TED (TECHNOLOGY, ENTERTAINMENT, DESIGN)
TED is an annual conference held in Vancouver, Canada that brings together the brightest minds of our generation to share their ideas with a curated audience of open-minded individuals. Based on any number of subjects, these “TED Talks”, are then made available online for free so that their ideas may be spread throughout the world. (Photo by Ryan Lash / TED)
TEDx (INDEPENDENTLY-ORGANIZED TED EVENTS)
Created in the spirit of TED’s mission, “ideas worth spreading,” the TEDx program gives local communities the opportunity to create TED-like experiences locally through their own event. Since the program’s creation, tens of thousands of TEDx events have spread throughout the world in places like Dubai, Tokyo, and, of course, Naperville.
TEDXNAPERVILLE, A CHICAGO AREA IDEAS CONFERENCE
TEDxNaperville is the longest-running independent TED event in the Chicago area and the Midwest. Since 2010, we've shared radical ideas with the Naperville community, including talks from Olympic gold medalist Meryl Davis, former Chicago Police superintendent Gary McCarthy, microbiologist Jack Gilbert, and virality media expert Emerson Spartz.
OUR VISION AND GOALS
UNCOVER
We seek out individuals and ideas that are changing the world and provide a platform to launch them into prominence.
PROVOKE
We seek to challenge conventional thinking, tear down barriers and biases, and present visionary, and at times, uncomfortable ideas.
DRIVE
We create initiatives for individuals to explore and challenge how they think about and build their communities.
CURRENT INITIATIVES
ADVENTURES (EST. 2012)
Adventures are field trips for grown ups, designed to increase awareness and community. Each year, attendees explore scientific institutions, businesses, community initiatives, or just have fun doing an activity, all while connecting with their local Chicago suburban community.
SALONS (EST. 2018)
Salons are intimate, micro experiences around our Chicago area community. They usually focus on a single live speaker and a single idea. Attendees engage in a deep dive session with the speaker, usually while eating, drinking, and connecting in new and fun ways.
“I walked away feeling inspired. I want more!”
“It lights a fire in you and makes you feel like no dream is too big to explore.”
“The best conference that I have attended for many years.”