Dear Edmonton,

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…”

We’re proud to present the Love Letters to Edmonton writing contest.

Click here or on the image above to share your love letter to #yeg with us!

Contest is open now to March 14^th and multiple entries per person are encouraged.

Click here for official contest rules and regulations: Rules and regs – love letters

Prizes:

1^st:  A copy of the book “For the Love of Cities” by Peter Kageyama

2^nd: Chocolates from Kerstin’s Chocolates

3^rd: Three runner-up prizes of NextGen Swag

We look forward to reading your love letters & sharing the winning entries with all of our readers!

UPDATE: Visit the Edmonton Journal to watch all of the presentations from Pecha Kucha Night 12! We send a huge thank you to the Edmonton Journal, Ryan Jackson, and Kerry Powell for making this possible.

Edmonton’s NextGen presents Pecha Kucha Night 12, February 2, 212, at the Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre (8712 109 Street).

Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m.; with presentations beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now at TIX on the Square; charge by phone at 780.420.1757 or online at www.tixonthesquare.ca.

Join the conversation on Twitter, hashtag #PKN12.

PKN12 features presentations on local ideas, projects and musings in the 20 slides x 20 second per slide format made popular world-wide by Klein Dytham Architecture.

A first for Pecha Kucha Nights in Edmonton, PKN12 features live music from Kevin Marsh and Jill Roszell.

(more…)

6:30 PM Doors, 7:30 PM Presentations | January 26 | PECHA KUCHA: METROPOLIS

Pecha Kucha Nights have become one of Edmonton’s NextGen’s most popular and enduring public events. Japanese for the phrase “the sound of chitchat”, Pecha Kucha Nights feature presentations on local ideas, projects and musings in the 20 slides x 20 second per slide format made popular world-wide by Klein Dytham Architecture.  At METROPOLIS, the public is invited to attend Pecha Kucha: Metropolis featuring “best of” presentations from the past 11 installments of the event plus fresh ideas.

Featuring Presentations from:

8:30 AM | January 27 | SOCIAL MEDIA BREAKFAST #13 

Edmonton’s NextGen is pleased to partner with SMBYEG as Food Sponsor of Social Media Breakfast #13, taking place right next door to METROPOLIS at the CBC Centre Stage, 10062-102 Avenue.  The Edmonton Social Media Breakfast (SMBYEG) is pleased to announce Walter Schwabe (@fusedlogic) as this month’s guest speaker.

The Awesomeness of SocialTV

Understanding the digital behaviors of today’s online audiences can help businesses accomplish their objectives far better today than in the original static Web eco-system.  Walter Schwabe, Chief Evolution Officer of fusedlogic inc., and Executive Producer of fusedlogicTV will define and discuss the impact of digital behaviors such as, “social viewing” now associated with traditional television programming and how it’s changing the industry as a whole.  Further, he’ll demonstrate how the entertainment industry has effectively integrated into the social eco-system, while discussing the impact of social viewing data which is affecting entertainment expenditures.

Overall, Walter’s talk on SocialTV will look to reveal interesting behavioral patterns associated with this evolving space for your viewing, tweeting and blogging pleasure. Register for Social Media Breakfast #13 at http://www.amiando.com/smbyeg13.html

6:30 PM| January 27 | MEÆT 1.5

A project of Edmonton’s NextGen ENGAGE, producers of the popular DIYalouge forums, MEÆT1.5 brings local creatives and new philanthropists together for an evening of short proposals followed by a shared meal. At the end of the meal, all diners vote on which proposal receives the pot of funds to move forward with their project: immediate funding for awesome ideas! Presenters and diners are encouraged to register in advance at www.meaet.com; a minimum donation of $10 for dinners is suggested.

MEÆT1.5 is supported by JCI Edmonton. JCI Edmonton is dedicated to the development of opportunities that empower young Edmontonians to create positive change. Founded in 1929, JCI Edmonton encourages young professionals to Be Better and is part of a global movement with more than 200,000 members, creating positive change in the communities they call home.

