IdeaFestival Information

Founded in 2000, IdeaFestival is a celebration for the intellectually curious. It’s an eclectic network of global thinkers and one-of-a-kind innovators bound together by an intense curiosity about what is impacting and shaping the future of the arts, business, technology, design, science, philosophy and education. The content of IdeaFestival is as diverse as the network itself – presentations range from discussions about life before life to the existence of parallel universes; from global politics to the philosophy of randomness; from disruptive innovation to living to be 250 and beyond. In the words of one participant, “At IdeaFestival, seemingly unrelated topics offer surprising relationships and insights.” The Festival is held every Fall in Louisville, Kentucky at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, a beautiful and historic venue that houses artworks by such 20th century masters as Joan Miró, Jean Dubuffet, Louise Nevelson, John Chamberlain and Alexander Calder. The setting, thought-provoking sessions and informal tone make IdeaFestival a truly unique experience. Those who attend leave the event with interesting new ideas, a better sense of connectedness, an expanded network of relationships and lasting inspiration to help create change in the world. The world’s leading thinkers, doers and innovators join curious minds from around the globe for 4 days once a year to explore, discuss and celebrate innovation, imagination and world-changing ideas. IdeaFestival brings together over 600 passionate minds and voices from a variety of disciplines – all working towards the convergence and exploration of how ideas shape their future. This dynamic environment provides a jumping-off point for initiating a new way of 21st century thinking for this intellectually curious and creative community.