Live! at BizTech Expo 2011

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele joined the several hundered other attendees on the first day of the BizTech Conference and Expo. Expo kicked off Wednesday with a keynote presentation from Josh Linkner, serial entrepreneur and author of the New York Times, bestselling book “Disciplined Dreaming: A Proven System to Drive Breakthrough Creativity.”
Linkner spoke about ways to utilize creativity to generate innovative ideas and foster a culture of new product innovation and unorthodox problem solving. In preparation for his book, Linker spoke with hundreds of presidents and CEO’s from companies around the world. He challenged executives in attendance this morning to take five percent of their traditional work week and spend it doing ‘something creative.’
“Go for a walk, doodle, just get those creative juices flowing,” Linkner said. In a traditional 40-hour work week, five percent equates to about two hours.
During the luncheon, women business executives from the area shared insight on the challenges facing women today and Cynthia LaConte of the Dohmen company, received the first annual BizTimes Woman Executive of the Year award.
The BizTech Afterhours concluded the first day. Today’s agenda begins with the BizTimes Corporate Growth Summit. MMAC president Tim Sheehy will provide opening remarks. The BizTimes Bravo! Entrepreneur and IQ Awards will be presented over the lunch hour. Tickets can still be purchased at the door.
To view some photographs from the BizTech Expo, visit the BizTimes Media Facebook Page or watch some video clips from Smart Interactive Media’s Ustream page. Stay tuned to the MIlwaukee Biz Blog for updates on day two of the BizTech Conference and Expo.