Area residents will have an opportunity to meet with regional business and community leaders to discuss growth strategies at the upcoming Big Table Greater Peoria conference.
Greater Peoria Economic Development Council communications manager David Aduama said the all-day conference next Friday in downtown Peoria is aimed at fostering action-oriented conversations toward solutions for the region's biggest issues.
“It’s basically an opportunity for the community to come together and decide our priorities for our growth as a region, and to have input in the development of initiatives,” said Aduama.
“We have issues; I don't think anywhere is perfect. So if you live here and you want to be part of the solution, come and let us know what's not working. Come with solutions and ideas of how we can move forward as a region.”
The theme of this year's Big Table event is highlighting innovation as a driver of economic growth, he said. Focus areas include building the region's talent pipeline, supporting start-up businesses, improving livability, and expanding access to opportunities.
“We’ll have a panel discussion of experts and people that work in those particular areas to talk about what are some of the initiatives, to set the tone for the day,” said Aduama. “Then we’ll have tables with table facilitators and people engage and talk about what's happening and what's not happening. What do we need to fix? What are the solutions? What are some of the challenges?”
Author and former Silicon Valley investor Victor Hwang will give a keynote speech focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth.
“His whole thing is how to make the next Silicon Valley, like so many communities have tried to replicate it but not been successful,” said Aduama. “It’s taking lessons from all of that, and he's been helping communities like us find their niche in terms of building the next startup ecosystem.”
The Big Table event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the Four Seasons by Sheraton in downtown Peoria. Registration is available online, and guests can choose which of the free sessions they want to attend, as well as the keynote lunch.
“I think people should leave it knowing that they’ve done their civic duty because I think the onus lies on all of us to actually work to make this place the best place it could be,” said Aduama.
Additionally, rural Big Table events are scheduled for October in Woodford County, November in Mason County and December in Tazewell County.
