We spend billions of dollars each year trying new restaurants, whipping up a family meal at home, and filling our bellies with delicious food and drinks. Specialty diets and adventurous eating have also picked up steam over the past few years, causing us to look at food in a whole new way.

Do you have a unique diet or allergy that you’ve learned to live with? What are some of your favorite treats, drinks, or restaurants that make you weak in the knees? Tell us about it!

Here are some topics related to dining and enjoying food that we’d love to hear more about. If you or someone you know has a passion for one of these (or some other food-related subject), submit a presentation and share the love!

Diet & Lifestyle

Food allergies
Celiac and gluten intolerance
Veganism
Feeding a family on a budget
Herb Gardens
Food Foraging

Beverages

Coffee roasting
Coffee drinks and latte art
Mixology
History of cocktails and ingredients
Bar essentials that every well-stocked bar must have
History of beer
Hops
Chartreuse
Absinthe
Tea

Pairings

Beer and donuts
Wine and chocolate
Wine and food
Beer and food
Spirits and food
Cigars and food, wine, beer, Scotch/whiskey/spirits
Cheese and wine

Dining Out

Secret food menus
Secret restaurants
Cult foods
Best ethnic restaurants
The perfect ________
Caloric surprises
Restaurant concepts (e.g., Dining in the Dark)
Healthiest fast food

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing some ideas on subjects we’d love to learn more about at Ignite Food. Do you know anything about these topics or know someone who does?

Submit a presentation, and tell us all the juicy details!

Here are some ideas related to food preparation and cooking:

Ingredients & Enhancers

Ingredients:

• Cheese
• Salt
• Tuna
• Rice – types, history, growing “story,” etc.
• Scotch
• Tequila
• Exotic foods and ingredients

Spices and marinades
Condiments
Hot and spicy Food
Chilies

Cooking

Grilling or smoking meats
Recipes for famous foods
Cooking equipment
Essential tools
Serving food
Plating
Cutting techniques
Molecular gastronomy
Selecting produce, meat, etc.
How to cook and serve for a crowd

What other kinds of food topics have you always been curious about?

Ignite Food is currently accepting submissions for an event focusing on stuff we love to eat, grow, and cook—food! Do you love food? Do you work with it? Is there something special you could share about it with others? Tell us! At Ignite Food, you’ll have five minutes to speak and 20 PowerPoint slides (should you chose to use them) to share your passion with a captive audience.

About Ignite

Ignite was started by Seattle’s O’Reily Publishing in 2006. True to its name, Ignite Phoenix formed in 2008 as an information exchange aimed at fostering and inspiring Phoenix’s creative community. Presenters get five minutes and 20 slides to talk about something they’re passionate about. Ignite Food, the newest and highly anticipated addition to the Ignite Phoenix family, will be entirely focused on anything and everything related to food.

Mark your calendar for Ignite Food.

Date: March 19, 2012
Location: Stand Up Live at Cityscape in Downtown Phoenix
Tickets will go on sale in February.

Submit a presentation, or reach out to your friends.

If you’re passionate about something related to food or know someone who is, we want to hear about it! Read all the details and submit your presentation at ignitephoenix.com/foodsubmit/. Here are some examples of past food-related Ignite presentations to spark your imagination:

Eat Better, Be Better: How Changing My Diet Changed My Life by Kristi Setzer

The Art of Food Photography with a Mobile Phone by Stephanie Quilao

On Pupusas by Yesenia Ramirez

Your Office Coffee Sucks by Matthew Petro

Better Living through Fast Food by Jay Thompson

Presentation topics

Your presentation can be about anything related to food: diet and lifestyle, cooking, drinks, food economics, pairings, ingredients, fun facts, dining out, food art, and more. The only topics we don’t want are pitches about a product/service you sell. Other than that, share the things you really love, no matter how strange or obscure you think it might be!

Sponsorship

If public speaking isn’t your thing, get involved with Ignite Food by donating money or sharing your delicious treats with the audience. Check out www.ignitephoenix.com/foodsponsor for more information.

Stay Updated

In addition to updates here on the Ignite Phoenix blog, we will also be sharing details as we go on Twitter at @IgniteFood and on Facebook. Connect with us there too!