January 28 | WINTER WONDERS

Visitors are encouraged to explore their creative sides with a number of interactive activities, events include:

• interVivos presents A Minute to Win It | Ongoing
• Break dance jam | 1 PM – 4 PM
• Open hoop / spinning jam | 4 PM – 6 PM
• artsScene presents an evening of creativity | 6 PM – 10 PM
  • Modern dance, improv and comedy performances
• Fire spinning performance | 10 PM – 10:30 PM

Winter Wonders is made possible through the support of artsScene Edmonton and interVivos. artsScene Edmonton is a volunteer-driven non-profit initiative that brings together young creative and business professionals (ages 18 – 40) through the arts to grow Edmonton’s creative community. artsScene is a national initiative from Business for the Arts. The interVivos Mentorship Society of Alberta (interVivos) provides a welcoming, respectful forum to openly discuss issues that affect our community, province and country’s current and future social, political and economic well-being.

11 AM – 4 PM | January 28 | SNOW SCULPTURE COMPETITION

M.A.D.E, Media Art and Design Edmonton hosts a Snow Sculpture competition in the East Gardens of Sir Winston Churchill Square. Teams can register at www.madeinedmonton.org.

A maximum of 8 teams of 2-3 people will compete to create snow furniture. Each team is provided 4 blocks of snow, sized at 0.5 cubic meters. Teams are required to bring their own hand tools and water to shape and fasten snow furniture. Powered tools are not allowed for this competition.

M.A.D.E , Media, Art, Design Exposed in Edmonton, is a young, volunteer driven, not-for-profit organization that is actively working to bring out the best in Edmonton’s design community, with a focus on the fields of architecture, graphic design, industrial design, landscape architecture, interior design, fine art, and film. The Snow Sculpture Competition is a natural extension of M.A.D.E’s popular street furniture collaboration with the Works Art & Design Festival which recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary!

12 PM – 9 PM | January 29 | THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG

Old Ugly curates The Tip Of The Iceberg: featuring half hour sets from twelve of Edmonton’s most sought after independent music acts! Acts include: Jom Comyn, Camembert, Krang, Viking Fell, Brazilian Money, Jessica Jalbert, Field & Stream, Mitchmatic, Scenic Route To Alaska, Jeff Stuart & The Hearts, Liam Trimble, and 100 Mile House.

Old Ugly Recording Company is a collective of artists dedicated to creating and preserving an Edmonton musical aesthetic for audiences of all ages.

METROPOLIS is a celebration if Edmonton’s dynamic winter culture, featuring four pavilions designed by an international roster of architects and programming from a variety of community and corporate partners. Tents are fully heated. For more information, visit www.metropolisedmonton.ca.

Edmonton’s NextGen presents Pecha Kucha Night 12, February 2, 2012, at Metro Cinema at The Garneau (8712 – 109 Street). PKN12 features presentations on local ideas, projects and musings in the 20 slides x 20 second per slide format made popular world-wide by Klein Dytham Architecture. Tickets go on sale on Monday, January 9, at 10:00 a.m. via TIX on the Square; charge by phone at 780.420.1757 or online at www.tixonthesquare.ca.

More than 125 presentations have been given at Edmonton Pecha Kucha Nights to-date on wide ranging topics, from professional online gaming to in vitro meat and everything in between. In 2011, Pecha Kucha Global recognized the poster design and accompanying production video from PKNX as one of the Top 20 Pecha Kucha Moments of 2011, thanks in large part to the talented creative efforts of Graphos, a PKN corporate sponsor.

Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture first devised Pecha Kucha, the Japanese phrase for “the sound of chitchat” in 2003, as a night for young designers to meet, network, and discuss their projects. The catch: each designer gives a presentation containing only 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds, for a total presentation length of six minutes 40 seconds. Conceived as a venue through which young designers could meet, show their work, exchange ideas, and network, the format keeps presentations concise, fast-paced and entertaining.

