One of the discussion threads we’re hoping to have at the next UnSummit is about new ways for the community to band together to compete for talent, business investment, tourism, etc.

It’s a conversation that could touch on many aspects of how the Twin Cities works:

• How we attract and reward talented people
• How we promote the Twin Cities as a destination for business, meetings, movies, etc.
• How we nurture startups and entrepreneurs
• How we attract conventions and tourists
• How the press covers technology and innovation

And it’s a conversation that calls for participation from people who make decisions on a city-wide or metro-wide scale. I’m talking about government officials, politicians, business owners & executives, non-profits, associations, etc.

Specifically, I’ve come up with a list of people I’d love to have attend UnSummit and participate in these discussions. But I think it’ll take some active recruiting by other attendees, as many of these people would have no reason to know about UnSummit and might find the unconference format a little strange.

So, who wants to do some outreach? Below is my list of desired attendees. Perhaps you know someone on the list? Feel free to write or call them and give them a warm invitation to the next UnSummit.

• Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak
• St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman
• Thomas Lee, Star Tribune
• Representatives of the Minneapolis CVB (a.k.a. Meet Minneapolis)
• Representatives of the St. Paul Convention and Visitors Authority
• Representatives of local chapters of Adfed, American Marketing Association, IABC, MIMA (Prez. Matt Wilson is coming), PRSA, SHRM, Womenventure
• Representatives of the U of M Alumni Association

BTW, This list is being maintained at the bottom of the Attendees page at Unsummit.org. Feel free to go there and add any folks you feel belong on the list.