It’s that time again! Edmonton’s NextGen is currently accepting presentation submissions for Pecha Kucha Night 23 to be held on September 17 at the MacLab Theatre at the Citadel Theatre.  This is a special Pecha Kucha that will explore the theme of urban planning, as we’ve partnered with Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI).

This is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! We’re looking for five urban planning-related presentations, as well as five other unique topics. That inspiring idea you’ve been excited about needs to be shared at the next Pecha Kucha, with 500 of Edmonton’s most supportive and engaged young people. Since our first Pecha Kucha, we’ve seen more than 200 presentations covering a wide range of topics. To see some of our past presenters, check out these recap blog posts from Pecha Kucha 19 and 20.

Submit your brilliant idea to us using our super convenient online form. The submission deadline is August 14 and selection process will happen in the following week. And while you’re waiting to hear back 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

As you are probably aware, tonight we had to cancel Pecha Kucha 22 due to the terrible weather. We waited as long as we could but it got to a point where we were concerned for the safety of attendees and just had to err on the side of caution. We really appreciate your understanding!

It takes an amazing and talented group of people to put on a Pecha Kucha. Those who submitted presentations, the presenters who worked hard to create engaging presentations, the volunteers who have been planning for the past few months, the vendors who wanted to participate and the sponsors who support us at every event. And of course, all of YOU who bought tickets and chose to spend their Thursday night with all of us.

We are currently looking into options for rescheduling the event but as it’s too soon to be certain this is doable, we wanted to give everyone who bought tickets a few options:

Option 1: Hang onto your ticket and bring it to the next Pecha Kucha, whether that’s a rescheduled PKN22 or PKN23 in September.

Option 2: Bring your ticket to our office between Mon-Fri from 8:30am-4:00pm (The City of Edmonton, (11th Floor CN Tower, 10004-104 Ave NW) in exchange for THREE Famoso gift cards for FREE pizza.

Option 3: A full refund of your money, which you can request via email at . Please send your refund request by Monday, June 15 at 1pm. After this date, will not be able to provide a refund via Eventbrite.

If you have any other questions, please email us at . We can also find us on Twitter and Facebook. Thank you so much and we’ll see you at the next Pecha Kucha Night!

Edmonton’s NextGen and Stantec are excited to present the list of presenters for Pecha Kucha Night 22 (PKN 22)!

• James Harley – Travelling Abroad: A Queer Experience
• Dustin Bajer – Biophilic Cities: Rewilding our Urban Landscapes
• Paul Lopushinsky – The Room: The Best Worst Movie Ever and Why it’s Essential Viewing
• Linda Marie Johnson – Rolling in Visitation Rights
• Andrew & Jen Ferrence and Nadim Chin – A Whole Lotta F*ck Yeah!
• Brad Ferguson – From Melbourne, With Love
• Omar Reyes – The Inconvenient Immigrant: A Love Story
• Deanne Coish & Nicole Barby – Prairie Girls Racing and Finding Female Shredders
• Josh Thompson – Why I’ve Stopped Using the Word “Busy”
• Marni Panas – My Life in Transition: A Personal Journey to Living Authentically

If you don’t’ have tickets yet, what are you waiting for? Purchase your digital tickets online here. And don’t’ forget PKN22 is BYOB, which means bring-your-own-blanket (or chairs) because we are all getting comfy on the the grass in Louise McKinney Park!

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.

PKN 22 features presentations on local ideas, projects and musings in the 20 slides at 20 seconds per slide format made popular by worldwide by Klein Dytham Architecture. More than 200 presentations have been given at Edmonton PKNs to date on wide-ranging topics, from donairs to lighting up Edmonton’s bridges and everything in between. Be part of the conversation on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #yegpkn.

Thanks to Stantec, our awesome sole presenting sponsor, for their ongoing support of our Pecha Kucha nights – we couldn’t do it without them!

As always, the awesome and delicious Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria also returns to support PKN 22, including gift cards for all ticket holders. And who can say no to free pizza?

What is Pecha Kucha?
Drawing its name from the Japanese phrase 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

About Edmonton’s NextGen
Formed in 2006, Edmonton’s NextGen is an initiative of the City of Edmonton that is focused on creating a city that attracts and gives a voice to the next generation in the life and growth of Edmonton’s communities. NextGen is a hub for connecting people, places, community and ideas. Through events, leadership opportunities and professional development, NextGen fosters young leaders and supports initiatives of interest to the next generation.

Thanks to PKN 22’s sponsors: Stantec, the City of Edmonton, Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria, Graphos, and Klein Dytham.

