Global Entrepreneurship Week event to focus on creativity, entrepreneurial mindset

LAWRENCE — Creativity is an overlooked yet vital trait of the entrepreneurial mindset. Entrepreneurs are tasked with uncovering creative solutions to some of the most difficult challenges of our time.

In that theme, the University of Kansas School of Business will present its 2014 Global Entrepreneurship Week event Friday, Nov. 21.

The daylong celebration, titled Creativity and the Entrepreneurial Mindset, will begin at 9 a.m. in the Lied Center Pavilion.

“Everyone has the potential to be creative,” said Charlotte Tritch, associate director of entrepreneurship programs. “It’s important to recognize the importance of creativity in business and to exercise our creative muscles.”

At 9:15, Cindy Maude, chief executive officer of Lawrence-based advertising agency Callahan Creek, will give the day’s keynote address on creativity and entrepreneurship.

Her presentation will be followed by a panel discussion on creativity moderated by Regan Carrizales, chief executive officer of Silicon Prairie News.

At 11:30, guests will participate in a hands-on, interactive creativity fair.

Attendees will be treated to a networking lunch following the event with area entrepreneurs, students and faculty, and invited guests.

“This is an ideal interdisciplinary theme because creativity plays a pivotal role in entrepreneurial thinking and has value for all professions and fields of study,” Tritch said.

With more than 130 participating countries, Global Entrepreneurship Week has become the world’s largest celebration of innovators and job creators who bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.

For the past five years, the KU School of Business has held Global Entrepreneurship Week events to cultivate innovative thinking across the KU community.

The event is free and open to all KU students, faculty and staff, as well as the public, but space is limited, and registration is required to attend. Attendees can register online.

For more information, contact Charlotte Tritch at 785-864-7563 or ctritch@ku.edu.