Poi Pointing the way to important lessons to be learned

Service Provider policies at the Inventor’s Education Forum

Inventor related service providers are invited to attend group gatherings.
For 2026 there are only Appreciation Donations for providers.

The goal of the service providers needs to be about freely sharing their expertise, knowledge and resources.

Some may be invited to be interviewed as a gathering  presenter.

Providers are not there to promote their services. If participants want to learn more about you, arrange a meeting.
There will be a place to put cards and fliers.

Providers are invited to be donation sponsors to help with the running costs of the group. Contact Dave Savage for the most current opportunities.

For inventor participants, there is no implied endorsement of any service provider by the Inventor’s Education Forum.
Everyone is strongly encouraged to do thorough Due Diligence research on anyone they are considering to pay for services or advice.,

It is important to completely understand the service provider you are considering to hire. 
What is their focus and bias toward the service they provide?

Look for transparency: Legitimate companies will clearly spell out exactly what they will and will not do in their written agreements.

If you can, choose local providers that you can visit and see the facility condition, professionalism and organization.
The same thing you do when you want to get your car serviced. The condition of the owner’s office is often a key indicator.
It may also be a good idea to bring along a knowledgeable person to ask questions, listen for what is not being shared, take notes and provide advice on what you saw and heard. The same as is advisable when going to an important medical appointment. Ask what trade associations they belong to, attend events or have been in the association leadership.
Are they in the past or current leadership of any trade group? Are they on COD with any material suppliers? Etc Etc  

Any prospective provider should eagerly provide some current and past client contact information. Happy customers enjoy sharing their experiences.
Negative comments should be a cut-and-run warning.