Edmonton’s NextGen and Stantec are excited to present Pecha Kucha Night 22 (PKN 22)! It’s BYOB, and by that we mean bring-your-own-blanket because we are all getting comfy on the the grass in Louise McKinney Park!

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 online here

PKN 22 features presentations on local ideas, projects and musings in the 20 slides at 20 seconds per slide format made popular by worldwide by Klein Dytham Architecture. More than 200 presentations have been given at Edmonton PKNs to date on wide-ranging topics, from donairs to lighting up Edmonton’s bridges and everything in between. The presenter line-up will be announced soon!

Thanks to Stantec, our awesome sole presenting sponsor, for their ongoing support of our Pecha Kucha nights – we couldn’t do it without them!

Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria also returns for PKN 22 with gift cards for all ticket holders.

Be part of the conversation on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #yegpkn.

PKN 22’s sponsors are the Stantec, the City of Edmonton, Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria, Graphos, and Klein Dytham.

What is Pecha Kucha?
Drawing its name from the Japanese phrase 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

About Edmonton’s NextGen
Formed in 2006, Edmonton’s NextGen is an initiative of the City of Edmonton that is focused on creating a city that attracts and gives a voice to the next generation in the life and growth of Edmonton’s communities. NextGen is a hub for connecting people, places, community and ideas. Through events, leadership opportunities and professional development, NextGen fosters young leaders and supports initiatives of interest to the next generation.

It’s that time again! Edmonton’s NextGen is currently accepting presentation submissions for Pecha Kucha Night 22 to be held on June 11, 2015 in Louise McKinney Park. It’s outdoors – come rain or come shine. And this is Edmonton so maybe pack a blanket to sit on AND an umbrella, just in case!

This is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! That inspiring idea you’ve been excited about needs to be shared at the next Pecha Kucha, with 500 of Edmonton’s most supportive and engaged young people. Since starting, we’ve seen more than 200 presentations covering a wide range of topics. To see some of our past presenters, check out these recap blog posts from Pecha Kucha 19 and 20.

We know you’re interested, so submit your amazing idea to us using our super convenient online form. The submission deadline is May 14 and selection process will happen in the following week. And while you’re waiting to hear back 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

Edmonton’s NextGen and Stantec are excited to show you all our cards and introduce you to the presenters for Pecha Kucha Night 21 (PKN 21):

• Tim Reid – Stuff Liam Says
• Adam Zepp – Crowdfunding: The most successful campaign of all time
• Claire Edwards – The Youngest City in Canada: How Edmonton’s youth are taking on the world and winning
• Julie Rohr – We Are the Women
• Andrew Williams – Pineapples: The Most Interesting Fruit on the Planet
• Allan Mott – Transcending Tackiness
• Miranda Jimmy – Why Reconciliation & Why Now
• Sydney Tordoff – Building Community by Changing Children’s Lives
• Jarrid Kolodnicki – Crazy Ideas and Wildest Dreams
• Kuen Tang – Beauty Within

If you haven’t already, buy your tickets here!

Date: Thursday, March 5, 2015

Time: Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. Presentations begin at 7:30 p.m.

Location: The Colours Restaurant, Northlands Park, 7410 Borden Park Road NW

Cost: $17 or $15 with student I.D. + taxes.

Our DJ for the night is David Ussher, who will be setting the vibe for you when you first arrive at PKN and during the intermission.

PKN 21 is sponsored by: City of Edmonton, Stantec, Graphos and Klein Dytham. Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria also returns for PKN 21 with gift cards for all ticket holders. 

Join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #yegpkn.

What is Pecha Kucha? Drawing its name from the Japanese phrase 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

Edmonton’s NextGen and Stantec are excited to present Pecha Kucha Night 21 (PKN 21) and we bet you’ll be there!

Date: Thursday, March 5, 2015

Time: Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. Presentations begin at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Colours Restaurant, Northlands Park 7410 Borden Park Road Northwest

Cost: $17 or $15 with student I.D. + taxes.

Buy Tickets: Purchase your digital tickets online. Double down and bring a friend – we love a full house!

PKN 21 features presentations on local ideas, projects and musings in the 20 slides at 20 seconds per slide format made popular by worldwide by Klein Dytham Architecture. More than 200 presentations have been given at Edmonton PKNs to date on wide-ranging topics, from donairs to lighting up Edmonton’s bridges and everything in between. The presenter line-up will be announced shortly.

Thanks to Stantec, our ace sole presenting sponsor, for their ongoing support of our Pecha Kucha nights – we couldn’t do it without them!

Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria also returns for PKN 21 with gift cards for all ticket holders.

Go all in on the conversation on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #yegpkn.

PKN 21’s sponsors are the Stantec, the City of Edmonton, Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria, Graphos, and Klein Dytham.

What is Pecha Kucha?
Drawing its name from the Japanese phrase 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

About Edmonton’s NextGen
Formed in 2006, Edmonton’s NextGen is an initiative of the City of Edmonton that is focused on creating a city that attracts and gives a voice to the next generation in the life and growth of Edmonton’s communities. NextGen is a hub for connecting people, places, community and ideas. Through events, leadership opportunities and professional development, NextGen fosters young leaders and supports initiatives of interest to the next generation.

Hashing it out with Edmonton’s creators, makers, innovators and YOU

#YegIdeaXchange – Investing in Edmonton

When: Thursday, January 29 at 6:30pm-8:30pm

Where: Startup Edmonton, 10359 104 Street 

This is a free event but please RSVP and let us know you’re attending!

This is the first in a three part dialogue series held by the Voice Working Group of Edmonton’s NextGen.

A panel composed of local creators, makers, and innovators will speak to experiences, projects, and ideas around investing in Edmonton’s future from an economic, technological, social, or cultural perspective. The panel will encourage attendees to get involved in and shape the evening’s discussion, leading to a real dialogue allowing participants to hash out issues, opinions, and ideas surrounding Investing in Edmonton.

The panel includes:
Nate Box – Elm Cafe
Stuart Kehrig – City of Edmonton
Blue Knox – U of A School of Business
Frances Kilgour – Alberta Women Entrepreneurs

Drinks, eats, and social space beginning at 6:30pm, panel discussion to begin at 7:00pm.

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

Light MEÆT

LIGHT MEÆT brings together light-bombing, micro-funding, and a delicious 3-course meal for a night like no other.

Join NextGen on December 15 to bring a bit of cheer and light to an area that’s normally not quite so bright.

For one very special night
we’ll make one spot in Edmonton extra bright

Making lanterns by hand
creating something grand

Light bombing a tree or two
creating a spectacular view!

But microfunding is our quest
So hope you will be our guest!

When: Monday, December 15 from 6:30pm-8:30pm

Where: Secret Location (to be announced a few days before event)

Tickets are $25.00, this includes $10 towards the winner of the pitches and a 3 course dinner

Purchase Tickets here

We’ll create lanterns, enjoy a 3-course meal together, hang up the lanterns on a tree or two, and then hear some pitches and vote for a winner! Microfunding on the “lighter” side!

The last MEÆT event sold out quickly, and tickets will go fast again, so don’t wait!

Pitch your idea!

And if you have an idea, project or event you’re working on and are looking for micro-funding, please let us know! Email us at:  if you are interested in pitching at the December 15 event. Past winning pitches that have won micro-funding include projects on urban bee-keeping, Open Edmonton, and Operation Fruit Rescue.  The winning pitcher will win between $500 and $1,000 for their project/cause, and people who pitch attend for free.

Are you looking for an opportunity to get involved, volunteer and be part of Edmonton’s NextGen Committee? The NextGen Committee is currently looking for civic and community members to join its Committee!

What is Edmonton’s NextGen Committee?

The NextGen Committee is an Administrative Committee of the City of Edmonton that was established in 2006 in the Department of Community Services. Through community and civic projects, events and leadership opportunities, Edmonton’s NextGen fosters young leaders and provides a platform for initiatives of interest to the next generation.

There are currently 15 members on the NextGen Committee who volunteer and represent the community and the City of Edmonton. Participation on NextGen is a volunteer position.

NextGen is looking for individuals who are within the next generation demographic, who have a keen interest in community and civic development, who are interested in projects and events that are relevant to 18-40 year old residents of Edmonton and who are able to lead a Working Group of volunteers.

The NextGen Committee is currently looking to fill these 3 Committee positions:

1. Pecha Kucha Working Group Co-Chair

Pecha Kucha Night (PKN) events provide opportunities for Edmontonians to share their diverse interests, talents and knowledge to an engaged audience. Key skills for this position include event management, volunteer management and strong communications skills. The PKN Co-Chair will be responsible for:

• Working with the PKN Co-Chair and managing and leading a group of 10-12 volunteers

• Executing three Pecha Kucha Nights a year

• Developing yearly strategies and goals that are in line with the overall goals of the NextGen Committee

• Developing and monitoring a yearly budget, and working closely with the partnerships chair to secure sponsorships/partnerships

• Engaging and informing volunteers about NextGen Committee events and initiatives

