Ci2011 in a Nutshell

Creative Innovation 2011 explored the challenges and opportunities of a super-connected world. It was the place to learn from world-changing innovators, futurists, inspired thinkers and curious souls gathered together in an interactive world. It was a place to learn techniques and strategies, unlock and share ideas and gain empowering experiences. A place to imagine the future.

Creative Innovation 2011 featured more than 40 outstanding speakers, thinkers and leaders including Edward de Bono (UK), leading futurist and inventor Ray Kurzweil (USA), philosopher and cognitive scientist Daniel Dennett (USA), technology entrepreneur Tan Le (USA), IDEO Partner Brendan Boyle (USA), education technology guru Stephen Heppell (UK), “innovation architect” Paddy Miller (Spain), McKinsey Managing Partner Michael Rennie, Graincorp CEO Alison Watkins, Telstra Director Steve Vamos, Australian of the Year Simon McKeon and many others.

Their expertise and knowledge spanned the fields of creativity, innovation, food security, robots, the brain, leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, education, mental health, communities, the future of  work as we know it today and much, much more…

Interspersed throughout the conference were leading Chairs and creative talents with some art, poetry, music and comedy to transport delegates into a right-brained creative headspace!  Everyone shared in the same experience and had the opportunity to participate in the conversation.

This second Ci event attracted over 1000 participants across the 2 day conference, 2 deep conversations, 10 master classes and Gala Dinner supporting Creativity Australia’s unique With One Voice social inclusion programs. The conference delegates included CEOs and Directors of major ASX-listed companies, owners of SMEs, executives from health, banking, finance, advertising, arts, media, education, industry and government sectors.  There were also a number of emerging leaders in the conversation. Over 40% of delegates were from regional areas and interstate and there were also a number of international delegates in attendance.

Conference participants were inspired and provoked, and, in the process gained a deeper understanding of our increasingly complex global environment, the importance of creativity and innovation, and the interconnectivity between us all.

“What an inspiring, insightful, and inventive conference this was. From entrepreneurship to the latest trends in society and the world, Ci2011 lived up to its creative and innovative name. Brilliantly organized too!” Ray Kurzweil

“I will treasure many of the inspiring presentations and challenging discussions from so many distinguished presenters forever.”

“In my 30 years of attending conferences this was the best conference ever…inspirational!”

“I’ve never seen a conference put together like an artwork before. It was a stunning achievement of vision, serendipity, generosity of spirit and organisation.”

“Life changing event…I was blown away. Compelling speakers and high quality attendees. When is the next event?”

“Most folk content themselves with a conference of a few talking heads, some conversations, and good catering, but you went a stellar mile beyond that with a conference that was filled with a portfolio of possibilities, a cornucopia of conversation. I loved every moment, every chat, every bubble!” Professor Stephen Heppell

“Ci2011 was an astonishing and dazzling array of minds and speakers and we feel excited, stimulated and energised and already have tons of ideas for our own work.  It was wonderful to be with so many like-minded people and everyone was abuzz connecting and learning from each other.  The conference was also superbly organised, presented and every detail was exquisite right to the ginger ice-cream on the last day! Congratulations on a world class event.”

“I’ve been to a lot of conferences and CI2011 was definitely the best.  Well done.”