Ignite Minneapolis is open to everyone, run by volunteers, funded by sponsors, and fueled by free beer. All talks are streamed live and archived online.
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March 22, 2011 – by: PATRICK KUNTZ
Several people came up to me and exclaimed that this was the best Ignite ever. I was inclined to agree. A lot of things went right this time out, not the least of which was the amazing venue. If you haven't been to The Heights Theatre before, you simply must check it out. It was a gorgeous space for our event, with plenty of overflow spaces for networking and refilling your free beer.
The speakers kicked it up a notch this year, too. With over 50 talk submissions to choose from, Ignite was lucky to be able to select just the best ideas for inclusion in the show. Throughout the evening's talks there were moments of hilarity, introspection, and downright akwardness – all of which are equally a part of the Ignite experience.
Ross Phernetton discusses the half-assed lifestyle at Ignite Minneapolis 3.
Photo by: Heather Munro
Our sponsors gave generously of their time and resources to see this event become all that it could be. They have our gratitude.
So with any luck we won't have to wait a whole year for the next Ignite Minneapolis event. With fairer weather just around the corner (presumably) we're kicking around the idea of doing an outdoor event. No promises, but we'll do our best. Got an idea for an outdoor venue? Send an email to .
Videos of the talks from Ignite Minneapolis 3 will be posted in the coming weeks. Please be patient.
Thanks to all our speakers, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, and attendees. See you next time.
March 7, 2011
The Heights Theatre.
The next Ignite Minneapolis event will be held at The Heights Theatre in Columbia Heights. Don't worry, it's not far. Just a quick drive up Central Av to 40th and you're there.
You want action. Action now.
Thursday, April 21
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Heights Theatre
3951 Central Av NE
Columbia Heights, MN.
(View map)
There is a free parking ramp across the street from the theatre on Gould Av NE.
Inside The Heights Theatre. Photo by: Heather Munro
The Heights Theatre itself is gorgeous. It was originally built in 1926, suffered three fires, one bombing, and a tornado that twisted the sign. The theatre was restored to its original glory in 1998.
Free beer is a tradition at Ignite. Your admission includes two free drink tickets good for... beer. The Heights Theatre concession stand will be selling popcorn and the usual movie faire. You can also bring goodies in from the Dairy Queen next door to the theatre.
We realized that we've got something really special with all the people who support and attend Ignite Minneapolis. We decided to try to do something to give back a little. In coordination with The Autism 5K, we're making a donation to help C.A.D.E. (Children with Autism Deserve Education), a volunteer-run organization that supports families affected by Autism. There will be an area at Ignite Minneapolis 3 for attendees to make a donation, too, if they wish.
Tyler Bancroft – Join the Fight Against Crappy Beer, Brew Your Own!
Irene Fernando – Our Changing World Needs Changing Leadership
Ross Phernetton – A Half-Assed Guide to Life, Happyness and Stuff
Cara Schulz – Exile & Lottery
Tim Brunelle – Loud Music Usually Helps - Nurturing Useful Ideas in the Chaos of the
Digital Age
David Bryan – Twincities Makers, Metal working, and The Hack Factory oh my!
Jennifer Kane – Facing Down 40: Take this Hill and Shove It.
Carl Luckett – Anybody Can Smoke
Meghan Casey – Good Vibrations: A History of the Vibrator
Nathan Rice – Atrazine – The Chemical in Us All (And My Friend Triball)
Jim Horwitz – You Inc. - The Power of Specifics
AnnMarie Thomas – Why Making Matters
Judy Grundstrom – Government 2.0 vs. Citizen 2.0: Can the US Government deal with a technically sophisticated citizenry?
Jim Bernard – How to Manage A Softball Team to a Perfect Record
Saunya Peterson – Dorothy: Homesick farm girl or serial killer? The Power of
Context and Story
Matt Ellsworth – Guerillionaires: Learning from the Leaders of Hip Hop & Business
Mykl Roventine – Don't Stop Believin': Karaoke Tips for Anyone