• Serving as a representative of NextGen at the PKN events

This position is expected to attend the following meetings:

• Monthly NextGen Committee meetings every second Monday from 5:30-7:30pm

• Monthly Pecha Kucha Working Group meetings every 3rd Wednesday from 5:30-7:30pm

2. Communications Co-Chair

The Communications Co-Chair will be responsible for providing support to NextGen Working Group projects and events and assisting with NextGen’s overall communications internally with the Committee and externally to the public. The Communications Co-Chair will be responsible for:

• Working with the NextGen Communications Co-Chair and managing and leading a group of 5-10 volunteers on projects that focus on communications activities

• Assisting in the coordination and hosting monthly Working Group meetings

• Working with the NextGen Committee and NextGen Coordinator on internal and external communications of NextGen projects and events

• Facilitating the communications needs of the NextGen Committee and Working Groups by providing overarching communications support

• Assisting the management of the Edmonton NextGen website for updates, copy writing, maintenance, and activating the use of multi-social media platforms to promote NextGen in the community

This position is expected to attend the following meetings:

• Monthly NextGen Committee meetings every second Monday from 5:30-7:30pm

• Monthly Sustainability Working Group meetings every 3rd Thursday from 11:30am-1:00pm or 5:30-7:00pm (these meetings will rotate in time)

• Communications Working Group meetings (time and dates TBD)

3. Partnerships Chair

The Partnerships Chair will be responsible for managing existing and soliciting new NextGen community partnership and sponsorship opportunities with the support and advice from the NextGen Committee and the NextGen coordinator. The Partnerships Chair will be responsible for:

• Working with NextGen Committee Co-chairs to build, sustain, and enhance relationships with community partners to support NextGen’s work

• Developing strategies to acquire new partners and sponsors to support NextGen’s work

• Supporting strategic initiatives (such as NextGen month) through partnership solicitation and collaboration

• Working to develop formal processes related to acquiring, approving and maintaining NextGen partners (revising terms of reference, developing selection criteria etc.)

• Working with the NextGen Committee to ensure that NextGen partners are aligned with and support NextGen’s work and mandate

• The Partnerships Chair will work closely with NextGen Committee Co-chairs and will be expected to attend monthly committee meetings, monthly sustainability working group meetings, and periodic NextGen events.

• The Partnerships Chair will support both internal and external workings of NextGen, with a focus on representing NextGen in the community

This position is expected to attend the following meetings:

• Monthly NextGen Committee meetings every second Monday from 5:30-7:30pm

• Monthly Sustainability Working Group meetings every 3rd Thursday from 11:30am-1:00pm and 5:30-7:00pm (these meetings will rotate in time)

Time Commitment for all positions include:

-Commit to a minimum of a two-year (2) term

-Commit to a minimum of 10-15 volunteer hours a month

-Take on one of the above Committee positions, work with a Co-Chair and and co-lead a group of approximately 10 volunteers that meet 1-2 times a month

-Attend 10 regularly scheduled meetings of the NextGen Committee during the year. Additional meetings may be held at the call of the Co-Chairs

Being part of the NextGen Committee provides the opportunity to work and be involved with a group of engaged next gener’s who are interested in helping build and make Edmonton an innovative, exciting and vibrant city!

If you are interested in applying to be on the NextGen Committee, please send your cover letter indicating the position(s) you are interested in and resume to: Christine.Causing @edmonton.ca by 5:00 pm on Thursday, December 4. 2014. 

Once we receive all applications, the nominating committee will review and select candidates for an interview for a Committee position. Interviews will take place the 3rd week of December. Only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Thanks for your interest in being involved on NextGen!

Edmonton’s NextGen is excited to introduce you to the presenters for Pecha Kucha Night 20 (PKN 20):

• Evelyn Delgado – Why Edmonton Needs Children’s Museums
• Mohamed Ali – Homeless But Not Hopeless
• Evan Lockwood – My 40 Things: Never Missing An Opportunity
• Laurier Mandin – Ice Buckets and License Plates
• Lauren Sergy – More Fearsome Than Death
• Deepa Maisuria – Am I Ready?
• Ryan Wayne – Walking is Good for the Soul
• Mark Farr & Marc Biollo – Workplace Mindshifts
• Chris Chang-Yen Phillips – From Charity to Justice
• Ryan Stephens & Monica Roberts – Re-envision the City as a Museum

If you haven’t already, buy your tickets here!

Date: Thursday, October 2, 2014
Time: Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. Presentations begin at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Royal Alberta Museum
Cost: $17 or $15 with student I.D. + taxes.