We can’t wait to see you on March 19th!

The Ignite Food Team

Photo by Audio-TechnicaUK

It’s December and everyone knows what that means. Holiday music…

Ok ok, so not all holiday music is bad. But, if you’re like me, after hearing it in the grocery store, the mall, holiday parties, or on the radio you might be looking for something a little different. Or, perhaps you loaned your CD out and haven’t gotten it back (really, with the amazing music on the CD you won’t see it again), or something worse… lost it!

Well, luckily for you we’ve made the fantastic Ignite Phoenix #11 Mix Tape Music from Ignite Phoenix 11 available for download so you can rock out to the great sounds of:

• IAMWE
• LadyLike
• Peachcake
• Michelle Blades
• Underground Cities
• Future Loves Past
• The Cold Desert
• Genre
• Bears of Manitou
• Tierra del Fuego

Download the CD here.
Again, a huge thanks to all of our bands that donated music for our 4th mix tape, and to all of the bands that passed along music for our first three. The music you provide is just another reason as to why Phoenix is so passionate, and so great.

We’re you unable to make it to one of the events, but heard all about the great local sounds? Or did you just misplace your CD? Either way, we also have the music from Ignite Phoenix 8, 9, and 10 for your enjoyment.

• Music from Ignite Phoenix 8
• Music from Ignite Phoenix 9
• Music from Ignite Phoenix 10

Photograph by Audio-TechnicaUK

Image by MrAnathema

Well Phoenix, another Ignite come and gone. It’s been a week since and conversation about the presentations, the after party, and music is still going strong! Every Ignite Phoenix is a new experience; not just for people attending their first time, but for those attending for their 3rd, 7th, or even their 11th. We love hearing stories of how each of you came to attend an Ignite Phoenix event; some of you stumbled across it, others through word-of-mouth or social media. Your enthusiasm is infectious and it’s evident in the passion each of you bring whether you’re attending the event in person or through our live stream. Thank you all for continuing to support our community and our event, and continue reaching out to people who haven’t attended before. It’s what keeps Ignite Phoenix energized and vital.

As the Crew stood on stage watching everyone head to the after party we found ourselves saying, as always, that we’ve outdone the event prior. This time was no different. But, it’s in part to not only the attendees, but all of our amazing presenters, sponsors, volunteers, and crew.

Presenters

Photos and Video!

Please remember to put your pictures up on Flickr, tag them with “ignitephx” and add them to our photo group.

Also, all of the  videos from Ignite Phoenix #11 are up! Please take a moment to re-watch, comment, and share them with your friends, family, and your tribe.

Sponsors

Thanks you again, sponsors. Your sponsorship is a continued investment to the community, and you all have done great things for us. Without you, we absolutely could not do events like these! If any of you from the audience find yourself in need of products or services which our sponsors provide, show them some love.

Habanero

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
One of the Southwest’s premier performing arts halls, the renovated Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts serves the greater Phoenix metro area, and has been the wonderful home for Ignite Phoenix for the past year.

Serrano

Splinter Creative
Whether you’re starting a new company, developing a brand, revitalizing your identity, or simply trying to deliver a message, Splinter Creative is the gateway to provide strategy and support to make your media initiatives successful.

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange is AZ’s favorite media store. Buying, selling, and trading books, games, movies and music for over 30 years. Why buy new?

Brand X Custom T-Shirts
At Brand X Custom T-shirts, we take an “offline” approach to custom t-shirt making.

3 TV
3TV News/AZfamily Phoenix Arizona. News and information you need to get you through your day.

APS
Arizona’s Leading Producer of Electric Power for Arizona Homes and Businesses.

Poblano

Infusionsoft
Infusionsoft is dedicated to providing software and services that help small businesses grow quickly and profitably.

Stinkweeds
Stinkweeds is your online source for independent music.

Silver Platter
SilverPlatter is the valley’s best source to find out about live local music. With reliable, up-to-date information, links to bands and venues.

Special Thanks

JinDianZi
For our Ignite Phoenix iPhone App and for the fun iPad Drawing application that was on display on the lobby wall!

