TEDx-talks are coming to Warrington in June involving inspirational speakers from across the region and beyond.
With talks on topics as diverse as mental health, conservation, neurodiversity, disability, music and comedy, the evening promises to be a learning smorgasbord and event highlight for 2022.
So, how well do you know the global TED and TEDx brands? And what will TEDx offer Warrington?
We asked organiser and Warrington business-owner Kirsty James to answer some key questions.
Why is TEDx good news for Warrington?
Obtaining the Warrington licence and bringing TEDx talks to Warrington is a huge cultural milestone for the town and one that has already generated huge amounts of positive feedback and social engagement.
This is a community event that will enhance the cultural fabric of the town. It brings a global brand to Warrington and shines the spotlight on the town, the Pyramid Parr Hall venue, local people and organisations.
The chosen theme ‘Build Connection and Strengthen Communities’ and talk categories ‘Embracing Change’ and ‘Diversity and Inclusion’, were chosen to complement Warrington’s independent thinking and collaborative spirit and reflect the challenges of 2020-21. They align perfectly with the exciting redevelopment and cultural priorities of a town that is asserting a strong position as a vibrant point of connectivity in the North.
What is TED?
Possibly one of the most famous speaker conferences globally, TED is a non-profit organisation devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading that started as a four-day conference in California 30 years ago.
What is TEDx?
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. These local, self-organised events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organised TED event.
What are the TEDxWarrington plans?
The event will run at the Pyramid Parr Hall, Warrington on Thursday 23 June and involve up to 10 speakers.
Who is behind TEDxWarrington?
There are several groups of people involved in this event.
The Team – both a core organising team and an external support team.
The Event Partners – offer services, products and support to the event.
The Sponsors – ensure the event is financially viable (along with ticket sales).
The Speakers – our rising stars with their great Ideas Worth Spreading.
I’d invite you to visit the website www.tedxwarrington.com to read more about the people behind TEDxWarrington. You might even pick up a top TED-talk recommendation too as everyone has shared their favourite.
Why is TEDx so valuable as an event format?
Let me quote our TEDx speaker coach, Catherine Sandland, “TEDx speakers present ideas that spark curiosity, start conversations and challenge beliefs and behaviour”.
Will there only be talks?
You’ll have to attend to find out but let’s say we’re keen to introduce variety.
What will the programme involve?
This hasn’t yet been shared yet. 12 speaker candidates have been in secret rehearsals and the final line up will be announced in June. What I can say is that there are some hidden gems about to hit the stage in June.
Can you share 3 TED / TEDx facts?
1. TED has over 14.7 million subscribers & had over 2.6 billion views as of Sept 2021
2. TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment & Design converged.
3. More than 13,000 TEDx events have been held in 150 countries.
Why should people support it?
To hear ideas worth spreading that spark curiosity and conversation and change behaviour; and to be part of something special and support Warrington take its place as a TEDx event location.
Are tickets available?
Tickets were released by the Pyramid Parr Hall Box Office on 18 May and sold out in hours. A waitlist system is now in operation via the www.tedxwarrington.com website for any subsequent releases of tickets. Tickets have also been ringfenced for our event sponsors.
Are there ways to support this event?
As a non-commercial event, the organising team are reliant on the goodwill of Warrington people and organisations to cover event costs by way of ticket and sponsor revenue. Organisers will be announcing confirmed sponsors very shortly but there is still chance to support something special and give back to the Warrington community plus benefit from some promotional exposure and a ticket. Get in touch to find out more.
For further information visit www.tedxwarrington.com or email [email protected]
Confirmed event host and three-time TEDx speaker, Andrew Thorp; Organiser and licensee Kirsty James; and TEDx Speaker Coach and former TEDx speaker Catherine Sandland.
Picture: Andrew Collier Photography