DJ for the night is Miyuru Fernando who will be spinning beats when you first arrive at PKN and during the intermission.

PKN 20 is sponsored by: City of Edmonton, Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria, Graphos, Stantec and Klein Dytham. Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria also returns for PKN 20 with gift cards for all ticket holders. Join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #yegpkn.

What is Pecha Kucha?
Drawing its name from the Japanese phrase 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

Edmonton’s NextGen is excited to present Pecha Kucha Night 20 (PKN 20):

Date: Thursday, October 2, 2014

Time: Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. Presentations begin at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Royal Alberta Museum

Cost: $17 or $15 with student I.D. + taxes.

Buy Tickets: Purchase your digital tickets online

PKN 20 features presentations on local ideas, projects and musings in the 20 slides at 20 seconds per slide format made popular by worldwide by Klein Dytham Architecture. More than 200 presentations have been given at Edmonton PKNs to date on wide-ranging topics, from donairs to lighting up Edmonton’s bridges and everything in between. The presenter line-up for PKN 19 will be announced shortly.

Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria also returns for PKN 20 with gift cards for all ticket holders.

Join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #yegpkn.

PKN 20 is sponsored by: City of Edmonton, Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria, Graphos, Stantec and Klein Dytham.

What is Pecha Kucha?
Drawing its name from the Japanese phrase 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

About Edmonton’s NextGen
Formed in 2006, Edmonton’s NextGen is an initiative of the City of Edmonton that is focused on creating a city that attracts and gives a voice to the next generation in the life and growth of Edmonton’s communities. NextGen is a hub for connecting people, places, community and ideas. Through events, leadership opportunities and professional development, NextGen fosters young leaders and supports initiatives of interest to the next generation.

As summer winds down, we’re turning our attention to the dreaded F word…Fall. But this year there’s nothing to be afraid of because we’ve already got something for you to look forward to: the next Pecha Kucha Night!

Edmonton’s NextGen is currently accepting presentation submissions for Pecha Kucha Night 20 to be held on October 2, 2014 at the Royal Alberta Museum.

What are you passionate about?  Share your thoughts and ideas with us – and 500 others – at the next Pecha Kucha! Now is your opportunity to present to some of Edmonton’s most engaged and creative young people.  More than 200 presentations have been given at Edmonton Pecha Kucha Nights, and most recently some of the topics ranged from urban beekeeping to electric-powered cars, and everything in between.

If you’re interested, you can submit your presentation using our online form!. Deadline for submissions is September 5 and will be reviewed the following week.

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

Our  2013 Annual Report  captures all the great work, projects and events that our volunteers worked on last year.

2013 NextGen Annual Report

Some of our project highlights include: Ideas for Edmonton, Pecha Kucha Night 17 featuring Designing Downtown, NextGen’s Engagement Strategy: Connect, Care, Contribute and Candi{date}.

Thanks to our volunteers and Committee members who helped make 2013 a great year.

We have many thank yous to mention to so many who helped make our NextGen Month events a smashing success!

Thanks to everyone who attended the NextGen kick off event last Wed with the proclamation from Mayor Iveson.

Check out our photos from the event that took place at Latitude 53 and featured breakdancers from United 1ne.

A big thank you to TD for sponsoring our NextGen kick off event and the Mercer Summer Super Party.

Also, special thanks to Famoso for providing free gelato at the Mercer Summer Super Party and those awesome gift cards!

And thank you to Mayor Iveson for proclaiming June as NextGen Month.

In case you missed our events, here are photos taken by David Rauch.

PKN 19

Thank you to our sponsors of Pecha Kucha Night!  And thank you to the Edmonton Pride Festival Society for partnering with us on PKN 19.

A crowd of 400 people attended Pecha Kucha Night 19 (PKN 19) on Thursday, June 5, outside in Churchill Square. Thoughtful, musical, and informative presentations were shared as well as a greeting from Mayor Iveson.

#yegpkn

Mercer Summer Super Party

A big thank you to host partners Mercer Warehouse, Make Something Edmonton, Startup Edmonton, The Culture Collective and TD.

#superparty #nextgenmonth

Pride Parade

Thanks to everyone who walked with us in the Pride Parade last Saturday. We had over 50 people who joined us in the parade!

Thanks to Mediaco, Thomas Culture, Ampersand Grey, Fabulous Balloons, the City of Edmonton and Edmonton’s Pride Festival Society.

#yegpride #nextgenmonth

Many thanks to our volunteers who helped make all these events happen!

