“Creative Class” author speaks; $25,000 cash prize awarded during recent Cultural Tourism Conference.
Known as the world’s most influential scholar on the rise of the creative class and the impact of cultural tourism on a community’s economy, bestselling author Dr. Richard Florida headlined the Department of Tourism, Conventions and Event Management’s Cultural Tourism Conference on May 12, 2006. The event was conducted at the University Place Conference Center on the IUPUI Campus.
Dr. Florida’s remarks encouraged Indiana’s continued economic development by providing innovative ideas to strengthen the state’s cultural offerings.
“The findings of Dr. Florida’s international research indicate that communities with a variety of cultural offerings attract visitors who like the area so much, they eventually relocate,” said Sotiris H. Avgoustis, chair and associate professor of the Tourism, Conventions, and Event Management Department. “This drives both the local tourism industry and brings new business and economic growth to a community. This is what we want for our home state of Indiana and is our purpose for hosting this event.”
Lt. Governor Becky Skillman spoke during the event luncheon, which culminated with the $25,000 award recognizing Indiana’s best cultural tourism practice. The prize is made possible through a grant from the Efroymson Fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation through 2008.
The Fort Wayne/Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau took home the prize, awarded through a competitive application process and judged by a team of independent experts in the field. Their project positioned Fort Wayne as a premiere destination for live arts and cultural activities. The bureau plans to leverage their prize to secure additional funding for future cultural development initiatives.
The day-long event featured educational sessions and a town-hall type meeting, “Economic Impact of Cultural Tourism,” moderated by Indiana Office of Tourism Development Director Amy Vaughan.
Registration for the May 11, 2007 event will be open to all Indiana residents, business owners, tourism professionals, art institutions, community leaders, cultural organizations, and interested parties. Sponsorship opportunities also are available. Contact the school’s development office, 317/274-1484, for more information about sponsorships.
Use this link to donate to the school’s unrestricted fund. Gifts to this account benefit scholarships and awards, and allow the school to take advantage of unexpected opportunities and meet unplanned challenges that arise after budgets are established. Utilization of contributions is at the Dean’s discretion.
