TEDx is Postponed

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TEDxGR2019 UPDATE:

After much deliberation among the TEDxGrandRapids volunteer planning committee, we have decided that we can no longer host the event on May 14th.

This decision was centered around the importance of creating and executing a TEDx worthy experience. Our biggest challenge has been in generating the necessary sponsorship dollars to ensure the caliber of experience that TEDx events call for, and that attendees expect. This, combined with a fast approaching & unrealistic timeline makes cancellation of the May 14th event the most responsible course of action.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this decision may have caused. We cannot express enough how much we appreciate your commitment to TEDxGrandRapids, your willingness to participate, and the time you have invested thus far.

Please understand that this decision was not made lightly and was done so in order that we might:

* Show value and respect to the time commitment of all involved (potential speakers, attendees, sponsors, & volunteers).
* Demonstrate responsible stewardship of sponsorship funds and services provided generously by our community partners.
* Preserve the integrity of the TEDxGrandRapids brand.

For the next several weeks the planning committee will continue to meet, deliberate, and ultimately make decisions on what the future of TEDxGrandRapids will look like. This conversation will center around event strategy, participant engagement (speaker, attendee, sponsor, & volunteer), and a potential future date for the event.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to make plans for the future of TEDxGrandRapids. In the meantime, follow our social media pages for updates and please feel free to share your interests, thoughts, and ways that you feel you can help, with us via Facebook Messenger or hello@tedxgrandrapids.org.

Thank you for your patience, support, and continued commitment to TEDx Grand Rapids.

Why do I like TED Talks? – Part 6 For FUN!

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Last, but not least, the main reason why I like TED Talks? Because they are FUN!

There are so many interesting and fascinating topics that I have benefited from by watching TED talks.

Watch two of my all-time favorite TED talks and let me know what your favorites are and why!

Your brain hallucinates your conscious reality | Anil Seth

The brain-changing benefits of exercise | Wendy Suzuki

I hope your interest is piqued and you will come see what TEDxGR has to offer.

Thanks for sticking around for the 6 part series on Why I Like TED Talks? Hope to see you at the TEDxGR event! Applications close March 18! Apply to attend now!

 

About the Author:

My name is Travis Avery.  I work on the marketing team in the outdoor camping and hiking industry for a company call Sawyer Products.  Outside of work, I love outdoor adventures, going to concerts and camping music festivals, and classic cars and trucks.

Why do I like TED Talks? – Part 5 Bad Habits

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We’ll make part 5 quick and easy, as I think this video says it all.

Judson Brewer’s “A Simple Way to Break a Bad Habit” has helped me  in how I try and improve myself.

What are your bad habits?

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About The Author:

My name is Travis Avery.  I work on the marketing team in the outdoor camping and hiking industry for a company call Sawyer Products.  Outside of work, I love outdoor adventures, going to concerts and camping music festivals, and classic cars and trucks.

Why do I like TED Talks? – Part 4 To Go Hiking, Of Course!

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TED talks not only inspire me to think outside the box, they also inspire me to quit my job and chase my dreams. Well, not really,  but after watching this talk from Heather ‘Anish’ Anderson’s on writing your own fairytale, it is very inspiring.

I work in the outdoor industry and often daydream about ditching my job for an extended period on the trail. Most outdoor lovers probably feel the same.

Anish is a record setting hiker who recently completed her Calendar Year Triple Crown.  She hiked the entire AT, PCT, and CDT in 251 days, 20 hours, 10 minutes.

After watching this video do you feel like you should go hit the trails too?

About the Author:

My name is Travis Avery.  I work on the marketing team in the outdoor camping and hiking industry for a company call Sawyer Products.  Outside of work, I love outdoor adventures, going to concerts and camping music festivals, and classic cars and trucks.

Why do I like TED Talks? – Part 3 My Career

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Welcome back to, Why Do I Like TED talks? In truth, there is so much to talk about with TED, so breaking it down can be difficult. But today, we’ll turn to the business side of things.

