PECHA KUCHA

What do you get when you mix some 35 curious minds from software, manufacturing, small and big business, associations and academia with forward thinking and innovative presentations given each in 20 slides by 20 seconds per slide? SeriouslyCreative’s first PechaKucha night!

Last May 27 we had three presenters give rapid fire talks on inspiring topics meant to generate thinking about where Puerto Rico might grow to and how business might move forward. Elsie García of alius (www.aliusbranding.com) who’s presentation title was: “Green is the New Gold” spoke about how companies worldwide are moving beyond simple recycling programs towards making sustainability a factor in their overall strategy and an new measurement of success. Humberto Malavé of INTECO (www.intecopr.com) with a presentation titled: “Innovating Beyond the Fourth Wall” spoke about how as a non-profit created by the municipality of Caguas and University of Turabo are helping to coordinate the efforts of government, private industry and academia to drive a new innovation and knowledge based economy for Puerto Rico. Dana Montenegro of SeriouslyCreative (that’s us!) who’s presentation was titled: “Top Trends Changing Business Today” spoke about the evolving trends in consumers worldwide who are collaborating together to project their power to achieve economic, social and political goals as well as to drive companies to be more true partners in social responsibility programs.

But instead of long winded presentation we opted for something different. We used a presentation format called PechaKucha – sometimes called 20×20 – which forced people to get TO THE POINT. It’s called 20×20 because each presentation can use only 20 slides and each slide can be up for only 20 seconds (that’s 6 min. 40 sec. for anyone doing the math). We like this because presentations focus in on what really matters, thereby leaving more time for discussion: where the real value in any presentation lies.

So why are we doing this? We believe in the big potential of small talk. We also believe in ideas and the spreading of them. Our talks are not about general knowledge or the everyday skills of business. Instead, they are about subjects that matter and might not only interest people like you, but could also better Puerto Rico. Our invited presenters are people we respect: people who bring fresh perspective and who want to create change. We want to inspire change, illicit idea, probe trends and discover insights that matter to all of us and to our future.

What’s next? Our first 20×20 was a success and we want to build upon it, make it better and grow it. We’ve several in the year – one every two months if we can – with the next one scheduled for August 26 (By invite only). If you were there we need your help – we need and suggestions, recommendations or comments you have that would help us improve what we are doing.

Calling All Possible Speakers! Do you know of someone who might be able to talk about a topic that influences our future or changes the way we think? Maybe this person is you? We would love to have any recommendations on topics and/or speakers for future PechaKucha nights. All who submit will be consider by a selection panel with the interest of maintaining the integrity of the event as one of conversation. NOT SALES. (Although networking is one great underlying theme of the night…and business deals are absolutely welcome during off presentation times.) Interested persons to write a quick summary proposal to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We want to be able to pair up presentations so they not only line up nicely, but give enough of a varied but still connected experience that creates that open conversation we look for. Space will always be limited and entrance by invitation only.

Thanks again to everyone who participated, for all the great comments and incredibly smart discussions and especially to the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association for helping us organize this first every PechaKucha and B.Fernandez & Hnos. Who provided some spectacular wine, Absolut Vodka, Grolsch Beer and “picadera”.A note to all May 27, participants. Notes are coming up soon for your review and to be sent to entities and be posted as follow up actions on our blog site. Thanks for all your great input! And hope to see you again, soon.