TEDxCanberra is about to burst onto the stage at the Kambri precinct at ANU. Photo: Supplied.
TED is a well-known media phenomenon around the world, and TEDxCanberra is about to resume live performances at the Kambri precinct at the Australian National University following a series of online events during COVID-19.
TED stands for technology, entertainment and design, and TED talks are centred around thought leadership, leading-edge technology and cutting-edge design. Speakers at the events range from entrepreneurs to entertainers, and the shows are popular around the world.
TED is a non-profit which began in 1984 as a conference with a purpose to make great ideas accessible and spark conversations. Since then it has grown to be a global phenomenon, with local franchises in cities around the world. Local self-organised events are branded TEDx, where the ‘x’ stands for independently organised.
Region Media is partnering with TEDxCanberra this year as its media partner.
Chun-Yin San is the local licence holder for TEDx and volunteers to run TEDxCanberra along with lead curator Kristin Boag. They are both excited about the resumption of live TEDx events in Canberra.
“Central to who we are is the format,” says Chun-Yin. “We want people to enjoy the experience. It may be the first time people have met in person for some time.
“Our focus is on finding emerging voices and talent from our community. There are lots of events that find the biggest and brightest stars so we try to focus on those people who are emerging as leaders, to take their work to the next stage.
“We do a lot of scouting around, keeping an eye on the community for changemakers. We have a lot of performances as well so we look out for emerging talent.”
TEDxCanberra 2020 has two main events – TEDxCanberraWomen 2020: Fearless and TEDxCanberra 2020: Imagine.
TEDxCanberraWomen 2020: Fearless features an afternoon of live talks and performances by female changemakers, trailblazers and big thinkers from Canberra and will be held at the Australian National University’s Kambri precinct on 29 November, both inside and in the outdoor amphitheater.
Social distancing rules will apply, and the theatre, which has a capacity of 550, will only seat 250 people to enforce this.
“The ANU Kambri precinct has been really generous and offered us the entire precinct,” says Chun-Yin.
“We’ve designed our event around that precinct so it begins outdoors by Sullivans Creek. We’re inviting Ngunnawal elders to do a welcome to country and a smoking ceremony, and we will have networking in a COVID-19 safe way. The Manning Clarke Theatre will be where the main session will happen, but we will only be seating 250 people.”
The speakers list for the first event is still being finalised, but one thing is certain: it will be a fascinating event. You can register here.
Taking place one week after the TEDxCanberraWomen event, TEDxCanberra 2020: Imagine will be held on 6 December at the same location.
As TEDxCanberra’s flagship event of 2020, it will be jam-packed with engaging talks, breathtaking performances, stunning short films and discovery sessions that will help you see yourself, and the world, differently. Register here.
Keep an eye on the TEDxCanberra website for details.
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