PDMA Carolinas: 15th Annual Student Showcase & Keynote

When:  Apr 18, 2024 from 18:30 to 20:30 (ET)
Associated with  Carolinas

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PDH Credits: 2

This is a FREE event.

Description

Join us to support the next generation of innovators! See what it takes to develop a product and build your Product Development Skill Set. PDMA Carolinas is honored to support the 15th annual Student Innovation Competition. We invite you to hear from undergraduate and graduate student teams as they share their product concepts and ideas.

Over the years, we have seen medical devices that help first responders and elite athletes ensure hydration, support adults with diverse abilities thrive, and other devices that improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for invasive treatments. Previous participating universities include: Claflin, Clemson, Duke, North Carolina State University, NCA&T, UNC, and UNCC.

While we do not yet know the ideas in 2024, you won’t want to miss hearing from our students.

Additionally, we are pleased to have Dr. John Tuders join us to talk about the power of human connection. In his presentation, we will hear why it's crucial to recognize that our greatest assets extend beyond technological innovation to include the power of human connections. Relationships are the engine behind our innovations, offering resilience in times of change and shaping our success in the digital age. This keynote addresses:

  • The vital role of human-centric design
  • Key drivers of innovation (empathy, user experience, adaptability)
  • Forging meaningful connections
  • Integrating design thinking principles
  • Fostering a culture of innovation
  • Prioritizing the human element
  • Producing products that enrich people's lives

In an era dominated by technology, building strong, meaningful relationships is more important than ever. Whether interacting with machines or collaborating with colleagues, the strength of our relationships defines our place in the AI world. Developing emotional intelligence, networking skills, and collaborative abilities empowers us to navigate the disruptive forces shaping our industry. Join us in embracing this journey, where fostering deep connections and focusing on human-centric innovation paves the way for a future that celebrates both technological progress and the enduring value of human interaction.

About the Speaker

Dr. John Tuders

Dr. John Tuders, Adjunct Professor of Business: Innovation, Design, Human Behavior, Executive Communication; University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Dr. John Tuders is an adjunct professor in the Department of Management & Marketing at the Belk College of Business at UNC Charlotte. For 12 + years he has taught Design Thinking & Innovation, Human Behavior in Organizations, and Executive Communication all at the graduate level. He received his Doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, focusing on psychological capital & employee performance within digital entrepreneurial ventures. John has nearly three decades of experience building products, teams, companies, and leaders, from start-ups and nonprofits to academia and some of the nation’s largest banks. He currently is a Partner at the newly formed Cabin Consulting, headquartered in Charlotte, NC. Before Cabin he served as Executive Director of Growth and Talent Development at Method, a Charlotte headquartered Digital Consultancy. Before jumping into consulting John spent 17+ years in the Consumer Bank, at Bank of America leading Products, Innovation, and Fraud. He has led a variety of teams and several major initiatives. Prior to joining Bank of America, John worked in a variety of industries for such companies as Cellular One, AT&T Wireless, Nextel, Cadmus Direct Marketing Agency, Quaero Consulting, and the New York Yankees focusing on Product Development and Design, Operations, Data Analytics, Sales and Marketing to Management Information Systems. John also serves as a Career Coach, UNC Charlotte Club Baseball Advisor, & Founder of IntersectionsCharlotte (Fellowship of Christian Business Leaders). He sits on multiple Fintech Boards and is actively involved in the Charlotte Boys & Girls Club Community. He has been married to his college sweetheart Lisa for 27 years and has three incredible children (Claudia, Joey, & Vincent).