TED – Auckland

Anyone familiar with the Long Beach, California phenomenon TED will be excited that the event is coming to Auckland on 1 October.   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 the organisers believe are collectively shaping our future. 

The diverse audience – CEOs, scientists, creatives, philanthropists – is as extraordinary as the speakers, who have included Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Paul Simon, Sir Richard Branson, Philippe Starck and Bono.

So for the first time, TED comes to Auckland.    Entry is free – but by way of a rather onerous application form – and speakers are:

Scott Gilmour  – Dreamer
Brenda Frisk – Learning Technologist
Nigel Parker – Technologist
Michael Henderson  – Corporate Anthropologist
Dr Robin Kelly – Doctor, Author
Ray Avery – inventor, Scientist, Humanitarian
Billy Gammon – Adventurer
Wendy McGuiness – Reluctant Futurist

Each speaker is limited to a well crafted 12 minute slot – which will be filmed and professionally produced to be included in the TED website.

This will be worth attending, I’d say.  To register, head to the Ted Auckland website and get started on the registration form – which is more akin to an application to join some exclusive club.  I have applied to attend, and time will tell whether I make the grade!  Succesful applicants find out on 15 September whether they are deemed suitable – hope to see you there, as it will be an event with a difference.

1 October 2009 – 3:00pm to 8:00pm with after party until 11:00pm.

Fraser Hurrell is one of three directors of Elevate CA Limited, Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors in Whangarei, New Zealand.