A first for Pecha Kucha Nights in Edmonton, PKN12 features live music from Kevin Marsh and Jill Roszell.

Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m.; with presentations beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $9 for students and $11 for adults, plus services charges, and go on sale January 9, 2012, at TIX on the Square.

Our spiffy Pecha Kucha Night 12 poster, designed by the team at Graphos, is available as a FREE download for your desktop, iPad, and iPhone: http://graphos.ca/pechakucha-wallpapers.asp. Thanks for helping us spread the word about PKN12!

After a succesful pilot project in August, Edmonton’s NextGen presents MEÆT1.0 – MICRO-FUNDING TOGETHER, November 26, 2011, 6:30 PM at Latitude 53.

A project of ENGAGE, producers of the popular DIYalouge forums,  MEÆT brings local creatives and new philanthropists together for an evening of short proposals followed by a shared meal. At the end of the meal, all diners vote on which proposal receives the pot of funds to move forward with their project: immediate funding for awesome ideas! MEÆT1.0 is hosted by Nate Box of Elm Café.  For more information onMEÆT and to register, visit www.meaet.com.

“MEÆT 1.0 brings us together for a meal and to fund home-grown projects. By getting together and pooling our wealth we can avoid bureaucracy, get right down to the meat of an idea and make it happen. We look forward to continuing the momentum from the discussions we had with participants of DIYalouge last week,” says Carol Neuman, Engage Working Group Co-Chair.

Edmonton NextGen is looking for MEÆTing participants – limited space is available:

1.       Presenters: Apply to have a project funded, present your project & come enjoy dinner;

2.       Diners: Come enjoy dinner, experience the presentations, vote for your favorite, and donate $10 to fund something awesome.

Twenty-nine (29) spots are remaining; register as a Presenter or Diner at www.meaet.com.

Read on for a reflection from Toscha Turner, NextGen Volunteer, on her
experience planning and hosting MEÆT 0.5…

(more…)

Are you looking for an opportunity to present your ideas to an audience of more than 500 engaged and creative young people? Edmonton’s NextGen is currently accepting presentation submissions for Pecha Kucha Night 12, to be held on February 2, at Metro Cinema at The Garneau (8712 – 109 Street). More than 125 presentations have been given at Edmonton Pecha Kucha Nights to date on wide-reaching topics, from professional online gaming to in vitro meat and everything in between.

Deadline for submissions is December 16, 2011

What is a Pecha Kucha Night?

Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture first devised Pecha Kucha, the Japanese phrase for “the sound of chitchat” in 2003, as a night for young designers to meet, network, and discuss their projects. The catch: each designer gave a presentation containing only 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds, for a total presentation length of six minutes 40 seconds. These constraints challenged presenters to clarify their ideas and match each thought with the perfect image.

Since then, Pecha Kucha Nights are held by a global community of almost 450 cities and the presentations have become just as diverse. Pecha Kucha is a grown-up “show and tell”. Next Gen was the first to host Pecha Kucha Night in Western Canada. The event usually sells out to an audience of 500-650.

10 tips to make a great presentation

1. Choose an original and engaging topic that you are passionate about
2. Your audience will like your presentation more if it’s not self-promoting – think of giving the audience a glimpse into your topic not tugging them into it
3. You only have 20 images, so choose them wisely – we will create an introductory image that includes your name and presentation title
4. You only have 20 seconds per image, so choose your words wisely
5. Create your images to be 1024px by 768px
6. If possible, create your images to be in landscape orientation to maximize the use of the screen
7. Reference your images, if they are not yours
8. AVOID clip art, text, and combining more than two images on one slide
9. Keep it casual and conversational – there is no lectern
10. Watch Travis Sheridan’s presentation about how to give a good Pecha Kucha presentation

Keep in mind that Pecha Kucha presentations are about ideas and those ideas allow the audience to learn, expand their perspectives, and leave the night with something new on their mind.

How do I submit a presentation?

