User:Acdixon/IdeaFestival

The IdeaFestival (IF) is an annual conference held in Louisville, Kentucky and sponsored by Geek Squad. The stated goal of the conference is to "stretch people's horizon's and promote breakthrough thinking... utilizing multiple venues to showcase, discuss and "connect" important ideas in science, the arts, design, business, film, technology, education, etc." In contrast to other, similar conferences, most of the conference's events are free to attend.

History
The first IdeaFestival was proposed by Kris Kimel, president of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, and was held in Lexington, Kentucky in 2000. Kimel envisioned an inviting give-and-take session, and modeled his concept after the Sundance Film Festival.

Since its inception, the event has become increasingly popular. The 2004 conference drew an estimated 10,000 participants from around the world, and prompted organizers to move the event to Louisville. The conference also changed from a bi-annual to an annual event beginning in 2006.

In 2007, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Webby Awards founder Tiffany Shlain announced the "What's Your Big Idea?" contest at the 2007 IdeaFestival. Entrants are prompted to propose solutions to ecological problems in one of three categories: eWaste, power conservation, and untapped resources. Three winning entrants from each category will be flown to Louisville to consult with industry experts to put their ideas into action.