Creative Problem Solving Institute 2026: Full Schedule

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2:00pm EDT

Disaster Quick Quests: Elevate Creativity for Social Impact

Wednesday June 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

How can we turn fear of disaster into fuel for community resilience? Join this high-energy "Design Studio" to use Creative Problem Solving (CPS) to catalyze social impact. In this hands-on session, you will work in a small team to ideate and develop a "Quick Quest" — a 5-10 minute game-based activity — to help individuals and communities prepare to face a wildfire, flood, or other disaster. You’ll leave with a tangible game concept, a behind-the-scenes look at designing for social impact, and a playful yet powerful tool for rapid collaborative problem-solving.

Takeaways

Rapid CPS Iteration: Experience a ""lightning-fast"" application of the CPS stages to move from problem description to playable prototype in under 90 minutes.
Game Design for Impact: Embrace the concept of ""Serious Games"" and see how play can create a safe space for addressing sensitive and high-stakes issues.
The ""Serious Creativity"" Mindset: Discover how to maintain a bias toward results while balancing divergent exploration with convergent decision-making.

Presenters

Susanne Jul

Founder & Executive Director, Creative Crisis Leadership

Susanne is a multifaceted professional with a passion for empowering individuals to become self-reliant, particularly in times of crisis. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Creative Crisis Leadership, a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading social resilience and... Read More →

Garett Dworman

Principal Designer, Creative Crisis Leadership

Wednesday June 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Breakout Workshops

Program Category Current Topics, Personal Growth, Process Tools & Techniques

4:00pm EDT

A Historical Perspective of Divergence and Convergence

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is a process with many hidden gifts and coping mechanisms to fact today's challenges. This experiential and interactive session will explore the evolution, revolution and application of Divergence and Convergence in CPS in every aspect of our daily lives, if we are willing to take the plunge. We will take a deep dive in the intricacies of divergence and convergence and leave with a self-constructed personal plan for implementation. Come open --minded, open-hearted and thirsty for the outcomes.

Takeaways

Taking this deep dive into the history of divergence and convergence helps us understand its potential and power in all aspects of our lives.
Exploring brain theory and emotional intelligence, as they relate to divergence and convergence, facilitates one's pathway to walking into ourselves with tools and skill sets to manage ever-increasing challenges today.
Understanding the importance of self-exploration with this dynamic thinking duo promotes investment, practice, and commitment for success.

Presenters

Joette Field

Consultant, Creative Problem Solving; Retired, Daemen University