1. Let us know you are interested by emailing edmnextgen @ gmail.com with your full name, title (i.e. architect, designer, student, teacher, activist, etc.), and some background on what you want to talk about.

2. Next, read the 10 tips to make a great presentation listed above, before creating your presentation. Choose 20 images that match exactly what want to share and convert them info JPEGs (size: 1024px by 768px) using the following naming format to ensure your slides are displayed in the correct order: NG01.jpg, NG02.jpg, NG03.jpg … NG20.jpg. Please substitute “NG” with your initials. Then, put them all in a ZIP folder or other compressed file format.

3. Next, submit your presentation by email to edmnextgen @ gmail.com and include its title and a summary (<250 words).

Deadline is Friday, December 16, 2011.

What happens next?

A panel of NextGen volunteers will review all submitted presentations. Often there are more presentations submitted than we have room for in the program, so unfortunately not all can be selected.  As we wish to keep broadening the PKN presenter community, we will give first-time presenters the opportunity to experience it over those who have presented in the past.

We will let you know by Wednesday, January 11, 2012.

If your presentation is selected, we may offer suggestions to refine your presentation and images. You can then choose to make final changes and submit your updated presentation by Friday, January 20, 2012.

We will host a presenter orientation prior to PKN 12, where you will have the opportunity to ensure your images are in the right order, to learn some tips on presenting successfully, and, of course, to ask questions.

Resources:

• Frequently asked questions about Pecha Kucha Nights
• Pecha Kucha Daily Blog

We look forward to receiving your submission for PKN 12!

Ever dream about…

Creative freelancing as a career?

Launching an online life-style magazine?

Combining technology and the arts?

Taking the plunge to put an idea into action?

After a successful pilot event in June, Edmonton’s NextGen presents DIYalogue 2.0, a cultural mix-and-mingle in the style of NextGen’s popular Candi{date} series, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at Yellowhead Brewery, 10229-105 Street.

Looking for a collaborative space to share ideas and gain advice on launching them into action? DIYalogue connects Edmonton’s established cultural entrepreneurs with emerging young creatives in 20 minute one-on-one mentorship mini-dates. DIYalogue explores the potential for individual success in the creative industries through unique partnerships and community support.

Confirmed speed mentors include:

•        The Royal Bison - http://www.royalbison.ca/
•        City and Dale - http://cityanddale.com/
•        YEG Live - http://yeglive.ca/
•        Fish Griwkowsky - http://twitter.com/#!/fisheyefoto
•        Unknown Studio - http://theunknownstudio.ca/
•        Operation Fruit Rescue - http://operationfruitrescue.org/
•        Brian Webb Dance Company - http://www.bwdc.ca/
•        Edmonton Folk Music Festival - http://www.edmontonfolkfest.org/

Participants of DIYalogue 2.0 are encouraged to use the event as an opportunity to percolate ideas to present at the upcoming MEAET 1.0, November 26, 2011. MEAET 1.0 is an opportunity for young creatives to apply for micro-funding for new ideas in a relaxed community dinner setting.

For more information and to register for DIYalogue, visit http://diyalogue2-efbevent.eventbrite.com .

We’re hosting a photo contest!

What do you love about Edmonton? The River Valley? The Legislature? Rexall Place? Or something unique to your neighbouhood. Share the picture that best captures your love of Edmonton for a chance to win an Apple iPad 2 (approx $550 in value).

Upload your favourite photo to the NextGen Flickr Photo Contest Group and you could win.

Prizes
• 1 Grand Prize: Apple iPad 2 (approx $550 in value)
• 4 Draw Prizes: Local restaurant/business gift certificates worth $50 each. All participants are eligible for random drawing on these prizes.

