As you'd expect, the TED Global conference in
Edinburgh last week (that's Technology Entertainment Design) was
packed with tightly curated on-stage delights. Delegates fortunate
enough to be part of this international tribe of optimists -- and
your reporter's presence resulted from his media credentials,
rather than a $6,000 (£3,866) ticket -- were regularly stirred over
the five days by the raw power of first-person narratives, mind
blowing technology demonstrations, and musical performances from
the likes of Macy Gray and Imogen Heap.
Not every talk was must-watch, naturally: a few overpolished
speakers used their 18 minutes to tell the audience that the
climate is changing, that China is becoming richer and more
ambitious, and that you can't easily tweet from Beijing. But some
dynamite talks are already making their way to the TED.com website.
Do watch Boaz Almog demonstrate the quantum levitation of a
superconductor. Be moved by the bravery of Elyn Saks talking
about the schizophrenia that has not prevented her from
attaining academic success. And enjoy Massimo Banzi talk
about the world the Arduino spawned, or Don
Tapscott expound on the benefits that openness could bring the
corporate world.
But it's the activities off the main stage that define the TED
experience as much as the formal talks. So here are ten highlights
from my TED Global that help explain why the intensity of the
experience means I'm only now working through my notebook a few
days later… Continue reading