Mohawk Valley Inventors Recognition Ceremony
Across the Mohawk Valley, inventors are advancing manufacturing, healthcare, communications, defense, software, materials science, and emerging technologies. Their ideas strengthen industries, improve lives, and contribute to America’s technological leadership.Â
Many of these achievements happen quietly, without public recognition.
The Mohawk Valley Inventors Recognition Ceremony was created to change that.
Hosted by Griffiss Institute, the Inventors Recognition Ceremony celebrates the vision, ingenuity, and perseverance of inventors whose 2025 patents are driving innovation in the Mohawk Valley and beyond. The event brings together inventors, companies, educators, entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders to celebrate innovation and build new connections.
Buy Tickets
Embedded checkout not working? Visit the Eventbrite page directly:
What to Expect
Inventors Recognition Ceremony is designed to bring people together, not simply bring them into the same room.
The evening begins with conversation over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as inventors, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, students, and community partners connect and meet one another. Throughout the ceremony, food and beverages remain available, creating an atmosphere that encourages conversation, relationship building, and continued engagement before, during, and after the program.
- Networking with inventors and innovation leaders throughout the evening
- Recognition of Mohawk Valley inventors awarded United States patents
- Keynote address by Brian O'Shaughnessy, Chairman Emeritus, Revere Copper Products
- The Inventor's Journey showcase featuring interactive displays, inventor stories, and regional innovation highlights
- Live Music
- Elevated hors d'oeuvres and culinary stations provided by Portofino
Keynote Speaker
Brian O'Shaughnessy
Chairman Emeritus, Revere Copper Products
Brian O’Shaughnessy is an entrepreneur, manufacturing leader, and nationally recognized advocate for American industry. In 1989, he led the leveraged buyout of Revere Copper Products, transforming a company that was near bankruptcy into a business approaching $1 billion in annual sales that supplies critical copper components supporting today’s AI infrastructure and other advanced technologies.
As Chairman Emeritus and Senior Vice President of U.S. Trade Policy, O’Shaughnessy has testified before multiple Congressional committees on strengthening domestic manufacturing, protecting national security, and rebuilding American supply chains. His leadership has earned both the Copper Man of the Year award, one of the industry’s highest honors, and international recognition for his advocacy on U.S. manufacturing policy.
Drawing on decades of leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship, O’Shaughnessy will share the lessons, challenges, and defining moments that shaped his career and why invention, manufacturing, and bold ideas continue to matter to America’s future.
Current Sponsors
Reception Sponsor:
Media Sponsor:
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship provides visibility for your company while demonstrating support for innovation, regional collaboration, and the people developing tomorrow’s technologies. Whether you choose to sponsor the event or bring a company delegation, your participation helps establish a new regional tradition recognizing innovation in the Mohawk Valley.
Contact us about becoming a sponsor by emailing mtallman@griffissinstitute.org or calling (315) 269-4205.
-
Presenting Sponsor (Exclusive) $10,000
Premier naming recognition, welcome remarks, keynote introduction, Company Delegation (5 guests), support recognized inventors (5), premier logo placement, recognition throughout the evening, foursome at Strokes of Genius 2027.
-
Innovation Champion Sponsor $5,000
Company Delegation (4 guests), support recognized inventors (4), reserved innovation hub, opportunity to present an inventor recognition, logo recognition across event materials, website, and ceremony.
-
Innovation Partner (Multiple Available) $3,500
Company Delegation (4 guests), support recognized inventors (4), reserved company gathering space, logo recognition during the event, recognition in printed and digital materials.
-
Inventor Sponsor (Multiple Available) $2,500
Company Delegation (3 guests), support recognized inventors (3), reserved innovation hub, logo recognition in the program, on the website, and on event displays.
-
Reception Sponsor (Multiple Available) $1,500
Recognition at cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, and beverage stations throughout the evening, logo recognition on reception signage, Company Delegation (1 guest), support recognized inventor (1), recognition from the podium and on the website.
