civic engagement

Updayton has opened registration for this year’s Young Creatives Summit. Since 2009, this annual event has brought hundreds of young people together to discuss and craft initiatives in response to the economic and societal issues facing Dayton. This year brings a strengthening of the core mission to give young people a say in the future of the region and changes that guarantee to keep the event fresh and exciting.

Attendees from the Summit emerge energized and equipped to take a project from concept to completion. Past projects include the street level beautification of the Wayne Avenue corridor, the establishment of DaytonMostMetro.com as the region’s online magazine and a number of other projects focused on entrepreneurism, volunteerism, active nightlife and positive Dayton stories.

The focus of the Summit is on project ideas and implementation, but even the best ideas can’t succeed without the right resources. To ensure greater success, the Summit offers professional development opportunities for attendees to discover resources, strengthen their skills, and network with key community and business leaders.

Every year, the Summit provides top notch speakers to share information on topics of interest to up-and-coming young professionals. From social media to project management to getting noticed, attendees walk away with information they can use and a new contact that may lead to their next big opportunity.

New this year, the professional development sessions have been revamped to increase attendees’ interaction with the speaker, provide opportunities to hear more than one topic and ensure all attendees, regardless of skill level, walk away with some new tips or resources. Bring plenty of business cards to share as you participate in these “best practices” conversations with experts and peers.

Here is a sneak peak of the topics and the speakers for this year’s Summit:

• Telling Your Story – Learn how to increase visibility for your business, organization or cause from communication experts Sharon Howard, Director of Marketing and Communications of the Dayton Development Coalition and Amelia Robinson, seasoned reporter for Dayton Daily News. They’ll show you how to tell your story to the community, media and partners.

• Social Media – Shana Douglas and Leah Moon of CultureMASH, a social media organization that assists non-profits in building awareness in the region, share the best ways to use social media tools to educate and build awareness for your cause. Sure you know Facebook and Twitter – but do you know what they can do for you?

• Demystifying Local Government – Dayton City Commissioner Nan Whaley and Director of Planning and Community Development Aaron Sorrell breakdown the steps needed to get through the “red tape” that may stall your projects. They’ll provide hints on how to work with the City for greater success and fewer headaches.

• Project Management and Leadership – Paul Piechota, Executive Director for the Center for Competitive Change at the University of Dayton, and Kelly Geers, Director of Government Programs for the Dayton Development Coalition, provide tips on the best way to approach a project, how to manage each step along the way, and how a little early planning can save a lot of trouble-shooting later.

• Dayton Gems – Think there’s nothing to do in Dayton – think again! Bill Pote, founder and publisher of DaytonMostMetro and Lisa Grisby, co-publisher and writer for DaytonMostMetro and founder of Dayton Dining, provide the insiders’ view of how to discover hidden gems in the region and what resources can plug you into the scene. From entrepreneurism to entertainment – Dayton has something for everyone.

• The Greater Downtown Dayton Plan – Here Dayton Grows Again! Sandy Gudorf, Executive Director for the Downtown Dayton Partnership and Shelley Dickstein, Assistant City Manager for the City of Dayton, provide updates on the three year community initiative that is “the Plan” for the city. Learn more about what’s happening in your city and how young creative can make an impact.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to grow professionally and personally. More details can be found by clicking here. If one moment can change everything, one will one afternoon do? Find out on April 15!