In the event, creators displayed projects in various categories (including art, innovation, music, science, social good, and technology) and crowdfunded from attendees.

One Spark was conceived in 2011 by Elton Rivas, Dennis Eusebio, and Varick Rosete, three young professionals involved in Jacksonville's start up scene.

[1] Inspired by Brad Feld's book Startup Communities, Rivas wanted to develop Jacksonville's start up culture rather than moving elsewhere.

[2] The organizers modelled One Spark after events like ArtPrize and South by Southwest, planning a festival where inventors, entrepreneurs, and artists could present their projects, with attendees voting on which ones would receive the prize money.

[10] Additionally, a group of investors led by Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan pledged an amount up to $3.25 million in private investments in individual projects.

The event featured pitch decks, where successful entrepreneurs shared their experience, music stages, food and beer villages.

[19][20] At a press conference at EverBank Field on June 19, 2017, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and One Spark organizers announced that the 2017 festival would be held at U.S.

[21] However, due to the arrival of Hurricane Irma and the subsequent clean-up and restoration efforts, this has since been postponed, making 2017 the first year since its debut in which a One Spark festival was not hosted.

One Spark is a multi-day event where creators, artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators can display projects in a multi-venue gallery in downtown Jacksonville.

The event is built on the premise that great creations can come from garages, small studios, and dorm rooms and that the only thing that separates them from the big dogs is access to capital and resources.

[23] Showcasing at One Spark gives you access to thousands of dollars in crowdfunds and awards, millions in potential capital investments, and direct individual contributions from all the visitors.

[24] Beginning for One Spark 2015, a jury committee made up of subject matter experts and industry thought-leaders, sponsors and investors will select Creators for participation in each District.

[25] The festival provides the perfect platform to put any idea in front of thousands of people, validate it and receive valuable feedback.

As an attendee, people have the opportunity to witness the latest innovations and the power to make them a reality by casting votes towards their favourite project.

[33] The second day of One Spark 2016 featured speakers that focused on creator development and venture capital; it was held in the Hyatt Regency on April 7.