Timeline
• October 21, 2011 @ 12:00am: Contestant photo submission begins!
• November 15, 2011 @ 11:59pm: Contestant photo submission closes.
• November 16, 2011 Finalists chosen by NextGen
• November 17, 2011 @ 12:00am: Finalists announced and voting begins
• November 20, 2001 @ 11:59pm: Voting closes
• November 26, 2011 Grand prize winner announced

Click here to view group where photo entries need to be uploaded to.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER. Contest is open to legal residents of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, age 18 or older. Entries must be received between 12:01 AM on October 21/11 and 11:59 PM on November 15/11. Void where prohibited by law. Maximum 10 photos per entrant. Skill testing question required. One grand prize chosen by public votes with four random draw winners. Submissions become the property of NextGen once submitted. Official rules (they’re a bit long ) are available here: Official Rules (PDF).

Please note, if your photo has an identifiable person or people in it you will be required to fill out a photo consent  form which can be found here.

The original signed photo consent form can be sent via mail to: NextGen Initiative, City of Edmonton, 8th Floor CN Tower, 10004-104 Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7 or can be dropped off in person to the 11th Floor CN Tower, 10004-104 Ave from Mon-Fri between 8:30-4:30pm.

Read our Annual Report for 2010 which highlights many of our events and projects. We presented the report to the Corporate Leadership Team at the City of Edmonton on June 30, 2011.

Thank you to Incite for designing the report! And thanks to all our members and volunteers who have devoted many hours into making NextGen’s projects and events a success!

Interested in receiving our bi-weekly email newsletter of the latest NextGen and community events in our city?  Want to find out when our next Pecha Kucha Night is or the next event we’re hosting? With over 2,000 members on our NextGen newsletter list subscribe today by signing up here.

Time flies! In a city with so much happening and so much promise it’s easy to lose track of time to take stock of what’s going on. As it’s been nearly a year since Edmonton NextGen’s successful Candi{date} election gatherings it’s now time for an update.

Up{date} 2011 brings together city councillors and key civic leaders in a speed dating style format for you to directly ask how their visions for Edmonton’s future are coming to life a year since the election. It’s your chance to:

• Ask questions
• Offer opinions
• Learn about Edmonton’s growth
• Spark debate

First introduced in the 2010 municipal election, Candi{date} is a made-in-Edmonton NextGen event that connects Next Gen voters to election candidates. Candi{date} is a casual, informal and fun way for voters to meet candidates, find out who they are and what they stand for, and to ask the questions that matter to them.

So get thinking, organize your thoughts and come out for an Up{date}!

• Where – Art Gallery of Alberta
• When – Wednesday, October 5^th, 7pm-9pm
• Who – City Councillors, Civic Leaders

Check out pictures from previous Candi{date} events in our gallery

Edmonton’s NextGen presents Pecha Kucha Night 11, September 14, at the Myer Horowitz Theatre (8900 114 Street) at the University of Alberta.

Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m.; with presentations beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now at TIX on the Square; charge by phone at 780.420.1757 or online at www.tixonthesquare.ca.

Join the conversation on Twitter, hashtag #PKN11.

PKN11 features presentations on local ideas, projects and musings in the 20 slides x 20 second per slide format made popular world-wide by Klein Dytham Architecture.

PKN11 also features music by DJ Blue Jay and a visual art showcase presented by the 3rd Annual Edmonton Timeraiser.

(more…)

Edmonton’s NextGen presents Pecha Kucha Night 11, September 14, at the Myer Horowitz Theatre (8900 114 Street) at the University of Alberta. PKN11 features presentations on local ideas, projects and musings in the 20 slides x 20 second per slide format made popular world-wide by Klein Dytham Architecture.

More than 110 presentations have been given at Edmonton Pecha Kucha Nights to date on wide reaching topics, from botanical walls to winter city living and everything in between. Pecha Kucha Night 11 is presented in partnership with the University of Alberta Alumni Association.

Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture first devised Pecha Kucha, the Japanese phrase for “the sound of chitchat” in 2003, as a night for young designers to meet, network, and discuss their projects. The catch: each designer gives a presentation containing only 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds, for a total presentation length of six minutes 40 seconds. Conceived as a venue through which young designers could meet, show their work, exchange ideas, and network, the format keeps presentations concise, fast-paced and entertaining.

