Chicago is a wonderful, economically diverse economy, which needs innovation and entrepreneurship spirit in order to grow. In 2006, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, World Business Chicago, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity established a program called InnovateNow, which is bringing together businesses, schools, and governments to create new strategies for business success in Chicagoland and throughout Illinois. The group aims to enable and promote the knowledge and relationships that will form the foundation for ongoing business innovation and regional economic growth. This year's i.c.stars iOpener event is an interactive discussion to generate and capture a series of recommendations for Chicagoland to attract and retain the best workforce. One of the major priorities of InnovateNow is to Expand the Innovation Talent Pool by developing a new breed of innovation talent in Illinois that can start new businesses and drive innovation in existing businesses in Illinois. Each table at our event will have a group discussion lead by a local CIO, entrepreneur, i.c.stars alum, University student, you, and members of your organization and guests. This is an exciting and critical time for us all, please join us in a fun and caffeinated morning iOpener!! Register online via: http://www.regonline.com/63351_630820J The event will be held at the Chicago Cultural Center on August 22. Business professional attire. Agenda: 7:30 - Registration and Breakfast 8:30 - Welcome address 8:45 - Keynote - Ed Lange, EVP and Chief Customer Office, SAP 9:15 - Innovation Tours (booths, confessionals) 10:00 - Small Group Discussion 11:15 - Employer of The Year Award Presentation