TED Conferences: Spreading Ideas Worldwide

TED talks, TED conferences, TEDx events, recently TED is making a splash in today’s news. Who would have thought something based solely on the sharing of good ideas could be such a success? TED, a non-profit organization started in 1984, recently held its annual TED conference in Edinburgh, Scotland. The TED talks, or segments of all the speakers from the different TED conferences, covered innumerable topics ranging from religion, to music, to business. You name it, TED covered it. TED offers many opportunities for people, especially in today’s business world.

For those who have never heard of TED, it is a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading ideas across the world. Its slogan, ‘Ideas worth Spreading’, sums up its all-inclusive philosophy and mission. Each year, TED holds an annual conference somewhere around the world. All TED conferences feature many speakers in the program and they  range from authors of bestselling books, to politicians, and more. After the conference, TED ‘talks’ are posted on the website, with each ‘talk’ available in many different translated languages so people all across the world can view them and understand them.

TEDx events are also held all over the world. They are independently organized and designed to give communities and organizations a means to spread local ideas. These TEDx events usually include a screening of TED conferences and other TED talks and videos. They may include live local presenters, workshops, and more. The quantity of activities is determined by the local TEDx event coordinator .

So where can you find a local TEDx event? Go online to the TED website (www.ted.com) and click on TEDx events. Find your event location, date, and time, and go. If there isn’t one in your area, you can always organize your own TEDx event. Greenville, SC recently held a TEDx event. At Coffee Underground, in downtown Greenville, the TED talks were screened from the 2011 conference in Edinburgh, Scotland. Greenville is also holding the next TEDx event on March 16, 2012. The event is open to the public and tickets are available. Time and place are still to be announced.

TED offers wonderful learning opportunities for anyone and everyone. As a business too, TED offers  multiple opportunities that are worth investigating. First: There is the obvious learning opportunity. Viewers can select TED talks specifically about business. Second: There are unique networking opportunities. At TEDx events, you will meet other colleagues in your area, form new connections, and realize that the possibilities are endless. Third: There is publicity. Your company can offer a presenter at your local TEDx event. TED offers many opportunities for the today’s enlightened business person.