I started promoting Reno Ignite about a month ago and even with all the details I provided, the number one question I have been getting is “What is Reno Ignite?”

An Ignite event has two parts (three, when you count the beers):

Ignite Contest – Team-based contests in making things such as human-supporting popsicle stick bridges, far-flying paper airplanes, and life-preserving egg drop capsules. Here is a chance for everyone to flex their creative muscles.

Ignite Presentations – 20 slides, 15 seconds each, what will you say?

An Ignite event has two kinds of participants:

Speaker - Each speaker is given 20 slides and each one changes automatically after 15 seconds, giving them a total of 5 minutes on stage. These presentations can be educational, inspirational, or even comical. The speaker’s job is to teach, entertain, or inspire. This might seem like a daunting task but it’s not. If you have an interest in something and can give a presentation on it, odds are good that other people will also be interested. for speakers is now open.

Audience - While the opportunity to speak is available to everyone, you do not have to give a presentation to enjoy Ignite! Come join us for a few drinks and some great speakers. You can RSVP on our Facebook event or drop us a line on Twitter (@igniteReno).

While you may be a spectator, we encourage you to participate in the Ignite Contest that takes place before the presentations.

O’Reilly’s website also has a “What is Ignite” section, here is how they describe it:

Started by Brady Forrest, Technology Evangelist for O’Reilly Media, and Bre Pettis of Etsy.com, formerly of MAKE Magazine, Ignite was inspired by Pecha Kucha Nights, where speakers are given 20 slides, each shown for 20 seconds, giving each speaker 6 minutes and 40 seconds of fame. The first Ignite took place in Seattle in 2006, and since then the event has become an international phenomenon, with gatherings in Helsinki, Finland; Paris, France; New York, New York; and many other locations.

Ignite has two parts: the Ignite contest, where people make things, and Ignite talks, where presenters get 20 slides and five minutes to make their point. You can opt to only have talks, but the contest is fun and can serve as a great warm-up for the talks.

We hope to see you at our first event on February 7th March 7th, 2009 at Se7en on West.

As always you can stay in the loop by visiting IgniteReno.com or following us on Twitter: @ignitereno