Last night a crowd braved the wind, cold and chance of thunderstorms to attend PKN 19, which was held in Churchill Square to the sound of City Hall’s bells and the downtown buzz.  The first official event of NextGen Month was hosted by Jeff Chase and Jodi Goebel who filled the stage with energy and laughter, and the audience was also treated to a few words of introduction by Mayor Iveson.

David Rauch kicked things off with a presentation about some of the colourful pianos you may have seen around the city for his #OpenPianoYeg project. (A brief request – if it is raining and you see a Popup Piano that is vulnerable to the elements; please cover it with one of the provided tarps!)

Jason Darrah urged Edmontonians to allow our government room to try new things. Innovation and public engagement go hand and hand, and they only work when everyone is involved.

Michael Ross, of zombie survival fame showed us how “enginerding” can touch all aspects of quotidian life and as an area of study is open to anyone with “an unhealthy sense of curiosity”

Chris Floden, winner of NextGen’s Dark MAEAT event and founding member of Yegbees spoke to the crowd about Colony Collapse Disorder, the negative impact that reduced pollination has on food production and the role of urban beekeeping in communities.  Attend one of the Yegbees field days to learn more.

Wrestling as modern myth? We’re all believers now after listening to Mike Kendrick’s argument that this typically perceived low-brow sport pits good against evil and reflects cultural values as a present day morality play.

On the flip side, Omar Reyes discussed the importance of silence in our lives, something that is increasingly rare and he purports, we increasingly need.

Ian O’Donnell gave a resounding message against complacency, and highlighted architectural projects that reflect earnestness in design

Peter Woytiuk took us through his past year as an EV owner in Edmonton. We heard an objective and balanced review of driving an electric car in this winter city (it will still work in -30 degree weather!) and expressed his hope that the conversation surrounding electric vehicles will continue.

Nola Kilmartin painted a beautiful picture of what public space can look like and how to make common cityscape sights like parking garages and intersections into works of art.

And to wrap up, Blue Knox shared her personal journey which has brought her to value smallness and locality in civic action.

It was an informative and entertaining evening and we can’t wait to see what the rest of NextGen Month holds!

Photography by David Rauch

Edmonton’s NextGen is excited to introduce you to the presenters for Pecha Kucha Night 19 (PKN 19):

• David Rauch - #OpenPianoYEG: Popup Public Pianos
• Jason Darrah - Civic Engagement and the Innovation Nation
• Michael Ross, Structural Engineer-in-Training - Extreme Enginerding
• Chris Floden, Founding Member of Yegbees - Urban Beekeeping: Waiting for Edmonton
• Mike Kendrick - Modern Myth in Professional Wrestling
• Omar Reyes, Associate Pastor, City Centre Church - Romancing Silence
• Ian O’Donnell - The Importance of Being Earnest
• Peter Woytiuk - A Year In The Life Of A YEG EV
• Nola Kilmartin, Principal Planner, City of Edmonton - Building Around, Within, Above and Below: A Push for the Extraordinary
• Blue Knox, Co-Chair Alberta Not-for-Profit Case Competition, Managing Editor The Wanderer Online Magazine - On Being Small

If you haven’t already, you can purchase your digital tickets online here.

We’ve partnered with Edmonton Pride Festival Society and are embracing the outdoors, come rain or come shine! Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria also returns for PKN 19 with gift cards for all ticket holders.

Date: Thursday, June 5, 2014
Time: Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. Presentations begin at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Cost: $17 or $15 with student I.D. + taxes.

Join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #yegpkn.

PKN 19 features presentations on local ideas, projects and musings in the 20 slides at 20 seconds per slide format made popular by worldwide by Klein Dytham Architecture. More than 200 presentations have been given at Edmonton PKNs to date on wide-ranging topics, from donairs to lighting up Edmonton’s bridges and everything in between.

PKN 19 is sponsored by: City of Edmonton, Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria, Graphos, Stantec and Klein Dytham.

What is Pecha Kucha?
Drawing its name from the Japanese phrase 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

NextGen Month takes places in the month of June and it is an exciting time to connect with young people in Edmonton. There are a number of great events taking place in June (see below) so make sure to attend the NextGen Month kick off event to hear more about them!

NextGen, an initiative of the City of Edmonton is proud to be working with the next gen community and TD to create and promote NextGen Month. 

Check out all these events taking place in June! #nextgenmonth

If NextGen Month is new to you and you want to learn more about how to engage Edmonton’s next gen demographic in your organization’s activities, we’d love to talk to you. Come to our NextGen Month event or the other events taking place in June and hear all the great things that NextGen and community organizations are working on!

