Global economy, global technology, global creative summit--POST SCRIPT

Photo: Innovative Philadelphia

P.S. The second Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit has caught on. Almost 800 people attended this year's event compared to 500 visitors at the first summit a couple of years ago. Attendees discussed potential economic growth from the inner spaces of the mind to advanced wireless communication to green buildings. Prominent spokespersons such as Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, as well as local educators and business developers led the discussions.

Gavin Steingo, a University of Pennsylvania student from South Africa, thought the focus would rest solely on creative media sectors. He now understands all industries should be creative. "All types of industries are starting to realize creativity is necessary," related Steingo.

Marilyn Jewett of Progressive Images, a PR and writing business in Philadelphia, came to network with technology people for an upcoming conference, the Sharing the Wealth Technology Conference in Harrisburg. She accomplished that task and to her delight gained insight into copyright laws as well.

Gail McGrew attended the summit because she feels, "Thinking of ways to be creative about my office is an ongoing challenge." She adds, "I like being exposed to new ideas that I don't normally see. You have to get out of the office sometimes to find them." McGrew owns a sole marketing proprietorship in Waverly, Pa.

Architect Robert Wolfson has a firm in Ardmore, Pa bearing his name. He said about the summit, "I think it's been worthwhile. It's stimulating to think about creative ideas and their connection to the economy." He believes the next summit could benefit from presentations by a few more established professionals.

Business people and students from different walks of life and different interests found common ground in creative thinking and technological advances.

The sponsors of this summit, Innovation Philadelphia, will co host the 3rd Annual createAdelphia creative industry job fair on Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Kimmel Center located at 260 S. Broad Street. For more information visit www.innovationphiladelphia.com.

The original article appears below.

Innovation Philadelphia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a thriving economy in Philadelphia presents its second Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit. That is a fancy title for practical exchanges about the present and future economy of creative entrepreneurs and business transformers; creative technology professionals in design, multimedia, and IT; economic and workforce development professionals; and cultural transformers around the world.

Fearlessness distinguishes this conference. Twenty-first century technology opens the door to faster and more direct contact with the marketplace and business partners. Such expansion can make individual interactions easier while working relationships grow more complex or intricate. This summit does not stop with technological ease. It also plumbs the complexities born from technological growth inside and outside the workplace. Complexities further complicated by the global financial crisis shaping today's business environment and making worldwide entrepreneurial links all the more important.

For those who have not signed up online, registration kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center located at 1101 Arch Street in Center City Philadelphia. The summit gets down to business on Monday, Oct. 5 with registration at 7 a.m. and remarks at 8 a.m. signifying the start of more than 150 presenters in five summit tracks. From there, participants choose between concurrent workshops on Creative Economy, Creative Entrepreneurship, Creative 21st Workforce, Creative Sustainability, and Creative Technologies offered through closing day on Tuesday, Oct.6.

Keynote speakers such as Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the best-selling book Eat, Pray, Love and Executive Dir. Randall Kempner of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs will set the motivational tone at breakfasts, lunches, as well as a reception. Mayor Michael Nutter and others will conduct workshops and presentations that in addition to words offer visuals and tours of case examples right in the city.

Summit admission ranges from a minimum of $50 for some keynote speakers and the $75 no frills conference amount to $225 for full registration. Plus several events are free to the public: Open Mic Entrepreneurs also called Bloblive, Unconference Gab-Fest on Creativity, and Meet Up networking nights.

Adults with four hours to spare are welcome to fill the ranks of the volunteer staff. Big dreamers and game changers everywhere are invited to come and engage, to learn and to build.

For more info: visit www.gcecs2009.com.