“The source of every new idea is the same…a network of neurons in the brain, and then the network shifts. All of a sudden, electricity flows in an unfamiliar pattern…But sometimes a single network isn’t enough. Sometimes a creative problem is so difficult that it requires people to connect their imaginations together; the answer arrives only if we collaborate” (Lehrer 139).
Imagine, Jonah Lehrer’s 2012 book about creativity, explores the science of creativity as the confluence between talented individuals and prime social conditions. In our increasingly complex world, Lehrer argues, some problems can only be conquered through collective imagination–the singular mind is vital but not sufficient to breakthrough creativity. To stay ahead of the curve, companies need to foster group problem-solving that encourages the collision between diverse perspectives.
That’s why the AIM Institute seeks to grow, connect and inspire the local tech ecosystem through a variety of career development and education programs. AIM recognizes the importance of building connections between IT professionals, educators, students, community organizations, startups and larger enterprises. Every year, AIM Tech Celebration cultivates these connections.
Part awards ceremony, part networking event, Tech Celebration gives IT professionals the opportunity to meet new contacts, reconnect with old ones, share ideas and ideate collaboration, that inextricable element of creativity. Doug Durham, CEO of Don’t Panic Labs and co-founder of Nebraska Global, is on record with Silicon Prairie News lauding Tech Celebration for its ability to bring the community together.
Above all, Tech Celebration helps organize the local community around a shared vision of a thriving tech ecosystem, said Susan Courtney, Vice President of Operations, Business Process and Shared Services for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, in an interview Courtney conducted with AIM for a recent Strictly Business article.
“Tech Celebration helps to get folks that live in the tech world together to recognize accomplishments, get to know each other better, dialogue and harvest ideas,” Courtney said.
In 2012, Courtney received the Tech Leader award for her work at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and for her leadership in the wider community. She has been a Women in IT Initiative task force member for UNO’s College of Information Science & Technology and was recently honored by the Women’s Center for Advancement at the 2019 Tribute to Women luncheon.
Sponsored by Cox Business, the 2019 AIM Tech Celebration will be held Nov. 14, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology on the MCC Fort Omaha campus. Tickets are free and open to the public.
Additional sponsors include Valmont, Kiewit, FNTS, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Mutual of Omaha, Union Pacific, Wells Fargo, Team Software, Google, Predictive Technology, Buildertrend, Bellevue.edu and CRI.