Celebrate the kick off to NextGen Month, June 4

Celebrate the kick-off to NextGen Month on June 4 at a reception at Latitude 53, featuring music, entertainment and the NextGen Month proclamation by Mayor Don Iveson.

When: June 4

Where: Latitude 53 at 5:00pm, Speeches at 6pm

Thanks to everyone who RSVP’d!

You saw our posts and thought to yourself “Pecha Kucha will be the PERFECT time to share my love of….” and then the smoke detector went off because your dinner was burning. Or did you start working on a presentation but got so engrossed in the latest episode of Game of Thrones (can you believe who died in the last episode?!) that you didn’t finish.

It’s okay!

Because we are still accepting submissions for Pecha Kucha Night 19! Happening June 5, 2014 in Sir Winston Churchill Square, this is your chance to present your amazing incredibly fantastic idea to some of Edmonton’s most engaged and creative young people. Some of the most recently presented topics ranged from donairs to nanotechnology – we just want to hear what you’re passionate about!

Just submit your presentation here, using our handy form. The deadline for submissions is May 8, and we’ll review them all in the following week. Can’t wait to see them all in June!

What is Pecha Kucha?
Drawing its name from the Japanese phrase 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. Presentations consist of 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.

About Edmonton’s NextGen
Formed in 2006, Edmonton’s NextGen, an initiative of the City of Edmonton, is focused on creating a city that attracts and gives a voice to the next generation in the life and growth of Edmonton’s communities. NextGen is a hub for connecting people, places, community and ideas. Through events, leadership opportunities and professional development, NextGen fosters young leaders and supports initiatives of interest to the next generation.

NextGen Month unites and celebrates a new wave of volunteer organizations dedicated to making Edmonton a place that young people choose to live, learn and work now and in the future.

At a variety of events throughout the month of June, Edmontonians ages 18 – 40 can connect with Edmonton’s next gen community, get involved, share ideas, be creative, meet new people or help shape the city’s future.

Are you hosting an event this June that you think may be a fit to be promoted as part of our NextGen Month? Let us know about it.

NextGen is proud to be working with the City of Edmonton and TD to create and promote this year’s calendar of events. NextGen Month is an exciting time to connect with young people in Edmonton, and we want to help like-minded organizations throughout the City be a part of that success.

If you have an event in the month of June that focuses on engaging next gener’s in YEG and you would like to propose it for addition to the June calendar, please email details to nextgen@edmonton.ca by Thursday, May 8.

The NextGen Committee is currently looking to fill two volunteer positions: Communications Co-Chair and Volunteer Engagement Co-Chair.

To apply please send your resume and cover letter to:  by May 5th. We will be holding interviews sometime in May and invite those shortlisted for an interview with our recruitment committee.

We are looking for two (2) individuals who are within the next gen demographic, who live in Edmonton, are interested in volunteering on a City of Edmonton committee. Also, individuals who have a keen interest in community development, civic participation and working on projects and events that are part of NextGen’s work plan, strategic goals and that are of interest to next gener’s.

 The responsibilities of the Communications Co-Chair position are:

• Works with the NextGen Communications Co-Chair and leads a Working Group (subcommittee) of 15 volunteers who work on communications related projects

• Assists with the coordination and hosting of monthly Working Group meetings

• Works with the NextGen Committee and NextGen Coordinator on City of Edmonton and NextGen communications

• Facilitates the communications needs of the NextGen Committee and Working Groups by providing overarching communications support

• Assists with managing the Edmonton NextGen website for copy writing and maintenance; local skill procurement for graphic design, photography and videography; and the use of multi-social media platforms

Term and Commitment:

Participation on the NextGen Committee is a volunteer position.

Members sit on the Committee for two (2) -year terms with the opportunity to extend their term.

The time commitment being a Committee member on NextGen is approximately 10-15 hours a month for meetings and Working Group projects.

Meetings:

There are approximately 2-3 meetings a month that includes:

• Monthly NextGen Committee meetings every second Monday from 5:30-7:30pm

• Monthly Communications meetings the last Tuesday from 5:30-7:00pm

• Monthly NextGen Sustainability Working Group meetings every 3rd Thursday from 11:30am-1:00pm (if available to attend)

If you have any questions about the Communications Co-Chair position, please contact: .

