It was a rather long trip from Tokyo to Vancouver the other Saturday. With the 16 hours difference, or 8 hours counter clock, you have a chance to live a Saturday twice, which I did, having spent the first Saturday walking down the Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, and the second Saturday in Vancouver checking in for the TEDActive events, having a dinner twice too: one with the TED crowd and the other one with a ex-colleague of mine and his family, which moved to Vancouver 8 years ago. It was a nice surprise to get a call from him upon the check-in at the airport on Facebook!
I was planning on attending the TEDActive since many months before. Last year’s TEDActive in California was a positive experience Читать на английскомwhich I treat as a quick update on world knowledge, with a great bonus of mingling with like-minded individuals from all over the World. TEDActive is an alternative way of attending TED, which is a stand-alone event. People who come to TEDActive are in major part are TEDx organizers, as well as those who wants to experience the TED spirit in a way more relaxed way, sitting in simulcast lounges, having impromptu conversations, dinners, activities, and many more. Besides the average age of TEDActive participants is around 35, while at TED’s audience is at least 10 years older on average too.
This year TED is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the remarkable move from a motherland in California to Vancouver, Canada. Looks like Vancouver is making big efforts in promoting its city as a new place for innovation and ideas. It is hard to guess how much they put into talking TED into making this migration, and organizing everything for nearly over 1500 delegates, including building up the theater for TEDTalks from the scratch.
The weather in Vancouver is… gloomy, cold and very windy. Whereas in Whistler, the location for TEDActive, it's pleasantly snowing tonight. Pleasantly for me, whereas many are complaining about the cold. Whistler is a charming chalet type of village, with the facilities built for 2010 winter olympics. Hopefully I will hit the slopes after all.
Today TEDx organizers have spent on the Grouse Mountain, engaged into all sorts of workshops, discussing everything from how to partner with sponsors, to coaching the speakers. Me, jet lagged, had difficulties in catching up with all.
The overall atmosphere is rather hype. People are excitedly meeting old and making new friends, many are regulars to TEDActive, creating an interesting community. Tomorrow night, the TED will officially kick off with 1 evening session, followed by a reception. The rest of the week will be filled up with at least 23 talks per day, making 100 talks for 4 days of conference. The theme for the TED 2014 is the "Next Chapter". Talks will vary in subjects, giving my favorite "aha" moments. Can't wait for this intellectual excitement to come upon me.
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