Innovation Expo is a two-day program taking place at USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, on September 21–22, 2026. Virtual participation is also available. This event will feature engaging panel discussions, networking opportunities, and resource booths highlighting innovation, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, branding, and commercialization.
We encourage you to attend and help promote this program to your networks and partners. Your support will help us reach innovators and entrepreneurs who can benefit from the valuable information and resources shared during the event.
What you’ll learn
- Emerging trends in artificial intelligence and how they are shaping business and technology
- Strategies for protecting innovation, securing intellectual property, and exploring funding opportunities
- Building and managing a personal brand, including name, image, likeness, and investor readiness
The Innovation Expo is part of the agency’s efforts to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and highlight the important role of intellectual property in our nation’s growth.
Innovation Expo is replacing Invention-Con as the USPTO’s annual conference for independent inventors, entrepreneurs, and small business owners whose success depends on guarding their creative work.
Agenda
(Subject to change. All times Eastern Time)
Day 1: September 21, 2026
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| noon to 1 p.m. | In-person networking / Resource booths |
| 1–1:05 p.m. | Welcome from America’s Innovation Agency & Program overview |
| 1:05–1:45 p.m. | Panel discussion: Emerging trends using AI This panel will explore the cutting-edge developments shaping the future of business and technology. This discussion will go into the relationship between artificial intelligence and market dynamics, and the transformative impact of innovation in manufacturing. |
| 1:45–2:25 p.m. | Panel discussion: Key strategies for the innovation journey This discussion will delve into essential strategies for navigating the complexities of innovation, including securing intellectual property rights, leveraging federal funding opportunities, and validating business ideas through customer discovery. |
| 2:25–3:05 p.m. | Panel discussion: Intellectual property for innovators in the epoch of AI This discussion will provide a comprehensive overview of the critical role intellectual property (IP) plays in fostering innovation and protecting creative work. You will also learn how to strategically manage the complexities of each IP type to safeguard inventions, brands, and artistic expressions. |
| 3:05–3:10 p.m. | Wrap-up |
| 3:10–4 p.m. | In-person networking / Resource booths |
Day 2: September 22, 2026
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| noon to 1 p.m. | In-person networking / Resource booths |
| 1–1:05 p.m. | Welcome from America’s Branding Agency & Program overview |
| 1:05–1:45 p.m. | Panel discussion: Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) This panel will teach the basics of NIL and the common ways to commercialize it, including through contracts and endorsement deals. |
| 1:45–2:25 p.m. | Panel discussion: Building and owning your personal brand This program will explore the importance of safeguarding your personal brand and understanding the intellectual property rights, as well as leveraging NIL opportunities effectively. |
| 2:25–3:05 p.m. | Panel discussion: What investors are looking for This panel will explore the key factors that attract funding from various sources, from the complexities of government programs to understanding the nuances of venture capital and crowdfunding platforms. |
| 3:05–3:10 p.m. | Wrap-up |
| 3:10-4 p.m. | In-person networking / Resource booths |
For more information, or if you have any questions or comments, please email us at OPEEvents@uspto.gov.
Innovation Expo is the USPTO's annual conference for connecting entrepreneurs, inventors, and startups to resources for commercialization. This program is presented by the USPTO's Office of Public Engagement.
This initiative is educational and informational. The USPTO does not provide legal advice, endorse private entities, or guarantee outcomes. References to events or third parties do not imply endorsement.
Accessibility accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.