A TEDx event is a local gathering where live TED-like talks and videos previously recorded at TED conferences are shared with the community. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis. The content and design of each TEDx event is unique and developed independently, but all of them have features in common.

TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world. You can see TED talks at http://TED.com.

In 2014, Corrie and Loti Woods decided it was time to have a TEDx event locally. They organized and produced the first TEDxTryon event held at the Tryon Fine Arts Center in September, 2015. It was so successful and well received that Arlene Cassidy stepped up and organized TEDxTryon 2016, which was also held at the Tryon Fine Arts Center in September of this year. The 2016 event was equally successful and the excitement is building for the next TEDxTryon event.

The speakers from both events were local, and this year presented amazing ideas ranging from “Conflict Resolution,” “Duke Power – Did we get it right?” “Changing Your Aging Brain is Child’s Play,” “Epigenetics, Food as Medicine” to “A Bumble Bee & Limitlessness.” To see the TEDxTryon talks from 2015 and 2016, go to www.tedxtryon.com. 

This year we had the Spartanburg Ballet, a heart warming story by Andy Bunch (you can see his video also in the 2016 Talks section) about his heart transplant, and local singer/songwriter Aron Burdett.

The next TEDxTryon event will be held in the late spring/early summer of 2018. If you are interested in coaching speakers, being a speaker or being a volunteer, contact Kent and Linda Holden by email at TEDxTryonJKH@gmail.com.

– article submitted by Kent Holden