Ignite is an internationally syndicated presentation series with a unique twist: 20 speakers fire off 20 slides in just 5 minutes each, for a night of inspiration-filled, rapid-fire talks.
Share what matters most to you. We’re seeking Tampa Bay’s most passionate and talented people to share stories, ideas, and inspiration. Everyone is welcome to submit a talk as long as you have something compelling to say, we want to hear it.
Start thinking now about submitting a talk for Ignite 2019.
Ignite Tampa Bay is a fun, fast-paced, evening of presentations where speakers gather to share their knowledge and passion.
Each speaker gets exactly five minutes to teach, enlighten, or inspire the crowd, all backed up by 20 slides that advance automatically every 15 seconds.
Talks cover a wide range of (often geeky) topics, from roller skating to nuclear reactors.
Ignite Tampa Bay’s unique rapid-fire format draws a loyal audience that reflects our vibrant community, often filling our venues to capacity. Each event is different, but you’re sure to experience talks that will educate, inspire, motivate, and entertain.The Ignite concept first appeared in Seattle in 2006 and has since spread to many cities across the globe. We brought Ignite to Tampa Bay in 2011, and have been running events annually since. You can find videos from past Ignite Tampa Bay events below or in our video archive.
Ignite Tampa Bay is a production of Technova Florida, Inc., a Tampa-based nonprofit dedicated to creating resilient, radically inclusive tech and maker communities that empower positive change.
Our all volunteer organization produces other events throughout the year including Barcamp Tampa Bay each fall.





Look Who Spoke at Ignite! 2018 ...
Check out the videos on our YouTube channel!
The Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg was the host venue for the eighth annual Ignite Tampa Bay! Our attendees enjoyed beverages from the theater bar and mingled with other guests and speakers. Our Emcee Marvin Scaff opened with his thoughts on fostering innovation and the concept of “Thinking Wrong” to help warm up the crowd. The following 19 fast-paced talks entertained and engaged our audience of 300+. There were tears, laughs, occasional rowdy outbursts, and even someone that started a wave (you know who you are).
To finish the event with some momentum for next year, event organizers Peter Radizeski and Antony Francis called wanabee Ignite presenters to the stage. See you next year!
Check Out Our Impressive Lineup of Passionate Speakers!
*Please note these are presented in no particular order nor is this the order presenters will give their talks at the event. We typically have >100 speaker submissions each year on average and unfortunately the speaker selection committee can only select 20 talks. We strive for diversity and to represent as many segments of our community as possible. The overwhelming response by all of you demonstrates the passion of the bay are community members.
Talk Title | Speaker |
---|---|
What to do when the Lights are Out | Barry Greene |
Learn Do Share |
Dan Denney |
You AF |
Daniel Scott |
Stroke of Genius |
Doug Pace |
To Absurdity |
Joel Lopez |
Using Blockchain Technology to Combat Art Theft |
Nick Baldwin |
Making it in a technology backwater |
Alex Eckleberry |
Men are Coming Home! (from Mars) |
Jordan Nickel |
How to create a world which thinks beautifully |
Victoria Michael |
Six F’s that drive us – Ignore them at your peril |
Chuck Papageorgiou |
People, Politics, and Propaganda |
Amina Spahic |
The Best Mistake You Will Ever Make! |
Tony Francisco |
Printing Patients: 3D Printing for Surgical Pre-planning and Simulation |
Melissa Mathews |
Growing in the Dirt |
Derrick Blue |
Going Tribal: Creating a Culture Where Creativity Thrives |
Dulani Porter |
Stories Connect Us |
Matthew Fetterman |
Peaceful Revolution |
Sharon Britton |
I Hate Cancer | Monica Gray |
What’s Your #1 | Stacey Taylor |