What is Ignite Phoenix? The concept is simple: 18 people have 5 minutes and 20 slides to talk about their passion. If audience members want to find out more, the very last slide is chock full of contact information! 20 slides, 5 minutes, and 18 presenters… Why? It’s a challenge to the presenters to be engaging and, to the point, a perfect concept in simplicity.

How was Ignite started? From the ignite.oreilly.com website: “Ignite was started in Seattle in 2006 by Brady Forrest and Bre Pettis. Since then 100s of 5 minute talks have been given across the world. There are thriving Ignite communities in Seattle, Portland, Paris, and NYC.”

Sound kind of random? That’s because it is. Pick a topic you are passionate about and share it with your community. I, for one, appreciate the fast-paced approach to information, and the fact that it’s only five minutes long keeps my attention the entire time. Let’s be honest, technology has created fast-paced minds for a fast-paced world, or perhaps I just have ADD. (There was a presentation on that!) Granted, not all of the presenters were on their A-Game, but who the heck can judge the nervousness of presenting in front of 400 people who you know are Twittering the event as your are speaking?

A few highlights for me:

Passing Notes 2.0
Katie Charland @katiecharland

Capoeira: The Art of Survivial
Pam Slim @pamslim

What Happens to Your Body After You Die?
Stacy Holmstedt @stacebass

The Power of Fail – Failure is Not Only an Option, But the Best Course of Action
Leo Godin @leogodin217

Each of these presenters were well-spoken, on top of their game, and versed in their “passion." If you are interested in watching the presentations from last night, keep an eye on www.ignite-phoenix.org. As a sponsor (we put together the nifty prize bags for the slideshow karaoke), Bookmans was invited to submit a brief video and our owner Bob used the opportunity to dispense sound business advice - in his own unique way. (Check out the video for yourself.)

The event was a great way to get to know my peers in the Valley and their experiences. Phoenix is an incredibly large metropolitan area and I firmly believe we have only tapped into a small percentage of our creative potential. That is why I am so excited that Jeff Moriarty officially announced the creation of the Phoenix Innovation Foundation! The Phoenix Innovation Foundation is a non-profit organization started by Jeff Moriarty to stimulate and promote the development of the local Phoenix community through educational events that support technology, science, and the arts.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the Ignite Phoenix creators and all of the hard working volunteers that shared their time so that the Valley has another opportunity to create community. Save the date for Ignite 5, November 3, 2009 and visit www.ignite-phoenix.org to find out how to submit your idea!!