PKN11 features music by DJ Blue Jay and a visual art showcase presented by the 3^rd Annual Edmonton Timeraiser.

Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m., with presentations beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $11 for adults and $9 for students plus services charges and are on sale now at TIX on the Square (780.420.1757) and the University of Alberta Alumni Association.

Edmonton’s NextGen invites you to submit a presentation for the next Pecha Kucha Night (PKN) in Edmonton held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at the Myer Horowitz Theatre.

What is a Pecha Kucha Night?

Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture first devised Pecha Kucha, the Japanese phrase for “the sound of chitchat” in 2003, as a night for young designers to meet, network, and discuss their projects. The catch: each designer gave a presentation containing only 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds, for a total presentation length of six minutes 40 seconds. These constraints challenged presenters to clarify their ideas and match each thought with the perfect image.Since then, Pecha Kucha Nights are held by a global community of almost 400 cities and the presenters have become just as diverse. Pecha Kucha is a grown-up “show and tell”. The presentations allow the audience to learn, expand their perspectives, and leave the night with something new on their mind. It’s food for thought.

Visit our page within the Pecha Kucha global community. Edmonton’s Next Gen was the first to host Pecha Kucha Night in Western Canada. The event usually sells out to an audience of 450-600.

How do I submit a presentation?

1. Let us know you are interested by emailing edmnextgen @ gmail.com with your full name, title (i.e. architect, designer, student, teacher, activist, etc.), and some background on what you want to talk about.

2. Next, read the tips at the bottom of this page, then create your slides. Once you have the 20 slides ready, convert them to JPEGs (size: 1024px by 768px) using the following naming format to ensure your slides are displayed in the correct order: NG01.jpg, NG02.jpg, NG03.jpg … NG20.jpg. Please substitute “NG” with your initials. Then, put them all in a ZIP folder or other compressed file format.

3. Next, give your presentation a title and write a summary about your presentation (<250 words) or include a few sentences for each slide.

4. Once you’re finished, send us the presentation’s title and summary along with the ZIP folder of your slides to to edmnextgen @ gmail.com no later than Friday, August 12, 2011.

What happens next?

A panel of NextGen volunteers will review all submitted presentations. Often there are more presentations submitted than we have room for in the program, so unfortunately not all can be selected. We will let you know by Wednesday, August 24, 2011.

If your presentation is selected, we may offer suggestions to refine your presentation and slides. You can then choose to make final changes and submit your updated presentation by Wednesday, August 31, 2011.

We will then create a master presentation that has each presenter’s presentation. We will host a presenter orientation prior to PKN 11. At the orientation you will have the opportunity to preview the venue, ensure you slides are in the right order, learn some tips on presenting successfully, and, of course, ask questions. And don’t forget to rehearse before the event.

How can I make a successful presentation?

Pecha Kucha is centered around engaging presentations. As such, there will be no podium. Your mic will be wireless and handheld. We also encourage you to not use notes. Practice your presentation but don’t memorize its every word.

20 seconds is a short and long amount of time. Be sure to allow enough time to say everything you need to, but don’t stall as you wait for the next slide to come up. To keep it flowing and engaging, talk about the next slide if you’re finished with the current slide. You could also tell a story, sing, dance…

Some of the best presentations have images only — impactful images. You can have one image per slide or a few images per slide, but always be mindful of the resolution. Your images will be shown on a big screen. Also, please reference the image if it’s not yours. Incorporate graphics and illustrations if you like, but please avoid clip art. Landscape orientation is preferred in order to maximize the viewable area of the screen.

We suggest you use text sparingly. At some point, you have probably seen presentations with slides full of text. How did they make you feel?

Lastly, Pecha Kucha presentations are about ideas and those ideas allow the audience to learn, expand their perspectives, and leave the night with something new on their mind. It’s food for thought. We are looking for presentations which embody that spirit.

