Innovation Celebration 2017
By Courtney Scott, Business Services Coordinator
Tekna and MIX Southwest Michigan have been long time partners in promoting creativity, innovation, and design within our community. For the second year in a row, we hosted MIX’s capstone event – The Innovation Celebration. This event recognizes local student talent who submitted their concepts, prototypes, and models for new products and services.
With just three short weeks to plan, we once again transformed our open warehouse into a gathering space for creatives to come together, network, and celebrate the talent in the region. Not to brag, but we know how to throw a party! Giant colorful balloons, huge video screens, a graffiti wall, lounge furniture, and product showcases helped highlight all of the great work being done in the community. This year, we also had an illustrator drawing caricatures, a magician doing ‘slight of hand’ tricks, and a tattoo artist drawing tattoos with sharpies. They definitely added to the fun and artistic ambiance of the evening! Lastly, no MIX party is complete without plenty of craft beer, appetizers, and good music.
The Innovation Celebration was the perfect end to a spectacular year of successes for businesses and students alike. Thanks to all those who attended, contributed, and continue to champion creativity in Southwest Michigan! If you’ve never been to a MIX event, we hope to see you in 2018 and bring a friend!