Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit 2009

OK, maybe the title is a bit of a mouthful - how many buzzwords can we fit into one conference title? But this upcoming conference in Philly should be really worthwhile for anybody in the creative industries. Full disclosure: I am a little self-interested because 1) I have been serving on the steering committee for the summit, 2) it is in Philly, 3) I am speaking on a panel.

The Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit 2009 features some great keynoters, including Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love; Peter Shankman, founder and CEO of The Geek Factory; Jane McGonigal, Director of Game Research and Development, Institute for the Future;and Randall Kempner, ED of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (part of the Aspen Institute). There are sessions geared towards creative economy entrepreneurs, as well as those more like myself who are looking at this issue more from a public policy and strategy perspective. There are a bunch of tracks, including one on the connection between creative economy and sustainability.

The GCECS conference is being produced by Innovation Philadelphia, and takes place October 5-6 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. You can register here.

I am especially looking forward to the conference, because as my Office shapes its creative economy strategy it will be extremely valuable to soak up ideas and best practices from around the country (and world - Global is in the title after all!).

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