INNOV8 Festival Coming To Lafayette

Have an idea for an innovative idea or business, but don't know where to go with it? A new festival in the Acadiana area will serve to give you a means of exploring and developing your interest. The INNOV8 festival begins April 22, 2012 and continues until April 29, 2012.

According to the press release on it's website, "the event is envisioned to become an annual celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit and provide a focus on the many resources throughout the community through which to bring creative ideas to market.

"This event is driven by the vibrant creative economy that has blossomed throughout Acadiana over the past decade," according to Joey Durel, Lafayette City-Parish President. "Arts and music have long been a mainstay of our culture and now we are seeing an expanding business culture powered by digital interactive, broadband technology, research, and development. It is an exciting time to live and work in Lafayette, the innovation hub of Louisiana."

INNOV8, a project of the Innovation Division of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, will feature a comprehensive program of resource-oriented activities including interactive workshops, start-up seminars, networking socials, and venture-funding opportunities.

"This is about bringing talent together with resources and growing our region on a platform of strategic thinking and the exploration of opportunities," says Jerry Greig, Chairman of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. "With the influence of the energy industry, Lafayette has developed into a progressive business incubator and with INNOV8, we are now harnessing that spirit as an economic driver."

Access the full lineup of event here.