Our second #YegIdeaXchange is happening next week!

Latitude 53
Thursday, March 19
6:30 pm | Drinks, eats and social space
7:00 pm | Panel discussion begins

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

Edmonton’s NextGen hosts #YegIdeaXchange  - Urban Form in Edmonton

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

This is the second 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 about their ideas, projects and insight around Urban Form and City Building in Edmonton. 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 Urban Form and City Building in Edmonton.

The panel:

Chris Dulaba (@CALLIDUSDevMgmt) - Callidus / Beljan Development
Simon O’Byrne (@Simon_OByrne) - Stantec Consulting
Jarrett Campbell (@jarrettcam)- Brookfield Residential & Oliver Community League President
Carmen Douville (@CarmenDouville) – Instructor, Industrial Design, University of Alberta
Jeff Chase (@chase_jeff) – City of Edmonton

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.

The WinterCity Drink Competition has been extended this year to January 20. Enter your Non-Alcoholic or Alcoholic beverage for a chance to win some great prizes!

Alcoholic Drink Category: 

• 1st place: Edmonton Winter Staycation
• 2nd place: Eau Claire Distillery Prize  

 Non-Alcoholic Drink Category:

• 1st place: Edmonton Winter Staycation
• 2nd place: One Family All Facility Annual Pass

More information:

• Vote for or enter your own non-alcoholic beverage
• Vote for or enter your own alcoholic beverage

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.

Don’t let the cold weather keep you inside! There is plenty to do in this city, even at -20. This weekend, NextGen is spotlighting the Deep Freeze Festival produced by Arts on the Ave.

This Saturday from 12:00 – 8:00 and Sunday from 12:00 – 6:00, come down to 118th Ave to celebrate winter like the Vikings did! Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Coats for Kids is also welcoming donations of gently used winter coats at the event.

So how exactly does a Viking celebrate winter? With many competitions of strength and artistry, of course. Stop by to watch the street hockey tournament, or sign up to participate in the Chisel and Chainsaw ice carving contest if  creating frigid sculptures is more your style. The Lamppost Cozy contest involves inventive yarn bombing of local fixtures. There will also be curling, skating, ice sculpture games and the famed Deep Freezer races, which are exactly what they sound like!

Music, dancing, carriage rides, storytelling and a free showing of Frozen will be available for Edmontonians who prefer spectating to melee. And no Viking revelry would be complete without a visit to the Ice Bar (for the adults in attendance.) Be careful where you wander though, as a full Viking encampment has been built and you might come across a warrior or two!

Saturday evening will close in grand style with fireworks at Alberta Ave Park, and a special Return of the Vikings! Party at the Alberta Ave Community Centre from 7:00 – 11:00. There will be dancing, dining and a musical performance from the Canadian Reggae band Tasman Jude. Tickets are available at Carrot Coffeehouse or the festival Info Booths at $10 for anyone 11+ and $5 for children under 10.

Arts on the Ave is still looking for volunteers for the event, so if this sounds like your kind of adventure, you can sign up here to help out with fire stoking, skate rentals, tobogganing and the heritage games. It’s a great opportunity to get involved in a vibrant community and embrace our winter culture!

We stuffed our faces and made our resolutions – 2015 is underway and we’re excitedly looking ahead to our next Pecha Kucha!

In case you’ve forgotten, we’re here to remind you that Edmonton’s NextGen is still accepting presentation submissions for Pecha Kucha Night 21 to be held on March 5, 2015 at Colours Restaurant in Northlands Park.

If you’re interested, submit your presentation using our super convenient online form. The submission deadline is February 4 and selection process will happen in the following week.

Now is your opportunity to bring your idea to a group of engaged and excited young Edmontonians. We’ve enjoyed more than 200 presentations covering a wide array of topics, from donairs to urban wayfinding.

While you’re waiting to hear from us, you can prepare yourself by checking out our 10 steps to a great Pecha Kucha presentation. And to see some of our past presenters, check out these recap blog posts from Pecha Kucha 19 and 20.

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!

Ellen Chorley

Premiering at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival this year, The Hollywoodland Burlesques has had a great response from audiences so far. Ellen Chorley wrote the script and stars in the lead role as Gossip Queen Louella Parsons. Here’s what she had to say about the show:

1)  What inspired the idea for The Hollywoodland Burlesques?

As a theatre company, Send in the Girls has looked for historical stories to present as burlesque. We like that the vintage feel really lends itself to the format we work with (a traditional play with burlesque storytelling).  We look for historical characters who bring dramatic or scandalous stories to the stage, and then use our imaginations to fill in the blanks when the history books don’t give enough details.  We were attracted to the idea of the feud of Hollywood reporters Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons—and so I started researching into the era and the big stories of the period—which is where I stumbled upon the tragic tales of Jean Harlow and Peg Entwhistle.  I think, ultimately, we wanted to show the dark side of Tinseltown—a theme that is just as prevalent in 1932 as it is today.

 2)  Give us three reasons why audiences can’t miss this show at the Fringe.

