All of the previous Ignite Philly events have sold-out… or more accurately (since they are free) have been filled to capacity. Translation: if you got there a little late, you probably had to stand in line waiting for someone to leave to take their spot. Even worse, some people never got in.
Many people have asked us to move Ignite Philly to a larger venue, but I have resisted because I love the atmosphere of Johnny Brenda’s. (Why can’t we share knowledge and have passionate talks in a punk rock atmosphere?) Also, the owners and staff (we love you William and Brandy!) have been so fantastic to work with. They completely “get” Ignite and they make it easy for us to keep bringing these events to the community with minimal overhead.
However, we do understand that some people really really really want to attend, but can’t make it there early. So… for the first time, we are going to offer 150 tickets at $5 each. (There are 300 spots at JB’s, so half of the spots will remain free for those willing to take a chance the night of the event.) All proceeds… and I mean all… will be donated to The Food Trust, a Philadelphia-based organization. They spoke at Ignite Philly 1 about their work “ensuring that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food.” This is something I hope we can all support.
If this works out, we will pick a new cause to donate proceeds each time… hopefully an organizations that has participated in Ignite Philly in some way.
We want to thank Ticket Leap for being our in-kind sponsor and ticketing partner for this event. I also want to personally thank Blake Jennelle at Ticket Leap for doing the legwork to make this sponsorship possible.
If you want to secure your spot and make a donation to The Food Trust (at the same time!), click the button below and get started.
We are looking for input from the community for possible speakers at the next Ignite Philly that will be happening on October 7th October 13th at Johnny Brenda’s. (Doors open at 6pm 7pm.)
Ignite is a format for people to present ideas. (It is not a venue for promoting your company. There are other really valuable events in Philadelphia that allow you to promote your company. Some even are structured to give you feedback on your business. Ignite Philly is NOT one of those venues.)
If you are thinking to yourself, “Is my presentation about my idea/project/thought a good fit for Ignite Philly?” Read the quote below and decide:
“Perhaps the most interesting thing about the evening was that these important players in Philly’s advancing creative communities didn’t get on stage to show off their resume and reel. They used the forum to talk about what others are doing to make a difference…
The fundamental takeaway from IgnitePhilly is that that the ability to change the world is more real than ever.” – Brian James Kirk
We are seeking passionate people talking passionately about inspiring projects (primarily) in the Philadelphia region. If you are one of those people or know someone that fits the bill, please submit your suggestion below.
Ignite is sort of some kind of cousin of Pecha Kecha. Like most distant kindof-relatives, we don’t really know each other at all, and we tend to have awkward first meetings over bad Potato Salad at events we both go to.
Pecha Kechu: “Hey, you’re uhh. The fire people right?” Ignite: “Oh hey, you’re that ummm. I’m so Sorry. I really don’t place you. My fault.” Pecha Kechu: “We’re Pecha Kecha, the original lightning presentation group.” Ignite: “Yeah, hey! Keen.” *awkward half-hug* Good to see you. How are things?” Pecha Kechu: “You know, collecting slides, getting presenters. The usual. We’re on June 13th.” Ignite: “Here in Philly? Nice! Nice meeting you.” *awkward silence* “I’m going to get some cake! Txt me sometime.”
Because, frankly, I’m cramming in slide work for Ignite Philly during my lunch at work (while messing with GCC endian issues) I don’t have time to generate proper content for the site. Which is sad, because I think I write half decent copy. However, since Ignite is a crowdsourced event in a large part, why not do the blog the same way?
This post is an open thread. That is to say (for the non geeks) there isn’t much of a topic here, and it’s an invitation to give us feedback by leaving whatever comments you want in the comment section. Like what we’re doing? Have any questions about tomrrow night? Or suggestions on what we can (or could have) done better? We’d love to hear it, so leave a comment for us, we promise to read them all.
Also, if you want to work the door at the show, or otherwise chip in and give a hand setting up, please leave us a comment. Also Also, we could use a VGA to RCA converter box, so if you have one you can lend us, please let us know in the comments. Also, Also, Also, Don’t forget tonight is Mashable Mixer + IndyHall Celebration at 8pm @ Cav’s Riverdeck, in case one night of geekery isn’t enough for you….
Every day, when I walk down the street or get on the subway, I’m accosted by pirates asking me “Hey Far, where do I watch videos from the previous Ignite?”
Ignite is about 5 days away and we are in the final madness of getting speakers locked down, locked in, and getting their slides in order. One part of the fun of doing a just-in-time event like this is the last minute changeout, changeover, and plan changes. The Ignite Philly Crew, of course, is agile as a cat, and we’re mastered the art of getting awesome things done on a shoestring.
So, even though I won’t Promise anything, I will post the speakers list so far, with the disclaimer that this is subject to change, right up to the second the speaker walks onto the stage….
Speakers List! (Disclaimer: If they didn’t give a title for their talk, I made one up, so be warned)
“Something juicy between two buns” (Jeff Vogel and Ben Kessler of Unbreaded)
“Getting Happier and happier.com” (Andrew Rosenthal of Happier)
“Who are these Viddler Guys anyway?” (Rob Sandie, co-founder of Viddler)
“The Rest is Noise: Intelligent Machines Will Transform The Music Industry” (Dr. Greg Wilder, CTO & Co-Founder of Orpheus)
If you have links to these folks, their projects, or related info, feel free to drop a comment! I’ll linkify and update info the speakers and their orgnizations based on feedback.
Ignite Philly is coming back for Round 3! We’ve got a great crew of artists, scientists, entertainers and world changers lined up to blow your mind on Saturday May 2nd. We’re starting an hour later this time around, but the venue is the same — our faithful friends at Johnny Brenda’s will play host once again.
Mark your calendars and tell your friends, this is a night not to miss!
Ignite Philly 3
Saturday May 2, 2009
Doors open at 7pm
Presentations start at 8pm
Johnny Brenda’s
1201 N. Frankford Ave [map]
Philadelphia, PA 19125
215-739-9684
Ignite Philly 5 will be held on Tuesday March 2nd at Johnny Brenda's. Doors open at 6pm, speakers begin at 7pm.
Ignite Philly is part of a worldwide network that entertains and educates people in short 5 minute bursts. Ignite Philly is the local group, and is our way to highlight great ideas coming to life here in Philadelphia.
Each presenter is on stage for a total of 5 minutes (20 slides, at 15 seconds each slide). These talks are a ’spark’ if you will, they are lightning fast and leave people with a new idea to mull over and talk about. Read more.
We won Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly Awards for “Best Way to Learn Something (In a Bar)” 2010-07-29
Ignite Philly won a "Best of Philly" Award! 2010-07-24
Every day, when I walk down the street or get on the subway, I’m accosted by pirates asking me “Hey Far, where do I watch videos from the previous Ignite?”
