Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit 2009 » Main

Regional Creative Economy Strategies

dimitrovat@uarts.edu — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:44:35 +0000

May be the most memorable discussion since the breakfast keynote with Peter Shankman was the Regional Creative Economy Initiatives Panel. The highlight of it was definitely Karen Gagnon’s speech about the initiative called CoolCities, that addresses some urban revitalization and economy strategies in the state of Michigan. Her almost theatrical presentation and the stories told with a lot of humor not only entertained and kept the audience’s attention constantly, but also convinced in the success of such initiatives and spread optimism that the success that they had in Michigan could be achieved in Pennsylvania. According to Gagnon, who is a Program manager of CoolCities, Urban Revitalization Devision, the state of Michigan has been in recession for more than 10 years with a debt of billions of dollars. Then the current MA governor began talking about the creative economy and introducing new terms like “creative class”, “talent and place as currency”. CoolCities began as an attempt to change, transform the cities of Michigan into destinations for business and creative people. The problem and tasks were identified – cities needed to be reframed, and more importantly, they need an image, a story to attract young artists and entrepreneurs. Gagnon stressed on that word as it is of extreme importance to the management and revitalization of a city. Next, the CoolCities team did surveys and ask the public what they are proud about and what they find problematic. To illustrate the positive changes that came with effectively transforming public spaces and sponsoring small new art-related businesses Gagnon presented statistics showing the great leap from economy in crisis to a prospering economy.

Some of the other interesting moments were from the lecture by Jason Schupbach, Creative Economy Industry Director, Massachusettes Department of Business Development. His presentation introduced the audience to the successful initiatives in Massachusetts, which show that the requirements for successful creative economy support strategies require unity and consensus between all parties involved – public and private, profit and non-profit, as well as courage to execute a decision or plan without delay.

Keynote Breakfast with Peter Shankman

dimitrovat@uarts.edu — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:37:28 +0000

The keynote breakfast with Peter Shankman was yet another great presentation that entertained the crowd with a lot of humor and positivism in the early morning of Day 2 of GCECS 2009. Peter Shankman, founder of Help a Reporter Out and Founder and CEO of Geek Factory, Inc., talked about the value of social media and the 5 principles for achieving success using the today’s technology. To begin with, Shankman humorously defined Social Media as “the ability to screw up in front of a larger audience for a shorter amount of time”. According to him Social Media is primarily based on the trial-error principle. Another strong point he made was that Social Media is an environment that allows for the uncontrollable usage and reuse of other’s materials or ideas. Therefore, we need to create something that is hard to copy. In times in which nothing new is being created, new ideas need to be protected and implemented in a way that nobody can steal them. His four principles for achieving success using social media were:
1. Being an honest and keeping transparency. An important lesson that we can learn from the economic history is that things are changing. The heads of corporations and governments realize the need to change the tactics and start to hire young, motivated individuals, who are oriented towards proaction and transparency, because nowadays Social Media and networking means trust.

2. Having relevance to your audience and the relationships between the connections. According to Shankman that is one of the most important principle. He made an analogy using the lava lamp as an example. He compared the oil as the people in your network, and the heat as the relevance. The way to keep yourself relevant to your audience is by asking them what they need, provide customer service to win points for yourself. Keep communication and creating connections under control. In ages in which , according to Shankman, there is going to be only one network, the way people within a network link to each other matter and these links need to be nurtured because they are interconnected with keeping honesty and trust.

3. Brevity. In times, when the standard text message has become 160 symbols it is unforgivable to be verbose. Technology is teaching people to be less patient and more concise in presenting the information they are trying to communicate. According to Shankman the right way to communicate using Social Media is to be short and precise, and learn to appreciate time.

4. Top of the mind. This principle Shankman explained as the routine to be constantly active in doing little things that mean a lot to other people. For example, say “Hi” to all of the people in your network, use its speed and language of short messages to demonstrate attention and care. Be at the place of a meeting 30 minutes earlier than the time you are supposed to be there. Take advantage of the things Social Media can do. Use technology to create connections in a limited amount of time.

Luncheon with Randall Kempner

dimitrovat@uarts.edu — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:56:11 +0000

The keynote luncheon during Day 1st of the GCECS was quite pleasant networking part of the Convergence Summit. Having Randall Kempner talk about the Global Promise of Entrepreneurship while having lunch in the company of my table mates, Slavko Milekich, Ph.D. and owner of FlatWorldInterfaces, and Dr. Alexander Stein, columnist for Fortune and Principle of the Boswell Group, made it even better.

