In January, I will be leading a 2013 innovation field study course that
will feature visits to some of the most innovative companies in the world
and the opportunity to take part in the world¹s largest annual innovation
event (Consumer Electronics Show).

Students participating in the past innovation three-credit courses were
exposed to large organizations such as Cisco, Genentech, Khan Academy,
KIPP, Amazon 126, Facebook, Google, Pixar, Yammer, LaunchSquad, Cirque du
Soleil, LinkedIn, Tesla Motors, Zynga, Electronic Arts, Salesforce.com,
IDEO, In addition, small companies have participated such as Motista,
Zoosk, Cube, Accelops, WePay, and LaunchSquad. Students have also been
exposed to venture capital funds such as Greylock Partners and Mayfield
Fund. More information regarding the 2012 innovation course is available
at:

http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/news/stories/2012/InnovationImmersion.aspx

The experience provides students with unique insights regarding
creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and venture capital.
Participants are also able to network with industry experts and are
provided a valuable opportunity for direct exposure to companies that use
innovation as a competitive advantage. This is especially useful for
students who are seeking a career within information systems at some of
the most well-known tech companies.

The tentative itinerary for the upcoming course is below:
January 6-8: Seattle
January 9-13: Las Vegas
January 13-19: San Francisco Bay Area

Costs for the trip are estimated at approximately $1,675. This includes
the hotels (three per room), group transportation, two internal flights
(airfare from here to Seattle and returning from the Silicon Valley area
not included), group meals (generally one per day), group excursions or
activities, and access to the Consumer Electronics Show (not open to the
public).

The 2013 International CES Conference will feature an array of top
consumer technology products and trends, including inspiring innovations
across a range of hot products and categories. CES will showcase the
latest innovations and trends that will capture the hearts and minds of
consumers over the coming years. The CES show draws 150,000 industry
professionals and more than 3,000 exhibitors introducing over 20,000 new
products across a range of product lines. More information is at:
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_CES). Many of the consumer
electronics products that have revolutionized how people play and work
were initially unveiled at the CES. Such products include the camcorder,
CD player, Xbox, Plasma TV, and many others.

The course would be considered a three-credit Spring 2013 course, so there
are no additional tuition costs associated (unless you are part-time).
Also, the course will count as an advanced studies credit for BMGT majors
and if you are a management major, it can count towards the management
major. Registering for the experience as a course is a requirement. The
tentative meeting dates for the class include 1/31, 2/14, and 2/28, 3/28,
4/11, and 4/25 (6:30-9PM).

Enrollment is capped at 30 students and the interest in participating is
typically very high with the course filling very quickly.

While $1,675 may seem expensive, it is a great investment for students
that want to learn a great deal outside the traditional classroom setting
and network extensively.

If you're interested in this course, please fill out all fields of the
following form:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDVGMmhnTTJHSG9aUjBEQk
J1eEFUenc6MQ

Also, if you have any questions, please email Nelson Young at
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