On Independence Mall, seeking the next ‘As Seen on TV’ hit

An infomercial company headquartered in Trevose, Pa., is hosting a speed pitch event for inventors.

Inventors and their inventions.

“That’s what’s made America great,” said Bill McAlister, president of Top Dog Direct. “That’s who we’re looking for.”

The search begins Thursday morning at Philadelphia’s Independence Visitor Center, no less. The infomercial company, which is headquartered in Trevose, Pa., is hosting a speed pitch event, where inventors have a minute to dazzle a panel of judges. Yours truly will be sitting on that panel for a portion of the morning. I’m expecting American Idol, inventor-style. Should be interesting.

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“If you have a solution to a problem and it’s at the right price point,” McAlister said, “that’s the type of product we’re looking for.”

Top Dog Direct is one of the bigger infomercial companies in the world, McAlister says. It’s the company behind these nighttime driving glasses and a handful of other products you’ve probably seen on TV.

Thursday’s event is from 9 a.m. to noon, and is open to the public. Inventors interested in participating should email TopDogDirect@gmail.com. Feel free to stop by.

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