The National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) hosted their 15th Annual Conference on October 8-11. The Power Of Partnership conference was held at Tampa Florida for Community College faculty members, Chancellors, government officials, foundation leaders and educational associations.
The conference brought awareness to attendees on:
- Chancellors’ and Presidents’ Entrepreneurial Leadership
- Experiential Teaching Practices & Curriculum
- Innovative Student Success Practices
- Creative Workforce Development & Entrepreneurship Center Development
- Inventive Institutional Advancement & Fundraising
General Session
Mayra Lombera, Director Of Strategic Initiatives speaks IP
On Tuesday October 10, NACCE kicked off the day with a morning session – “Tap into the Power of Your Ecosystem.” During the session, Mayra Lombera, Director of Strategic Initiatives, spoke about our Intellectual Property (IP) Pilot.
The morning session also included;
- Craig Buerstatte, Acting Director, Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Economic Development Administration
- Joe Kapp, Entrepreneur In Residence, Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College and CEO of Behavioral Business
- Andy Gold and Beth Kerly, business faculty at Hillsborough Community College
Breakout Session
As the day progressed, attendees took part in interactive sessions to amplify sharing and innovation among the NACCE network.
In an effort to teach attendees on the importance of IP, 20MM’s breakout session, “The Role of Intellectual Property in Today’s Innovation Ecosystem,” had participants work together to create a new water bottle brand. Lead by Nathan Khalil, Dana Nasser, and Sal Veas of Santa Monica College, the session broke into groups and worked together to create their brands with limited supplies.
As each group presented their work, it was easy to see how intellectual property plays an important role in business. Several groups unknowingly “stole” IP from others by creating the exact bottle handle, name of the brand, and more.
Through this simple, yet fun interaction, participants became aware of the crucial role IP takes in today’s society and the importance of incorporating IP education in community college courses.
Leslie Francis, Queensborough Community College Professor and Michelson IP Pilot participant, explains:
“IP is not covered very well in the Business Law textbooks I’ve used over the years so I’m very excited to be part of the pilot. IP is such a relevant topic, particularly for our Gen Y students, also known as the Echo Boomers or the Millennials. My hope is to make learning about IP exciting and to show my students how IP issues are affecting their everyday lives,” said Leslie Francis, participant.”
That’s A Wrap!
The conference wasn’t all work. Everyone in attendance was able to have some fun at the Pirate’s Ball and Social Entrepreneurship Celebration Tuesday evening. Attendees enjoyed food, drinks and dancing, while also being able to build relationships with like minded people.
As for next year, the conference will be held in Houston, Texas. Strap on your boots and be sure to follow @NACEE to stay updated on what is to come!
