It’s a really sad thing to announce, but Ignite Cardiff #9 will be the last one that Claire and I will actively be involved with. From now on, the event and all its organisation will be run by Ed Barnett and Steve Dimmick.
Claire first approached me with the idea of bringing together the respective groups we they ran (Claire’s Cardiff Web Scene, and my Network of Creative and Cultural Industries), and having a joint event. The format for that event was to become Ignite, an event that was becoming increasingly popular in the US. It was based on the similar Pecha Kucha rapid-fire style of talks, but aimed at a more eclectic and somewhat entrepreneurial crowd. The first Ignite Cardiff was in the Soda Bar, where it would be hosted on it’s first few occasions. It flirted with the big atrium at the Wales Millennium Centre, and Chapter Arts Centre, but has recently found a new home upstairs in O’Neill’s on St Mary Street, a relaxed venue which suits the fun atmosphere that seems to run through the events.
Ignite Cardiff was the very first Ignite event in the UK, and there are now events in cities all over the country, from Norwich to London to Bristol to Sheffield. We’ve had over 60 speakers (that’s 1200+ slides!) over the last 8 events, covering topics such as wine, infinity, zombies, chickens, paper airplanes, Ayn Rand, salt and Drupal. We’ve had architects, designers, single mums, BBC Radio One DJs and professional comedians give talks. As an event, it’s the definition of eclectic! In fact, here’s a short video that Claire put together on our third birthday at the beginning of this year, which gives a good sense of the event:
Ignite Cardiff third Birthday video from Ignite Cardiff on Vimeo.
We’re genuinely gutted to no longer be involved, but we sadly don’t have the time to give it the energy it richly deserves. It’s a fantastic event, and we like to think it’s contributed in some small way to bringing the entrepreneurial, creative and inquisitive communities of Cardiff together. But as our lives, and commitments, have changed over the last three years, finding time to devote to Ignite has become increasingly difficult. It’s an event that deserves more than we’re currently able to give it, and we know that Ed and Steve are the right people to take it on to new heights.
We would like to thank every single person (there are far too many to name individually!) that has helped and supported us and allowed Ignite Cardiff to become the amazing event that it is now. And most notably the brilliant volunteer speakers who’ve shared their passions, experience, loves, hates and wisdom with us.
The event will continue to have our full support, and the new team have already added new life and enthusiasm and will continue to grow the audience and the event reputation. We’ve no doubt they’ll make it bigger and better than we could have managed, and we can’t wait to be able to attend as a relaxed viewer, instead of a stressed organiser!
Claire Scantlebury and Neil Cocker
