Happy Birthday TED!
TED talks are officially 30
years old this year. TED is a nonprofit organization dedicated to “Ideas Worth Spreading”. The acronym TED stands for Technology,
Entertainment, Design. The scope of topics covered in contemporary TED talks is
much broader than what was originally envisioned at TED’s inception in 1984.
TED conferences bring together some of the world's most creative, gifted and fascinating
luminaries. These brilliant, provocative and inspiring speakers are engaged to
give “the talk of their lives” in 18 minutes or less. The mission of TED is “Spreading ideas. We believe passionately in the power of ideas to
change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world.” TED talks can be viewed
for free on the TED website, TED.com, or on Youtube. If you have a little time
to spare, just type TED talk into your browser’s search bar. It will take you to TED.com. Click on the “Playlists” button at the top of the window. Choose
whatever entices you. Then, sit back and prepare to be amazed. If you are
anything like me, hours can slide by and you will barely notice the time
passing.
Even
better than watching TED talks online is attending one live. While there is
only one official TED conference each year, there are now independently
organized TED events, called TEDx, which allow local communities and
organizations to have a TED type of experience all their own. I’ve been
regularly watching TED talks since they first become available online in 2007. Early
last year, I was reading our local paper, The
Vail Daily, and discovered that we had a TEDx group here in the Vail Valley.
I contacted Kat Haber, the curator of this group, who offered me the chance to
work on putting together the TEDxVailWomen event to be held December 5, 2013.
I
had already officially designated 2013 as my “year of saying yes.” Since I had relocated
to this area in the spring of 2012, making new friends, getting involved in my
community, and networking were all high priorities for me. Therefore, it didn’t require any thought at all
for me to reply to Kat’s offer with an enthusiastic “Yes, I would love to!”
Creating
our TEDxVailWomen event was exciting, challenging and, of course, a great deal
of fun. The speakers had already been selected so I helped with logistics,
financial planning, general organizing and photography. We ramped up our efforts in the
weeks preceding the event and by December 5th we were a little weary
but a lot of ready.
The
stage at the Edwards Interfaith Chapel, where our event was held, was simply beautiful.
Expansive clerestory windows framed the mountains in the distance. One of our
speakers is an artist who repurposes used bottles as art. Glorious painted
bottles from her “Message in a Bottle” project were suspended from the ceiling.
Since our theme was “Naturally”, verdant vertical hydroponic gardens bracketed
the stage. Banners printed with the name of each talk and the speaker’s photo
adorned the walls. A grand piano for 10 year-old Carnegie Hall concert pianist,
Ursula Hardianto, reposed gracefully in one of the room’s front corners. We scrambled to get all the computers,
lighting, cameras and a/v equipment to sync.
Finally, everything was in place.
Kat took to the stage and the magic began.
This
is not the appropriate time or place to describe all the moving parts of our
event with the level of detail they so richly deserve, so I will have to make
do with a simple list consisting of a quote from each of our speakers along
with the title of their talks:
- · “Well-being is independent of circumstance.” ~ Christina Danyluk: Why I Smile at Pain.
- · “Walking Like Mountains is a way to think about and act on sustainability leadership in the 21st century.” ~ Dr. Kim Langmaid: Walking Like Mountains.
- · “I coined the term ‘conservation photography’ and in doing so, I started a movement.” ~ Cristine Mittermeier: Photography won’t change the world.
- · “Everyone has a story…the best storytellers will create the future.” ~ Mikela Tarlow: Everybody’s Journey.
- · “The simple act of riding a bicycle can change your life.” ~ Elysa Walk: The Joy of Two Wheels.
- · “When you’re stuck, shift perspective.” ~ Dr. Susan Canney: Punch Above Your Weight, Mali Elephant Conservation.
- · “Rain or shine, I do it with a smile.” ~ Ursula Hardianto: Jazz Piece.
- · “The Fishing cat’s story is our story.” ~ Mo Heim: Fishing cats & The Foolish Girl’s Guide to Success.
- · “Our inability to perceive what has been lost to us prevents us from valuing and conserving what remains.” ~ Asher Jay: Last Exhale.
In
addition to these speakers and performers we arranged social spaces to encourage
people to meet and chat, along with interactive art, literary and paper projects
so participants could play between sessions.
We rocked out to original rap music celebrating our “Naturally” theme
from MCDT. We hosted a workshop on putting ideas into action, and listened to
charming kids from Stone Creek Charter School give their own TED talks sharing
clever innovative ideas for solving some of the worlds most pressing problems.
We
enjoyed an abundance of delicious food and snacks. Beverages were served in
water bottles donated from the Giant Bike Company and we all got to keep one.
After the rap music performance, a multitude of beach balls were tossed from
the stage. The audience was visibly delighted by this impromptu pseudo-volleyball
extravaganza. Who can keep a smile from their face while busily batting at
bright red and white TEDx emblazoned beach balls careening crazily around the
room? Giggles and laughter rang out as the beach balls soared and bounced.
At
last, the speakers were done and the livestream from San Francisco was over.
The meals were eaten. The attendees said their good-byes with bellies full of
delicious healthy fare and heads awhirl with new ideas and many happy memories
of a passionately exciting day.
As we picked up trash,
boxed items for next year, and restored the venue to its original pristine
condition, a peaceful contentment settled over the team. More than 200 people had
joined together to create a vibrant and exhilarating learning experience we
hope they never forget. We did our job well. And now, it is time to set our
sights on next year. Just think of the possibilities ahead! I can’t wait to see
what we can accomplish for 2014. Whatever it is, I am sure it will be well worth
the wait.
No comments:
Post a Comment