And

The responsibilities of the Volunteer Engagement Co-Chair position are:

• Works with the NextGen Community Volunteer Engagement Co-Chair and leads and manages a Working Group (subcommittee) of volunteers on projects that focuses on volunteer engagement activities

• Assists with the coordination and hosting of monthly Working Group meetings

• Acts as the point of contact for individuals interested in volunteering on a NextGen Working Group

• Provides information on the type of volunteer opportunities available

• Helps to recruit volunteers for NextGen events and projects

• Assists with orientation of new members

• Helps plan and organize fun volunteer social events

• Assists the NextGen Coordinator and Committee Co-Chairs with the recruitment process of new NextGen Committee members

• Attends community events and manages NextGen info tables and promotional activities

Term and Commitment:

Participation on the NextGen Committee is a volunteer position.

Members sit on the Committee for two (2) -year terms with the opportunity to extend their term.

The time commitment being a Committee member on NextGen is approximately 10-15 hours a month for meetings and Working Group projects.

Meetings:

There are approximately 2-3 meetings a month that includes:

• Monthly NextGen Committee meetings every second Monday from 5:30-7:30pm

• Monthly NextGen Sustainability Working Group meetings every 3rd Thursday from 11:30am-1:00pm (if available to attend)

• Volunteer Engagement Working Group meetings (date depends on availability of volunteers)

If you have any questions about the position, please contact: Christine.Causing @ edmonton.ca

What is the NextGen Committee?

The NextGen Committee is an Administrative Committee of the City of Edmonton that was established in 2006 in the Department of Community Services. The Committee reports to the Corporate Leadership Team that includes all the Department General Managers and the City Manager. NextGen and the Committee act as a hub for connecting people, places, community and ideas together. Through events, leadership opportunities and professional development NextGen fosters young leaders and support initiatives and ideas of interest to the next generation.

There are currently 15 members on the Committee who volunteer their time on various projects and events and work with other community volunteers organized into working groups (subcommittees) that include Pecha Kucha Nights, Communications, Sustainability, Ignite and Voice. Members on the Committee represent the community and the City of Edmonton. There are also two ex-officio Councillors: Knack and Oshry who provide advice to the Committee and a full-time Coordinator from the City of Edmonton who supports and manages the Committee.

 Thanks for your interest!

Pecha Kucha Night 19 | Call For Presenters

Are you feeling inspired? Have you had a spark of genius lately? Share it with us – and 700 others – at the next Pecha Kucha! Now is your opportunity to present your ideas to some of Edmonton’s most engaged and creative young people. Edmonton’s NextGen is currently accepting presentation submissions for Pecha Kucha Night 19 to be held on June 5, 2014 in Churchill Square. More than 200 presentations have been given at Edmonton Pecha Kucha Nights, and most recently some of the topics ranged from donairs to nanotechnology, and everything in between.

If you’re interested, you can submit your presentation using our handy form!. Deadline for submissions is May 8 and will be reviewed the following week.

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

Written by Amber-Leigh Polowich

The tastiest event to hit downtown Edmonton is back. In its 11th year, Downtown Dining Week, presented by the Downtown Business Association, begins Friday, March 14 continuing through Sunday, March 23. Restaurants located in downtown Edmonton will offer up lip-smacking lunch menus at $15, and delectable dinner menus for $25 or $50. These reduced fixed prices offer diners to try new restaurants, places one might normally consider out of price range, or out of the normal dining area.

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Ever since Icelandair started providing direct flights from Edmonton to Reykjavik, Iceland, everyone has been excited to see what this new friendship will bring. With great publicity and buzz, the destination seems to be on every bucket list.

Icelandair had many Edmontonians, myself included, running around the City several weeks ago continuously refreshing their twitter feeds in the hopes of winning free airline tickets to Reykjavik. When Iceland Naturally announced A Taste of Iceland, a festival celebrating Iceland’s food and music, I also came running. The event ran from March 5 – 8, with Icelandic cuisine showcased at Characters Fine Dining and two free Reykjavik Calling concerts at Brixx Bar and Grill, featuring emerging musical talents from both Iceland and Edmonton.

The Brixx Bar and Grill certainly got cozy and intimate with a very diverse crowd of age, background, and style eager to enjoy the anticipated cadence. I Am Machi took centre stage March 7, starting the evening off on a good note. Icelandic Lay Low, with a voice that sends chills down your spine, was next, performing alone as well as in collaboration with Edmonton’s Kaley Bird. Sin Fang of Iceland and Cygnets of Edmonton ended the night, playing separately as well as joining forces. March 8’s concert consisted of Hermigervill of Iceland along with local acts DJ Ten-O, The Specialist, and DJ Degree.

It was very cool to see Edmonton so excited about their newfound connection with Iceland, and coming together to celebrate it through the arts; listening to the dialogue that everyone understands: music.

-Written by Morgan Messelink