PDMA Pittsburgh Chapter July 16th Event to Showcase How Startup Accelerators Will Change the Local and National Innovation Landscape

1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media contact:
July 7, 2014 Andi Durkota
pghpdma@pdma.org
July 16th
PDMA Pittsburgh Event to Showcase How Startup Accelerators
Will Change the Local and National Innovation Landscape
Industry experts will discuss the state of the accelerator movement and
how established companies in the Pittsburgh area can benefit.
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania – July 7, 2014 – The Pittsburgh Chapter of the Product Development
and Management Association (PDMA) will host “What Are Startup Accelerators and Why
Established Companies Should Care” on July 16th
at AlphaLab Gear in East Liberty.
Startup accelerators cover a wide spectrum of industries, from robotics to food products. They
hope to attract talent and technology-based startups to the region, creating a stronger local
ecosystem. This event will unveil how startup accelerators will change the innovation
landscape, both nationally and in the Pittsburgh area.
Dr. Susan Cohen, co-author of “Accelerating Startups: The Seed Accelerator Phenomenon” will
present the keynote address during the July 16th
event where she will discuss the state of the
accelerator movement across the United States.
Kit Needham, CMU Entrepreneur in Residence at Project Olympus, will add to the presentation
by discussing local innovation ecosystem, and where and how accelerators fit. A panel of
representatives from established companies who have worked with or mentored startup
companies will also discuss their experiences.
"We are privileged to have Dr. Cohen and Ms. Needham share their expertise on startup
accelerators at our July event," said Randy Rossi, PDMA Chapter President. "The startup
community represents some of the best opportunities for innovation and economic growth in
recent years. Making this connection between startups and the broader product development
community is central to our Chapter mission."
Doors will open at 4:00 p.m. for registration check-in and networking. The Keynote Speaker will
begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by accelerator discussions at 6:00 p.m. and a question and answer
session at 7:00 p.m.

2. PDMA is dedicated to sharing knowledge and best practices through professional development,
education, collaboration, and networking opportunities. Throughout the year, PDMA Pittsburgh
sponsors educational and social events where individuals can develop new skills, learn best
practices, and network with peers. Product development professionals, practitioners,
academics, service providers, and students are encouraged to participate in PDMA events
throughout the year. This results in professional growth for individuals, an innovation-related
competitive advantage for their enterprises, and the continued economic growth of the
Western Pennsylvania Region.
To learn more about “What Are Startup Accelerators and Why Established Companies Should
Care” and other upcoming Pittsburgh Chapter events, log onto www.pdma.org.
About PDMA Pittsburgh
The Product Development and Management Association (PDMA) is a professional association
dedicated to improving the effectiveness of individuals and organizations involved with product
development, product management, and innovation. The association’s mission is to improve
the effectiveness of individuals and organizations in product development and management by
providing resources for professional development, information, collaboration and promotion of
new product development and management. The Pittsburgh Chapter is dedicated to the
continued to growth of a strong network of local product developers and managers while
providing leadership to the next generation.
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