PechaKucha, an international phenomena created in Japan in 2003 as an opportunity for young designers to meet, network, and showcase their work, will host its inaugural event in Akron on November 13th at 7 PM at The Bit Factory.
PechaKucha has a unique design which keeps audiences engaged throughout the event. Each speaker must fit their presentation within 20 slides that each last for 20 seconds, which adds up to 6:40 minutes precisely per presentation. Some conceptualize PechaKuchas as “mini-TED talks,” but with a party-like atmosphere. PechaKucha’s goal is to attract new talent, showcase existing talent, and offer a platform to incite meaningful collaborations. The event is free, with a $2 suggested donation at the door to support PK International. Doors open at 7 PM, and the event starts promptly at 8 PM.
“PK Akron strives to bring Akron creative content to the community while being innovative and inspiring. You can see from our first line-up of speakers we are off to a great start,” said Annal Vyas, Program Director at The Bit Factory, law professor, and one of the founders of PechaKucha Akron. 
PechaKucha events in Akron will be held quarterly, with each event featuring speakers from diverse areas of expertise. November’s event (referred to as “Volume I”) will include a variety of topics ranging from race relations to sculpting to cancer research to Archie the Snowman.
“As someone who his new to Akron I have been blown away by the creative culture in the city,” says Roger Riddle, Curator at Unbox Akron who will be speaking about his experience as a DJ. “I am really looking forward to being one of the presenters at Volume I and seeing where PechaKucha takes Akron in the future.”
PechaKucha Akron hopes to bridge gaps between groups in the community and to provide a spark for further dialogue and collaboration.
“Akron has an incredible creative community,” says Nicole Mullet, Executive Director of ArtsNow. “PechaKucha Akron will provide a forum where we can showcase this talent, learn from one another, and have a great time doing it.”
Sponsors for the event include The University of Akron’s School of Law, Akron Global Business Accelerator, The Bit Factory and the Knight Foundation.
The November event will host:
Roger Riddle, local DJ and Curator at Unbox Akron
Brant Lee, law professor at The University of Akron
Dominic Falcione, local artist behind The Bit Factory
Rob Ngungu, Quest Medical Imaging
Jennifer Davis, Owner and facilitator of smART Studio
Priscillia Roggenkamp, Internationally renowned artist
Phylliss Steiner, Hattie Larlham Creative Arts
Joanna Wilson, Local author of “The Story of Archie the Talking Snowman”
Dominic Caruso, The Akron Art Museum
The Bit Factory is located at 526 S. Main St., 5th floor in downtown Akron.
To learn more about PechaKucha Akron visit www.facebook.com/PKAkron or http://www.pechakucha.org/cities/akron.
