Using the Ignite Portland Constitution as a starting board, here are the rules and guidelines that Ignite Tampa Bay will follow. We don’t want it to become just another event, but something unique that reflects the spirit and creativity of Tampa Bay.

This is subject to debate and change, so speak up if you have input!

Open and Community Based

Anyone who wants to can participate. As long as you have something interesting, and stick to the format (20 slides for 15 seconds each), you’re good. If you don’t like something about the way Ignite works, and want to change it, let us know. We’ll listen to you, but can’t promise to accommodate every request. We realize this format just may not work for everyone, and that’s fine.

Make it Interesting!

Final presentations will be judged first and foremost on how interesting they are. We’re not targeting a specific “theme” or “feel” for events, and prefer to let that form from the types of submissions received. We, the organizers, don’t pretend to know what “most people” would find interesting, and we don’t think the presenters should worry about that either. If your idea fits the format and is interesting to at least one person (e.g., you), you’re in.

No Keynotes

All presentations will be given equal standing/billing. Let them differentiate themselves on their own merit and 'interestingness'. We don’t want to have “featured” presenters, keynotes, or special slots for presenters. Is there someone/some company that you really want to see present at Ignite Tampa Bay? Great! Get them to submit. Nothing in your way. But we don’t hold special spots.

Sponsors

Ignite Tampa Bay is comprised entirely of unpaid volunteers. We have a wide range of costs including the venue, advertising, and other materials and activities that support the events, and are looking for companies to sponsor upcoming events. Check out our Sponsors page for more details.

Bias/Pitches/Spam

We want Ignite to be about promoting and sharing burning ideas. If those ideas happen to take the form of the company you work for, the startup you’re trying to get funded, or any other self-serving commercial interest, then so be it. We’re fine with it, really. But whatever you present had better be interesting, because that’s what it’s going to be judged on in people’s minds. If you’re going to market to people at Ignite Tampa Bay, you’d better be smart about it. Because if you’re not, it won’t be pretty…

Keep It Legal & PG-13

Selected presenters shouldn’t do anything that’s going to get you or us in trouble. In short, keep your topic legal and don’t be stupid. We try very hard to keep the presentation at a PG-13 level and we ask that all presenters do the same. We don’t want a completely G-rated event, but this is open to the public and presenters should avoid using language and visuals which are graphic, disturbing or suitable only for mature audiences.

That's it!