
TEDxUniPittsburgh (Planning)
Some of you have likely already heard about TED. For those that do not, please see
http://www.ted.com/pages/view/id/5. It is, in essence, a conference built around sharing ideas. Another important part of TED is that many of the talks from these conferences are available online for free.
TED has recently started another branch, known as TEDx, where x = independently organized events. This branch is designed to allow people to host events in their own town (or university) with at least some talks from the web, but also the possibility of live speakers. Again, the idea is to share in ideas - and actively discuss them, rather than sitting around watching them by yourself (as I tend to do). I am interested in pulling together an event (at this point, working-title of TEDxPitt) which would allow students to speak (as well as others). The idea of student speakers stems from the University of British Columbia's Terry Talks. I think an interesting theme would be 'Where were you?' as in, what our children will ask us when they look back in 30 years, but I would love suggestions. That one is largely environmental. For a date, I was thinking November 7th or 14th (both are Saturdays). Place would depend on expected attendance.
If you have ideas or are interested in updates, post below and I will add you to the list. If you are interested in speaking, contact me personally. Speakers are traditionally challenged to give 'the talk of their lives', and should possess interesting ideas/experiences, good speaking skills, and hopefully passion.