Fairfax County has been selected to host the 2007 National Conference on the Creative Economy, a gathering that focuses on how a creative work force can foster economic growth.

The conference is scheduled for Oct. 24 and 25 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. George Mason professor Richard Florida, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman and author Alvin Toffler are scheduled to speak.

Professions considered creative include information technology, new media, education, and software and Internet development. Economies with these types of jobs are more likely to attract younger, successful people with disposable incomes.

In turn, a creative work force attracts young, successful companies that help to build local economies.

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“Businesses need the fuel of creative talent to thrive and are looking for every way possible to attract and retain that talent,” Fairfax County Economic Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Gerald Gordon said. “At the same time, communities want to attract high-performing companies that build local economies.”

dfrancis@dcexaminer.com