Help us rename the High Tech After Hours event.

Why is the event name being changed after all these years?

The concept of innovation transcends all industry boundaries, and while “High Tech After Hours” has brand recognition, it’s association with software and IT became a stumbling block in our efforts to be more inclusive and expand the venue to showcase achievements across other industries.

What do you think the new name should be? Cast your vote. Or a different idea? Please share it with us in the discussion below.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Loyan Roylance on June 29, 2009 at 3:07pm

Two voting options for Something Innovational? Gag. Lets expand this ballot!

Permalink Reply by Michael Laport on June 29, 2009 at 9:01pm

I'm fine with that, suggestions? Can I edit this page?

Permalink Reply by Loyan Roylance on June 30, 2009 at 9:22am

Offer some contrasting options. I recall things like "Way", "Expo", and "Trail". The value is in the variety rather than quality I think.

Michael Laport said:

I'm fine with that, suggestions? Can I edit this page?

Permalink Reply by Jerry W. Saveriano on July 1, 2009 at 11:32am

Two more suggestions.

Willamette Innovation Networking Event (Wine 09)

Willamette Innovation NetEvent (WIN)

Permalink Reply by Katherine Cleland on July 2, 2009 at 11:47pm

But to me HTAH is about innovation, but its as much about connections...What about Corvallis Tech Connect ? Valley leaves me cold..Willamette or Benton does better. Are we doing outreach to Linn and Lane and Lincoln to join in? or would Benton or Corvallis do? What other industries are you targeting?

Permalink Reply by Loyan Roylance on July 6, 2009 at 10:10am

Thanks for the input Katherine. "Innovation" is definately the core theme. The idea is to feature regional innovation. So the second component seems to point towards something geographic. But not necessarily.

We felt that "Corvallis" would exclude our innovative neighbors and we want to be as inclusive as possible. An event that includes a strong presence from Lincoln and Linn counties would be great. Looking ahead, we want to keep those door open.

Regarding industries we are targeting, that is one of the biggest changes to the event and a driver for the name change. We want to include any industry that values innovation. Basically every industry right? The event will help businesses demonstrate themselves as a leader and innovator in their industry.

Some industries we have reached out to include manufacturing, medical and agriculture. Have any ideas regarding an innovative business in agriculture that would like to be involved? [wink]

Katherine Cleland said:

But to me HTAH is about innovation, but its as much about connections...What about Corvallis Tech Connect ? Valley leaves me cold..Willamette or Benton does better. Are we doing outreach to Linn and Lane and Lincoln to join in? or would Benton or Corvallis do? What other industries are you targeting?

Permalink Reply by Jerry W. Saveriano on July 9, 2009 at 10:02am

We had a lively discussion last night at the HTAH committee meeting about a new event name, with an enthusiastic consensus around using the WIN acronym standing for something like:

Willamette Innovational Networking Event (Wine 09)
Willamette Innovation NetEvent (WIN)
Willamette Innovate Now
Willamette Innovation Nation

We decided to try to come-up suggestions around the WIN acronym and pick the best by Wed. 7/15, so we could get on with promoting the event.

After sleeping on it, it occurred to me we could have a Win-Win situation by calling the event:
Willamette Innovators Night.

And the partners, sponsors, exhibitors, committees, management, promoters, associated groups and attendees would be members in the Willamette Innovators Network. We could change our community site to winwin.ning or winwin.net, or something like that.

Win-Win
Willamette Innovators Night
Willamette Innovators Network

Innovation in the Valley - it's a Win-Win - good for business and good for community.

"WIN 2009 - Technology Threads - Connecting Our Community"

What do you think?

Permalink Reply by Loyan Roylance on July 9, 2009 at 11:15am

I love it. I am ready to pull the trigger on that right now. There are only one or two domain names that are available and make sense. But I see a good one. Lets do it guys. Who feels like they need to wait?

Permalink Reply by Mark W. Van Patten on July 15, 2009 at 10:04am

I like "Willamette Innovators Network" as the association or grouping that is sponsoring the "Willamette Innovator's Night". Excellent idea Jerry! And... I like (WiN) or whatever derivative of that works. Not so sold on the Willamette: Innovation Now type/format.

Permalink Reply by Brian Weldon on July 15, 2009 at 1:04pm

I like it.

Jerry W. Saveriano said:

We had a lively discussion last night at the HTAH committee meeting about a new event name, with an enthusiastic consensus around using the WIN acronym standing for something like:

Willamette Innovational Networking Event (Wine 09)
Willamette Innovation NetEvent (WIN)
Willamette Innovate Now
Willamette Innovation Nation

We decided to try to come-up suggestions around the WIN acronym and pick the best by Wed. 7/15, so we could get on with promoting the event.

After sleeping on it, it occurred to me we could have a Win-Win situation by calling the event:
Willamette Innovators Night.

And the partners, sponsors, exhibitors, committees, management, promoters, associated groups and attendees would be members in the Willamette Innovators Network. We could change our community site to winwin.ning or winwin.net, or something like that.

Win-Win
Willamette Innovators Night
Willamette Innovators Network

Innovation in the Valley - it's a Win-Win - good for business and good for community.

"WIN 2009 - Technology Threads - Connecting Our Community"

What do you think?

Permalink Reply by Jerry W. Saveriano on July 15, 2009 at 1:30pm

Thanks Mark & Brian,

Now we have to hear from the rest of the crew. Dr. Gardner is out of the country and may mot be able to weigh-in, but I encourage the rest of our members to add their comments. That way we reach a consensus by 4PM today and start the transition to the new name.

BTW, as promised, I have started a blog on the History of Innovation project that appears on this site on "My Page" and at Innovational Musings. I also started a related discussion group on the Forum section of this site.

Permalink Reply by Wendy Kincade on July 15, 2009 at 2:13pm

I really like the name Willamette Innovators Network for the group name. However, I think Willamette Innovators Night is too much--it doesn't roll off the brain or the tongue very easily. I always thought the name High Tech After Hours had a fun, friendly, welcoming feel to it. Maybe something like WIN After Hours. It could be promoted with both the full name and the shortened version, but referred to verbally as the WIN After Hours event. Just my two-cents. Good luck with the name change. Wendy