Ignite Philly 7: less tech, more cash
Danny Gerber and a volunteer make a fruit smoothie onstage using a bicycle (click for video).
The seventh edition of Ignite Philly featured a few firsts: it was the first time the event accepted sponsors, it marked the most charitable Ignite ever and it was the first time somebody made an alcoholic beverage onstage using a bike (see above).
Part of Global Ignite Week, Ignite Philly 7 gave speakers five minutes and 15 slides that lasted 20 seconds each to share an idea that is changing Philadelphia for the better. Unlike past Ignites, the latest rendition was light on technology-related talks and packed with folks trying to make Philadelphia a better place to live through urban planning, soda pop, art and saving celebrities.
During intermission, organizers Geoff DiMasi, David Clayton and others presented the South Philly Co-Op with a $1,000 check and also handed out 125 cards containing $10 of Microsoft’s money to be donated to the cause of the card holder’s choice on donorschoose.org.
As part of Global Ignite Week, multiple Ignite events were taking place across the world and each city holding an Ignite was given the $10 cards. The city with the most total money donated is placed on an international leader board and at intermission, Alex Hillman, co-founder of Independents Hall and Ignite Philly sponsor promised to throw a party if Philly tops the leader board. As of publishing, Philadelphia is ranked first.
Below we give out a few awards, including the “Oh Snap” award, best overall talk and best pipes.