TED talks have been relevant to my career.  Have they helped you in yours?

My business mentor recently recommended I learn more about John Doerr’s “Objectives and Key Results” which is a TED talk that discusses the importance of establishing the right goals and not using those goals as benchmarks to success.

Check it out and let me know if this resonates with you as well.

About the Author:

My name is Travis Avery.  I work on the marketing team in the outdoor camping and hiking industry for a company call Sawyer Products.  Outside of work, I love outdoor adventures, going to concerts and camping music festivals, and classic cars and trucks.

Why do I like TED Talks? – Part 2 Creativity

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Welcome back to Why Do I Like TED Talks? Let’s discuss what else there is to learn.

Another one of the videos that first hooked me on TED talks was Sir Ken Robinson’s presentation on Creativity. This might be one of TED’s most viewed talks and for good reason.

As someone who always struggled with the rigid structure of the current education system, this 2006 video not only help me work my way through higher education but also has helped shift the teaching habits of my two siblings employed in the North Carolina education system.

Watch the video below below and let me know your thoughts! Part 3 Coming Soon!

About The Author:

My name is Travis Avery.  I work on the marketing team in the outdoor camping and hiking industry for a company call Sawyer Products.  Outside of work, I love outdoor adventures, going to concerts and camping music festivals, and classic cars and trucks.

Why do I like TED Talks – Part 1 How To Tie Your Shoes

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Why do I like TED Talks? Because I have an incredibly curious mind.

It took me a long time to get over the idea of being wrong. I think that is something that is ingrained in us as human beings.  We like to be right and we are made to believe that being wrong is undesirable.

One of the most enlightening things I have ever learned is to accept the idea that finding out that I was wrong was not necessarily a bad thing but in fact, an opportunity to learn something new.

I am not limiting this conversation to prolific realizations or highly technical discussions outside of the realm of comprehension by most people, I literally learned that I was tying my shoes wrong…. at the age of 28 years old.  A simple 3 minute TED talk from Terry Moore made a permanent impact on my life on what is essentially a daily habit.

I am not saying that I was consistently tripping over myself, but I never would have guessed that I would be learning something so trivial at such a stage in my life.

Check out the TED video I am referring too and let me know your thoughts. Stay tuned for Part 2 of Why I Like TED Talks!

About The Author:

My name is Travis Avery.  I work on the marketing team in the outdoor camping and hiking industry for a company call Sawyer Products.  Outside of work, I love outdoor adventures, going to concerts and camping music festivals, and classic cars and trucks.

Why Diversity is Critical to the Mission of TEDx

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Oftentimes when hosting an event, people naturally reach out to the people that we are comfortable with, and in most cases our “Circle of Comfort” looks, thinks, and believes just like us. Often times, events end up being echo chambers, collecting and reinforcing a narrow demographic, world view, and belief structure. Understanding & addressing this systemic trap can make the difference between the enhancement or stunting of an organization. TEDx Grand Rapids has made it a strategic priority to step outside of this “Circle of Comfort” because we believe that this city can Grow in thought when we begin to venture out of our comfort zones.

As an African American male, passionately active in my community, when I walk into the room at a conference and see a lot of energetic and excited people, it should make someone feel energized and excited as well…right? Wrong. When the room is filled with people that don’t look like you or speak your first language, the first emotion that you feel is not always excitement. My first question is “Who was in charge of the invite list?”.

If we want to get the best of people. If we want them to contribute, create, innovate, and inspire – it is critical that we are taking steps to make everyone welcome & comfortable.

This is why the work of the TEDxGrandRapids Diversity & Inclusion Committee is so critical. The work of this committee touches every other planning committee by giving them a lens through which to analyze their strategy & decision making.

