Second Annual Creativity Conference at GCC

Wednesday April 15, 2015 ~ 8:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ~ Genesee Community College

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Peter Cumbo

BATAVIA, NY (04/07/2015)(readMedia)-- What: Second Annual Creativity Conference at GCC

When: Wednesday April 15, 2015, 8:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: Genesee Community College

Conable Technology Building

One College Rd., Batavia, NY 14020

Background: In the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci and the celebration of his 563rd birthday, GCC invites anyone seeking a fresh approach to exploring new ideas in business, education, community life and personal enrichment to attend the second annual Creativity Conference scheduled Wednesday, April 15, 2015 from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Beyond learning how to apply creativity in a variety of areas, the Creativity Conference features a keynote presentation by Peter Cumbo, owner and president of Cumbo, Inc. in Buffalo. An award-winning producer, director and editor, Cumbo has created on-location videos across the globe, and has worked with internationally acclaimed artists, athletes, musicians and personalities. In addition, Peter offers his expertise as an organizational consultant offering strategic advice, training and practical leadership to business. His guidance has been retained by executive-level leaders from iconic brands such as New Era Cap, Colgate-Palmolive, Bureau Veritas and Rich Production Corp.

Creativity is an essential skill in the 21st century, and the Conference builds on last year's program to broaden the conversation around the application of deliberate creativity and innovation. Featuring more than 15 notable professionals in creative thinking, participants can select from a number of different workshops including:

BUSINESS

o Can We Be Creative on Purpose? Tap into latent creativity and flex your creative muscle with Robin Wilson from The Wilson Edge.

o Beyond the Suggestion Box-Taking a Systematic Approach to Submitting and Evaluating Ideas in the Workplace SUNY Buffalo State's Trish Hartman highlights how organizations can best capture and evaluate employee ideas and how to best propose ideas so they have a good chance of being implemented.

o So What Bugs You at Work? Rethink your everyday routines with retired GCC Business professor Barb Shine.

EDUCATION

o Bringing Creativity into the Classroom SUNY Buffalo State Fashion program chair, Dr. Lynn Boorady shares how to nurture and develop creativity in the classroom, including making and exploring meaningful mistakes.

o Has the Box Been Given a Bad (W)rap? It's often said that creativity comes from "out of the box" thinking, but GCC assistant history professor Charles Scruggs will help teachers and others see that imposing some constraints can often increase the creation of novel and socially valued ideas.

o Igniting Student Creativity through Project-Based Learning Innovative learning facilitator Mitchell Alegre from Niagara University shares how to spark students' creativity through project-based learning by doing.

o A Foundation for Fostering Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Cory Wright, chief catalyst with ZiDEAS Creativity and Innovation Group and an adjunct professor at the International Center for Studies in Creativity at Buffalo State will explore common terminology that enhances connections and positive forward action.

PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

o The Power that Fuels a GOOD Idea from Inspiration to Actualization Brilliant or bust? Music educator and entrepreneur Jessie Barth zeroes in on how to spot a GOOD idea and advance it to fruition.

o Uncork Your Potential Using wine-tasting as a metaphor for creative thinking, Mitchell Alegre and John Bourdage explain how developing the senses to appreciate fine wine can help "uncork" a new capacity for creative thinking.

o Shifting to Clarity and Action- Cory Wright takes the lessons learned such as new thinking, insights and strategies, and through deep conversation, helps work out what's next.

o Whose Creativity Is It, Anyway? Adding improvisation to your personal toolbox can contribute to a rich creative experience. Join creative change facilitator Jane Fischer, from Improv Connections, to explore improv with some laughter as a bonus!

o Creativity and Spirituality How does spirituality impact creativity? Buffalo State creative studies student Mike Raisch considers the question and the liberating nature of creativity.

COMMUNITY

o Creative Ways of Living Lightly For this session, imagine Heloise, Thomas Friedman and the Lorax sharing Fair Trade coffee--in reusable mugs! Donna Rae Sutherland, GCC associate director of Marketing Communications and member of GCC's Sustainability Committee, shares the creative ways individuals, families and whole communities contribute to a better world.

o How Do You Breathe New Life into a 158-Year Old Community? Loren Penman and Kathy Schaefer of the Silver Lake Institute in Perry, NY and David Riddell from Asbury Camp and Retreat Center in Silver Lake, discuss an innovative collaboration that's involved creative planning, problem solving, risk-taking and camaraderie.

No matter what industry, job title, or where you are in your career, this one-day conference will refuel your imagination and provide you with a new network of creative resources and individuals who are committed to the importance of developing, exploring and sharing creativity. The cost for the day is $99, which includes a continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon refreshments. Seating is limited! Register today online at http://www.genesee.edu/events/creativity-conference/.

For more information, contact Associate Director of Marketing and Communications Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0005 ext. 6616 or via email dsutherland@genesee.edu.

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Editor's Note: A photograph of Peter Cumbo is available here:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/PeterCumbo.jpg