Get ready for Ignition: Ignite Boise 3 an inferno of ideas (updated)

BOB BEERS/IGNITE BOISE

What happens when you give 16 random people a stage, 20 slides that rotate every 15 seconds and 5 minutes to talk about whatever they want?

Ignition.

If you’d like to take part in an inferno of ideas, you’ll want to join the many who are hoping to get tickets to Ignite Boise 3, happening Thursday, Nov. 12, in the Egyptian Theater.

“Ignite Boise is put together by a handful of local entrepreneurs, geeks and generally creative people looking to contribute to Boise’s culture of ideas.” according to its website.

(Watch a replay of the first half of the event from 11/12/2009)

(Watch a replay of the second half of the event from 11/12/2009)

“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, Baltimore, NYC, and now, Boise.”

Boise State student Andrew Choifrine attended Ignite Boise 2. “I love it, I think it keeps people concise and that means it’s always interesting and if it’s not, then you move on to the next presenter,” said Choufrine. “It’s interesting people, talking about interesting things, in short bursts.”

Ignite Boise won the praise of Mayor Dave Bieter who proclaimed July 16 to be, “Ignite Boise Day,” in part because “Ignite Boise reflects the truth that Boise is the birthplace of big ideas, the cradle of innovation, and simply the best place to lead a balanced life of meaningful work and inspirational play,” according to the Mayoral Proclamation.

Chris Blanchard is a graduate of Boise State University and is the co-founder of Ignite Boise. Blanchard currently is professional staff in the Dean’s office of the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs at Boise State University.

“We thought it was a great opportunity to take the time to get some smart people to talk about things they are passionate about and try to spark some creativity to get people to think about old problems in new ways,” said Blanchard.

Ignite Boise offers a great utility to students according to the Associate Director of the Career Center at Boise State, Alex Gutierrez.

When asked how Ignite Boise could be useful for students, Gutierrez said, “[Ignite is good for] looking at ideas and what other people are thinking about, but also for the connections and getting involved with different people in the community,” Gutierrez said. “Especially if you want to get connected and know what’s happening.”

Ignite Boise 2 caught the attention of State Senator Dean Cameron of Rupert, Idaho who heard of the event on Twitter. Cameron described the Ignite experience as, “a room filled with energetic, exciting, entrepreneurial-minded people who are creative [...] It really causes the imagination to blossom in ways that you can be creative and have fun at the same time,” Cameron said.

Ignite attracts presenters, sponsors and an audience by promoting itself solely on social media websites like Twitter and Facebook, with a goal of creating word of mouth buzz. Ignite Boise 2 packed the Egyptian Theater with an estimated 750 people according to Blanchard.

There is no cost to attend Ignite Boise, but if you’re hoping to get tickets, get to the Egyptian early. General admission opens at 6:30 p.m. presentations start at 7.

Related Posts:

1. ‘Ignite Boise’ barbecues a rivalry, lights up design
2. Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood examined More than kiddy ideas
3. Boise Contemporary Theatre showcases ‘The Pavilion’
4. Boise Contemporary Theatre brings laughs to Boise with ‘Bust’
5. <br>Sir Anthony Hopkins to visit Boise