Loading images

Who is Ted and why is he so popular? The nearly 200 people who attended Sacramento’s inaugural TEDx conference last night at Hinde Auditorium at Sac State discovered that “what is TED?” is the better question. TED is a nonprofit devoted to “Ideas Worth Spreading.” It started out in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from three worlds--Technology, Entertainment, and Design--and now its scope has become ever broader. Since the launch of the TEDx program only six months ago, thousands of individuals have gathered to enjoy independently organized TEDx events. Last night, Sacramento made local history with its first TEDx conference.

TEDx Sacramento curator Brandon Weber, co-owner of The Urban Hive, is a long-time TED fanatic. Immediately upon learning about the new TEDx program, he applied for the Sacramento license from his cell phone! Last night’s event was organized by a creative team comprised of local entrepreneurs, artists, political activists, students, social media mavens, engineers and designers. The team also had support from Sacramento State, Capital Public Radio, SACE (Sacramento Association of Collegiate Entrepreneurs), The Urban Hive and Whole Foods Market.

Five innovators presented on sustainability themed topics such as turning a toxic strip of land into an urban vegetable garden, greening the city of Sacramento and creating a solar roadway. Artist David Garibaldi shared how he turned his passion for painting into a greater purpose and local musicians--Sea of Bees, Ross Hammond and Autumn Sky--entertained with their unique sounds ranging from improvisational jazz to folk rock. All of the presenters except for Scott Brusaw, who hails from Idaho, were from the Sacramento region. TEDTalk videos featuring a variety of “ideas worth spreading” were sprinkled in-between the live presentations. 18 different ideas were shared in just under 2 ½ hours! All of the presentations were recorded and will be available for viewing at the TEDx YouTube channel soon. At the end of the event, attendees cheered upon hearing that the next TEDx Sacramento event is planned for November 2010.

List of Topics & Speakers*
An American Frontier David Mogavero, Mogavero Notestine Associates
The Great Green City Ron Vrilakas, Vrilakas Architects
Recycling Carbon Chris Schuring, Ternion Bio Industries
FARM (Future Action Reclamation Mob) Robyn Waxman, FARM
Solar Roadways Scott Brusaw, Solar Roadways Project
Paint with Passion + Purpose David Garibaldi, Garibaldi Arts

*does not include video presentations

You can stay up-to-date on TEDx Sacramento events by following them on twitter, fanning their Facebook page or joining their mailing list.