How do you reach out to these innovation departments in big companies?

Reach out to them on LinkedIn saying you could love to talk, not offering them to sit on your board. In a couple day, send them an email and keep emailing at least 5 times or until they say no.

A prospective customer is trying to contact one of the team members through a non-company e-mail to verify that we are the "real thing", what do you think about this situation?

Obtaining Trade Show Contact Information