"Atlantic Canada needs an Ideas Epidemic." This was just one of the many bold solutions floated at the inaugural 21inc Ideas Festival, held this November 5-7 at the Algonquin Hotel in St. Andrews by-the-sea, NB.

Over 230 Atlantic Canadian leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors region and elsewhere attended this high energy event, learning and being inspired by emerging ideas that are shaping the future.

Author Richard Ogle discussed how to build creativity generated in organizations. Former President of the Canadian Auto Workers Buzz Hargrove talked about Canada’s economic future. Pollster and author Michael Adams showed how young people are changing the workplace. Former leader of the Liberal Party of Nova Scotia Danny Graham proposed new ways of practicing politics. 2008 Atlantic Canada CEO of the Year Francis McGuire reflected on “leading change.” And artists Jean Francois Breau and Catherine MacLellan delighted with stories and songs about how they turn ideas into song.

The Festival’s discussions covered a range of issues, such as talent, innovation, trends, promoting excellence, immigration, global economic integration, the arts, venture capital, energy, leadership and change, politics, corporate social responsibility, branding, climate change, skill development, economic transformations, rural renaissance and urbanization.

Organized by 21inc, a nonprofit committed to developing and inspiring leadership for the future of Atlantic Canada, the Festival created a forum not currently found in the region – where business, non-profit and government leaders equip themselves with the ideas and networks to transcend our biggest challenges.

Importantly, the Festival brought the region’s emerging leader to discussions about the future. It fused networks, of emerging leaders with established ones. Many relationships were created, partnerships formed and ideas furthered that will undoubtedly have a durable and positive impact on the future competitiveness of the region.

The event was co-hosted with the New Brunswick Business Council and was sponsored by many leading private sector companies, including: Atlantic Lottery Corporation, New Brunswick Securities Commission, Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce, J.D. Irving Limited, the PotashCorp New Brunswick, Scotiabank, TD Bank Financial Group, Aliant, Couleur NB, Jacques Whitford, Moosehead Breweries Limited, Nova Scotia Business Inc., Hemmings House Pictures, Stewart McKelvey, T4G, Telegraph-Journal and Progress Magazine. The Festival was proud to have brought together public partners from all three Maritime Provinces and the Federal Government, the Province of New Brunswick, Province of Nova Scotia, the Province of Prince Edward Island, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

“Ideas are currency in the 21st Century,” said Tim Coates, Executive Director of 21inc. “To make sure Atlantic Canada continues to be a talent magnet and place we want to live, work and play, we need dynamic forums like this where private, public and nonprofit leaders from across the region and country join their peers to be stimulated, challenged and inspired.”

“Importantly,” he continued, “Young people are stepping up and are committed to building a better Atlantic Canada.”

Video, photos and press clippings on the festival will soon be available on the Festival’s website, www.21inc.ca/ideasfestival.