LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 14, 2012) — Mayor Greg Fischer and his leadership team will relocate their offices to the IdeaFestival next week, a move designed to encourage breakthrough thinking. City government also is launching a series of workshops on the first day of the festival, which are designed to promote innovation in government.
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“The IdeaFestival embodies the type of innovation that should become the default culture in Louisville 365 days a year,” Fischer said. “Moving our offices on site and creating our own afternoon of sessions focusing on breakthrough programs and ideas will help us create a stronger city and a better, more responsive city government.”
The mayor and staff will be working out of the Kentucky Center lobby in a specially-designed “IdeaHub” that will also include space for unique activities. For example, citizens will be able to contribute ideas for Fischer’s 25-year Vision Louisville. Special 3-D printers located in the lobby will allow people to share their vision of what Louisville should look like. Special “work stations” — treadmills equipped with laptop computers — also will be available.
‘Day of Celebration’
Fischer and employees from across Metro Government on Wednesday will conduct the first annual “Day of Celebration,” an afternoon of recognizing and fostering new and breakthrough ideas in providing services to citizens. Four breakout sessions are scheduled, including one led by internationally acclaimed civic thinker Jennifer Pahlka. She will discuss how local governments can engage citizens to become more active and involved. The “Day of Celebration” is 1 to 5 p.m. and free and open to the public, but space is limited. To register, go to www.ideafestival.com and click on “2012 agenda.”
Fischer will lead a session Wednesday focusing on the growing demand for local food in Louisville and the impact on quality of life, job creation and the local economy.
The IdeaFestival runs Wednesday through Saturday, Sept. 19-22, with most events occurring at the Kentucky Center.
IdeaFestival brings global innovators and thinkers to Louisville for four days of events and presentations. This year’s festival features a wide diversity of people including former Facebook executive and brand strategist Kevin Colleran, former foreign services officer and Iraq expert Peter Van Buren, blogger and comedian Baratunde Thurston who will discuss his new book, “How To Be Black,” and entrepreneur and environmentalist Jodie Wu, named one of Forbes Top 30 Under 30.
A full schedule is available at www.ideafestival.com.
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