American Creativity Association
2008 International Conference
Creativity Across Cultures

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Come to Inviting Singapore
Southeast Asia's Center for Cultural Diversity, Collaboration, & Creativity

Singapore Conference Overview
February 25th-29th

To Register for Conference

Conference Theme & Focus Call for Sessions
Event Outline Mid-week Special Programs
Registration Fees Event Hotels



Conference Theme and Focus

Our 2008 theme, Creativity Across Cultures, will focus on all aspects of creativity as it intersects with "culture." And culture is defined in the broadest possible way (i.e., nationality, ethnicity, religion, personality, gender, age, educational, governmental, corporate, etc.).

We will focus on big ideas and big questions; in particular, how knowledge and wisdom are created and transferred to practitioners both now and in the future.

  • What happens when people confront a challenge not seen before or one that is beyond their current means?


  • What are the approaches, processes, and hands-on techniques which accelerate the search for creative solutions?


  • How do the “connections” get made that lead to new, creative, innovative ideas or approaches?


  • What role does "collaboration" play within and between cultures to reach surprising new ideas that benefit everyone?


  • When, where, how, and why does the search for solutions cause people to reach across borders, boundaries, disciplines, and intellectual territory for creative approaches and answers?
Our goal is to share usable insights into creativity and the understanding that comes from real-world encounters, including the valuable lessons learned from success and from failure. Throughout the conference, cultural factors and considerations will be taken into account, thus highlighting the fundamental connection between culture and reality and culture and creativity.

Participants will learn, observe, and engage in the art, craft, practice, and experience of creativity. Presenters and participants will learn from each other through interaction that has a focus on addressing the real challenges and opportunities facing our governmental, educational, artistic/cultural, nonprofit, business, and corporate sectors.

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Singapore Event Outline

  • ACA's 2008 conference opens early on Monday, February 25th, and adjourns in the evening on Friday, February 29th.
  • The event will include 8 plenary sessions with provocative presentations and a number of individual sessions with presenters offering new ideas and analyses, reflecting the latest thinking in the arena of creativity. Click here to listen to ACA 2008 Keynote Speaker Tony Buzan talk about how education can help creativity.
  • Starting Sunday at 6pm, an original painting by Lorraine Gill (www.lkgart.co.uk) will be auctioned at the conference. Part of proceeds will be given to Pathlight, a school for autistic kids where creativity is used to enhance the learning opportunities for these very special children.
  • Wednesday will be left free so that participants may take part in an exciting array of additional workshops/tours/experiences.
  • Sufficient time will be allowed for meals, sessions, and socializing. Allowing participants to interact with each other is a key objective of the conference planners.
  • Open Space will be provide throughout the conference to facilitate networking.
  • Registrants are encouraged to take advantage of all that Singapore offers; arrive early and stay through the weekend. Singapore offers considerable entertainment, educational, and tourist options. ACA volunteers will be glad to offer suggestions to fill your free time. Note your interest on your registration form, and you will be contacted by an ACA volunteer.

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Registration Fees

Registration fees for this year's conference have been simplified from prior years to encourage broader participation. ACA members receive discounts, and conference presenters receive a special rate recognizing their special contributions to the conference. (If you are applying to be a presenter and have not been notified if your presentation has been accepted, register for the category you would normally register under and any fee differential will be reimbursed or credited to your conference account.)

Registration fee includes attendance at all keynotes and sessions as well as lunches and two tea breaks with snacks on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Also included is the Grand Final Banquet on Friday evening.

Take advantage of early, early bird special registration and have the option to choose a Mid-week Special Program free of charge. Special hotel rates are also offered to early registrants (as space allows).

Registration Fees:

  • Early, Early Bird Registration (registration before September 1st) -- US$600


  • ACA Member Early Registration (registration between September 1st and December 14th) -- US$720
  • Early Registration (registration between September 1st and December 14th) -- US$800


  • ACA Member Full Registration (registration after December 14th) -- US$900
  • Full Registration (registration after December 14th) -- US$1000


  • Presenter Registration (special rate, valid through November 30th) -- US$600

To take advantage of the reduced ACA member fees, you can join ACA or renew your membership at www.amcreativityassoc.org.

Registrants may choose to pay using Credit Card or PayPal online, by Credit Card by calling 215/895-5942, or by check made payable to ACA, mailed to American Creativity Association, Goodwin College, 3001 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Registration is not completed until full payment is received.

Mid-week Special Programs should be paid for when you register for the conference. Although you may pay at the conference, do note that space is limited, and you want to act fast to reserve your place.

Cancellations: If your plans change, you may substitute another person in your place at any time until the conference starts. You may also cancel your registration up to 30 days in advance of the conference start date and receive a full refund, less a $50 processing fee. No refunds of registration payments will be made within 30 days of the conference start date. You may, however, apply the registration fee toward the cost a future ACA conference.

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Singapore Event Hotels

Our main conference venue will be the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel.

392 Havelock Road Singapore 169663
tel: +65 6733 0880 • fax: +65 6737 8880
email: frontoffice@grandcopthorne.com.sg

The Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore is one of Asia's premier choices for 5-star accommodation. Nestled next to the historic Singapore River, it is located just minutes away from the central business district, Orchard Road, the Marina Bay area, and not more than 30 minutes away from Changi Airport. Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel offers health and leisure facilities, award-winning restaurants and bars, executive accommodation and privileges, wireless connectivity, business support services at the well-equipped business center, and fully-furnished serviced office. Read more...

We have also negotiated space at the Grand Copthorne's sister hotel , the Copthorne King's Hotel.

403 Havelock Road Singapore 169632
tel: +65 6733 0011 • fax: +65 6732 5764
email: rooms@copthornekings.com.sg

Copthorne King's Hotel is a boutique-style business hotel along the bustling Robertson Quay. Located by the Singapore River, close to Shenton Way business district, Chinatown, 5 minutes drive to Orchard Road, and just minutes away from shopping and entertainment areas; the hotel offers guests convenience with warm & personalized services. The hotel is equipped with WiFi, broadband, five flexible function rooms, steam room, sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, swimming pool, gym, mini putting green, and four Food & Beverage outlets. Read more...

It is important that all attending the ACA 2008 Conference ensure that they have hotel rooms booked as rooms are in huge demand in Singapore. If you wish to take advantage of the special discount rates we have worked out, please be aware that rates as of the 25th of January are:

  • US$210 at Grand Copthorne for a single
  • US$300 at Grand Copthorne for two people ($150 each)
  • US$190 at Copthorne King for a single
  • US$240 at Copthorne King for two people ($120 each)

These “run of house” hotel rates include room taxes & fees, full breakfast, and unlimited Internet use. To get this deal, you must book your rooms through ACA.

Whether you are booking through ACA or on your own, we strongly urge those who haven't already found a hotel to make reservations immediately.


 

To Register for Conference



Share the 2008 ACA Conference With a Travel Partner: Spouses, significant others, and travel partners accompanying conference attendees but not attending the conference are welcome to take advantage of the special rates we have negotiated for our Special Mid-week Programs, the Friday evening Grand Final Banquet, and Hotel Rooms (if shared with conference attendee). They may also register to join conference attendees for lunch or sign up for a special "Taste of ACA" pass that allows them to attend 4 sessions (concurrent or keynote) at any time during the conference. Click here for travel partner registration.




Questions? All correspondence for ACA 2008 should be sent to aca2008singapore@smu.edu.sg.