After the successful TEDx USFSP event two years ago, the talk is coming back.
This year it will be held on April 4 with the theme “Catalyst: Spark the Change.”
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing a platform for expert speakers on education, business, science, tech and creativity, to bring forth ideas that are influential to the masses. The event inspired the creation of TEDx, which services local communities who want to engage in similar conversations on a smaller scale.
Both TED and TEDx work together to follow the mission of “ideas worth spreading.”
CJ Vila, event organizer, hopes that the talk will bring the university together to spread stimulating ideas. If the event is anything like it was in the past the audience should expect nonstop thrills. The 2015 event showcased Dan Meyer, a sword swallower, and Manuela Baron who explained how to lead a trash free life.
“We hope to organize an event that involves students, staff, faculty and the community,” the LSO Coordinator said.
According to Villa, the event is open to anyone who has idea, and the speakers will range from USF alumni, students, faculty and members of the community.
Although the application period to register as a speaker has already passed, the list of presenters will be released in the last week of March.
TEDx is specific about the number of people allowed in the event. Only 100 people are allowed to be inside and seats are limited.
Anyone wanting to attend the event must apply for tickets on the Leadership and Student Organizations Office (LSO) Pete Sync webpage.
For those unable to acquire a ticket, there will be a TEDx watch party at The Reef.
Students who wish to be a part of the event but aren’t interested in speaking can still get in on the fun. LSO is looking for anyone interested in being a part of the TEDx committee. These students will help with pre/post functions and should contact the LSO at lso@usfsp.edu.
“We’re hoping to draw a new crowd as well as the same crowd from the last TEDx,” said Vila.
