Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

TED…a conference where people tell interesting short stories of their experiences in life. These are Ideas Worth Spreading, according to TED’s mission. Ideas Worth Spreading huh? I shall soon confirm.

TED is 50 or so 18 minute “unrehearsed” presentations from some of the biggest names in the world and some that few have ever heard of, all converging at an event said to be spectacular and “life changing.” This is what I’ve garnered from the press, the TED website and confirmed by the TEDsters I know.

Currently, I’m a TEDVirgin. Next week I’m off to Palm Springs (my hometown) for TEDActive. While I wish I was going to Long Beach where the actual event is held, I am only able to attend TEDActive in Palm Springs this year. TEDActive is where TEDWannabees like me pay 2/3 the price of the actual TED Conference in Long Beach and hang out with 399 others and watch the event on TV, live. Sound ridiculous? I for one can’t wait.

For those you that don’t understand the different TEDs, here’s a quick breakdown:

TED
This is the actual conference in Long Beach and is invitation only. 50 live presenters, 18 min each, 4 days, from the Dalai Lama to Bill Gates, about 1400 in attendance, $6k/head.

TEDActive
Held in Palm Springs, this is the live simulcast version where overflow wannabees get to watch and interact with the TED experience at a mere $3800-ish. Tons of events in addition to the presentations coincide and make for great networking with 400 total in attendance.

Here’s how they describe TEDActive:

The swanky, mountain-framed and pool-dappled Riviera Resort in Palm Springs is the backdrop for four days of gripping talks and engrossing TEDActive workshops. We will explore how the next gen in tech, entertainment and design can be brought to bear on “What the World Needs Now …” In this luxurious, brainpower-fueled environment, you’ll enjoy the live-hosted TED2010 program on crisp Sony monitors, you’ll connect with other curious and passionate souls in pre-conference outdoor adventures and campfire-hued meet-and-greets, and if you so desire, you may even step up into the program spotlight during TEDYOU.

TEDx
This is the independent version of TED, where a local group, individual or organization becomes licensed by TED to put on their own mini-TED event. Ours is TEDxAmericanRiviera and will be held on 10/10/10 at 10:10:10am. Cost: almost free.

TEDGlobal
Like TED, but somewhere else in the world like Oxford, UK.

Anyhow, check out www.ted.com for more information. I hope you get a chance to attend a TED event some time in your life. I hear its truly amazing. I’ll let you know in about a week.