Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit

Photo courtesy Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit website

The Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit.

Sounds fancy, right? Like something politicians should attend? Don't let the name intimidate you. GCECS offers a series of speakers and panel discussions, kicking off on Monday, October 5, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center with a keynote breakfast with Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert and a discussion titled "Creativity Without Drama."

The rest of Monday will be devoted to workshops and panel discussions, including Workforce Training Programs in the Creative Green Economy, Social Media Intensive: Launch Your Own Campaign NOW!, and our personal favorite, The View from Amber Street, a documentary film panel.

Tuesday opens with a keynote breakfast with Peter Shankman, founder of Help A Reporter Out (HARO), and founder and CEO of The Geek Factory, Inc, who'll be discussing social media and marketing. The rest of the day will include workshops and panels on Challenges of Successful Entrepreneurship in an Internet Age, Playing for Dollars: The Growing of a Video Game Industry, and Creating a Culture of Entrepreneurial Journalism.

The full GCECS program is available on the Summit website. The free programs are sparse: the meetup at National Mechanics, the Bloblive open mic, and the Unconference Gab-fest on Creativity.

So if you're looking for a great networking opportunity and the chance to learn something new, come on by the Convention Center on Monday, Tuesday, or if you're feeling particularly saucy, both days. See you there!

Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit
Monday-Tuesday, 10/5/09-10/6/09
Monday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Tuesday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Tickets: free to $225