Kempner focused his presentation on the role of active global entrepreneurship. The two main points he talked about were the fact that entrepreneurial spirit can be born and nourished in any circumstances, including in times of poverty or economic recession, and that stimulating global entrepreneurship means stimulating global prosperity. During his passionate talk, Kempner illustrated entrepreneurship around the globe that not only exist in poverty, but also contributes to recycling and environment-friendly initiatives. As an example, Kempner talked about a small scale business in India, whose owner decided to recycle old oil cans. He does that by collecting the cans, washing them in boiling water, and selling them back to the oil companies. Another great example he gave was the emergence of coffee businesses in Columbia. These new businesses are focusing on using the left-overs from producing coffee to produce high-nutrition goods.

Finally, Randall Kempner presented some shocking statistics on the level of entrepreneurship in the United States, and particularly in Pennsylvania (according to his sources Pennsylvania falls on 51st place out of all states in the category “First time entrepreneur executing his/her first business plan”). He made clear the connection between these rates and the state of economy, stressing on fact that global entrepreneurship creates jobs, therefore it has a serious positive impact on the global economic situation.

By: Tsveta Dimitrova

GCECS Volunteers – we love ‘em!

Alina — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:02:46 +0000

On Friday, volunteers came to help with the final preparations: bag stuffing, centerpiece making, nametag assembly. Everyone was so helpful and enthusiastic. I can’t wait to meet the rest of them on Sunday when we move into the Convention Center. Check out some of our behind the scenes pictures on Flickr.

If you are attending the Summit, make sure to upload your photos to Flickr and tag them GCECS2009 – we want to see everyone’s pics!

Anna and the Moods screening

Alina — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:39:37 +0000

Several of the panelists from the Monday session, “Baby Pixars: The New Model for Animation Studios” will hold a special screening of Icelandic animation studio CAOZ’s and filmmaker Hilmar Sigurdsson’s Anna and the Moods featuring the voices of Bjork, Damon Albarn, and Terry Jones on Sunday, October 4 at Connelly Hall at the University of the Arts (211 South Broad Street, 8th floor). Check out the full invitation here.

Registration info

Alina — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:25:25 +0000

One week until we kick off the 2nd Summit. For those of you who have registered, registration opens on Sunday, October 4 at 2:00pm until 5:00pm. On Monday, October 5, registration opens at 7:00am until 5:00pm and on Tuesday, October 6 at 7:00am until 12:00pm. You may pick up your badge, program, and other goodies at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Ballroom A.

GCECS Facebook fans special offer

Alina — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:07:40 +0000

Holy moly! We are down to the wire, only 12 days to go. Have you registered yet? Become a fan of the Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/GCECS2009) and check out the links for an exclusive Facebook fan offer for all-access Summit registration at only $150! The full Summit registration costs $225! That’s $75 off the ticket price just for becoming a fan.

Still too expensive? Well, then skip the meals, drinks, tours, and receptions, and attend everything else with our No Frills package for only $75. Register now at http://www.gcecs2009.com/register.

Radio Radio

Alina — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:48:35 +0000

Elizabeth Gilbert chatted with Michael Smerconish yesterday morning on the Michael Smerconish Morning Show WPHT 1210AM. It’s a great interview with Elizabeth and Michael sharing their fondness for tubing down the Delaware River, her new book Committed, and of course, her keynote presentation at GCECS on October 5, 2009.

Listen to Part 1 and Part 2

Also, Innovation Philadelphia’s head honcho, Kelly Lee, will be interviewed by Lauren Lipton on KYW Newsradio 1060AM this Sunday and Monday. It will air on Sunday at 1:10pm, 3:10pm, 5:10pm, 7:10pm, 9:10pm, 11:10pm and 1:10am. It will also air on Monday at 5:40am and 7:40am (morning drive time) and then throughout the day. Tune in! Check out the podcast here.

Elizabeth Gilbert on the radio tomorrow morning!

Alina — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:33:26 +0000

Keynote speaker Elizabeth Gilbert will be interviewed tomorrow morning 9/16 at exactly 8:05am on The Michael Smerconish Morning Show WPHT 1210AM. Tune in to hear her talk about her new book, new movie, and of course, her keynote at the Summit.

24 days and counting – some updates

Alina — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:01:41 +0000

24 days from the Summit kickoff. We are so excited and so stressed preparing the pieces that will make this year’s Summit a success.

Updates:

Gary Steuer’s video is posted on the homepage. See the Chief Cultural Officer of the City of Philadelphia talk about his leadership and the Summit.
Our speakers page is updated daily, so check back often for new additions. Start taking notes about who you want to network with .
The new “No Frills” package is available! Prefer to skip the bells and whistles and just cut to the chase? If so, register for the No Frills package and attend the Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit for only $75! The No Frills registration includes access to all Summit-related panels, workshops, and presentations, but does NOT include some of the fancy “extras” such as meals and drinks. No frills attendees can take advantage of all the information the Summit has to offer but at a lower cost.
New press release available for download in News - “Gaming Guru Jane McGonigal Highlights Technology Track at the Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit”

Also…

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