I’m a couple of weeks late with this post, but here it is anyway. On November 6th, Des Moines had its very first Ignite event at Impromptu Studio, our local coworking space. What is Ignite, you ask? These events (which are becoming wildly popular across North America and Europe) are highly entertaining get-togethers that typically combine two things: an Ignite Contest and Ignite Talks. (Oh, and booze!)

The Ignite Contest is basically a battle of engineering skills and pure luck — think junior high science bowl meets Mythbusters. In Des Moines’ case, contest entrants built containers that would (ideally) protect an egg while being catapulted into a wall.

(Egg catapult in foreground.) Photo courtesy of ImpromptuStudio via Flickr. View the entire Ignite Des Moines photoset here.

Ignite Talks are based on one question: If you had five minutes to talk your city, what would you say? The only rule is that you get 15 seconds per PowerPoint slide (20 PPT slides each) to make your point. The slides go faster than you’d think, especially after a few frosty beverages. I’ve posted a few of the talks below, but you can enjoy the full line-up on the Ignite Des Moines blog.

Hyperlocal Localization by Andy Brudtkuhl:

20 Things Des Moines Needs Right Now! by yours truly:

10 Legal Issues That May Shut Down Your Website by Brett Trout:

If you haven’t had an Ignite event in your city yet, I highly recommend it. I’m so proud that Daniel and Abbie Shipton brought it to Des Moines and organized the event, and special thanks to Olde Main Brewery for supplying the free booze.

Des Moines, we can’t have enough of these events — keep ‘em coming!