Lunch Break and Visiting Trade ShowVisit the Innovation Trade Show and meet experts from government agencies, investors and leading service providers.
12:30 p.m. Lower Level, Council ChamberAfternoon Keynote Presentation
Ken Tencer, CEO, Spyderworks Design Inc.The New Mantra for Innovation: Cause a Disturbance
Ken Tencer, CEO of Spyder Works Inc’s presentation will disturb the way you think about innovation, helping you to considerthe possibilities and simplicity of being innovative every day, and the success this will bring to you personally and professionally.
He will provide insight on how to shift your mindset from thinking like a commodity provider to thinking like a platform builder. Attending this keynote you will learn how your company can master a better future by disrupting the status quo, engaging your customers, and causing a disturbance in the marketplace. As Ken explains, “There’s a big difference between an occasional spark of innovation and an eternal flame. And in the heat of today’s global competition, companies – big or small – cannot depend on periodic sparks, they need a constant stream of innovation.” And yet, it is easier – much easier – than you may realize. Ken advises: “If you can slice a melon or make a right hand turn, you can be a breakthrough innovator.” It’s that simple.
Ken Tencer is a branding and innovation thought leader who helps organizations master better futures. He is co-developer of The 90% Rule®, a success-tested innovation process that enables businesses of all sizes to identify and map relevant, high-potential opportunities.
Today, The 90% Rule® is being avidly read by business leaders in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Leading publications including The Globe and Mail, The Financial Times, CNBC and Forbes have recognized the timeliness and power of this important work. The release of the follow-up book on innovation, Cause a Disturbance, is eagerly awaited in fall 2013.
Ken holds a bachelor of commerce and a master's of Science in International Management. He has also received a joint certificate from the Institute of Corporate Directors and the Rotman School of Management, for the small and medium-sized enterprises board effectiveness program. 1:25 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.
Workshops
Workshops
Committee Room 1
Managing Your Cash FlowSera Schipani, Area Manager, Business Banking North York District, TD Canada Trust
Cash flow is a challenge for many small business owners. Failure to understand and manage it can hamper not only day to day operations; it can rob you of future growth or expansion opportunities.
This "hands on" workshop will share practical tips and real world examples Manufacturers can use to help them effectively manage cash flow. Whether your needs are for financing materials or inventory, diversification, or the day-to-day operations of your business, this seminar will help you better understand and leverage the cash flow cycle.
As an area manager, Sera leads a team of 8 dedicated small business advisors covering 19 branches to support small business banking in North York District. With 10 years of business banking experience, Sera is committed to developing and deepening the banking relationship of new and existing business customers by providing quality advice and solutions to assist them to run their businesses smoothly. Sera is happily married and the proud mom of two beautiful boys.Committee Room 2
Intellectual Property - Discover Your Other Assets
Dumitru Olariu, Business Development Officer, Canadian Intellectual Property Office
This presentation will provide an overview of the five main types of intellectual property rights in Canada. You'll find out helpful hints on how to protect your idea, the difference between business names and trademarks, and how to take advantage of the intellectual property system in order to increase your business competitiveness. As an agency of Industry Canada, Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) is a prime source of information to help you understand the strategic value of intellectual property (IP) and to support you in turning your innovation ideas into tangible assets in the marketplace.
Dumitru Olariu is a veteran IP expert with almost 28 years experience with Canadian Intellectual Property Office, first as a patent examiner, then as a Business Development Officer. Before that, he worked for six years in the electronics industry. He is a Professional Engineer, and his educational background includes a M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and a MBA.Committee Room 3Dumitru Olariu, Business Development Officer, Canadian Intellectual Property Office
This presentation will provide an overview of the five main types of intellectual property rights in Canada. You'll find out helpful hints on how to protect your idea, the difference between business names and trademarks, and how to take advantage of the intellectual property system in order to increase your business competitiveness. As an agency of Industry Canada, Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) is a prime source of information to help you understand the strategic value of intellectual property (IP) and to support you in turning your innovation ideas into tangible assets in the marketplace.
