Innovation doesn't end with a breakthrough idea—it succeeds when visionary leadership transforms innovation into products, businesses, and lasting market impact.
That perspective will take center stage at the Greater Irvine Chamber's Innovator's Journey on Thursday, Sept. 10, when Marques McCammon, President of Karma Automotive, delivers a special signature address.
As president of California's first and only ultra-luxury automaker, McCammon is leading Karma Automotive through a bold transformation—expanding beyond vehicle manufacturing to develop new technology partnerships, engineering services, and diversified revenue streams. His remarks will provide attendees with an executive-level perspective on navigating innovation in today's rapidly evolving marketplace and turning ambitious ideas into sustainable business growth.
McCammon's nearly three decades of leadership span automotive product development, manufacturing, engineering, software, marketing, and global business strategy. Throughout his career, he has helped shape some of the industry's most recognized performance brands, led product innovation at Saleen Performance Vehicles and ASC, guided automotive software initiatives at Intel subsidiary Wind River, and directed global engineering and mobility strategy for Ricardo, Inc. His experience uniquely bridges traditional manufacturing with the emerging technologies redefining the future of mobility.
Hosted at Karma Automotive Executive & Design Headquarters in Irvine, Innovator's Journey brings together CEOs, founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and senior executives to explore how breakthrough ideas become market-ready solutions that drive economic growth and competitive advantage.
Complementing McCammon's executive perspective, Errol Arkilic, Chief Innovation Officer at UC Irvine and Executive Director of UCI Beall Applied Innovation, will share insights from his pioneering work commercializing university research and founding the National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program. Together, the two leaders will offer attendees a rare opportunity to hear both the commercialization and corporate leadership perspectives behind successful innovation.
The program also features an executive panel discussion and a live autonomous robotics demonstration by Field AI, showcasing cutting-edge technology in action and reinforcing the event's focus on innovation from concept to commercialization.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies for accelerating innovation, valuable insights from nationally recognized industry leaders, and new connections with executives, entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers helping shape Southern California's innovation economy.
Innovator's Journey will be held Thursday, Sept. 10, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at Karma Automotive Executive & Design Headquarters, 9950 Jeronimo Road, Irvine.
Registration includes an executive networking reception, chef-curated plated lunch, and complimentary parking.
Early Bird Registration is available through Monday, Aug. 10, at $210 for Greater Irvine Chamber members and $260 for non-members.
Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 11, Regular Admission is $260 for members and $305 for non-members.
At-the-door registration is $265 for members and $330 for non-members.
Advance registration is recommended.
For registration assistance or information about sponsorship and expo table opportunities, contactevents@irvinechamber.com.
