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ACRE29

Applied Creativity: Creating New Futures

The future belongs to those who dare to reimagine it.

Applied creativity is not merely a tool—it is a way of being, a philosophy that invites us to transcend the ordinary, question the familiar, and embrace the unknown. It challenges us to see beyond limitations, transform chaos into opportunity, and weave new realities from the threads of imagination and intention. In the fluid dance of change, applied creativity becomes our compass, guiding us to craft futures as bold and boundless as our capacity to dream.

14-17 October 2025

Klein Kariba Resort, Bela Bela, South Africa

Step boldly into the unknown, where applied creativity becomes your compass to reimagine possibilities, transcend limits, and craft the future only you can envision.

Pricing: R 9,900.00 per person VAT included

(Early bird pricing R 8,900.00 per person – if paid before 1 May 2025)

Please note: Conference fee includes accomodation, meals, networking functions, dreaming about your future, and access to all sessions!

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What is Applied Creativity, Creative Thinking and Creative Problem-solving?

Applied Creativity: Applied creativity is the purposeful use of creative thinking to address specific challenges, opportunities, or goals in real-world contexts. It involves translating imaginative ideas into practical and innovative solutions, processes, or products that deliver value. It:

• Focuses on practicality and implementation.
• Bridges the gap between abstract ideas and actionable outcomes.
• Often is used in business, design, and problem-solving contexts.

Creative Thinking: Creative thinking generates original, diverse, and innovative ideas by examining situations, problems, or concepts from new perspectives. It involves exploring possibilities, challenging assumptions, and challenging conventional thought patterns. It:

• Encourages open-mindedness and curiosity.
• Relies on techniques like brainstorming, lateral thinking, and mind-mapping.
• Supports both divergent thinking (idea generation) and convergent thinking (idea refinement).

Creative Problem-Solving (CPS) is a structured approach to overcoming challenges by generating, evaluating, and implementing innovative solutions. It integrates creative and critical thinking to address problems effectively, uniquely, and sustainably. It:

• Often involves defined stages: clarifying the problem, generating ideas, developing solutions, and implementing them (e.g., Osborn-Parnes CPS Model).
• Balances creativity with logical analysis.
• Encourages collaboration and adaptability in complex situations.

In today’s rapidly shifting world, traditional methods of problem-solving and innovation are proving insufficient to address the complexity and uncertainty of our times. Applied creativity emerges as a vital force, offering a pathway to unlock fresh perspectives, generate audacious ideas, and develop pioneering solutions that shape a more promising and sustainable future. It is the spark that empowers individuals and teams to transcend outdated frameworks, navigate ambiguity with confidence, and design approaches that resonate with the dynamic opportunities of a constantly evolving landscape.

Applied creativity equips organisations and leaders with the ability to cultivate resilience, embrace transformation, and act purposefully amid change. By fostering an environment where creativity thrives, organisations can remain agile, anticipate emerging trends, and position themselves as frontrunners in a competitive and unpredictable world. The capacity to reimagine possibilities is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Those who dare to harness applied creativity will lead with clarity, vision, and impact, redefining what is achievable.

More than a toolkit or a set of techniques, applied creativity is a philosophy—a mindset that invites us to think expansively, question assumptions, and embrace the unfamiliar. It is a call to move beyond perceived constraints, to transform challenges into opportunities, and to envision and construct realities that are both inspiring and attainable. Applied creativity demands courage: the courage to innovate boldly, to confront uncertainty, and to see possibility where others see limitation.

In the ever-fluid dance of change, applied creativity serves as a compass, pointing towards futures that are as bold and boundless as our capacity to dream. It teaches us to embrace curiosity, to approach the unknown with open minds and hearts, and to craft meaningful futures woven from the threads of imagination, intention, and action. Applied creativity is not merely a response to change—it is a transformative force that enables us to thrive within it, shaping a world that reflects the full spectrum of human potential.

What ACRE29 will offer:

Themes and Topic Highlights for ACRE29 – Applied Creativity: Create New Futures

Sub-Theme 1: Unleashing the Power of Creativity

• The Science of Creativity: Exploring neuroscience and psychology to understand how creativity works in the brain.
• Fostering Creative Mindsets: Techniques and tools for nurturing creative thinking in individuals and teams.
• Overcoming Creative Blocks: Strategies to navigate fear, resistance, and inertia in creative processes.
• The Role of Play and Curiosity: How playfulness and curiosity unlock innovative thinking.

Sub-Theme 2: Innovating for Impact

• Creative Problem-Solving in Complex Systems: Addressing challenges in education, business, and social sectors with design thinking and systems thinking.
• Harnessing Technology for Creativity: Leveraging AI, VR, and other emerging technologies to enhance innovation.
• Co-Creation and Collaboration: Building diverse, inclusive teams that foster shared ownership and innovation.
• Sustainable Innovation: Aligning creativity with environmental, social, and economic impact goals.

Sub-Theme 3: Building the Future Through Creativity

• Future-Forward Leadership: How leaders can inspire and lead in a world driven by creativity and innovation.
• Creative Cultures in Organisations: Embedding creativity into organisational DNA to drive continuous innovation.
• Teaching Creativity: Equipping educators, trainers, and coaches with tools to inspire the next generation of creators.
• Entrepreneurship and Creativity: How entrepreneurs can harness creativity to disrupt industries and scale impactful solutions.

You will learn:

• Boost Creative Skills: Gain tools and techniques to enhance creative thinking, problem-solving, and innovation capabilities.
• Cross-Sector Inspiration: Discover creative practices and success stories from diverse industries and disciplines.
• Practical Applications: Learn strategies to address complex challenges and integrate creativity into leadership, teaching, and entrepreneurship.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals, fostering collaboration and co-creation.
• Future-Proof Strategies: Leverage emerging technologies and sustainable innovation to stay ahead in a changing world.
• Leadership and Teaching Insights: Inspire and empower teams, organisations, and students by embedding creativity in your approach.
• Actionable Takeaways: Access frameworks, research, and resources to sustain and apply creative momentum.

Key Features of ACRE29:

• Dynamic Sessions: Keynotes, panels, workshops, and hands-on labs.
• Renowned Speakers: Inspirational thought leaders from diverse fields.
• Networking Opportunities: Curated connections with peers, mentors, and collaborators.
• Innovation Showcase: Explore groundbreaking sustainability solutions.
• Interactive Experiences: Learn while doing.

Why Attend? Come experience how to …

• Unlock Your Creative Potential: Learn how to think creatively and solve problems effectively in a world that demands constant innovation.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve: Gain insights into emerging trends, tools, and practices shaping the future of creativity and innovation.
• Transformative Learning: Acquire practical techniques and strategies that can be immediately applied to personal and professional challenges.
• Connect with Innovators: Network with thought leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and professionals from diverse industries.
• Drive Impact and Change: Discover how to use creativity to tackle complex challenges, inspire others, and lead transformation.
• Inspire and Empower Others: Learn how to foster creativity in your team, organisation, or classroom for long-term success.
• Reimagine the Future: Leave equipped to challenge the status quo, embrace new possibilities, and create bold, sustainable solutions.