Idea Lounge

The Idea Lounge Series is a laidback gathering of the community to discuss how we can encourage and support the creative class in Eau Claire. Each idea lounge has a different topic or theme. All ideas are welcome and each event is for all ages and open to the public.

Idea Lounge X: The Urban Battle

The tenth Idea Lounge, held at Haymarket Grill on October 28,2009, focused on changing housing trends in the Chippewa Valley. Panelists represented a broad array of stakeholders: realtors, homebuilders, developers, city planners, professors, and city residents.

More information on the topic
Meet the panelists
Idea Lounge X Summary

Idea Lounge IX: Downtown Parking

The ninth Idea Lounge, held at The Livery on May 12, 2009, focused on downtown parking. Panelists represented a broad array of stakeholders: downtown employer, business and building owners, the City, and an independent parking consultant. To view a summary of their discussion, please click here.

Idea Lounge VIII: Global Ideas We Can Use Downtown; Customizing Our Space with International Flair

The eighth discussion in the Idea Lounge Series heard from professors, travelers, city planners and residents. Panelists and anyone who wanted to attend the open event on January 29, 2009, talked about ways to attract people to Downtown Eau Claire. Read a written summary. To continue this discussion, find us on

Idea Lounge VII: Freelancers and Free Agents

The seventh Idea Lounge heard from a panel of speakers (pictured below) who either worked at home for a company or had a home-based business. Discussion during the Idea Lounge, which was held March 6, ranged from how to request from an employer the opportunity to work from home to how to self-motivate. Read a written summary.

Idea Lounge VI: State of the Arts

State of the Arts Idea Lounge on January 22, 2008 discussed issues faced by artists in the Chippewa Valley. The discussion revolved around the opportunity to use art spaces in more creative ways and how to reach larger audience. Read a written summary here.

Idea Lounge V: Savvy Spaces

Idea Lounge V: Savvy Spaces discussed opportunities for co-working, creative, and inspiring space.Click here for a summary.

Idea Lounge IV: Livable Community

The 4th Idea Lounge on April 3rd focused on building the ideal livable community (housing, sidewalks, public transit, retail and restaurants, green initiatives, technology, mixed-use buildings, amenities). For a written recap of ideas expressed at the Lounge,click here.

Idea Lounge III: UW-Eau Claire’s Role in sustaining Our Creative Class

The 3rd Idea Lounge on February 20th continued discussions about the creative class with a focus on what UW-Eau Claire does (or should be doing) to contribute to the local creative community. For a written recap of ideas from the Lounge, click here..

Idea Lounge II: Entrepreneurship in the Chippewa Valley

The 2nd Idea Lounge on Oct. 19th focused on being an entrepreneur in the Chippewa Valley. Click here for a written recap of the ideas and advice generated. Community Television will also be airing footage from the event throughout the month on channels 11 and 12.