June 16–27, 2025 | Free Coworking + Community Programming
In collaboration with Novaparke, Indiana University Southeast (IUS), Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), and our incredible community of speakers, panelists, and workshop leaders.
Innovation Expo is a two-week showcase celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship, creativity, and bold ideas in Southern Indiana. From thought-provoking workshops to hands-on demos and mixers, every event is designed to spark collaboration, share knowledge, and shape what's next.
✨ The series culminates at the Innovation Expo Summit on Friday, June 20 at Indiana University Southeast, featuring keynote speakers, panels, and industry insights.
REGISTER FOR THE SUMMIT ON THE 20TH BY HITTING THE BUTTON BELOW AND EMAIL BRIGIDM@THEROOTWORKSPACE.COM FOR FREE COWORKING AND EVENTS AT NOVAPARKE.
🗓️ Schedule of Events
🎤 Flavor Lab
Tuesday, June 17 | 6:00 PM | Location: Novaparke
Speaker: Donald Ridings, Founder of Fat of the Land
Explore the future of food with Donald Ridings, who’s rethinking snacks from the ground up. Taste test his delicious, healthy chips made with real ingredients and nourishing fats like beef tallow—instead of harmful seed oils.
🤝 Founder Meet Future
Thursday, June 19 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM | Location: Novaparke
Hosted by Kevin Gibson, Founder of Founder45, with Indiana University Southeast
Small business owners meet rising talent. This casual mixer invites students and entrepreneurs to connect, share, and explore internship and recruiting opportunities.
🚀 Innovation Expo Summit
Friday, June 20 | 8:30AM-1:00PM | Location: Indiana University Southeast
Our flagship event features speakers, panels, and networking focused on innovation across industries. The Summit morning won’t be complete without the Georgetown Food Truck Festival at 6:30PM—double the draw, double the fun. More detailed information on panels, speakers, and breakout sessions below, or if you’re ready to sign up, just hit the REGISTER link.
💻 Hello, World: A Beginner’s Guide to Coding
Monday, June 23 | 4:00-5:30PM | Location: Novaparke
Instructor: Derrick Simpson
Dip your toes into coding with Derrick Simpson’s approachable, hands-on session. No jargon. No pressure. Just the first step to digital literacy and future-ready skills.
🤖 Reality Shift: VR & AR Tech
Tuesday, June 24 | 5:00-6:30PM | Location: Novaparke
Presented by: Ricky Mason
Step into the future with an immersive AR/VR experience led by Ricky Mason, founder of BrainSTEM University. Explore how augmented and virtual reality are transforming industries—from education and training to design and engineering. Try on headsets, interact with real-world applications, and discover how this cutting-edge technology is being used to build the next generation of innovation.
🧠The AI Branding Lab
Wednesday, June 25 | 1:00-2:30PM | Location: Novaparke
Instructor: Holly Hartman
Discover how AI can enhance your brand—without the overwhelm. In this hands-on, 90 min creative lab, branding strategist Holly Hartman will guide you through using AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, Coolors, and Canva to:
Generate powerful brand names and taglines
Create moodboards and color palettes that reflect your vibe
Write compelling bios and founder stories
Whether you’re starting fresh or leveling up, you’ll walk away with tangible brand assets and a clear strategy to show up with confidence.
Holly blends authenticity, strategy, and AI-powered innovation to help you build a brand that’s magnetic and meaningful—designed to grow with you.
ABOUT HOLLY HARTMAN
Holly Hartman is a nationally recognized branding strategist, award-winning community builder, and the creative mind behind CollabCode™—a framework that helps leaders and teams collaborate with clarity, equity, and purpose. With 20+ years of experience in marketing and sales, Holly has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, startups, and business professionals bring their visions to life through powerful branding, storytelling, and strategic alignment.
