UpDayton is one of the five initiatives proposed by seven of the 32 Dayton catalysts. It was created to spur economic growth within the region by attracting and retaining young talent. UpDayton will do this by engaging, connecting and empowering young professionals in the Miami Valley. Who is the Young Talent? The young talent is the next generation of the creative class. They are engineers, poets, lawyers, computer programmers, scientists, artists and architects – anyone who is between the ages of 18-40 and creates for a living. Today’s entire creative class accounts for 30% of the population and over 50% of all wages and salaries – young professionals and their constantly increasing college graduation rates will be an even bigger force in our world. Where young professionals choose to live and work will determine the regions and businesses that are successful in the next decade. The annual UpDayton Summit gives Dayton’s diverse young talent a louder voice in the region. Based on the ideas from the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Summits, we've launched an Action Plan for the community.