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The Insider: Getting Together: Unconferences Permit Increased Contact, Content and Communications

In a world characterized by a challenging economic climate and financial cutbacks, conference attendance and travel is often one of the first items to be slashed from the budget. But the fact remains that getting together serves multiple and important purposes from knowledge-sharing to networking. The good news is that technology is having a dramatic and positive impact on how conferences and meetings are held, where they are held and who can attend.

Unconferences are the latest trend in conference planning, gaining popularity and kudos from participants nationwide. The premise is simple. Formal speakers are not the only ones with interesting thoughts, insights and expertise to share. BusinessWeek reported in May 2007 that "unconferences turn the plodding, predictable business gathering inside out. They're a hybrid of a teach-in and a jam session, with a little show-and-tell mixed in."

The idea is that when you go to a conference, the best ideas you have are in the hallway - in that way it's a 'hallway' conference. In the technology and media world - so what happens is that you take that and make a day out of it. Whoever comes to it doesn't need to be encouraged to speak.

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Innovation Spotlight: Software Developer Helping Businesses Stream with Technology

Spotlight Image

Innovation Philadelphia spotlights regional creative industry entrepreneurs and young professionals making an impact on the Philadelphia Region, or innovative initiatives that showcase the tremendous innovative and creative talent driving Philadelphia's economy.

December's spotlight on creativity is creative professional Jason Wood. Jason is a professional information technology consultant with over 10 years experience servicing clients across sectors (business, education, non-profit and government). He solves customer problems by designing, developing, and integrating software applications and infrastructure.

Jason says his favorite thing about living in the Philadelphia Region is that he gets to work with "some of the most innovative organizations that are changing entertainment, business, defense and education. This area is full of great companies that are solving problems both locally and around the world."

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In the News

>> Nutter names arts advisory panel

>> Urban League honors award winners

>> Free NPower IT assistance coming thanks to 5 large businesses

New Event Date for 'Running on Empty' entrepreneurial panel

Running on Empty: Make a Little Go a Long Way , panel discussion and networking reception, will now be held on February 26, 2009 , from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the PNC Center (1600 Market Street, Philadelphia) in the Center Hall.

Learn how to make a little go a long way within your company, as experienced entrepreneurs and business owners discuss strategies and share personal experiences on how to survive and thrive during challenging economic times.

The cost is $25 to attend, which includes light appetizers and a cash bar.

>> Register today

Your Opinion Counts

When entrepreneurs and business owners were asked what changes has their businesses have made due to the recent economic crisis, the results are in:

Poll Results

Which resource has been most useful to find creative freelance projects in the region?

Philly Creative Jobs
Guru.com
Craigslist
Professional Development Organization Websites

>>Vote Now

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