About
TED, TEDx & TEDxKatoomba
TED began back in 1984 as a conference where speakers present their ideas that centred around Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED). Decades later, TED has evolved to encompass everything from science and business to education, arts, and global issues. Each year TED gives a platform for ideas that spark imagination, embrace possibility and catalyse impact.
TEDx is a grassroots initiative, created in the spirit of TED’s overall mission to research and discover “ideas worth spreading.” TEDx brings the spirit of TED to local communities around the globe through TEDx events. These events are organised by passionate individuals who seek to uncover new ideas and to share the latest research in their local areas that spark conversations in their communities. TEDx events are organised independently under a free license granted by TED. They are not controlled by TED, but event organisers agree to abide by TED’s guidelines and its format:
Short, carefully prepared talks, demonstrations and performances that are idea-focused, and cover a wide range of subjects to foster inspiration and wonder – and provoke conversations that matter - all under 18 minutes.
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TEDxKatoomba will be the first TEDx event in the Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia. The program for 2023 will feature a diverse suite of voices within the local community and beyond. It will be a day of expansive, creative and open thinking with no other agenda other than learning.
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“I love TED Talks. I have done for a decade. Some talks launch careers, and some launch ideas into the stratosphere. Others resonate personally and let the viewer know that they are not alone in what they are facing. Carole Dweck first communicated her “Growth Mindset” in a TED talk, and now it is central to how we educate every child in this country. Simon Sinek was an unknown marketing consultant when he told the business world to “Start with Why” and it is now the first step in every entrepreneur's journey. Great ideas can come from anywhere, anytime. They are not limited to academia, nor to cosmopolitan capitals. TEDxKatoomba is no less valid than TEDxLondon or TEDxBeijing.”
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Niall Clerkin, TEDxKatoomba Curator & Lead Organiser