Inventing New Products/Services to Diversify Your BusinessOtto Schmidt, President, Accent on Skills Consulting
Participants will learn how to grow any business through the creation of new, original products/services that will best the competition. Two valuable templates are used to trigger and generate dozens of ideas. Don’t wait for ideas; make them happen.
Otto Schmidt is a Toronto-based Education Consultant specializing in giftedness and teaching personal competency skills. He is the Education Director of the Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc., inventors' support group, Founder/Organizer of the Great Canadian Inventions Show and member of the Advanced Technology Think Tank. Otto is the designer of a new inventing course being promoted internationally, speaker, and author.2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Workshops
Committee Room 1
Government programs, services for innovative entrepreneurs
Jane Wang, Regional Business Officer, Canada Business Ontario
From financing to expand your business, marketing your products overseas to learning the basics to make your business idea a reality, learn why Canada Business Ontario should be your first stop for information to make your business idea a reality.
Jane Wang started her public service career 10 years ago. She was a program officer for Human Resources Development Canada, where she spent most of her time working with small businesses to develop community services for senior and youth. As a Regional Business Officer with Industry Canada, she is responsible for outreach and Partnership activities in the GTA and Northern Ontario.Making Federal Government Your CustomerMenelaos (Manny) Argiropoulos, Chief, SME Stakeholder Engagement, Office of Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of Canada
Did you know that the Government of Canada purchases approximately $20 billion of goods and services each year? Provided by The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME), this session will help you understand the procurement process from registering in supplier databases, building relationships, through searching for opportunities, obtaining security clearances to bidding on opportunities. Menelaos will also highlight other federal innovation programs available to businesses.
As the Chief, SME Stakeholder Engagement for Industry and Government with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME), Menelaos (Manny) Argiropoulos is responsible for supplier outreach and engagement in Ontario for OSME. He also delivers supplier seminars that assist and inform suppliers in Ontario on how to do business with the Government of Canada. Manny has over 20 years of experience in this field.
How to Do Business with the Ontario GovernmentKristopher Kapel, Senior Procurement Consultant, Ministry of Government Services - Supply Chain Management Division
Kristopher has over ten years of experience in training and promoting doing business programs within the government sector. He is in the Procurement Policy and Program Delivery unit providing information and educational sessions to the vendor community. Kristopher’s academic studies include a Bachelor of Commerce from Ryerson Polytechnic University.
This seminar will provide a brief overview of the competitive procurement process of goods and services by the Ontario Government and the information about the Green Focus on Innovation and Technology (GreenFIT) strategy. Through GreenFIT, the Ontario government is supporting existing and new green technology companies as they introduce innovative and sustainable solutions into the local and global marketplace.Committee Room 2
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy OptionsBob Huybrechts, President, Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc.
Although the rationale for the existence of Intellectual Property is to encourage and incentivize human intellect, history has witnessed many unfortunate circumstances. In this workshop, Bob Huybrechts, President, Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc., will focus on the pros and cons of the patent system, copyright, trademark and recent changes in the U.S. ‘America Invents Act’.
He will also provide a review on a unique European IP system launched in 1994 that allows inventors to take ownership of their ideas worldwide preceding the conventional patent system, therefore to help in IP strategy planning. This is a discussion forum, different opinions are welcome.
Bob grew up in Antwerp, Belgium and immigrated to Canada after graduating from Dental College. He owned and operated a 4,000 square foot dental laboratory in Scarborough for nearly 20 years. In 1988, he invented a new plastic, which allows patients to adjust their own dentures by simply immersing them in warm water. His line of Versacryl products is now available in 17 countries.
Bob’s innovation journey was so challenging, he felt the need to help other inventors. In 2003, he founded the world’s first inventors’ co-operative with the single goal to harvest new ideas from independent inventors and assist them towards success. Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc. has around 150 active members in its Inventors Circle and is growing rapidly.
*Programs, Forum Events, Exhibitors, Speakers and Times subject to change.
Presented by: City of Toronto / Enterprise Toronto
In collaboration with: Ontario Government/ Canada Business Ontario / Canada Intellectual Property Office
Sponsor: TD
For more information, call: (416) 395-7499
