The ChangeMakers: What's Next, What's Real
Land of 10,000 SPORTS!

With more professional and University sports teams than other
markets our size, we'll delve into Minnesota's love affair with sports
and the business impacts of sports to our state's economy.

Thursday, February 25, 2010
4:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Minneapolis Hilton

Online Registration is Now Closed.
Walk-ins are welcome. The event is located at the Minneapolis Hilton
in Ballroom C (third floor).

The Dialogue

Innovation Economy. Talent Magnet Economy. Most economists agree that over the last few decades, successful regional economies have been driven most significantly by innovation. These places where innovation clusters thrive tend to be talent magnet economies and are also known for their amenities, cultural vitality, transportation and education.

Clusters. Minnesota has been fortunate to have a varied economy that leads the Midwest in innovation and has numerous industry strengths, or clusters. These clusters are fueled by large incumbent companies, teams of experienced entrepreneurs, knowledgeable capital sources and strong research institutions.

Clusters are also fueled by talent — and talented, creative, well-paid folks recruited to Minnesota want to live in a community with strong education opportunities, infrastructure and amenities, such as SPORTS!

SPORTS! Sports teams, arts organizations, orchestras, theatres and rock clubs contribute to cultural vitality, but none are more visible than sports. Minnesota boasts 10 professional sports teams, of which four are major league franchises. Plus the University of Minnesota brings Big Ten football, basketball and hockey to town.

Why Now? The topic seems especially pertinent in Minnesota:

• The opening of the new home of the Twins, Target Field, this spring.
• With the 2000 return of hockey and the opening of the Xcel Energy Center, Minnesota is the most recent metro area to boast four major sports.
• The multiple facilities expansion at the University, culminating with the TCF Bank Stadium.
• The excitement over Minnesota’s sports teams winning ways.

The discussion at our 10th Annual ChangeMakers dinner event will look at Minnesota’s sports franchises and teams, sports economics, sports management, stadiums and the impacts for our state and its economy.

CEOs, entrepreneurs, investors, executives, advisors, community leaders and other business professionals seeking a better understanding of our state's innovation economy and the importance cultural vitality and sports can play in our individual and community success.