TED Talks, an internationally-known conference that features ground-breaking ideas in the fields of technology, entertainment and design, is coming to DU Thursday.
Called TEDxDU, the event is a localized version of the annual event that originated in Monterey, Calif. TED stands for technology, entertainment and design, which are three broad topics that the speakers at the conference will address.
A TEDx event, such as the one being held on campus this week, features TED Talks videos and live speakers that address smaller groups. Today TED has expanded to include TEDGlobal events internationally, as well as TED awards.
The conference will feature speakers, many from all over Colorado who epitomize what TED is all about: building and sharing “ideas worth spreading,” at the conference from 1-6 p.m. in Gates Hall. There will also be viewing parties in Driscoll Student Center and Craig Hall.
The speakers, who will speak for a short block of time each, have a wide gamut of specialties and backgrounds, range from documentarians to neuropsychologists. Their talks will share groundbreaking ideas in their fields and specialties in the hopes of inspiring people with a greater understanding of what is going on in the world.
There are 19 confirmed speakers. Some include William Epsey with Chipotle Mexican Grill, who will address creativity and madness and Neal Foard, an ad man for Saatchi and Saatchi, a communications network. His session will focus on cheering for the wrong team.
The Spirituals Choir also will perform.
A catered reception will follow the day full of speakers. During this time attendees will have the opportunity to talk with speakers and participate in hands-on activities.
Geoff Renstrom, who has been working in TEDxDU’s social media section, believes that the conference is important because it helps get the word out on otherwise lesser-known subjects.
“It cuts across media to share new ideas,” Renstrom said. “It’s dealing with issues people don’t hear about on a daily basis but should know about.”
Scott Gilbert, a contracting consultant who has been working with the TEDxDU conference since its inception and who sees it becoming an annual DU event, looks at the long-term impact the conference can have.
“[It’s] an important forum for recognizing others for their action, with the ultimate goal of stimulating additional people to tackle these thorny issues that challenge our world,” Gilbert said.
TEDxDU, which was open to the community, filled registration within the first few weeks, following suit of the TED Talks conference in Long Beach, Calif., which has already sold out for its 2011 Talk.
However, for those still wanting to be a part of TEDxDU, there will be watch parties taking place simultaneously. The event will also be streamed live on the event’s website. Registration for events closed May 5.
For more information on TEDxDU visit www.du.edu./tedxdu. Videos from the TED Talks conferences can be viewed at www.ted.com. The conference also can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.
