Last October, at the MCA, the inaugural TEDxMidwest launched.
It was really exciting to get two days of TED-inspired talks in a very authentic TED-atmosphere right in Chicago. I personally enjoyed Jason Fried of 37signals talk and hearing Katrina Markoff of Vosges chocolates discuss creative inspiration.
Plus David Lowery was the musical host. I aggressively lobbied for "Take the skinheads bowling" but he mostly stuck to Cracker tunes.
In fact, the TEDx idea is one of the aspects I 'm most excited about. I think it is a great way to expand and distribute the best stuff TED has to offer outside of having to attend the Long Beach or Palm Springs events. And it obviates a lot of the "elitest" criticism I referenced in my last post around the TED brand by branching out into various communities.
It also is super cool to connect with Chicago people that dig this kind of stuff and who are up to numerous interesting and innovating things. I've often been blown away by the Chicago creative scene - whether it be music, art, architecture - and now there seems to be a new wave of energy here. Especially with a lot of the tech stuff happening.
Anyway, if you live in and/or near Chicago, dig creative, media, arts, etc, I highly suggest checking out TEDxMidwest 2011. It will be in October again and part of Chicago Ideas Week.
See you there.
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