The concept is pretty simple.  The catch phrase is, "Enlighten us, but make it quick." 

14 presenters.  5 minutes a-piece.  You can talk about whatever you want.  20 slides auto-rotate every 15 seconds…there is no clicker.  Those are the only rules.

The fun part about this is that people submit topics that they want to talk about.  Those people then try to activate the community to vote for their topic.  The top seven vote-getters are automatically selected to present at Ignite.  The additional seven presenters are determined by committee.

So, why talk about what ignites you?  Well, I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for the people around me.
 
As an entrepreneur, who at one point didn’t know I was one, I validated my idea just by telling people about it.  Over the course of a couple of years, I had thousands of conversations with family, friends, community leaders, venture capitalists, and grocery store clerks, basically anyone who would listen to my wild idea. 

What I found was that people were not only willing to talk with me, but willing to help.  I got referrals, introductions, criticism, advice, and guidance.  This community is one where people help one another - and if you believe in something and are willing to be diligent in your pursuit of your dream - this city is one that you can make things happen.

So imagine the power in gathering a group of people, that probably all have singular ideas, some of which could potentially have monumental impact on someone else, another person, a community, a family, even a culture.  It took me two years to have all of those conversations, and to meet all of those people.   I’m hoping we can compress that cycle for someone else.

I’m always fascinated by the corporate entrepreneur.  You know who you are.  You work that job that pays your bills, while you’re stashing away ideas and telling yourself, “One of these days, I’m going to maybe try and run with one of these”.  I am hoping that Ignite becomes a forum for someone’s next big idea.  And maybe, just maybe… gives you, Mr. Reader, the courage to make the entrepreneurial leap.

We’re excited for you to join us for Ignite Cincinnati on January 20th.  

You can find more info about us here.

Reserve your tickets here.

To submit your topic or to vote for a friends, go here.

First and foremost, blogging is still relatively new to me, so I'm going to just talk - my apologies in advance for being conversational.

I've been given the opportunity to share with Soapbox readers something we are excited to bring to Cincinnati.  It’s called Ignite.  Ignite is a night of presentations with a twist. 14 presenters each get 5 minutes to talk about their subject. 20 slides that auto advance after 15 seconds. It is quick, fun, smart and fills the Know Theater. Our next one is January 20th.

So, what is Ignite Cincinnati?  First, some history.  This idea came about as Joe Pantuso (a fellow entrepreneur) and I have been focused on building our businesses - meanwhile mining resources for other entrepreneurs and start-ups, or people interested in getting involved in startup.  We were doing this as a benefit to people, but additionally to compare what’s available here to what’s available in other hot startup markets to see what we’re doing well and where we're lacking.

One of the things we found was Ignite.  Ignite was started in Seattle in 2006 by Brady Forrest and Bre Pettis. Since then hundreds of 5 minute talks have been given across the world.  There are thriving Ignite communities in Seattle, Portland, Paris, and NYC.  We thought, "Ah-ha. There's no reason we shouldn't be compared to cities like this." We're home to one of the highest per capita patent rates in the Midwest, nine Fortune 500 companies, and we're virtually a breeding ground for smart, innovative people.  What can we do to bring these people together?  Ignite.  That’s what.

Learn more about Ignite Cincinnati in Ostoich's blog on Tuesday!