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Knoxville hosts international problem-solving tournament

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. � Knoxville will gain a little more expertise in problem-solving teamwork and creativity as more than 8,000 students come to town May 23-26 for the �Destination ImagiNation� (DI) Global Finals.
This year, a record number of participants and spectators are expected to come through the doors of host venues, the Knoxville Convention Center (KCC) and the University of Tennessee during this annual international creative problem-solving tournament.
Knoxville first hosted the DI Global Finals in 1991. The event has since grown to have national as well as international participation with students ranging from ages eight to 18.
�We love Destination ImagiNation. To have an event that brings more than 15,000 attendees for four days is a real diamond to any city. The massive economic impact of $20 million drives a jolt into the economy, especially local hotels and restaurants,� said Kim Paul, KTSC�s vice president of sales.
DI, a non-profit corporation, facilitates the program in 47 states and 28 countries worldwide. This year marks the 24th year of the corporation�s experience in providing creative and enriching programs for children around the world.
Each year, DI gives teams of two to seven students the opportunity to flex their creative problem-solving muscles by competing in one of five challenges. Central themes involve the exploration of technical/mechanical engineering, theatre arts, science, fine arts, structural/architectural design and improvisation. Competition winners will be announced on Saturday from 7:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the awards ceremony at UT�s Neyland Stadium.
The KTSC projects that the DI Global Finals will have a local economic impact of more than $20 million.