Innovation, Creativity To Be On Display For Chicago Ideas Week
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Monday marks the start of the very first Chicago Ideas Week – days packed with dozens of speakers and events touting innovation and creativity.
As WBBM Newsradio's Dave Berner reports, the Chicago Ideas Web site bears a resemblance to the popular Web site TED, which offers videos from intellectual thinkers, entrepreneurs and artists.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Dave Berner reports
Podcast
Chicago Ideas Week itself is similar, but in person rather than on Web-based video.
Among the planned speakers are former President Bill Clinton, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, and theatre director and Steppenwolf ensemble member Anna Shapiro.
On Monday evening, there will be what is called a "Mega Talk," with Mayor Rahm Emanuel, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.
Brad Keywell, co-founder of Chicago-based Groupon, came up with the idea for Chicago Ideas.
In discussing Chicago Ideas Week in August, Keywell said a gathering such as this should encourage cutting-edge entrepreneurs.
"A Kauffman (Foundation) study recently showed that over the last 25 years, nearly all of the net new jobs in the Midwest have been created by companies five years old or less," Keywell said in August. "We need to enhance our city and regional atmosphere of collaboration, innovation and intelligent risk-taking."
Chicago Ideas Week will feature more than 100 speakers from around the world. Events will be held at various venues in the city.
