Fire Up Citrus! provides a unique platform for individuals to present their visionary concepts, free from restrictions, as long as they avoid negativity, criticism, or belittlement. Presenters and attendees alike enjoy a wonderful evening of big ideas, incredible energy, and inspiration.
Event Details
November 1st, 2023
6 PM - 9 PM
The Valerie Theatre
207 Courthouse Square,
Inverness, FL, 34450
Attendee Information
What to expect:
Prepare yourself to be dazzled and inspired at the Fire Up Citrus! event as 12 outstanding local innovators present their ideas for Citrus County's 'NEXT BIG THING'!. Scheduled for November 1st, 2023 from 6 PM to 9 PM at The Valerie Theatre, it's a hub of innovative and wacky ideas aimed at boosting the local economy.
At just $10, you can experience a night like no other, filled with ideas that will make you think, "Why not?" This is your chance to be part of something extraordinary, where game-changing concepts have the power to transform our beloved county.
Admission includes complimentary appetizers, refreshments, and a fun and unique experience of watching the future unfold!
Guests are asked to give each presenter their full attention and keep their minds open to the possibilities. We encourage positive discussion with the presenters during the intermission and if you feel drawn to an idea or project, please connect with the presenter.
Presenter Information
Do you have what you think is a great idea to help put a fire under Citrus County to move our economy forward?
Can you make it a little entertaining, fairly fun, and totally presentable in five minutes flat?
Then we want you to present it at Fire Up Citrus! There are no restrictions on your idea just so long as it is positive (no negativity, criticism of current programs or policies or belittling). Presenters are required to make a 20-image slide show presentation. Please remember we are looking for ideas that are refreshing and help “fire up” Citrus and may get the audience into thinking, “why not?” Who knows? Your idea may help spark something that becomes a game-changer for Citrus County.
Application Deadline: September 25, 2023
How it Works:
Each presenter will have exactly five minutes on stage to speak before the audience. Your presentation will be accompanied by the slide program you design. The slides will automatically change every 15 seconds for a total of 20 slides in five minutes. This keeps the flow of the evening moving at a quick pace since you will need to keep up with your slides.
FAQ:
Does my idea have to revolve around my business or area of expertise?
Absolutely not. Dream large!
What is the cost to apply?
There is no cost to presenters. Those attending the event to watch will be asked to purchase a $10 ticket to help offset the cost of complimentary refreshments and venue fees.
Does it have to be practical?
Not really. But it could be.
Do I have to have a slide presentation?
Yes. You can create your own PowerPoint slide show, or we can help you put your images into a presentation if you like. The requirement is that there must be 20 images that will automatically advance every 15 seconds, and end at a total of five minutes.
Can I work with a partner?
Sure! If you want to do a dog-and-pony presentation with another person, that would be fine. Just keep it to the total of five minutes with 20 slides.
Can someone else present for me?
Yes. If you are confident in a partner to present your idea for you, the option is yours to decide!
How do I know if I am selected to present? We limit the number of presentations to 12 so that the evening doesn’t run too long. The applications will go before a selection committee for the purposes of choosing as wide a variety of topics as possible from the applications we receive.
Who will be in our audience?
This is a public event and it will be advertised widely throughout the County. Additionally, all our elected officials and business leaders are invited and encouraged to attend. However, no officials will be presenters – they will be there to hear your ideas.
Will there be audio/visual equipment?
Yes. Audio-visual equipment will be provided for the presentations and an operator will keep your slide show moving along for you. The event will be videotaped to keep track of the great ideas that emerge.
What happens if negative or inappropriate content is presented?
The Citrus County Chamber is in charge of the event. If anything negative or mean-spirited is presented, the “hook” will come out -- literally. This event is designed to be about constructive thinking.
What happens with the ideas presented? Who knows? Maybe nothing; maybe everything. But you never know when something sparks and might lead somewhere. That is why we are also asking our local officials and business leaders to be in the audience, and we will videotape the event. Presentations from Fire Up Citrus! have triggered new businesses to open, garnered volunteers to work on other ideas, and started the ball rolling on other major projects.