TEDx

One of the biggest problems for great ideas is that they get lost due to lack of distribution channels. This is especially sad, when many lost ideas have the power to positively change peoples’ lives.

However, TEDx – baby sister to TED Talks – was created in 2009 to make sure that some of these ideas get proper attention. With a focus on Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED), the TEDx program was designed to help communities, organizations and individuals to spark conversation and connection through local TED-like experiences.

The TED concept itself can be traced back to 1984, when it was initiated as a one-off event. In 1990 it was picked up as a yearly event. But up until 2009 it was only the TED organization itself, that could arrange talks.

TEDx events are prohibited from making profit, although sometimes a fee ($100 max.) can be charged to cover running costs. The licences are free, but franchisees are vetted and events are subject to conditions. Speakers are not paid and they must agree to give TED the right to edit and distribute their presentation under a Creative Commons licence.

Since 2009, more than 50,000 talks have been given at more than 15,000 TEDx events in every corner of the world. And on average, five TEDx events are being organized in 133 countries every day. Enabling hundreds and thousands of good and great ideas to be spread around the world.

As of 2017, more than one billion people have watched TEDx content online. Indeed great a platform for improving life.