For the 2019 TEDx Grand Rapids we have decided to focus these key areas:

Ethnicity
Sexuality
Socio-Economic- Status
Gender
Race
Disability
Language
Religion
Political
Age

Using this as an integrated framework for planning, requires that we step out of our comfort zones and into an area where our world view can be adjusted by the thoughts of others. This means that when selecting applications, accepting attendee applications, choosing sponsors, and selecting vendors we have to be intentional about our decision making and honest about the limitations of our own experience. This is not an easy task but it is one that the TEDx Grand Rapids Planning Team has committed to.

For each committee we ask the following questions:

What are the representation goals of this committee?
How will you implement a plan to ensure areas that need representation for this committee are being covered?
Where are you looking for representation in?
Are your committees goals and plans usable for future TEDx’s?

TEDx has the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) of changing the way that information & creativity flow through and impact a community. In order for this to happen, thoughtful attention to Diversity & Inclusion is essential. Imagine the dialogue, conversation, & creativity that can be inspired when we get many voices & experiences into one space. That is something to be excited about.

About the Author:

Dwight Hudson the Diversity Committee chair for TEDx Grand Rapids.  Originally from Charleston, SC, he and moved to Grand Rapids in 2012.  “I have seen this city GRow a lot since I have been here and I am excited to see how it continues.”

 

Grand Rapids Recent Growth

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Growth defines Grand Rapids. The city bustles with residents flocking to trendy apartment complexes. Construction sites climb skyward, and new businesses pop up every day.

The media has taken notice. In recent years, Grand Rapids has gained a reputation as one of America’s hottest destinations. Top 10 lists of fastest growing economies and best cities for first-time home buyers consistently include Grand Rapids. The craft brewing industry reigns supreme, earning Grand Rapids’ distinction as Beer City USA. Not that long ago, critics thought of Grand Rapids as flyover country.

Lifelong residents can hardly recognize the downtown area they once knew. The rise of the VanAndel Arena, Medical Mile, and the Grand Rapids Downtown Market amaze people to this day. Each year, ArtPrize draws in over 500,000 visitors, who check out the art pieces filling every public space. Once complete, the Grand River Restoration project will offer new walkways and water sports. Change is coming to the city, and it’s coming fast.

Is this change positive if some residents are left behind, though? Not all of the lists that Grand Rapids has appeared on have been positive. In 2015, Forbes Magazine ranked Grand Rapids in second place on a list of the least economically-friendly cities toward African Americans. Another concern is that gentrification will increase the cost of food and housing, pushing out individuals who can no longer afford to live downtown. What good is growth if it comes with greater racial disparity and income inequality?

As Grand Rapids grows, it is critical to consider what the impact of change will be. Infrastructure needs to adapt to accommodate a rising population. Sustainability must factor into building plans. Neighborhoods can shape the cities’ brand.

What’s your take? Do you like the direction that Grand Rapids is heading in? Are you feeling excited about the development, worried about change, or somewhere in between? How do you think the city should grow intentionally?

Jump into the conversation today. Share your thoughts below or post a comment on our Facebook page.

What Is TEDx?

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If you’ve ever browsed YouTube or listened to podcasts, you have likely heard of TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design). Yet not everyone is familiar with TED’s related TEDx events. So what exactly is TEDx?

TEDx gathers creative, thoughtful individuals together for a day of learning, collaboration, and growth. Coordinated independently with the support of volunteers, TEDx events take place at college campuses and in cities around the world. Hosts brings their unique style to TEDx, but all events feature brief, dynamic presentations.

How does this relate to TED? TED and TEDx share a mission of spreading ideas worth sharing. TED offers talks on topics ranging from science to business to an international audience. TEDx brings the TED energy to the local level, where people can spark conversations in the context of their own neighborhood.

At a TEDx event, you will encounter speakers representing diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Arriving from all over the country, they open up conversations across a wide array of topics. Between presentations, space is available for open discussions, networking, and sometimes entertainment via local artists. The aim is to spark a conversation, which lasts well beyond the event itself.

Join theTEDxGrandRapids conversation today by following us on Facebook and Twitter, signing up for emails, and checking for updates on our website.

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