The trends may be going in the wrong direction in some cases, but the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) is trying to focus on the good things.

That’s the point behind the Women of Innovation event scheduled for Nov. 17. Nine women from a group of 55 nominees will be chosen as the top innovators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related (STEM) fields.

“We really frame it more as a celebration,” said TAI President Leann Jacobsen. “Many of Iowa’s most extraordinary and talented women in technology and science and innovation will participate in these awards and be recognized.”

The event, sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., is in its fourth year, and started as what Jacobson calls a member-supported event. Larger corporate members of the TAI, such as Pioneer, Principal Financial Group Inc. and Rockwell Collins Inc., saw a need to support women who have been successful in STEM fields and show the importance of women going into those careers. Jacobson points out, for example, that especially in engineering and technology-related fields, the number of women is not increasing, “and probably trending in the wrong direction.”

The awards dinner will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Hy-Vee Conference Center, 5820 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, and will follow a luncheon and afternoon sessions. Tickets are $75 for the luncheon, $50 for the afternoon sessions and $100 for the dinner. To purchase tickets, go to www.technologyiowa.org. For a list of the nominees, go to http://tinyurl.com/6sg5v82.