Why Has America Stopped Inventing? A meet & greet, networking and author event featuring Denver attorney Darin Gibby who will discuss his books including “Why Has America Stopped Inventing?” and "Chasing Hindy." Plus -- Showcase Your Product or Service! Practice Your Pitch! All at the dual meeting of the FRIENDS of the Jefferson County Public Library and the JeffCo Innovators’ Workshop – FREE! From 6 pm – 6:30 pm, attendees are encouraged to bring prototypes, actual samples, or concept drafts for their new product or service to share with the group in an informal networking session / mini-tradeshow. As long as it is not bigger than a beer cooler, you don’t not have to notify the Workshop in advance. Then, participate with Darin Gibby in a discussion of his books “Why Has America Stopped Inventing” and “Chasing Hindy.” In addition to a thriving career as a novelist, author Darin Gibby is also one of the country’s premiere patent attorneys and a partner at the prestigious firm of Kilpatrick Townsend. With over 20 years of experience in obtaining patents on hundreds of inventions from the latest drug delivery systems to life-saving cardiac equipment, he has built IP portfolios for numerous Fortune 500 companies. In addition to securing patents, Gibby helps clients enforce and license their patents around the world, and he has monetized patents on a range of products. Following Darin Gibby, we will have time for two or three “practice pitches” about their business or service. Everybody has a pitch for their product or company! But, how good is yours? At the JeffCo Innovators' Workshop on January 10, you can present your 5 to 8-minute pitch (with or without slides) and get valuable feedback from our experts and the audience in a friendly setting. To participate on January 10 with your pitch you must contact Deborah Deal in advance at Deborah@IxPowerFoundation.org with your name, phone # and some information about what you want to pitch. Also tell us if you will need the slide projector. (You can also show your product at the 6-6:30 pm networking time.) First come! First served! We will hold a spot for the first three requesters. AGENDA 6 - 6:30 pm: Bring your new product, prototype, demo unit or concept and share with the group in a casual setting while we enjoy food and drink refreshments. 6:30 pm: Announcements, introductions for everyone, and "Asks" from the group for any type of help on their project. Plus, informational presentation from FRIENDS of the Jefferson County Library Foundation. 6:45 pm - 7:30 pm: Talk by Darin Gibby, Author of “Why Has America Stopped Inventing?” 7:30 pm - 8:15 pm: Pitchfest - As many as 3 folks can take 5 - 8 minutes each to present their investor or client pitch for feedback and advice. 8:30 pm: Adjourn. Free, but please RSVP at https://www.meetup.com/Innovators-Workshop/ OR - if you are bringing more than yourself, and want to RSVP for several people without going through Meetup, go to Eventbrite and enter search term "Inventing" or JeffCo Innovators Workshop. The Jefferson County Library Foundation’s mission is to support and enrich the capabilities, resources and services of the Jefferson County Public Library through fundraising and advocacy efforts that benefit our diverse community. More about the foundation, and the FRIENDS of the JCPL at: http://jeffcolibraryfoundation.org. The JeffCo Innovators' Workshop offers once-a-month meetings that feature networking, a showcase of new products and prototypes, and a featured speaker who shares with us the story of how he or she built their company, and their advice to other entrepreneurs and start-ups. The mission of the JeffCo Innovators’ Workshop is to bring together the Jefferson County, Colorado community of entrepreneurs - new and experienced, successful and not yet successful, young and old — in fellowship to share, encourage and learn from one another. Some of Colorado’s most prominent business founders have shared their story with our audience. The JeffCo Innovators’ Workshop offered by the IX Power Foundation has been operating in Jefferson County since 2013. To suggest a speaker or topic, call the IX Power Foundation at 303-277-9523. Deborah Deal deborah@ixpowerfoundation.org