One thing that a lot of exhibitors at InventHelp’s INPEX Invention Show have in common is the desire to have everyday people look at their inventions and say “wow, I could really use something like that.” For most inventors, the motive for inventing is to create something others will find useful – something that makes life easier, more convenient or more entertaining.

There’s a really interesting book out now that delves into the subject of how people relate to inventions and technology, which I recommend checking out – especially for those working on creating new products. It’s called The Inner History of Devices and it was written by a sociologist and psychologist named Sherry Turkle, who teaches at MIT.

In the book, Turkle examines the emotional bond that develops between people and their gadgets. Memoirs, ethnographies and clinical cases collected in this very readable book tell specific stories of individuals and their personal attachments to the inventions that play prominent roles in their lives – computers, cell phones, video poker machines, even prosthetic eyes.

For those interested in peering into the psychology of consumers and tech users (and it’s always a good thing when developing a new product to get inside the heads of your target audience), this book is definitely worth a look. The Inner History of Devices is currently available for purchase from MIT Press for $24.95.

Here’s a riddle for everyone: what do INPEX, “Police Academy”, Mac computers and the MTV Video Music Awards have in common? The answer: they’ll all be turning twenty-five in 2009.

Yes, it’s hard to believe but, much like those 1980s staples, the Invention and New Product Exposition (INPEX) will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009! That’s a quarter of a century of bringing inventors and companies together!

Since INPEX’s formative years during the Reagan administration, we’ve added features like the Inventor’s University, to help educate inventors on the business side of inventing; Product Reviews, allowing inventors to pitch their new product ideas to company or expert panels; even boxing matches sponsored by Everlast®!

While a lot has changed in America since the year “The Cosby Show” premiered and the L.A. Raiders won the Super Bowl, our commitment to assisting inventors in spreading the word about their inventions and new products hasn’t changed a bit. We’re working just as hard as we did back in 1984 to make INPEX the best it can be (only difference: we don’t listen to Duran Duran while we work anymore).

We invite all inventors and entrepreneurs to join us in celebrating InventHelp’s 25th annual INPEX Invention Trade Show June 24-26, 2009 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. You can request more information about exhibiting at INPEX 2009 or call us at 888-54-INPEX.

Did you exhibit at the INPEX ‘84? If so, grab your latest invention and exhibit again – you’ll be truly amazed at how the show has evolved!

Inventors, there’s a really informative piece in the November Inventors Community newsletter that I’d like to call to your attention.

It’s titled “Ten Tips for Getting Noticed” and it was written by Jill Lublin, an internationally renowned speaker and publicity expert. For our audience of startup inventors and entrepreneurs, the article may be very useful as you attempt to draw attention to a new product idea or launch a small business.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Jill Lublin, she’s been a regular speaker at the INPEX Inventors University for years, and exhibitors always find her seminars really helpful and valuable.

Along with her work as a speaker, Jill is also the author of the books “Networking Magic” and “Guerilla Publicity” (both bestsellers), and she came out with another book called “Get Noticed…Get Referrals” just this past June. On top of that, Jill also hosts a TV program and a nationally syndicated radio show.

Make sure to check out Jill’s article in this month’s Inventor’s Community newsletter! You can also sign up to receive this free newsletter via email, or learn more about Jill Lublin by visiting her Web site.

At InventHelp’s 2007 Invention and New Product Exposition (INPEX), a nine-year-old boy surprised everyone by being named Second Runner-Up for the Grand Prix Award – INPEX’s top prize. That young man, Tharon Trujillo of Sacramento, Calif., not only left INPEX 2007 with a cash prize and a handful of medals, but also a bright future as an inventor ahead of him.

I’m happy to report that Tharon has continued to build on the potential he showed at INPEX. Just last month, he displayed his invention the Lock N Block sliding door gate (the same invention he brought to INPEX) at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he took home yet another award. Tharon was named one of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) Innovation Award Winners.

Tharon’s invention is a gate that gets positioned on a sliding door track and prevents toddlers and pets from breaking through the screen. Tharon came up with the idea for the Lock N Block after his then-7-month-old sister pushed out the sliding-door screen at his family’s home. Not long after, Tharon and his dad went to work constructing the prototype they would ultimately exhibit at InventHelp’s Invention Show.

INPEX congratulates Tharon on his recent accomplishment and wishes him the best of luck in his continuing endeavors! As a trade show director, there’s nothing I love more than hearing about former INPEX exhibitors persisting in moving their new product ideas forward. I enjoy passing along these updates and hope they provide other exhibitors and inventors with a little bit of inspiration and encouragement.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I hate to be the one to break the news but the fall season is officially underway. Though this does mean we’re quickly barreling further away from sunshine and closer to snowfall, the season is not without its benefits.

There’s the beautiful foliage peppering the trees with all sorts or color, weekend football games, fashionable fall jackets and two of my personal favorite holidays – Halloween and Thanksgiving. And perhaps most importantly, there’s the INPEX Fall Special.

With the Fall Special, inventors can save 10% on booths at the 2009 Invention and New Product Exposition (INPEX) now through the end of October. By purchasing a booth during this promotion, you not only guarantee yourself a spot to display your invention or new product at InventHelp’s 2009 INPEX Invention Show, but you also save a little green in the process (something everyone is looking to do these days).

To take advantage of the INPEX Fall Special, please fill out our online information request form or call 1-888-55-INPEX. Remember, there’s only a couple more weeks to get this offer and then, like the warm weather, it’ll be gone.

And don’t forget to grab a light jacket and enjoy the fall season!!