You can do this.
PHOTO © RJL PHOTOGRAPHY 2017
You’ve been discovered!
The person who directed you to this page believes you have something to say that the people of the Twin Cities need to hear.
First of all, what is Ignite?
Ignite Minneapolis is a high-energy evening of rapid-fire 5-minute talks by Twin Citizens with a burning passion for their topic. The talk format at Ignite is unique. Speakers prepare exactly 20 slides for their talk. The slides will auto-advance every 15 seconds. This gives every speaker exactly 5 minutes to inspire, enlighten, and entertain the audience.
Some talks are serious science, others are pure satire – but each talk illuminates a compelling idea or story.
The Ignite phenomenon began in Seattle in 2006. The Minneapolis chapter started in 2009. There are now other Ignite events all over the world.
Who are the speakers?
Ignite speakers are not professional speakers. Often our speakers are addressing a large audience for the very first time in their lives. Speakers at Ignite are as diverse as their topics, coming from all walks of life and sharing ideas and stories about which they have a burning passion.
What do they talk about?
Topics are all over the board. If you’re passionate about it, and if it’s comprehensible to the general public (i.e. not overly technical), it’ll probably make a good topic for an Ignite talk. Here are some examples of talks from over the years with links to YouTube:
What’s Up Your Butt? (a talk about colon cancer)
Diversity and Confusion: Simplifying the Brouhaha Around Including Different Folk
An Affair to Forget: Lord Gordon-Gordon's Lesser Known Chapter of Minnesota History
How to Take Life By the Balls (a talk about becoming an erotica author)
Who attends Ignite events?
The event brings together local thinkers, writers, designers, coders, makers, entrepreneurs, and many other groups. Attendees come to learn and to be inspired.
The Ignite audience understands this talk format is difficult, and they know you’re on stage living out a vulnerable moment — and they love you for that. The audience at Ignite is the most supportive and enthusiastic of any event in the Twin Cities.
So don’t freak out. You can absolutely do this!
When is the next Ignite? Is there a deadline?
The next Ignite Minneapolis event will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at a TBD location in Minneapolis – probably an auditorium-type venue with 600+ attendees.
The deadline for throwing your hat into the ring to speak is Midnight on Sunday, February 26, 2023.
Okay, so what would I have to do?
If you're selected as an Ignite speaker, you’ll need to commit to the following:
Create a slide deck of exactly 20 slides.
Attend a speaker workshop with one of our organizers and our speaking coach (online, optional).
Practice your talk!
Show up on the day and give your talk during your time slot.
Need a little more information?
Please see our Speaking at Ignite page for further details about the event, idea starters, the selection process, getting help, etc.