Since 2008, The Grommet, a product discovery platform based in Somerville, has launched 3,000 innovative products from Makers, inventors and entrepreneurs, including companies that have become household names like FitBit, IdeaPaint, Lovepop, OtterBox, SimpliSafe, SodaStream, S’well and many others from around the world. As technology makes it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to develop and launch consumer products, Greater Boston has dozens of product companies rising up from our academia, science and tech communities—and new ideas are always bubbling up.

Reporter Callum Borchers will speak with Jules Pieri, The Grommet's Co-founder & CEO and author of the new book, "How We Make Stuff Now," along with several Boston-area companies (KettlePizza, Smart Girls Jewelry and Quell) to share their stories and insights about launching consumer products. Where did the idea come from? How did they develop them into a product? How did they turn them into a business? Why is Boston a great place to develop consumer products?

Copies of "How We Make Stuff Now" will be available to purchase. A book signing with Pieri will follow the event.