Ignite Denver

Totally biased on every level imaginable, as I’m an active participant on the planning committee, but as it’s solely volunteer-​based, I figured it was fair to throw in my two cents. I love this project so much. It brings the Denver community closer together, people are supportive of one another, and it’s something different, not to mention affordable ($ 10 for a ticket). The show last night was sublime, despite some minor technological setbacks and the onslaught of rain. I hope to see more people get involved going forward, because I strongly believe it’s one of those gifts that keeps on giving.

The concept is fantastic, but the venue and crowd left more to be desired.
I thought most of the presentations were clever and well planned. It takes a lot of courage and prep to nail a timed presentation. The topics are wide ranging and a cool collection of things to talk about. It looked like presenters had fun developing and presenting. (Update — my dad is doing this at another Ignite-​style program so I have extra kudos for the presenters.)
The theatre is old and in need of attention. But the venue was less of my concern. Maybe this is how Ignite works, but the crowd talking through many of the sparks was beyond rude and annoying. I guess I missed the memo on that one. Some a$$hole stood behind us the entire second half and was shamelessly yapping on about himself. Turns out he was there for moral support for his friend who was the last presenter. I’ll give you one guess when the 5 minutes were that he was quiet. A number of other guests were talking throughout as well, and the venue had background music playing near the bar.
The saving grace was the emcee. He had a ridiculously, and somewhat intoxicated/​under-​the-​influence-​of-​Lord-​knows-​what, tough crowd to tame and entertain. I thought his wry wittiness was pretty darn funny.
I don’t know if I would attend next year (on second thought, I’d probably still go as there were some great presentations). Full disclosure here: I went on a Unilocal ticket and got a free beer and koozie out of it. So it’s not like it was a terrible evening (it was, however, a terrible beer, but a free terrible beer, so keep that in mind).

The event itself was pretty cool. I’ve never been to one of these before so I didn’t know what to expect, even though the awesome Rick Ramos is my coworker and did his best to explain, it’s still different once you see it in person.
The topics were broad — business, finance, event planning, dying, absinthe, money lessons for children, etc. I learned quite a bit!
The venue was a very cool old theater, and I know it wasn’t Ignite’s fault, but the bathrooms needed some attention (that is, replumbing). Next time if there’s an option for another venue with better facilities that would be preferable. But, it kind of added to the feel of the event… I go back and forth.
I’d like to go back and perhaps even present one year — but probably later in the evening when the audience has had its share of libations and they might forgive my stage presence. :)
Good job, Ignite!

I had the pleasure of attending my third Ignite Denver last night, and my second as a speaker. The planning team works very hard to bring together a great lineup of fun, informational speakers to entertain, inform, and inspire the audience.
This is a don’t miss event for anyone that enjoys using their brain and meeting great people.