Guelph locals spread passions in five minutes
The reception area of the Guelph Youth Music Centre was aflame with conversation during Ignite Guelph 2. People from a wide array of backgrounds and professions excitedly shared their thoughts, advice and passions with each other. The vibrant and creative Guelph community was out in full colour, and this was just intermission!
“I’m always so happy [with] how hard it is to get people back into the hall for the second part [of Ignite Guelph]. During intermission they’re connecting and talking…and that’s a huge way I measure the success of the event,” said Sean Yo, co-coordinator of the Ignite Guelph series.
Yo’s excitement and charisma showcased the passion and effort he put into the event.
Over one hundred locals attended the second event in the Ignite Guelph series on Friday night: a fast-paced sequence of five-minute speeches on everything from beer, board games, running, music, travelling, and solar energy. The topics were limitless as long as there was someone in Guelph passionate about it.
Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario, chose to speak on the concept of local energy, and how urban households could be the power-plants of the future by creating local, clean energy and selling excess power back to the power grid.
Sarah Thompson, a business leadership coach in Guelph spoke about the art of a story – not nursery rhymes or paperback novels, but rather the art of telling your own story and applying meaning and purpose to your actions and words. When asked about the importance of events such as Ignite, she said:
“The community is coming together and we’re sharing information and ideas. It’s attracting like-minded people which will really allow these ideas to grow.”
Similarly, Erin Aspenlieder, another speaker at the event, said:
“Having just moved here, for me, it’s a really useful way to get to know people who are also interested in community… It’s a great way to bring people together.” Aspenlieder advocated running as a way to build community, keep calm and keep strong.
With a myriad of ideas coming together in one seamless event, it’s evident that a lot of hard work was going on behind the scenes. A group of about 10 volunteers were responsible for the organization, and they collaborated with an inspired Guelph community for the actualization of Ignite Guelph 2.
“It’s a hell of a lot of work, don’t get me wrong… [However], like the people talking, we’re passionate about this type of thing… The rewards greatly outweigh any of the pain,” said co-coordinator Kyle Mackie.
Ignite Guelph 3 is set to take place sometime in the spring of 2014, and the Ignite team is always looking for new speakers. The topics are limitless as long as you’re passionate and you can make it quick!