Some of the world’s brightest creative minds will shine at the inaugural creative3 international forum hosted by Queensland University of Technology’s Creative Enterprise Australia in Brisbane from April 14 – 16.

Wotif.com founder Graeme Wood and the Academy Award winning director of Harvie Krumpet, Adam Elliot, are among the stellar keynote speakers, while a prize valued at $100,000 will be awarded to a promising creative business.

The new international industry event will empower both individuals and organisations to harness the power of creativity, investment and enterprise by providing invaluable insights and practical learnings from some of the best in the business. 

The creative3 forum will act as a key platform in powering the growing creative industries sector which is worth approximately $32 billion or 3.5 per cent of Australia’s GDP and supports around 474,000 jobs in 102,000 enterprises.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Queensland to be a leader both nationally and internationally in finding new ways for creative industries to forge vital links with the business sector,” said Premier and Arts Minister Anna Bligh.

 “Through Arts Queensland, my government is the principal strategic partner of creative3 and I look forward to hearing about the learnings that come out of this forum.”

Delegates will be offered the chance to gain invaluable insights and practical learnings from an impressive line-up of international recognised creative and arts leaders and entrepreneurs alongside Graeme Wood and Adam Elliot, including Russel Howcroft, panel member of Gruen Transfer and chairman of George Pattersons Y&R and Michael Lynch, CBE, AM, board member of the ABC and former CEO of Sydney Opera House. 

The three-day program also offers creatives the chance to show off their talents and features an investment pitching marketplace session whereby one successful Australian business will walk away with investment package valued at $100,000.

Creative Enterprise Australia provides skills and knowledge to help emerging creative businesses to succeed, as well as providing access to leading technology and office space and networking opportunities.

QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake  said creative3 was an important platform for supporting the competitiveness of Australia’s creative ventures by opening new investment pathways and international collaboration opportunities.

“QUT continues its position at the forefront of not only world-leading research and education within the creative industries but also creative enterprise business solutions to power the creative economy,” Professor Coaldrake said.

QUT Creative Enterprise Australia chief executive officer Anna Rooke said creative3 was a must-attend event for creative enterprises and the government and industry bodies set up to realise their potential.

She said more than 200 delegates were expected during the three-day program held across Brisbane which had been uniquely tailored to creative businesses and their support organisations, with particular focus on the areas of film and television, new media, design and music.

“The unique focus and structure of the forum, which was developed after research identified a significant industry need, will provide practical expertise, knowledge and networks, and will be centred around achieving commercial outcomes for creative businesses,” Ms Rooke said.

“We will address the real issues being faced by the sector from a business’s perspective, and put creative professionals and support organisations in touch with the latest marketing opportunities, research, initiatives and technologies."

“This is in addition to considering the business solutions workspaces, investment and support models required to drive a successful and sustainable creative economy.”  

Keynote speakers include: Graeme Wood, Wotif.com founder; Patrick Delany, Foxtel executive director sales and product development,; Adam Elliot, Academy Award winning director; Russel Howcroft, George Pattersons Y&R chairman and Gruen Transfe panel member; Margaret Manning, The Reading Room chief executive officer; Hugh Mason, Pembridge partner; Michael Lynch, CBE, AM, Australian Broadcasting Corporation board member.

For further details, visit: www.creative.3.com.au