• #1: I think the story is very compelling, the show looks beautiful— the costumes, wigs, tuxedos and corsets are divine (there is nothing like Old Hollywood glamour), and the performances are both flashy and extremely  real.
• #2: I think Send in the Girls’ work is hugely based on experimentation and collaboration, which makes our company quite unique in Western Canada— especially since we work with burlesque.
• #3: Coming to the see the show supports us creators and independent artists!

3)  Why did you decide to use 1930s Hollywood as a backdrop?

We picked the characters first and then placed the show in the time period these characters existed.

4)  What about the The Hollywoodland Burlesques are you most proud of?

As well as serving as Co-Artistic Director/ Playwright in Residence for Send in the Girls Burlesque, I am also the Artistic Director of a children’s theatre company, so a lot of the work I do is quite light and playful.  I think the writing of The Hollywoodland Burlesques really captures a darker feel and I love that.

5)  What did you find most challenging?

This is so silly, but honestly the most challenging thing about performing the show is smoking and drinking on stage.  It’s been really hard to handle my cigarettes, lighters, matches and champagne glasses all while keeping up with the scene.  I poured ‘champagne’ (sparkling apple juice) down the front of my dress last night.

6)  Are there any lessons or takeaways you want audiences of the show to walk out of the theatre with?

I just think that society has a huge obsession with celebrity and fame, and I guess it’s just interesting to think that celebrities are humans too—and that fame doesn’t get you everything that you want.

7)  How is the show being received by audiences so far?

We have had great houses and very enthusiastic audiences so far, which is very exciting because we are performing off of the main site this year in the French Quarter (which is about a 10 minute drive from the main Fringe site).

8) Why do you think theatre in Edmonton is important?

Theatre itself is important because creating it allows us to share our stories, practice empathy and have conversations.  Theatre in Edmonton is important because supports our community.

9)  Do you have any other recommendations for shows at the Fringe this year?

Tons:

• Ligature Marks
• Flora and Fawna’s Field Trip
• It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman
• John Cusack
• Zanna Don’t
• 3…2…1
• Trickstars
• Letters to Laura
• Tree Hugger
• Love and Death (or If We are Treading on Thin Ice, We Might As Well Dance)
• All in the Timing
• Sweet Lies

… and I make a cameo appearance in a play called Kurt Mann:  Buyer and Seller of Souls. 

10)  Is there an opportunity to see The Hollywood Burlesques after the Fringe?  What are some other projects we can look forward to seeing from you?

We don’t have plans to remount The Hollywoodland Burleques quite yet, but we have had the awesome opportunities to remount our other two burlesque plays (Tudor Queens: A Burlesque and A Bronte Burlesque) within the main theatre season, so hopefully we will be able to find another opportunity like that for The Hollywoodland Burlesques. This next year, I’ll be performing in a cabaret in November and then mounting my children’s play Birdie on the Wrong Bus in January 2015.

Tickets for The Hollywoodland Burlesques can be purchased online or at a Fringe box office.

Louella Parsons. Photo credit: DB Photographics.

By: Breanne Fisher

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend PARK’s first one-day conference in Edmonton. PARK, which stands for “Promoting Artists, Redefining Kulture”, works to support and mentor emerging artists within the community.  The conference was a means to bring these creative minds together for a day of discussion, collaboration, and exploration. The topic of entrepreneurship was particularly focused on throughout the day; providing all attendees with information on successfully launching and growing a creative business.

If you missed it, you missed out. I can only imagine what a foreigner — who knew nothing about Edmonton and just wandered into the conference — would have thought of the day. He or she probably would have blown away by how much talent this City encompasses; as well the humility and unpretentiousness of our incredible artists. Everyone there, no matter what stage they were in their career, really just had the desire to learn and grow—which was met, wholeheartedly, by all of the speakers.

Just getting started

The Highlights

Justine Barber, Co-founder of Poppy Barley started the show with her insights on Designing a Creative Business. She shared that “the reality of starting a creative business is that it requires a lot of non-creative work.” Coming from a business background, her advice for participants focused on first building a foundation, finding your brand’s creative niche, and fully analyzing your business’ viability.

Malorie Urbanovitch and Michael Meneghetti, Founders of Malorie Urbanovitch Ready to Wear presented next on the topic Cultivating Your Aesthetic: Defining Your Mission and Brand. Their talk was sincere and humble— conveying what lessons they have learned along the way from launching and nurturing their own brand. Tips, including, “take what others have to say, but trust your instincts”, and “create an aesthetic that is discernible and has a clear voice”, resonated well with the audience.

Kari Haddad, Co-founder of Workhall Boutique took to the stage to present on Creating a Successful Sales Model. She emphasized the importance on building an image that people will trust and relate to. The importance of embodying your brand was also articulated well in her presentation, as well as clearly defining why people will want to purchase your product.

Caroline Gault, Alberta Editor of FASHION Magazine delivered an entertaining talk on How to Pitch your Brand to Media. Her wealth of experience shone through and her guidance appeared to be exactly what the audience was looking for. Caroline looks for a few key things when deciding whether or not to write about someone, including: whether they have a website, a look book or quality photos, and if they are prompt and professional.

