It was an intimate gathering at the Strathcona Original Joe’s that closed off NextGen IGNITE’s final event of the year. Light MAEAT, like all its predecessors, is a microfunding forum where Edmontonians can gather for a delicious meal and listen to pitches made by independent projects in our city. At the end of the event, a vote is taken and NextGen awards the winning project with funds raised from ticket sales. It is an incredible opportunity for the community to learn more about some fascinating homegrown initiatives and to participate in supporting these ideas.

Salma Kaida of Ski2LRT presented a compelling perspective on alternative methods of winter transportation. Ski2LRT is a program that aims to make cross-country skiing to transit centres convenient and secure. The project has already designed  lockable ski racks for Century Park transit centre and hope to encourage more use of cross country skiing as a method of winter transportation.

Tools for Moms is an idea from Erum Afsar who wants to provide tool kits to single moms who are leaving situations of domestic abuse. These tool kits will be an empowering way  these women to establish independence and a sense of accomplishment as they rebuild their lives.

The winning pitch came from Janine Halayko of You Can Ride Two, a collaboration between the Edmonton Bicycle Commuter’s Society and pediatric physiotherapists and occupational therapists in Alberta. The program’s mission is to provide instruction and resources for children with special needs to have access to bike riding. The pitch was specifically for funding of a remote controlled braking system developed by University of Alberta engineers, which will allow braking control for parents and pedal assistance for children with weaker legs.

MAEAT events always provide a fascinating look into what an innovative and passionate city Edmonton can be. It is also a chance to connect ideas with collaborators and support. Keep an eye out for the upcoming MAEAT events in 2015!

Oh the weather outside is frightful but PK is always delightful!

Pardon the holiday jingle, but we’re just so excited about the next Pecha Kucha we just HAD to get the word out before Christmas. So while you’re relaxing by a fire in stretchy clothing after a big turkey dinner, let your mind wander to that thing you’ve been dying to talk to us about. You know what it is!

Edmonton’s NextGen is currently accepting presentation submissions for Pecha Kucha Night 21 to be held on March 5, 2015 at Colours Restaurant in Northlands Park.

This is your perfect chance to share your amazing ideas and inspiring thoughts with 500 of some of Edmonton’s most engaged and creative young people. So far we have had more than 200 presentations of all kinds of topics, from donairs to urban wayfinding. To see some of our past presenters, check out these recap blog posts from Pecha Kucha 19 and 20.

If you’re interested, submit your presentation using our super convenient online form. The submission deadline and selection process will happen in early February 2015. And while you’re waiting to hear from us, you can prepare yourself by checking out our 10 steps to a great Pecha Kucha presentation.

What is Pecha Kucha?

Drawing its name from the Japanese term for “the sound of chit chat”, Pecha Kucha Night was devised by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture in February 2003 as a venue for young designers to meet, network, exchange ideas and discuss their work in public. It rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds, for a total presentation length of six minutes and 40 seconds. Why this format you ask? It keeps presentations concise, fast-paced and entertaining.

For more information, visit pechakucha.org