BOSTON, April 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The 57th annual Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI), the longest-running creativity and innovation "how-to" conference in the country, announced the opening of early registration now through May 15. The in-demand event, which draws people from around the world to develop creative and innovative skills, will be held June 20-24, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. Early registration, with a discounted conference rate, is available online at www.cpsiconference.com.

"This is a conference of deep, hands-on learning on how to be creative and apply research-based creativity to approach and solve everyday challenges," shared Kate Busch Gervais, director of programs at Creative Education Foundation. "With our current business and economic challenges, many experts agree that infusing creativity into many levels in our organizations can create powerful solutions."

The 5-day conference is similar to an immersive college-style short course allowing for a truly tailored conference experience. With three main tracks focused on basic, advanced, and in-depth creative skills development, attendees then have an option of additional shorter programs to enhance their experience. Last year, more than 400 people from more than 150 companies, nonprofits and government agencies attended the annual event. In addition to the early registration discount offered now through May 15, government, nonprofit, group, business, and student conference rates are available as well.  

More than 80 speakers, trainers and keynote speakers, each with established expertise and credentials, will be teaching at CPSI this year. Among the group is David Gray, the author of the best-seller "Gamestorming" – presenting one of his few public workshops in the U.S. this year. In addition, David Magellan Horth and Dan Buckner will present "Innovation Leadership," a program to help leaders foster a creative culture and build upon their human capital. Artist and engineer Amy Basic will present "Painting on Water" a new method of creative processing. A full list of speakers and trainers is available at http://www.cpsiconference.com/presenters.cfm.

The city of Atlanta will serve as the host for the 2011 and 2012 CPSI conferences. "We chose Atlanta [as our host city] because it's a hotbed of creativity and innovation – from the academic, entertainment, business and social spheres," added Gervais. Previously, the conference has been hosted in Chicago, Boston, and St. Paul, MN among other cities.

About CPSI

CPSI is an annual conference focused on three main areas - Creativity, Innovation and Change Leadership - hosted by the Creative Education Foundation. Founded in 1954, the conference is the single largest creative immersive learning experience focused on individual skills and abilities. In its first 56 years, more than 30,000 people have learned how to become more creative through research-based training and applied skills development. CPSI was the brain child of Alex Osborn, the inventor of brainstorming and Creative Problem Solving, the founder of Creative Education Foundation, and more commonly known as the cofounder of advertising firm BBDO. More information, including registration, can be found online at www.cpsiconference.com.

SOURCE Creative Problem Solving Institute