Perspectives 2009 announces Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D., will be added to the Friday, Oct. 9 lineup, substituting for Howie Long.

“Due to an unavoidable and unforeseen conflict, regrettably, Howie Long will not be able to attend Perspectives,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO. “However, we are very excited about having creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson as our new speaker. Sir Robinson challenges his audiences to think differently about how we are educating our children and how many organizations are inhibiting innovation. With our region's emphasis on improving our competitiveness through innovation, intellect and influence, he is a perfect addition to this year's Perspectives line-up.”

The 2009 lineup also includes former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, financial commentator Jane Bryant Quinn, Flags of Our Fathers author James Bradley and columnist/entrepreneur Guy Kawasaki. Back for the 15th year as master of ceremonies will be Tom Sullivan, national radio host for FOX News. View their biographies at http://www.metrochamber.org/perspectives.

Robinson is an internationally recognized leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resources. He works with governments in Europe, Asia and the U.S., with international agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and some of the world’s leading cultural organizations.

An award-winning writer, Robinson developed the creative and economic development strategy as part of the Peace Process in Northern Ireland. He has won the Peabody Medal for contributions to the arts and culture in the U.S. and his new book, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything” is currently on the New York Times Best Seller list.

His presentation at Perspectives will ask, “What does it take to achieve personal success and feel like you are in your element?” He feels that it is not natural talent that drives personal success, but rather a delicate interplay of talent, passion, attitude and opportunity that brings people to achieve their highest levels of success and lead lives of meaning and purpose.

Robinson will take the Perspectives audience on a compelling tour of what can happen when passion and talent meet. He draws on the personal stories of high achievers in many fields, including Sir Paul McCartney, Arianna Huffington, Matt Groening (creator of The Simpsons), Meg Ryan and renowned physicist Richard Feynman.

With a wry sense of humor, Sir Ken helps audiences understand:

• What it takes to find “The Element” in our own lives

•Why age and occupation are no barrier

• How to enhance creativity and innovation in both personal and professional settings

• How focusing on “The Element” is an essential strategy in transforming education, business and communities to meet the challenges of living and succeeding in the 21st century.

Since 1995, the Metro Chamber has introduced the region’s business people to some of the world’s most influential speakers, including President George H.W. Bush, Sen. Bob Dole, New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Gov. Ann Richards, President Gerald Ford, Capt. Jim Lovell, and Gen. Colin Powell.

Annually drawing an audience of more than 2,000 people, Perspectives set the stage in Sacramento for world-class speakers to reach our community and creates first-class networking opportunities for business and civic leaders. The event was launched in celebration of the Metro Chamber’s 100th anniversary and century-long service to the community.

The event will be held 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sacramento Convention Center and features an exhibit hall and the NewsTalk 1530 KFBK Business Center, where attendees can keep in touch with the office and conduct business. Tickets are $195 for members, $245 for nonmembers. Register online at http://www.metrochamber.org/perspectives or call 916-444-1919.