Commerce Hosts Third Annual Lions Innovation Showcase
This November, the Texas A&M University – Commerce College of Business hosted the third annual Lions Innovation Showcase, recognizing and exhibiting the talent of Commerce students.
The annual Lions Innovation Showcase hopes to gives students the opportunity to take the incredible and innovative work they do every day inside the classroom, and allow other students the chance to see (and even buy!) what they have been working on. It also provides the students themselves with a chance to see the social value of their education and work outside of the classroom.
“I sold handmade ear warmers and hats that I had knit myself throughout the year. My business was called Kneat Knits!” said Jaryn Wacker, a student who took part in last years’ showcase. “I am a business major interested in entrepreneurship, so this sort of event was a great opportunity to experience what it is like to create a product, track costs, and calculate my profits! I also ended up making quite a bit of money, which was a bonus.”
The benefits of the showcase isn’t just limited to personal and professional experience, either- students have the opportunity to compete for monetary prizes as well. This year, judges awarded $6,000 to students in a variety of categories such as Business Plans, Technology-related Creativity/Innovation, Art Design/Creation, Service Sales and more.
“The judges are interested in seeing fresh and innovative ideas that are not yet in the marketplace,” said Carlos Rivers, one of last years’ first place winners. “I believe I took first place because i had done my research beforehand. I had a business plan, a revenue model and supporting data/evidence on why this business idea would work.”
Although this years’ competition took place in the campus field house, the Lions Innovation Showcase hopes to grow exponentially- both in the quality of the work and in attendance. If the expected growth occurs, the college hopes to hold the event in Klyde Warren Park by Spring of 2018.
About the Author
Alanna Shaffer
Staff Writer, covering MetroMBA's news beat for Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas.