ACM Quick Cash
For providing the ATMs.

Andrew Ryno
For all of the web development support, updates, image and design editing that took place in the wee hours of the morning, the middle of the afternoon, or nearly midnight!

SteamCrow
For the graphic design work that created the look and feel for Ignite Phoenix #11

Photography:

Joe Abbruscato:
Samples of his work can be found at http://flickr.com/mranathema.

Devon Christopher Adams:
His photography is online at flickr.com/nooccar.

Shelia Dee:
You can find her photos online at http://flickr.com/sheila_dee/

Sweet Republic, Short Leash Hot Dogs, Jamburritos for providing our attendees with amazing food, and Mulch Coffee for providing great coffee!

Underground Cities
For playing live at Ignite Phoenix #11.

The following bands for generously giving us your music to share on our fourth mix tape: IAMWE, LadyLike, Peachcake, Michelle Blades, Underground Cities, Future Loves Past, The Cold Desert, Genre, Bears of Manitou, and Tierra del Fuego.

HUGE thanks to all of our volunteers:

We appreciate the time these people took out of their lives, and all the huge, big, and small things they did to make Ignite Phoenix #11 a success.

The Ignite Phoenix Crew:

This is the core team that worked hard for several months to make the whole show come together! Thank you all so much for your time, dedication, and the passion you brought to the event!

Ignite Phoenix #12:

Don’t forget! Ignite Phoenix #12 is coming up in the Spring, so make sure to get those ideas flowing! Share with us, and our community, what you’re passionate about! Submissions are open, and we’d love to see yours!

Phoenix is a fabulous community, and that’s never more evident than during an event. The response from local food vendors, coffee, beer and wine suppliers, and the support of our fabulous sponsors and volunteers never ceases to amaze us. And again, we’ve brought together nearly 1,000 people from around the valley to share another fantastic experience.

So, thank you!

Thank you to our volunteers who generously give their time to Ignite Phoenix not only during the event, but in the past few months with their advice, assistance and support. Thank you to all of our sponsors who donated talent and the dollars which keeps Ignite Phoenix going. Thank you to all of our food trucks, beverage suppliers, and musicians who keep all of our attendees going before, during, and long after the presentations end. Finally, an enormous thank you to our presenters. They bravely took to the stage in front of hundreds of people and shared something they’re passionate about. Your time, dedication, resources, and support is invaluable, and the Crew of Ignite Phoenix thanks you for it.

If you’re reading this tonight, thank you, but it’s time to hang out and chat about your experience tonight with the presenters and other attendees over some great food and drink. Strike up a conversation about prison-style tattoos, saving the adorable Pika, or which is better: Star Trek or Star Wars, but make sure to put down your smart phone. And it’s time for your Ignite Phoenix Crew to extend an invitation to everyone who came and was inspired to submit your passion for Ignite Phoenix #12! We can’t put on a show without you, so whatever your passion is, we want to hear about it.

We’ll see you in the spring for Ignite Phoenix #12!

Be an Early Bird.

The lobby doors open at 5pm, so if you’re wanting to hang out early, get your food and drink on, and mingle with other early birds, now is your chance. You can also take a peek at some fun events going on right next door at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts.

• Time: Lobby opens at 5pm, presentations begin at 6:30pm.
  
• Venue: Virginia G. Piper Theater, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (7380 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251). Or check out our Google Map for driving directions and different parking options.
• Twitter hashtag: #ignitephx
• Wireless Password: VEXDV-XZNDQ
• For any last minute updates keep an eye on our Event page, or Twitter.

The 411 on Food, Drink, and Music.

Again we’re having our after party is at the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts and bringing the presenters, food, music, and drink to you.

We look forward to having Sweet Republic, Short Leash Hot Dogs, and Jamburritos back for the evening, and providing food before and during the event, and of course for the After Party.

And of course there will be alcohol selections from breweries (Mogollon Brewing Company, Mudshark Brewing Company, Four Peaks, and Prescott Brewing Company), wineries (Arizona Stronghold Winery) from around the state, and coffee (provided by Mulch Coffee) for those looking for an evening jolt of energy. Please be aware it will speed up the process considerably if you bring/use cash, and luckily for you we’ll have ATMs conveniently located around the event grounds.

