Ignite Tampa Bay: A night of inspiration and networking

Some 21 speakers are expected to share their creative ideas and plans at the eighth annual Ignite Tampa Bay on June 13 at Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg.

In just five minutes each, the presenters will address the crowd on a variety of thought-provoking topics.

“You’re probably going to learn something,” says Peter Radizeski, the event’s 2018 organizer.

Talks will cover cancer, blockchain and art theft, 3D surgical printing -- and more, with each speech backed by 20 slides that change every 15 seconds. An executive committee chose the speakers from some 70 submissions, with the goal of stimulating conversation and thought.

“We have some really dynamic speakers,” he adds. “It’s going to entertaining.”

Marvin Scaff will emcee the event, which includes networking. Among the presenters are Bill Carlson, whose topic is “A New Economic Model in Tampa,” and Dulani Porter, who will speak on “Going Tribal: Creating a Culture Where Creativity Thrives.”

Others include Sharon Britton, on the “Peaceful Revolution;” Monica Gray, on “I Hate Cancer;” Jordan Nickel, on “Men are Coming Home!” and Tony Francisco, on “The Best Mistake You Will Ever Make!”

The eighth annual Ignite Tampa Bay is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, at the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg. Doors open at 6 p.m. General admission is $25.  

The event, similar to a TED-X talk, has its roots in the Tampa Bay startup community, is being held by the nonprofit Technova Florida Inc., a volunteer organization dedicated to growing the Tampa Bay technology community. Presenting sponsor is Sourcetoad, a custom software company in Tampa.

Want to learn more? Check out some talks from prior years here.

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Read more articles by Cheryl Rogers.

Cheryl Rogers is a freelance writer and editor who enjoys writing about careers. An ebook author, she also writes Bible Camp Mystery series that shares her faith. She is publisher of New Christian Books Online Magazine and founder of the Mentor Me Career Network, a free online community, offering career consulting, coaching and career information. Now a wife and mother, Cheryl discovered her love of writing as a child when she became enthralled with Nancy Drew mysteries. She earned her bachelor's degree in Journalism and Sociology from Loyola University in New Orleans. While working at Loyola's Personnel Office, she discovered her passion for helping others find jobs. A Miami native, Cheryl moved to the Temple Terrace area in 1985 to work for the former Tampa Tribune