Get ready for an incredible line-up of speakers, a massive outdoor space, and an opportunity to BYOB—‘B’ for ‘blanket’ that is.

This is the 22^nd Pecha Kucha Night (PKN)—an event that has become synonymous with creativity, dynamism, and innovation among Edmontonians. If you haven’t had a chance to check out a Pecha Kucha event yet, this is a great one to attend.

I recently caught up with Ian Smith, one of the Co-Chairs of Pecha Kucha Night, to learn more about what makes all gatherings so successful and the genius behind the 20×20 slides.

 Why did you take on the role of Pecha Kucha Co-Chair?

“I started volunteering with NextGen three years ago and continued to be drawn to the organization because of the volunteers I worked with. NextGen volunteers are an incredibly engaging and dynamic group of people, from a range of backgrounds. When I saw the Pecha Kucha Night Co-Chair position advertised, I immediately knew it was a natural progression for me.”

What do you enjoy most about Pecha Kucha Nights?

“This is the coolest event in Edmonton.

It’s so satisfying to see the presenters start with a single idea, create a presentation out of it, present, then discuss the idea with people in the audience after the show.

Our volunteers are also a huge reason for why I enjoy these events and how PKN comes together so successfully. As Co-Chairs, myself and Beata Montgomery, like to give our volunteers a lot of creative freedom. Our group of volunteers come together from many diverse backgrounds to bring something incredible to life.

I also like seeing how much fun people in the audience are having during the events. We’re inviting the community to showcase everything great about Edmonton—and celebrate it.”

What do you feel that Pecha Kucha Night brings to the Edmonton community?

“Pecha Kucha Nights are about connecting ideas with the people of Edmonton. Edmonton is all about making things happen and starting something new. I’ve seen a number of innovative ideas, that were originally presented at one of our events, carried-out with the community’s help. For example, the ‘Light the Bridge’ campaign started from an idea that was discussed during PKN 14.

Pecha Kucha Nights serve as platform to connect great ideas, people, and passions together. An idea presented during one of our events can be so much more than an idea—it can be a movement.”

Tickets for Pecha Kucha Night 22 are still available for a limited time only!

Date: Thursday, June 11, 2015
Time: Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. Presentations begin at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Louise McKinney Park, 9999 Grierson Hill Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 2A4
Cost: $17 or $15 with student ID + taxes.
Buy Tickets: Purchase your digital tickets here.