Ace Hardware’s Maker to Market event offers entrepreneurs and inventors the chance to make it big
What:
Ace Hardware, the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world, is calling on Makers, entrepreneurs and dreamers to show off their best product innovations at its first-ever Maker to Market event.
Formerly known as Open Buying Day, Ace’s new Maker to Market event will offer attendees the opportunity to pitch their product to a panel of Ace experts who make purchasing decisions for more than 5,000 Ace Hardware stores around the globe.
Meetings will consist of a 15-minute product pitch and five additional minutes for questions from Ace Hardware decision-makers. The fee for participation is $300 per meeting, with half of all proceeds benefitting the Ace Hardware Foundation in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Products that pique the interest of the Ace Hardware buying team could be funneled into hundreds or even thousands of Ace Hardware stores throughout the country. In addition, two lucky attendees will win a free booth at an upcoming Ace Hardware buying convention.
Why:
The Ace Hardware Maker’s Day event provides independent Makers with a chance to showcase their innovative new products. Fledgling businesses with prototype products are also welcome to participate. In addition, these new businesses could potentially receive manufacturing, packaging and operational assistance from Ace to help them bring their products to market.
How:
If you’re a Maker interested in showcasing your product at Ace’s Maker to Market event, follow these instructions for consideration:
Visit http://innovatewithace.com/
Scroll to the bottom and click ‘Share your idea’
Submit your product information
Once your product submission has been reviewed, Ace Hardware will contact you to determine if your product is a fit for the Maker to Market event.
The submission deadline is Sept. 7, 2017, event space is limited.
When:
September 20, 2017 – All day event
Where:
Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center at 3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Contact:
Maya Schultz at 630-990-7251 or mschul@acehardware.com.
