Ignite Philly 5 marks age of social entrepreneurs, city’s Google bid

Organizer Geoff DiMasi hands a check to Girls Rock Philly for $1175

Last November, we asked if the Philadelphia technology community was ready to take the next step. Tonight, at a trimmed-down Ignite Philly, we got a glimpse of what those next steps may look like. The event, which forces speakers to cram a presentation into a fast-moving five-minute speech was better attended and was better at holding the attention of attendees than its predecessor (see our humble slideshow).

Fresh on the heels of new technology-based tax incentives, City Councilman Bill Green and Philadelphia CTO Allan Frank kicked off the event by announcing the city’s effort to lure Google’s new Fiber project to the city, an effort that began earlier this week using a #phillyfiber hashtag campaign (much more about the effort here).

Shortly after the rushed Google announcement and after Indy Hall co-founder Alex Hillman’s subtle rebuttal, the night was characterized by a string of presentations focusing on social entrepreneurship.

The event was one of over 60 Ignites taking place on six continents as part of Global Ignite Week. As part of the Philadelphia event, the organizers were able to donate the event’s 235  five dollar ticket sales to raise $1,175 for Girls Rock Philly, a summer camp that helps young girls become musicians.

After the jump we hand out some awards for the event including best quote, best presentation and the “Kids Table” award.

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Ignite Philly 4 hosts Free Library and Mayoral cabinet officials as VGI impresses

Videogame Growth Initiative's Mike Worth gives an energetic presentation at Ignite Philly 4 | Credit: Sean Blanda

‘Let’s continue these great conversations,’ he said in so many words.

Before an intermission of Ignite Philly 4 that could have been easily overlooked, Make:Philly’s Harris Romanoff made a modest call to presenters that the Ignite series has sorely lacked: an opportunity to keep the conversations and inspiration flowing and perhaps create truly definable, actionable steps.

“Make is extending an invitation to speakers past and present to speak and to answer more questions,” Romanoff said to a crowd of more than 250 gathered in the upstairs of Johnny Brenda’s bar in Fishtown.

Though it was apparent that no one was yet booked for Make’s monthly DIY tech/hack meetings, it was a notable recommendation for Ignite, having now surpassed four sold out events since 2007.

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Event Highlights for October 12-18, 2009

I know you stayed up late to watch that Phillies game Philadelphia, but now is no time to lose focus.

October is events season, and this week is no exception. So grab a cup a coffee and join Technically Philly as we pluck the diamonds from the Philadelphia tech events rough.

Monday is a day of rest for our action packed Tuesday. On the 13th, you have your choice of rapid-fire Ignite Philly 4 presentations in Fishtown or chatting with the city’s Linux-heads in Plymouth Meeting. Or, if you have a gullible friend with a car, you can attend both.

The event calendar is sparse until Philly Startup Leaders weekend. Then, the group plans on holding an open hack at Drexel. Rumor has it, the group may break out into some improv comedy.

Check out the details after the jump.

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Ignite Philly 3 photos

Photos from Saturday’s Ignite Philly 3 held at Johnny Brenda’s in Fishtown. We recommend viewing the photos in their natural habitat on Flickr. Click on the photo for the caption.

Photos by staff writers Sean Blanda and Christopher Wink.