On Thursday, February 28, 2008, Innovation Philadelphia hosted “The Masters of Business meet the Masters of Creativity,” a unique networking event that connected the Philadelphia Region’s creative and business communities. With over 165 professionals in attendance, the energy was high at Sole Food Lounge in the Loews Hotel as new business networks and connections were made.

Attendees learned about the interdependence of creative professionals and business professionals on one another if either group is to be competitive and prosperous.  The two types of professionals were identified by green or blue nametags, to identify who was a “creative” or “business” person. Participants then easily located professionals from the opposite profession and networked amongst the crowd.

“This rare, networking opportunity for business and creative professionals spurred valuable connections for groups that don’t naturally networking with each other because they are from two opposite spectrums,” said Kelly Lee, Executive Vice President of Innovation Philadelphia. “The interdependence of creativity and business is crucial in today’s workplace. Business professionals need creatives – such as, graphic designers, web developers, and communications and marketing professionals – who can help a business professional distinguish his or her self from the competition. Creative professionals need the expertise of business professionals such as financial, legal, or real estate services to help their creative business grow,” Lee added.

There was a lot of positive feedback from participants regarding the event. “I was able to meet several other design professionals that I may be able to partner with in the future,” one participant noted. Another professional said, ”I met more people than I expected - this was a group truly out to network in the best sense of the word -- listening to others, finding out how they could help. I met lots of smart, talented people.”

We want to hear from you! Did you attend "The Masters of Business meet the Masters of Creativity” ? How do you feel that business and creatives collaborate in the business world?