TEDx Windy City

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.

At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.*

(*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

About TED

TED is an annual event where some of the world’s leading thinkers and doers are invited to share what they are most passionate about. “TED” stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design — three broad subject areas that are, collectively, shaping our future. And in fact, the event is broader still, showcasing ideas that matter in any discipline. Attendees have called it “the ultimate brain spa” and “a four-day journey into the future.” The diverse audience — CEOs, scientists, creatives, philanthropists — is almost as extraordinary as the speakers, who have included Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Frank Gehry, Paul Simon, Sir Richard Branson, Philippe Starck and Bono.

TED was first held in Monterey, California, in 1984. In 2001, Chris Anderson’s Sapling Foundation acquired TED from its founder, Richard Saul Wurman. In recent years, TED has expanded to include an international conference, TEDGlobal; media initiatives, including TED Talks and TED.com; and the TED Prize. TED2010, “What the world Needs Now,” will be held Springs, California.

The TEDxWindyCity Manifesto

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDxWindyCity will:

1. Be held in Chicago
2. Be open to the public
3. Keep ticket prices accessible
4. Provide a platform for the inspiring, innovative, revolutionary, moving, ground breaking, and influential
5. Provide opportunities for projects and programs that are up-and-coming to be seen, heard, felt, and supported
6. Create a space for community networking and idea sharing
7. Adhere to our overarching theme of: Thriving in the 21st century in selecting content, speakers and performers
8. Support community initiatives
9. Introduce national and global initiatives and speakers to our Chicago audience
10. Encourage calls to action
11. Welcome support and suggestions, leaving egos at the door
12. Entertain, inform and amuse!

TEDxWindyCity is presented by:

Shannon Downey, CEO of Pivotal Production

John Beckman, Project Director at The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Kathleen McCarthy, Director of Collections and Head Curator at The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago