In celebration of the 15th year of the Cebu Business Month (CBM) this June, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Cebu and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Region VII are inviting SMEs, aspiring entrepreneurs, artists, providers of creative goods & services, and technology entrepreneurs to the “1st CEBU CREATIVE INDUSTRIES SUMMIT” on June 21 – 22, 2011 at the City Sports Club Cebu in Cebu Business Park.

The Summit will present valuable insights, updates, and action programs on Creativity and Innovation as drivers of economic development in the Philippines and the world market; strengthen appreciation on the practical value of intellectual property (IP) rights; promote exchange of knowledge, experiences and approaches to creative entrepreneurship and “technopreneurship;” and share best practices on creativity and innovation for business excellence, growth and global competitiveness.

Among the confirmed speakers are Director-General Ricardo Blancaflor of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines; DOST Undersecretary Fortunato de la Peña; celebrity and businesswoman Daphne Oseña-Paez; Henry Schumacher of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP); and Executive Director Rosvi Gaetos of the DTI-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

Also speaking on the first day are Nestor Jardin, President of the Cinemalaya Foundation and Festival Director of the annual Cinemalaya Indie Film Festival; award-winning film and TV director Joel Ruiz from the leading full-service production house, Arkeofilms; and Assistant Dean Robin Serrano of the School of Design & Arts, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

The British Council Philippines has also arranged a web conference on June 21 with UK-based economist and renowned guru of the creative economy, Mr. John Howkins. Widely acknowledged as the father of the creative industry, Mr. Howkins is the author of the groundbreaking book “The Creative Economy” and the recently released “Creative Ecologies: Where Thinking is a Proper Job.”

To present the Cebu perspective, Zen Pastoriza, President of the Creative Cebu Council, will introduce Creative Cebu and the advocacies of the newly formed Council. Miriam Bacalso, Central Visayas Senior Regional Coordinator of the GIZ (German Development Cooperation) – Private Sector Promotion Program, will facilitate discussions on the next steps to be taken in order for stakeholders to effectively develop and sustain the Creative Industries in Cebu.

Other distinguished speakers include DOST Region-7 Director Rene Burt Llanto, Deputy DirectorGeneral Andrew Michael Ong of the Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHL), and experts from the GIZ (German Development Cooperation).

Day 2 of the Summit will feature speakers who will share developments and practices on innovation and technology such as Prof. Pauline Wade of the DOST-UP Cebu Technology Business Incubator; Pete Delantar of Nature’s Legacy Eximport; Francis Dy of Next Mind, Inc.; and eco-house/green house owner, Engr. Nestor Archival of NA Systems, Inc.

The GIZ consultants Vickie Antonio (Green Growth) and Markus Dietrich (renewables – Made in Germany) will discuss programs on sustaining businesses through green innovation and addressing opportunities brought about by climate change.

Participation fee is only Php 600.00 for the 2-day Summit (early bird rate), if paid on or before June 15, 2011. Beyond June 15, registration fee will be Php 800.00. Confirmation of participants is required.

For confirmation/queries, please contact the Summit Secretariat at DTI tel. nos. 253-2631 local 18; 412-1863; fax: 254-0840; 412-1856 (look for Tessie Emphasis or Kim Estalani), or email cebubusinessmonth2011@gmail.com.