She is the founder of ThePOP.Agency – Purposeful On Brand Promotions, co-founder of The WO Network: Women Leaders of Kentuckiana—the fastest-growing women’s business network in the region—and serves as Chief Marketing Officer of Good Tabletop Gaming. Holly is also an international best-selling author and a sought-after speaker known for blending creativity with real-world tools that drive action.
🍽️ Midday Momentum: Lunch & Learn with April Starks
Thursday, June 26 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Location: The Root, New Albany
Speaker: April Starks
Enjoy lunch while learning from April Starks about creating mission-driven businesses with heart. Her approach to business mediation and team building is people-first and purpose-packed. During the June Lunch & Learn she will share and outline the benefits of implementing her conflict resolution program, Executive Peace within your business structure. Mrs. Starks will also share how business certification (State & Federal) has impacted her business and ways for you to potentially consider the same government set-asides. Looking forward to seeing you there.
ABOUT APRIL STARKS
April L. Starks is the owner & managing partner of ALS, LLC, A Lasting Solution - Professional Mediation firm and the CSO (Chief Steward Officer) of Olive Tree Resources, a social service nonprofit organization providing counseling and training to Teens & Families. She is a servant leader committed to embracing, empowering, and elevating leaders. Her motto is "Working Together Works." She strives to live those words in action within her daily experiences and community service. She is the wife of Gary Starks and mom of three wonderful human beings; Darin, Jordan and Ayanna, which is her most cherished accomplishment.
🎲 Game Night with Good Tabletop Gaming
Thursday, June 26 | 5:30 – 9:30 PM | Location: Novaparke
Hosted by: Holly Hartman and Good Tabletop Gaming
Wind down with strategy, laughter, and connection at Game Night. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or curious newcomer, we’ve got a seat for you at the table. Registration is $5 at the button below.
ABOUT GOOD TABLETOP GAMING
At GTG, they believe that tabletop gaming is more than just a pastime—it’s a powerful way to connect, create, and build community. Whether you’re a casual player, a strategy enthusiast, or brand new to gaming, GTG provides a welcoming, alcohol- and drug-free environment where everyone has a seat at the table.
Tabletop games encourage critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful social interactions, making them perfect for families, friends, and RPG adventurers alike. Their events are designed to be inclusive, judgment-free, and fun, ensuring that gaming remains a positive and accessible experience for all.
🍷 Unwind @ the Expo: Wrap Party & Wine
Friday, June 27 | 5:00-8:00PM | Location: Novaparke
Featuring: The Wine Shop + Live DJ
Celebrate two incredible weeks of collaboration and creativity. Join us for wine, music, and good vibes as we close out Innovation Expo in style.
🚀 Innovation Expo Summit - The Details
The centerpiece of the two-week event takes place on Friday, June 20 at Indiana University Southeast. Speakers and sessions are as follows:
Breakfast Speaker: Leveraging AI
Jenna Ahern — Founder & CEO, Guardian Owl Digital; Host, GOAI podcast, The SEO Show podcast
Breakout Sessions (choose one):
• Venture Capital vs. Commercial Loan
• Securing Grants for Innovation
• Bootstrapping & Alternative Financing
Innovation Showcase Panel:
• Theresa Reno-Weber, CEO, Goodmaps
• Grant Chapman, Founder & CEO, Glassboard
• Donald Ridings, Founder, Fat of the Land
• Jack Manzella, COO, Sofab Inks Inc.
• Moderated by John Launius, Vice President, Director Of Economic Development, One Southern Indiana
Breakout Sessions (choose one):
• Patents, Trademarks & IP Strategy
• The Startup Legal Toolkit
• Smart Marketing 2025
Lunch / Keynote Speaker: Terry Jones, Founder, Travelocity; Co-Founder, Kayak
REGISTER FOR THE SUMMIT ON THE 20TH BY HITTING THE BUTTON BELOW AND EMAIL BRIGIDM@THEROOTWORKSPACE.COM FOR FREE COWORKING AND EVENTS AT NOVAPARKE.