-
Company Delegation (Multiple Available) $1,000
Admission for up to 4 guests, support recognized inventors (4), reserved innovation hub, reserved seating during the ceremony, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres throughout the evening, company recognition in the program and on event displays.
-
Innovation Advocate (Multiple Available) $500
Demonstrate your support for the inventors and innovative work connected to the Mohawk Valley. Recognition includes: Company logo on the event webpage and in the event program, inclusion on the shared sponsor recognition screen during the ceremony, and collective sponsor acknowledgment.
-
Innovation Supporter (Multiple Available) $250
Support the inaugural recognition of Mohawk Valley inventors and the people advancing new ideas across our region. Recognition includes: Organization or individual name listed on the event webpage and in the event program, along with inclusion in collective sponsor acknowledgment.
-
Community Partner / In Kind Varies
Recognition for donated goods, professional services, media, photography, printing, AV, décor, floral, signage, or other event support
FAQ
What is the Mohawk Valley Inventors Recognition Ceremony?
| The Mohawk Valley Inventors Recognition Ceremony is a regional event hosted by Griffiss Institute to honor inventions and inventors with meaningful ties to the Mohawk Valley. The ceremony celebrates innovation, talent, and the organizations that support them. |
Why was this recognition created?
The ceremony exists to:
- Honor inventors whose work is rooted in the Mohawk Valley
- Acknowledge the organizations that enable innovation
- Strengthen a culture of stewardship that sustains regional impact over time
This is about recognition first, not fundraising.
How were inventors and inventions selected?
Inventions were identified through a structured review of patent data and categorized using a transparent tiering framework based on:
- Inventor residency
- Assignee location
- Ultimate parent presence
This framework ensures consistency, fairness, and integrity across all recognitions.
Does recognition depend on sponsorship or financial support?
No. Recognition is not contingent on sponsorship, table purchases, or any financial contribution.
Inventors and inventions are recognized independently of whether an organization chooses to support or participate financially.
Why are organizations being invited to participate?
Organizations are invited because many choose to:
- Attend alongside their inventor(s)
- Celebrate innovation within their teams
- Support the execution of the ceremony as stewards of the regional innovation ecosystem
Participation is voluntary and offered at multiple levels.
Is this event a fundraiser?
No. The primary purpose of the ceremony is recognition.
Support and sponsorship help underwrite the cost of hosting the event with quality and dignity. Any proceeds beyond direct event costs support Griffiss Institute’s mission to advance innovation and talent in the Mohawk Valley.
What does sponsorship support?
Sponsorship helps cover:
- Venue, A/V, and logistics
- Awards and recognition materials
- Program printing and documentation
- Event execution and experience
Sponsorship does not influence:
- Who is recognized
- Award titles
- Stage time or visibility tied to inventors
Are inventors expected to contribute financially?
No. Inventors are never expected to sponsor, purchase tables, or solicit support in order to be recognized or attend.
What if my organization can only participate at a smaller level?
That is completely acceptable.
The ceremony is designed to allow participation at a level that feels appropriate for each organization. Smaller stewardship contributions are recognized collectively and with the same respect as larger ones.
How will organizations be recognized?
Organizations that choose to participate may be recognized through:
- Program listings
- On-screen acknowledgments
- Collective verbal thanks
No organization is associated with a specific award or inventor recognition.
Can organizations attend without sponsoring?
Yes. Organizations are welcome to attend in support of their inventor(s) regardless of sponsorship or table purchases.
Who should I contact with questions about participation or support?
For questions about participation, recognition, or stewardship opportunities, please contact:
Griffiss Institute
Melissa Tallman, Chief Brand & Advancement Officer
mtallman@griffissinstitute.org
(315) 269-4205
What is the long-term vision for this ceremony?
The Mohawk Valley Inventors Recognition Ceremony is intended to be:
- Annual
- Repeatable
- Transparent
- Credible
Our goal is to build an enduring platform that honors innovation while strengthening the region’s ecosystem year after year.