For more tips:

* Read the frequently asked questions about Pecha Kucha

* Watch presentations posted on the Pecha Kucha Daily Blog

* Watch Travis Sheridan’s presentation, Pecha Kucha about Pecha Kucha

We look forward to receiving your submission for PKN 11!

Saturday, June 11th was NextGen’s debut in the Edmonton Pride Parade! We were excited to be one of 60 entries – up from 35 last year – in the parade downtown along 102 Avenue and to participate in the celebrations on Churchill Square with 20,000 people.

Thank you to all those who joined in on the fun and helped us show our support.

NextGen plans to be a part of it again next year in an even bigger way, so watch for information in Spring 2012.

For more information on other Edmonton Pride Festival events this week, visit http://edmontonpride.ca.

That’s right… tickets to PKN 10 are sold out.

With the redevelopment of the City Centre Airport lands on the horizon, PKNX explores the potential for a Do-It-Yourself Downtown and features presenters exploring the architectural, social, environmental and cultural potential for our urban core in the 20 slides x 20 sec per slide format made popular world-wide by Klein Dytham Architecture. PKNX tickets are sold out. Watch the livestream on edmontonjournal.com and join the conversation on Twitter, hashtag #PKNX.

PKNX features thirteen presenters, including the 100th Edmonton NextGen PKN presentation to-date:

Michael Strong, Urban Planner

Shafraaz Kaba, Architect

Tom Sutherland, Architect, FRAIC, Principal of DIALOG

Myron Belej, Urban Planner

Ron Gilbertson, President & CEO of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation

Chelsea Boos, Designer

Mike Weinmaster, Botanical Artist

Ian O’Donnell, Strategic Coordinator and Downtown Community Guy

Doug Carlyle, Landscape Architect and Principal of Carlyle + Associates

Tai Ziola & Craig Dorward, Intern Architects

Mack Male, Edmonton Blogger

Todd Babiak, Writer, Hustler

PKNX features music by DJs Jaycie Jayce (NRMLS WLCM) and NIK 7 (Shout out out out out).

PKNX ticket holders also have private access to the Alberta Aviation Museum during the event, an opportunity to discover Northern Alberta’s rich aviation history. Pecha Kucha Night X is the final event of the Designing Downtown Series, a partnership between Edmonton’s NextGen, M.A.D.E. in Edmonton, and Progress (UN)LTD. Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m., with presentations beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Many thanks to our great sponsors! Without your support, this would not be possible.

UPDATE: PKNX tickets are sold out!

With the redevelopment of the City Centre Airport lands on the horizon, PKNX explores the potential for a Do-It-Yourself Downtown and features presenters exploring the architectural, social, environmental and cultural potential for our urban core in the 20 slides x 20 sec per slide format made popular world-wide by Klein Dytham Architecture.

The presenters at PKN X will be announced shortly.

PKN X features music by DJs Jaycie Jayce (NRMLS WLCM) and NIK 7 (Shout out out out out).

Doors and pre-party: 6:30 pm
Presentations: 7:30 pm
After-party: 10:00 pm

Tickets on-sale now at Tix on the Square: http://www.tixonthesquare.ca/event/detail/3558 or call: 780-420-1757
Adults: $11 +s.c.
Students: $9 +s.c.
PKN X is an all ages event; limited tickets available.
PKNX ticket holders also have private access to the Alberta Aviation Museum during the event, an opportunity to discover Northern Alberta’s rich aviation history

Edmonton’s Next Gen invites you to submit a presentation for the next Pecha Kucha Night in Edmonton Pecha Kucha Night 10 (PKN X) held on June 17, 2011 at the Alberta Aviation Museum.

What is a Pecha Kucha Night?

Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture first devised Pecha Kucha, the Japanese phrase for “the sound of chitchat” in 2003, as a night for young designers to meet, network, and discuss their projects. The catch: each designer gave a presentation containing only 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds, for a total presentation length of six minutes 40 seconds. These constraints challenged presenters to clarify their ideas and match each thought with the perfect image.Since then, Pecha Kucha Nights are held by a global community of almost 400 cities and the presenters have become just as diverse. Pecha Kucha is a grown-up “show and tell”. The presentations allow the audience to learn, expand their perspectives, and leave the night with something new on their mind. It’s food for thought.

Visit our page on the Pecha Kucha global community website. Edmonton’s Next Gen was the first to host Pecha Kucha Night (PKN) in Western Canada. The event usually sells out to an audience of 450-600.Designing Downtown

Besides being the 10th, what makes PKN X special?

It is part of the Designing Downtown series — three events from a partnership between Edmonton’s Next Gen, M.A.D.E. in Edmonton, and progress (UN)LTD.

Edmonton is a do-it-yourself kind of town, from the Aboriginal and First Nation inhabitants to the first settlers at Fort Edmonton to today’s emerging tech and start up communities. With the redevelopment of the City Centre Airport lands on the horizon, PKN X will explore the potential for a D.I.Y. Downtown. Presenters are encouraged to explore the architectural, social, environmental and cultural potential for our urban core.

How do I submit a presentation?

1. Let us know you are interested by emailing edmnextgen @ gmail.com with your full name, title (i.e. architect, designer, student, teacher, activist, etc.), and some background on what you want to talk about.

2. Next, read the tips at the bottom of this page, then create your slides. Once you have the 20 slides ready, convert them to JPEGs (size: 1024px by 768px) using the following naming format to ensure your slides are displayed in the correct order: NG01.jpg, NG02.jpg, NG03.jpg … NG20.jpg. Please substitute “NG” with your initials. Then, put them all in a ZIP folder or other compressed file format.

3. Next, give your presentation a title and write a summary about your presentation (<250 words) or include a few sentences for each slide.

4. Once you're finished, send us the presentation's title and summary along with the ZIP folder of your slides to to edmnextgen @ gmail.com no later than Monday, May 16, 2011.

What happens next?

A panel of Next Gen volunteers will review all submitted presentations. Often there are more presentations submitted than we have room for in the program, so unfortunately not all can be selected. We will let you know by Monday, May 30, 2011.

If your presentation is selected, we may offer suggestions to refine your presentation and slides. You can then choose to make final changes and submit your updated presentation by Friday, June 3, 2011.

We will then create a master presentation that has each presenter’s presentation. We will host a presenter orientation prior to PKN X. At the orientation you will have the opportunity to preview the venue, ensure you slides are in the right order, learn some tips on presenting successfully, and, of course, ask questions. And don’t forget to rehearse before the event.

How can I make a successful presentation?

Pecha Kucha is centered around engaging presentations. As such, there will be no podium. Your mic will be wireless and handheld. We also encourage you to not use notes. Practice your presentation but don’t memorize its every word.

20 seconds is a short and long amount of time. Be sure to allow enough time to say everything you need to, but don’t stall as you wait for the next slide to come up. To keep it flowing and engaging, talk about the next slide if you’re finished with the current slide. You could also tell a story, sing, dance…

Some of the best presentations have images only — impactful images. You can have one image per slide or a few images per slide, but always be mindful of the resolution. Your images will be shown on a big screen. Also, please reference the image if it’s not yours. Incorporate graphics and illustrations if you like, but please avoid clip art. Landscape orientation is preferred in order to maximize the viewable area of the screen.

We suggest you use text sparingly. At some point, you have probably seen presentations with slides full of text. How did they make you feel?

Lastly, Pecha Kucha presentations are about ideas and those ideas allow the audience to learn, expand their perspectives, and leave the night with something new on their mind. It’s food for thought. We are looking for presentations which embody that spirit.

For more tips:

* Read the frequently asked questions about Pecha Kucha

* Watch presentations posted on the Pecha Kucha Daily Blog

* Watch Travis Sheridan’s presentation, Pecha Kucha about Pecha Kucha

We look forward to receiving your submission for PKN X!

This could be you!