9th Annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival

The Philadelphia Citizen is bringing back the Ideas We Should Steal Festival on Tuesday, December 8, at the Comcast Technology Center, in the Ralph J. Roberts Forum at 1800 Arch Street. This is the ninth year they've put it on, and it's presented by Comcast. The whole day is built around one basic premise: the organizers spend the year scouting the country for changemakers and innovators whose ideas have worked elsewhere and could fuel progress right here in Philadelphia. They describe the mission as expanding the problem-solving table, sharing ways of working together, and inspiring change so all Philadelphians can thrive.

The day is structured as a series of panels and talks featuring urban innovators who are solving city problems. It kicks off with coffee and networking in the morning, moves into the main program through the afternoon, and wraps up with a post-festival happy hour at Pizzeria Salvy with complimentary drinks and light bites. Your ticket covers more than just the talks: lunch is included, along with a festival marketplace, access to a bookstore, and a gift bag.

One thing to keep in mind before you buy: you need to be a Citizen member to get in. If you're already a member, there are two ticket levels to choose from: City Insider for $50 and Change Ambassador for $100. The main event runs from 9 AM to 4 PM, and the happy hour keeps things going until 5:30 PM.