After attending my second TED Conference in February, 2009, I was so moved and inspired that when TED announced a new program called TEDx, I was going to do whatever it took to create a tribe and organize an event in Atlanta. It would be an experiment in human nature. Could a group of individuals who had never met before, come together around a common vision and do something truly special? Well, so far, the project has exceeded my expectations, and this dedicated group of individuals, who I now consider my respected colleagues, are putting together something truly special. From a Linked In group, to creating a day of "ideas worth spreading." Below is an excerpt from our home page, and please check out the website.
The inaugural TEDxPeachtree was held on December 4, 2009. The event, by all accounts, was an overwhelming success. As I stated at the event, my initial goal was to plant a seed in the Atlanta community that is known as "TED." It took the talented team that came together to get the seed to bloom into the "flower" that became TEDxPeachtree. I am grateful and humbled by the dedication and efforts of the group of people I now call my friends and also the TEDxPeachtree Planning Team. Attendees laughed, cried, were inspired, and were challenged to consider ideas outside of their comfort zone.
At the first meeting, I challenged members to do something they may have never done before. The challenge was this:
Could a group of people, from different skill and ethnic backgrounds, many whom had never met prior to the first meeting, come together and collaborate on something truly special?
And the answer? A resounding YES.
The 2009 inaugural event was only the beginning.
On November 5, 2010, TEDxPeachtree will host its second annual event. Check out the press announcement. And here are some absolutely stunning statistics about the success of the TEDx program in only a year's time!
