Latest News

Sept 2 - Update

The host hotel, The Vinoy, is sold out. For other options, within walking distance, click here.

August 5th
Update

Due to scheduling conflicts, we regret that John Howkins will not be able to attend this years conference. We hope to bring Mr. Howkins over at a future event.

August 2nd
Keynote Speaker

The Honorable Glenda E. Hood, Florida Secretary of State, will address the conference.

July 10th
Keynote Speaker

Richard Florida, author of The Rise of the Creative Class, has agreed to a keynote presentation, live via satellite.

June 18th
Keynote Speaker

Charles Landry has confirmed hisparticipation as keynote speaker on the 9th of September.


 

THANK YOU ALL for a wonderful conference. Special thanks to our panelists, volunteers and speakers for giving so much of themselves.

We will have more follow up information in the coming weeks, including the availability of the DVD that was filmed during the conference.

Creative Cities Summit 2004
Sept. 8th and 9th, St. Petersburg, Florida

Creative Cities Summit 2004 brings together the leading practitioners and thinkers in the creative economy from around the world. This one-day event focuses on putting creative economy theories into practice. Speakers will offer real-world examples that blend theory with practice, providing attendees workable blueprints and tools to implement in their own communities, particularly in Florida.

Sessions will cover topics such as:

  • Building the Creative Workforce
  • Developing Networks
  • New Trends in Economic Development
  • Industry Focus Panels - Digital Media, Design & Software
  • Marketing the Creative City
  • Financing the Creative Enterprise

Special emphasis will be placed on measuring tangible ROI to help practitioners make a strong business case for implementing creative economy strategies and policies at home.

Why Creativity Now?

The age of the creative economy is upon us. The increasing importance of attracting and developing knowledge-based workers and industries requires new paradigms in urban planning, economic and community development, and social and cultural thinking. Creative economy theories are being discussed in communities around Florida and the world thanks to leading thinkers such as Richard Florida and Charles Landry .

Who Should Attend?

The Creative Cities Summit is designed to bring together both the thinkers and pioneering doers in this area. Through a combination of theory and practical, real-world examples, we will provide a framework on which communities can bring these concepts to life.

This conference is designed for urban change agents. People seeking to change their communities, including representatives from business, government, economic development, cultural organizations, urban planning, city management, travel and tourism, education, politics and the arts.