Over 1000 attendees expected at this year's Innovation Awards event

By Erika M. Pryor
The TechColumbus Innovation Awards have grown from a 100 person luncheon event to a “fast-paced, high-energy program,” said Tim Haynes, Member Services and Marketing Vice President at TechColumbus.Attendees at that small and modest luncheon were clebrating the  “TOP CAT Awards – Top Contributors to the Advancement of Technology.” Although the name and pageantry of the event have grown over the past 13 years, the goal remains the same. For Haynes, the Innovation Awards are an opportunity to celebrate and recognize “achievement by lifting up the year’s best and brightest.” A defining characteristic of the Innovation Awards is: celebrating success. By “celebrating success, others are motivated to achieve,” said Haynes.

Over 1000 people are expected to turn out for the February 4, 2010 event at the Greater Columbus Convention Center—Grand Ballrooms. The evening features pre-event and post-event receptions, plenty of networking opportunities, and dinner. As in years past, the program is hosted by 10TV News Anchor, Andrea Cambern, and will include “informative briefs about the region’s tech sector,” as well as “examples of innovative businesses,” says Haynes. (To register for the event, click HERE).

“I hope that people leave the event energized for the possibilities of the future and are motivated to take them on themselves” –Tim Haynes, TechColumbus, Vice President, Member Services and Marketing.

Awards spotlight the spirit of innovation in 13 categories, including Inventors, Non-Profit Service Delivery, Start Up Business, Executives, and Minority Owned Businesses (for the complete list of categories and semi-finalists check HERE). Award winners are selected using a rigorous evaluation process, according to Caroline Haskett, TechColumbus Marketing Coordinator. More than 100 Central Ohio business professionals are part of the judging pool. “Judges dedicate many hours in volunteer service to the Innovation Awards,” evaluating characteristics such as, market impact, business strategy, demonstrated success in technology, and application of innovation, said Haskett.

In addition to the numerous hours of volunteer service by business professionals, the Innovation Awards also rely on generous support from industry sponsors. This year’s Presenting Sponsor, Battelle, Platinum Sponsors, Time Warner Cable and Ohio Health, Diamond High School Student innovation Awards Sponsor, Bricker and Eckler. (For a complete list of 2009 sponsors click HERE).