TEDx

Ideas Worth Spreading in TC

May 4, 2014

Featuring luminaries from all walks of life, TED – or technology, education, and design –started in 1984 as a Californiabased conference where a broad spectrum of speakers shared ideas.

Today, independent events – like the one coming to Traverse City – help share ideas in communities around the world.

Ideas InviTED

"TED "¦ has grown to support world changing ideas," said TEDx TC planning team member Sara Harding.

Harding said the conference will include both video presentations and live speakers.

"These elements will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a regional group," Harding said. "We want to create the ultimate "˜brain experience,’ and curate a journey that features ideas and inspiration."

Thinkers PresenTED

Innovative speakers and ground breaking concepts are perennial themes of TED, a formula that will be replicated in Traverse City. This year’s theme is "game changers." Mari Kuraishi; Emmy Award-winning producer Danny Forster; and leadership speaker John U. Bacon.

Each speaker will have 18 minutes to "affect a significant shift in the current manner of our thinking or doing," Harding said.

"We are honored to host speakers from all around the country and all walks of life," she said. "They are extraordinary and brave, and we are grateful for the time and talent they will be bringing to our event and sharing with our audience."

Harding and her team have invited 16 presenters from a variety of fields who embody this mentality, Harding said.

"They are challenging preconceptions and pushing boundaries," she said.

Among them are Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill; Google Technologist John Militello; GlobalGiving co-founder

People ConnecTED

In addition to TEDx TC, now in its fourth year, big thinkers might also want to watch for TEDx TC Salon events, smaller local happenings that hash out big topics.

So far, three TEDx Salon events have been held; Harding said three more are slated after TEDx TC.

"Our first was on light pollution, our second was on Russian politics, and our most recent one was on water," she said about the salon events, which are free of charge. "They will continue to focus on our theme of game changers."

No matter which event attendees choose, Harding promises "new ways of thinking."

"The goal is to have each person walk away feeling enlightened, motivated and dedicated to making a difference in their lives as well as the lives of others," she said.

TEDx Traverse City is scheduled for May 14. Tickets to both the live event and simulcast are sold out; to get on a wait list visit tedxtraversecity.com.