Maker to Market: Pittsburgh’s Regional Opportunities

GWP Members Only Program
When: 
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
3:30pm to 6:00pm EDT
Where: 
National Aviary
700 Arch St
Pittsburgh
PA 15212
Add to Calendar

Please join us on March 14 at the National Aviary to hear about an emerging vision for the Maker Movement in Pittsburgh.

Many local funders already invest in Remake Learning, which promotes development of maker skills as part of STEM/ STEAM education.   On March 14, funders will have the opportunity to hear the results of a study commissioned by Bridgeway Capital that focuses on a complementary aspect of the maker movement:  how to make the leap from maker to manufacturer.

With support from Richard King Mellon Foundation, Bridgeway engaged Deloitte’s Center for the Edge and Monitor Institute to create an “aligned action” for how Pittsburgh’s makers can develop into thriving local businesses.  The Deloitte team interviewed more than 40 local, regional and national leaders in the maker movement to explore how Pittsburgh local resources can be leveraged to rebuild the region’s manufacturing base and help individuals with barriers to employment achieve more self-sufficiency.    

GWP members will hear a presentation from the Deloitte team, led by Duleesha Kulasooriya, director of strategy for Deloitte’s Center for the Edge in Silicon Valley.  Delicia Jones from the Monitor Institute and Bobby Petrini from Deloitte’s Pittsburgh office will also be on hand to discuss this “maker to market” vision and solicit local funders’ input.  Their presentation will be followed by a reception where you will have the opportunity to talk with the Deloitte team one on one.

The National Aviary was selected as the location so that funders can also hear the Aviary’s vision for working with Bridgeway’s Craft Business Accelerator over the next 18 months.  The Aviary plans to feature local makers in their gift shop through monthly exhibits, educational programs and new product offerings.  Since the gift-shop market at regional asset organizations (e.g. the Aviary and local museums) is estimated to exceed $10 million, their retail operations represent an exciting opportunity for local maker firms.

Agenda:

3:30 - 4:00 PM: Arrival and Registration
4:00 - 5:00 PM: Program
5:00 - 6:00 PM: Networking Reception

Pre-meeting resources: