The meeting is scheduled for April 19 from 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in Richardson. A reception will begin at 11 a.m. with the program expected to start at noon.
According to a chamber press release, Kamen helped expand the frontiers of health by creating the first wearable infusion pump for the treatment of various diseases. With more than 1,000 patents, Kamen has also created the first portable insulin pump, the peritoneal dialysis system, an advanced prosthetic arm, the Hydroflex surgical irrigation pump, the Segway and the iBot.
On top of his inventing career, Kamen is also known for founding FIRST—For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology—in 1989, a nonprofit dedicated to motivating the next generation to understand, use and enjoy science and technology, according to its website.
“Dean Kamen’s work as an inventor and health care advocate has dramatically changed the world in which we live,” said Eric Peltier, 2021 chair of the chamber board. “We are excited to return to our first in-person annual meeting in two years and see some of his amazing devices first-hand. As we recognize our 75th anniversary this past year and our deep roots within the Tech Corridor, I don’t think we could have found a better speaker.”
In addition to the featured speaker, the chamber's annual meeting provides guests with an overview of chamber accomplishments and honors the Richardson Citizen of the Year. The chamber will also transition leadership of the chamber from Peltier to 2022 Board Chair Manasseh Durkin.
Sponsorships and tickets for the annual meeting are available for purchase on the Richardson Chamber of Commerce website or by calling the chamber office at 972-792-2800. Sponsor packages range from $1,500 to $25,000, while individual tickets are $75 for chamber members and $95 for nonmembers. More information can be found here.
