Gatherings
Community Ideas Festival 2024: Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration
A Recap of Innovation and Impact
From March 11th to March 15th, 2024, the vibrant city of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, hosted the Community Ideas Festival—a gathering of social innovators, change-makers, and visionaries from across the province and around the globe. Organized by the Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador (CSCNL), Memorial University’s Centre for Social Enterprise (CSE), Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (CFNL), and the Newfoundland Labrador Federation of Co-operatives (NLFC), the festival brought together partners dedicated to improving the welfare and well-being of individuals and communities.
The festival was made possible through the collaborative efforts of four key partners, each committed to fostering social innovation and community development
For five dynamic days, attendees immersed themselves in a whirlwind of activities, discussions, and networking opportunities
The highlight of the festival, the Impact-a-thon, provided a platform for 3 participants to pitch their innovative ideas and collaborate on solutions to pressing social challenges
The heart of the festival spanned four days, during which attendees delved into cutting-edge concepts, gained insights from leaders, and participated in sessions driving positive change
Renowned thought leaders graced the stage, sharing their wisdom and inspiring attendees with their insights
The festival attracted over 220 passionate individuals eager to make a difference and contribute to positive societal transformation
From diverse backgrounds and disciplines, 36 speakers shared their expertise and perspectives, enriching the discourse on social innovation
With a plethora of sessions covering various topics, attendees had ample opportunities to explore different facets of social change
Multiple Networking Opportunities: From working tables to informal gatherings, the festival provided numerous opportunities for attendees to connect, collaborate, and forge meaningful relationships.
A Bright Future for Newfoundland and Labrador: The festival underscored the potential for social innovation to drive positive change and create a brighter future for the province.
Spotlight on the Impact-a-thon: Celebrating Social Impact
We're thrilled to highlight the exceptional participants of the recent Impact-a-thon pitch competition. We applaud the ingenuity and dedication of all competitors, specially congratulating Aaron Rodgers, general manager of O’Brien Farm, for his winning innovation and unwavering commitment to community impact. We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to our other talented participants, Guide to the Good and Killick Coast Food Hub. Your contributions inspire us all. Discover more about this exciting part of our event here.
Capturing the Vibrancy
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the success of the Community Ideas Festival, we're excited to continue our journey of exploration, collaboration, and impact. Stay tuned for updates on future gatherings and opportunities to be part of our vibrant community of changemakers.
