Back on September 25th I attened my first Ignite Lansing, version 2.0.  At the time I was still relatively new to Lansing, I didn’t know many people and was starting a new career.  But when I heard about this event I was intrigued.  Despite not really knowing much about the event I signed up to be a speaker.  Insert all the cliches you would like, because my life changed that night.

I walked in to a building buzzing with energy, a club atmosphere with lights and bass bumping.  Word on the street was that 450 people were about to show up.  My nerves skyrocketed.  Eventually it was my turn, I did my thing.  Despite at least one error in my talk and one embarrassing moment earlier it no longer mattered.

Afterward a loud applause erupted and suddenly I felt like a rock star.  I’ve never had an applause like that before.  But that hardly tells the story.  As I mingled about after I had several people I’ve never met come up to me and congratulate me, encourage me and shake hands with me.  I realized this whole thing was a big community event to encourage other people and support them.  It wasn’t me that was kicking ass and chewing bubblegum, it was Lansing, and this community is doing it everyday.

No other even has gotten me so intertwined with the community.  September seems like an eternity ago now and ever since I’ve eagerly been waiting Ignite Lansing 3.0

On Friday night that long wait came to an end and I was happy to attend Ignite Lansing 3.0.  And wow was I blown away.  This time I was able to sit back and enjoy even more without the nerves of getting in front of everyone to present.  About 600 people walked in the doors Friday for a free event hosted in a building that few have ever set foot in.  Downtown Lansing was rocking and I for one had an epic night.

A couple days later a blog entry came out by John Schneider saying that Ignite Lansing has “flamed out” (which is what inspired this whole blog entry).  It was followed by 60+ comments, and then this, this, this and eventually this.  There was no doubt in my mind that Lansing was indeed ignited.

It’s now been a couple of days since the storm as passed and I’m thinking about what has transpired.  (Thanks for reading more than 1/3 of the blog and making it this far.)

What’s taking place is a growing community in Lansing of people (both young, old, and a variety of demographics) that is endlessly motivated to make a positive impact on both the city and Michigan as a whole.  Ignite Lansing is not just about the presenters.  In addition to them Ignite Lansing is a room full of entrepreneurs, catalysts, creative leaders, and community builders.  The people I get to talk with at Ignite are starting new businesses, improving the businesses they’re working at, starting new clubs, and congregating people to make an impact.  In short, they are the future of Lansing.  They are quick to defend themselves (hence the comments and feedback to the blog entry) because of their passion for this place.

And as a side note, it’s no exaggeration to say that Lansing puts on one of the most inspiring Ignite events that we’re aware of.  The crew that puts it together is phenomenal.  The Lansing “hipperati”, creative class, or whatever else we’re called is alive and well, and growing.

Sometime between Ignite 2.0 and 3.0 I talked with an inspiring business executive about Lansing.  And while I was gone for a few years it told me all about how Lansing has changed in the last couple years alone.  He told me about a new found energy in the city and a community of people looking to make positive impact.

What’s neat is that this isn’t unique to Lansing.  I know it’s happening in Detroit.  I hope it’s going on in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids and the Upper Peninsula.  I’m not just talk about Ignite events, but a blossoming community brought together from similar events and all the creative and innovate things the attendees are up to.

After 690 words I’m all about out of them seeing that it’s 3:11am.  To conclude I can’t say enough about how stoked I am to have been welcomed to this community.  I’ve found an amazing group of people that are support and encouraging of the wacky ideas I come up with and eager to hear what I hope to do next.  I see them support the ideas and projects of those around me.

During dinner with a friend tonight I regurgitated something I always conclude about my trip.  As much as I would love to be living near a large body of water or mountains it is insignificant to the people you are surrounded by.  It is truly about the people.

Thanks Lansing for encouraging me to kick ass and for kicking ass and chewing bubblegum along with me.