What is 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 broaderstill, 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 Feb 9-13, 2010, in Long Beach, California, with a simulcast event in Palm Springs, California.  TEDIndia will be held in November 2009.

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx - 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.

What is TEDxTORONTO?

TEDxToronto (TEDxTO) was established by an enthusiastic group of volunteers based in Toronto who are passionate about TED and generating "Ideas Worth Spreading".

This year’s theme is “A Call to Action”. After all, an idea without any action behind it merely stays as an idea. This theme is a challenge to both speakers and attendees to transform their ideas into tangible action that will make a positive difference in their communities.

• 12 speakers  (View speaker bios at http://www.tedxtoronto.com )
• 4 TED Videos
• 2 networking breaks
• TEDxToronto after-party
• 300+ live attendees with a webcast of approx. 3500 connections.
• Visit TEDxToronto for more information.

The main event will be held at the Glenn Gould Studios. Because space and tickets are limited, we are hosting a live webcast of the event at CSI.

9am to 5pm (stay as long or as short as you want. Drop-ins and outs are allowed)