Some have called it “the ultimate brain spa.” Others have described it as ”a journey into the future, in the company of those creating it.” At the core, it’s all about the business of spreading ideas. For me, it is a source I go to for inspiration, education, and an awakening of my creative soul.

Technology, Entertainment and Design. What began as a local event, TED has grown to become an annual conference of “the world’s leading thinkers and doers gathering for an event many describe as the highlight of their year.” For those of us unable to attend the events, TEDx was created to be a local group of self-organized events that mirror the TED experience for everyone.

You can find recorded TED talks on their website or download one of several apps. Even better, consider watching one of the streamed conferences in the company of others at a local TEDx event. One of the things that excite me about TED is the conversations that take place after the talks. The dialogues can build on the ideas to generate new ways of thinking. This thinking can turn into action, creating positive change.

On Tuesday night, a large group of people got together at The Urban Hive for a volunteer meeting to discuss future TEDxSacramento events. Brandon Weber, who coordinates TEDx for Sacramento, inspired us with the vision for upcoming events. It was exciting to hear that 140 people have registered to volunteer and 75 made it to our first volunteer meeting. If you missed it, there is still time to sign up to help. Areas to help include: Event/Experience, Production, Speakers and Marketing/Media.

Interested in attending a local event? Here are two upcoming opportunities to add to your calendar.

 TEDGlobal 2012 will take place in Edinburgh, Scotland, on June 25-29, 2012.  This year’s theme is Radical Openness. On June 27, Sacramento will participate in a global dialogue as TEDxSacramento will stream a full day of TEDGlobal2012 sessions. The organizers describe the day as being filled with “intelligent talks, good company, plenty of coffee, food and mingling breaks to digest all of the ideas. Meet other people in Sacramento who are just as passionate as you are about ideas that can change the world.” Speakers include: a Digital Anthropologist, a Sonochromatic Cyborg Artist, a Visual Effects Guru, a Behavioral Neuroscientist, a Comedian and a Percussive Guitarist. Yes!  Register early for this free event as space is limited.

And later this summer, incredible speakers, amazing demonstrations and mind-blowing conversations await at a live event.   On August 31, 2012, a group of people will fill the Crocker Art Museum for an opportunity to share the experience of TED during the annual main event of TEDxSacramento. More information will be available soon and the speaker list is top secret. But I can say…

This. Will. Be. Epic.

Find out more about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities on the TEDx Sacramento website or FB page. I hope to see you at the next TEDx event!

- Twitter: TED talks & TEDxSacramento

- Facebook: facebook.com/TED & facebook.com/TEDxSacramento

- If you haven’t heard of TED, watch this short little video…