How to draw the creative class

Social theorist Richard Florida to address tourism conference May 12

Published April 21, 2006

Florida
Florida
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, best-selling author Richard Florida will headline the Cultural Tourism Conference on Friday, May 12, at the University Place Conference Center on the IUPUI campus in Indianapolis.

Florida’s remarks promise to encourage 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 Avgoustis, chair and associate professor of the IUPUI Department of Tourism, Conventions and Event Management. “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.”

The School of Physical Education and Tourism Management is IUPUI’s oldest academic unit. Formerly known as Normal College of the American Gymnastic Union, it also is the oldest existing school for the preparation of physical education teachers in the U.S. and celebrates its centennial in 2007. The school became home to the Department of Tourism, Conventions and Event Management in 1994.Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman will speak during a luncheon, at which a $25,000 award recognizing Indiana’s best cultural tourism practice will be presented. The prize is made possible through a grant from the Efroymson Fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation.

The event will feature educational sessions and a town hall meeting, “Economic Impact of Cultural Tourism.” Registration is open to all Indiana residents, business owners, tourism professionals, art institutions, community leaders, cultural organizations and others.

Florida is senior scientist with the Gallup Organization, Hirst Professor of public policy at George Mason University and senior fellow with the Brookings Institution. He also is the author of The Rise of the Creative Class. His latest book is The Flight of the Creative Class. He will participate in a book signing immediately following his remarks.

Skillman oversees the Office of Tourism Development, Energy Group and Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. She also serves as secretary of agriculture and rural development under the state's Department of Agriculture and Office of Rural Affairs.

Cost for the conference is $50. Go to this Web site for registration instructions: http://www.culturaltourismconference.com

Florida was on the Bloomington campus for ArtsWeek in 2003; read the archival story at this Web address: http://homepages.indiana.edu/011703/text/florida2.html

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