Pecha Kucha (peh-cha ku-cha) is a Japanese term that refers to the sound of conversation. It’s also the name of a concept started in Tokyo by a pair of architects as a type of forum that would give young designers a chance to meet and show off their work.

To keep the evening moving and the audience interested, each presenter is limited to show just 20 slides for 20 seconds each – a total of six minutes and 40 seconds per person.

Chris Garnham, vice chairman of the Jasper Community Sustainability Plan Working Group, decided that a Pecha Kucha Night would be great as one of the first events to engage the community on the topic of sustainability.

Jasper’s Pecha Kucha Night will be held Oct. 22 at Downstream Bar, and the sky is the limit when it comes to subject matter, Garnham said.

“Of course there’s going to be some people complaining, but there will be others trying to solve things like housing, the environment, hopefully transportation,” he said. He expects people may also want to discuss general youth concerns, such as the problems with Patricia Street, and where tourism is going.

“I am anxious to hear the concerns, suggestions, and solutions on how our town can sustain itself,” he said. “Especially given we are probably entering some difficult times with the impacts of oil and the environment.”

The Pecha Kucha format will make the event accessible to computer-savvy youngsters, and will really get people thinking of ways to fit their ideas into the strict structure.

“It’s a powerful, perfect tool for this little town,” Garnham said.