Please note that for this event you can bring drinks into the auditorium but they must have a lid. Ushers will provide you a lid if you do not have one upon entering the theater.

Unable to Attend?

Bummer, we’ll miss seeing you at the event, but if you are unable to be there, please drop a line on our Facebook page and let people know that you’ve got a ticket (or two, or four) up for grabs. We’ve got a nice collection of people that would love to see the event, and your tickets would help make that happen for them.

Also, if you are unable to score some tickets please know that you can watch via the livestream that will be running throughout the presentations on our main page.

We’re looking forward to seeing you!

Take a moment to watch our interview, and then jump over to see his presentation from Ignite Phoenix #2: Survive Your Commute. Don’t forget to check out his website for more illustrated goodness.

We’d like to say thanks and give our appreciation to everyone who submitted. If your presentation wasn’t selected, we strongly encourage you to submit again. Please don’t feel discouraged, all of you are very passionate about your topics, so when submissions are open please submit again for Ignite Phoenix #12!

We also extend our thanks and appreciation to our selected panel of judges. Without their deliberation and efforts we wouldn’t have this awesome line up!

For those planning on attending, tickets go on sale October 8, at 10am sharp! Set your alarms, have a friend call and make sure you’re awake. You won’t want to be late.

It’s been one quarter since I had the amazing opportunity to present at an incredible event called Ignite Phoenix. Each of the 18 presenters was granted 5 minutes and 20 slides to share their passions, and the topics were as varied as the presenters themselves. I submitted my proposal back in February to talk about my music journey, and was notified I was selected in April. Joy! But the best was definitely yet to come.

While I could talk about the process, or the program, or the wonderful food and entertainment, I will focus this post on what the whole experience has done for me personally.

Short answer = A lot! So much more than I expected! Tons!
Long answer = Keep reading, yo.

“I Can See Clearly Now”- Going through the process of preparing the slides and practicing my speech over and over again gave me a marvelous gift – an undeniable clarity that YES, this IS my passion and I’m in the right place. Each time I would recite the story, recounting the inspiration from my grandmother, the encouragement from my friends, and my mostly unwarranted bravery in my journey to pursue a musical path, my gratitude for those events grew exponentially. By the time the event arrived, I had already gained so much without even stepping foot on stage.

“Nice Work If You Can Get It” - Speaking at Ignite opened up several doors for me to get music gigs. It’s funny…now I always include a link to my presentation on YouTube when contacting potential venues, in addition to my music links. How many musicians can say they were selected to speak in front of 850 people about their musical journey? Not many! Since most people like to root for the underdog and can relate to my “follow your dreams” message, my story as told at Ignite has brought in many opportunities that otherwise would not have come my way.

“We Are Family” - This is probably the most impressive and most important change I’ve experienced since speaking at Ignite. My network has grown massively, but not just in quantity – I’ve met and become close friends with some of the most amazing people in Phoenix. They’re all weird and goofy and wonderful, like me! Haha! My Twitter following has grown by nearly 60%, and now when I tweet something, I get responses! Imagine that!

Before I felt like I was tweeting into a massive black hole, but not anymore. I’ve been recognized out in public a few times, which feels silly yet awesome, and attendance at my local performances has also grown considerably. Thanks to the attendees at Ignite, I now have a supportive following of fans and friends. It’s amazing!

I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity I had to speak at Ignite Phoenix. I am humbled that I was selected, and to all the staff and volunteers, you are doing an amazing thing for this community. Please know you are loved and appreciated! If you’re a past presenter, you know exactly what I mean. If you’re not…what are you waiting for??? There are very few things you could dedicate your time to that will pay greater dividends. See you in October for Ignite Phoenix 11.

Angela’s blog post light your fire? Feeling emboldened to present on your passion? Send us a submission. Want to look through some submissions already posted? Head over to the submissions page, the latest ones are beneath the form. Even if you’re not keen on submitting, share this inspiring post with your friends on Facebook, and your followers on Twitter; you never know what will be the catalyst for a desire to present.