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University of Lethbridge looking for presenters for TEDx speaker event

The call is out for people interested in becoming a TEDx presenter at the University of Lethbridge in January 2020.

The U of L will present its first TEDx event on January 25, 2020. The University is now looking for candidates to apply to be a speaker or performer addressing the theme of I Am Still Learning. Learning is a lifelong journey of discovery and the U of L is inviting anyone to submit a talk idea consistent with this theme.

“This is our first opportunity to present a TEDx event and we’re thrilled to begin planning for what promises to be an amazing day,” says Kathleen Massey, the University’s associate vice-president (students). “We will be looking to present a diverse group of speakers who can really stretch the envelope on our theme and spark some great conversations. The U of L has long been a driver of ideas and lifelong learning in southern Alberta and TEDx is another way to engage discussion in our community.”

Those interested in applying to present at TEDxUleth must submit an application form (available here) by Wednesday, Nov. 20. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by Nov. 25 that they are invited for auditions.

“Once we go through the audition process, which will run from Nov. 27 through Dec. 4, we will notify the selected speakers on Dec. 6,” says U of L student Imogen Pohl, one of the event organizers. “I’m really looking forward to this process and hearing the great ideas that will come out of it. We have so many smart, talented people here in southern Alberta, I think we’ll be blown away by the presenters.”

The independently produced event, operated under a license from TED, is organized by community volunteers and aimed at creating dialogue as well as giving people a forum to share their passions, ideas and experiences. Sponsorship opportunities for the event are currently available by contacting University Advancement Development Director Barry Knapp at 403-329-2389 or barry.knapp@uleth.ca.

Launched in 2009, TEDx is a program of locally organized events that bring the community together to share a TED-like experience. Some of the best talks from TEDx events have gone on to be featured on TED.com and garnered millions of views from audiences across the globe.

For more information, visit TEDxUleth or contact Tedx@uleth.ca.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event



In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

About TED



TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California almost 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world's leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes on a diverse mix of topics. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

TED's media initiatives include TED.com, where new TED Talks are posted daily; the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed; and TEDBooks, short e-books on powerful ideas. TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional individuals with a wish to change the world get help translating their wishes into action; TEDx, which supports individuals or groups in hosting local, self-organized TED-style events around the world; and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.

Follow TED on Twitter at twitter.com/TEDTalks, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TED.

For information about TED's upcoming conferences, visit www.ted.com/registration.