5 things you didn't know about TED and TEDxPerth

Posted on

Aug 8, 2019

Since the first invite-only TED conference in Monterrey, California over 30 years ago, TED has branched out to include TED Global, TED Prize and the well known TED Talks and TEDx and that’s where TEDxPerth steps in...

Here are 5 fun facts about TED & TEDxPerth:

1. TEDxPerth is the second largest TEDx event in Australia
West Australians have a lot of ideas worth spreading. TEDxPerth was founded by Joel Miller and with current CEO Gavin Buckley has grown to more than 2,000 attendees each year, making it a “must-see” event in Perth's calendar. Gavin's work with TEDxPerth was recognised this year when he was named Community Citizen of the Year by the City of Perth.

2. TEDxPerth is a not-for-profit event, run entirely by volunteers
TEDxPerth is driven by professionals: volunteers united by the transformative power of ideas. Ticket prices are set only to cover the running costs of our events. By giving a platform for the Ideas Worth Spreading of Perth's brightest thinkers and doers, we are proud to present a beacon for all that is remarkable, challenging and thought-provoking in Perth.

3. What do the letters in TED stand for?
Technology, entertainment and design were the foundation stones of TED, but today TED stretches across a vast range of disciplines. There are over 3,000 TED Talks and interviews to stir your curiosity. Think of TED as your source of stories from real people, sharing experiences that make you stop and think.

4. TED began as an ‘ultimate dinner party’ in the eighties
The story of TED starts in 1984 in California when architect and graphic designer Richard Saul Wurman wanted to create the "ultimate dinner party". TED was created as an "anti-conference" — no death by PowerPoint or one-hour lectures!

5. The x in TEDxPerth = independently organised event
TEDx means independently organised TED event. These happen all over the world, operating under the TED umbrella as licensed franchisees. Currently, there are over 10,000 TEDx events happening around the globe! Like TED, these more localised events are based around the notion of spreading innovative ideas, and are designed to bring people together to share in a TED-like experience.