Caroline Gault: “How to Pitch Your Brand to Media”

Josh Holinaty, Designer, Illustrator and Instructor at Guru Digital Arts College, burst into the room with heaps of energy. His presentation on Making it as an Illustrator was filled with his incredible illustrations and nuggets of wisdom. Josh stressed why it’s important to take risks and get out of your comfort zone.

Josh Holinaty: “Making it as an Illustrator”

Nicole Campre, Founder and Designer at Campre Clothing and Workhall Boutique, was next and skillfully presented on her own journey: Two Years In —The Journey of an Emerging Clothing Designer. She shared how important connecting with the community was in her own career, as well as building a team of supporters.

Nicole Campre: “The Journey of an Emerging Clothing Designer”

The last presentation of the day was from Ken Bautista, Founder of Startup Edmonton. As a successful entrepreneur himself, his delivery of The Artist as an Entrepreneur was well-received and greatly appreciated by the room of aspiring business professionals. Ken feels that there are a lot of similarities between being an artist and being an entrepreneur, some of which are: creativity, passion and vision. He also shared how important it is to continually focus on your brand’s overall value: “Get people talking about the value, not the cost.”

The Startup Edmonton studio was abuzz with the energy of new ideas throughout the day. The breaks and lunch also provided all participants with the opportunity to mingle with the presenters and other artists. The overall length of the day could have been shortened, but it was a fantastic conference, full of inspiration and creativity. Thanks to PARK for providing a great resource for Edmonton’s emerging talent. Hope you come back to Edmonton again soon.

(Special mention to sponsors Startup Edmonton, Poppy Barley, and Mercer Tavern.)

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!

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

Watch archived footage of Pecha Kucha Night 18 (PKN 18), which took place on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at the Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre.
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The next Green Drinks event will take place on Wednesday, April 2^nd at the Yellowhead Brewery.

This month’s theme celebrates Local Literature. Come to mingle with local authors, poets, editors, and storytellers. You might even take own your own piece of local literature as a door prize.

For more information, visit The Local Good or purchase tickets on Eventbrite. Act soon — tickets are selling fast.

See you there!

It’s MEÆT time! Edmonton’s NextGen and the Ignite Working Group present DARK MEÆT on Thursday, April 3 at Latitude 53. Tickets are SOLD OUT!

But we are still looking for pitches. Visit www.meaet.com for more information and to submit a proposal and pitch your idea! 

Guests will enjoy a three course meal that appeals to the senses: smell, touch, and of course taste. The catch is, you will be blindfolded, to let your other senses take the lead. The food will be gluten and nut free, and a vegetarian option is available (option upon registration).

During dinner, we will have winners from previous Story Slams in the city join us to entertain your ears, and you’ll hear local pitches for home grown ideas. You’ll then have the opportunity to vote for the pitch you’d like to help fund.  After dinner, you’ll have a chance to mingle with your sight back, and check out the gallery’s installations.

Out of the $25 ticket price, $10 goes towards the pot for the evening. Though no matter which side of dining table you are on; you will  enjoy a dinner with excellent conversation with like minding philanthropists.

This is your chance to: Share a meal. Connect. Enjoy performances. Cast your vote. Make a difference now.

There are 2 ways you can enjoy a MEÆTing:

You can (1) apply to have a project funded and come enjoy dinner, and present your project or (2) come enjoy dinner, experience the presentations, vote for your favourite, and donate $10 to fund something awesome.

The best presentation (as determined by the votes) receives the night’s funding.

MEÆT is an event designed to bring us together for a meal and together 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.

Dark MEAET

A crowd of 500 people attended Pecha Kucha Night 18 (PKN 18) on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at the Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre. During the fast-paced, entertaining evening, audience members were captivated by a presenter line up that included an expert on nanotechnology, a Bike Polo aficionado, and an advocate for literacy.

PKN 18 also featured music by DJ Thomas Culture and photography by Warren Fenton of Fenton Photography. Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria also returned with gift cards for all ticket holders.

NextGen would like to thank its generous sponsors – the City of Edmonton, Graphos, and Klein Dytham, the energetic organizing committee, the outstanding presenters, and the attentive audience for making PKN 18 such a great success!

A big thank you to the presenters, volunteers, our NextGen Coordinator and everyone who helped make PKN 18 a great event!

Photo and video coverage of the evening’s festivities will be posted soon. For information on future PKNs, watch our website, subscribe to our newsletter, like our facebook page, or follow us on twitter @EdmNextGen 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 pleased to present Pecha Kucha Night 18 (PKN 18), taking place on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at the Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre. PKN 18 features presentations on local ideas, projects and musings in the 20 slides at 20 seconds per slide format made popular worldwide by Klein Dytham Architecture.
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Edmonton’s NextGen is pleased to present Pecha Kucha Night 18 (PKN 18):

Date: Thursday, March 6, 2014
Time: Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. Presentations begin at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre, 8712 109 Street
Cost: $17 or $15 with student I.D. + taxes.
Buy Tickets: Purchase your digital tickets online

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Looking for an opportunity to present your ideas to an audience of more than 700 engaged and creative young people? Then apply to present at Pecha Kucha Night 18, taking place on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at the Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre.

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