MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The green movement has shifted from marketing hype to the reality of delivering cost-effective products that meet regulatory compliance and customer demand. This shift has created a host of engineering challenges for companies around the world - from high cost of designing new technologies and material replacements to varying regulations in different countries and difficulty in measuring return on green innovation.

To address these challenges, the Product Development and Management Association (PDMA) is joining forces with Invention Machine to host a virtual panel discussion in Second Life. In this session, innovation experts will share best practices on creating eco-friendly designs by leveraging existing technology as well as building infrastructures that make innovation repeatable and sustainable.

The one-hour discussion will take place on PDMA Island, a virtual meeting place in Second Life ( www.secondlife.com). PDMA recently created the island to facilitate product development conversations among innovation practitioners. The island's resources will be open to the public shortly.

WHAT: The Intersection of Innovation and Green: A panel discussion on Green Innovation

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WHO: Stuart A. Jones, vice president, Research, Interface ( www.interfaceinc.com)

Jim Todhunter, chief technology officer, Invention Machine ( www.invention-machine.com)

Scott Charon, program manager, New Product Development, Herman Miller ( www.hermanmiller.com)

HOST: Donovan Hardenbrook, vice president, Association Development, PDMA ( www.pdma.org)

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008

2 p.m. EST (11 a.m. Second Life Time)

WHERE: PDMA Island in Second Life

Click to register: http://www.pdma.org/events_register.cfm?pk_event=186

For additional information on the event or Second Life, please contact:

Sabina Gargiulo, PDMA

Email Contact

or

Parna Sarkar, Invention Machine

Email Contact

The Product Development and Management Association (PDMA) is the foremost advocate and comprehensive resource for product development and innovation professionals in the United States and abroad. The association is dedicated to improving the effectiveness of individuals and organizations in product development and management. More than 3,000 members worldwide take advantage of PDMA's well-integrated combination of resources encompassing professional development, education, experience, networking, collaboration, certification, and recognition. The organization publishes two acclaimed periodicals - Visions magazine and The Journal of Product Innovation Management - and holds numerous seminars and conferences each year. For more information, visit www.PDMA.org.

Web site: http://www.hermanmiller.com/
http://www.interfaceinc.com/
http://www.invention-machine.com/
http://www.pdma.org/
http://www.secondlife.com/