Ignite Berlin #5

Ignite is a really interesting set of events held in over 100 cities globally. Unashamedly aimed at geeks, speakers are asked to have a point to make, but make it quickly! 20 slides, auto-transitioning every 15 seconds to give a 5 minute talk. I gave a talk on Pac-Man and how a programming error made it impossible to win. I already had the content/knowledge and was inspired by a similar presentation I saw at Enthusiasticon. The evening was split into two halves: the first seven talks were a mixed-bag on topics as varied as bees (and beekeeping), pole dancing, love (and death) and, of course Pac-Man; the second set of talks related to the importance of typewriters, supporting kids as the next generation of hackers, why the future of innovation is not just "dinosaurs" and "unicorns"... and much more! Special kudos goes to the couple who gave a talk on how they maintain their long-distance relationship through music. Ignite 5 was a really fun event. Content came quickly and slickly. Audience of roughly 100 was very receptive given how wide-ranging the content was. I'd go along next time for sure. Given that it is a "mixed-bag" I'm not sure I'd actually like to know what is being presented in advance... Just turn-up and see what happens!