AQR Pecha Kucha, May 2009

Pecha Kucha is a box office hit once again, and Elle Atton explains what hit the spot for attendees

There was nervous excitement in the air as the doors opened for the second AQR Pecha Kucha in May. Would the organisers be able to pull it out of the bag for a second time? Would the bigger, funkier venue and revised canapé selection be up to scratch? Would the technology go off without a glitch? Would the audience like the attempt to make the night a bit more interactive? And, more importantly, would it receive the same warm welcome among all those in the qualitative industry with less than five years experience?

Quirky device

Pecha Kucha is not the AQR's idea. It was, in fact, born in Japan among a community of designers. It is, however, gaining widespread appeal as a quirky presentation device and can certainly teach a quallie a trick or two. It's very contemporary, fun, expressive and fast paced and is clearly proving an interesting platform for the AQR, showing a different face to those newer to the industry. Described by someone in the audience as "great glue" for the qualitative research industry, it must be getting something right. The AQR ethos here is to create a fresh space for those who are relatively new to the industry (well, under half a decade's worth of experience) – although not exclusively! – by offering something different to the practical excellence delivered in training courses, and other events.

The desire is to build stronger emotional inroads with newer researchers, opening the doors to showcase the AQR as the essential and inclusive community it is right from the start of your career. It should all be inherently qualitative and everyone should leave with a few new contacts, an interesting story to tell and something inspiring to think about the next day at work.

While this sounds great, we all know that concept and reality can be two very different things and it's important to consider whether the latest event actually achieved this… as well as how the revised canapé selection went down of course!

As the doors opened, over 100 people from more than 30 agencies filtered in, mainly researchers from our intended age group, but not exclusively, who currently work at research agencies. Drinks fuelled friendly chat, the venue (and revised canapés, luckily) impressed, lively energy filled the air and a fun, friendly and informal atmosphere was the order of the night right until the last possible moment.

Everyone left on a high and lots of people have told each other it was excellent – always a good sign – while also taking away a more informal and friendly image of the AQR, just as the organisers had hoped. We've also heard rumours that membership is up.

There were certainly a lot of smiles as the MC and each of the speakers took to the stage, and not just because the technology worked! Their performance exceeded expectation and their content was brightly illuminating. Each speaker raced against the clock to present around the same theme "Storytelling: using consumers to help tell our stories". For those of you who don't know, there's no time for death by PowerPoint here. Each speaker has only 6 mins 40 seconds to tell their story using impactful visual slides. In fact, they're only allowed 20 slides in total, each shown for exactly 20 seconds. The star-studded cast (in no particular order) included:

Richie Jones, Freshminds
"painting a picture of consumers in all their glory"
Kat Jennings, 2CV
"challenging us to consider the deeper routes of meaning"
Katie Tait and Rallie Velkova, Elizabeth Norman International
"a fresh look at recruitment consultants and the right way to do it"
James Diggle, Criteria Fieldwork
"remembering the real person in a respondent"
Andrew Therkelsen, Discovery
"qual and the creative industries"
Nick Southgate, Grey UK
"18(ish) essential marketing reads"

The evening was MC'd by Aidan Winwood from Munro Global, hosted by Renata and Anna at Wallacespace (a great funky venue for research events of all shapes and sizes), filmed by Ian at Samuelsnow and organised by the AQR sub-committee for new(ish) researchers (Chloë Fowler and Elle Atton).

Before we leave you with some words from our audience themselves, put Pecha Kucha Take 3 in your diary for early December. There has been mention of Pecha Kuchas happening elsewhere as an AQR spin off, from internal reality style contests to job interviews… come share them, it's your space!

Views from the floor

“With the large aquatic style venue, simply divine food, and buzzing atmosphere… this was a pool party with a difference. The entertaining hosts, cupcake trendy puddings, no bars on wine, the 20 by 20 second slides led by a variety of presenters never went so quickly and certainly provided an engaging, inclusive and inspirational evening, showing that we're not alone; the AQR truly is a la mode!” (Debbie Nathan & Richard Gush, Consultants, TNS Global) “Hajime! What a great night; fun, informal and communal. It turned out to be one of those events where you could literally walk up to anyone, introduce yourself and have a friendly chat. The presentations exceeded everyone's expectations, being amusing yet informative, and all the speakers received loads of support.” (Irene Llamas & Martin Smith, REs, Firefish) “The Pecha Kucha event exceeded all expectations… punchy presentations, creative perspectives, passionate presenters and interesting insights made for a laugh a minute evening! We were motivated to think about our own presenting styles and enjoyed being surrounded by like-minded individuals. Not to be too cheesy, but it was a great event, thoroughly enjoyed by all!” (Emma Moat & Rea Mulligan, REs, The Big Picture)

Elle Atton