Autodesk Sponsors 'PechaKucha' Events Worldwide

Design Presentation Format Originated in Japan, Is Used by Creative People Everywhere

SAN RAFAEL, Calif: Autodesk, a leader in design software, today announced a sponsorship of PechaKucha Nights, to support the design community and encourage designers to share their ideas and projects. PechaKucha Night --"PechaKucha" is Japanese for the sound of conversation -- takes place in more than 150 cities around the world.

PechaKucha Night, devised by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham of Klein Dytham Architecture in Tokyo, was conceived in 2003 as a way for designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. Using the PechaKucha format, presenters display 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds, allowing six minutes and 40 seconds for each presentation. The format was conceived to allow maximum diversity and minimize long-winded, overly intellectual presentations.

"Artists, engineers, architects, manufacturers and animators -- designers of all kinds and backgrounds -- participate in PechaKucha Night," said Carl Bass, Autodesk president and CEO. "PechaKucha is a wonderful forum to communicate design ideas, and by sponsoring PechaKucha Night, Autodesk is reaching a global audience."

For creative people in the Bay Area, the November PechaKucha Night will take place in San Francisco Nov. 20, 7 p.m., at the Autodesk Gallery at One Market. For more information visit San Francisco Pecha-Kucha online.

Since 2006, Autodesk has hosted several PechaKucha Nights at its annual Autodesk University user event. PechaKucha Night at Autodesk University 2008 takes place Dec. 3, 7-8:30 p.m. in Las Vegas.

Visit the PechaKucha website for more information and to find a location near you.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit http://www.autodesk.com/.