The TED conference has just finished in Monterery. Sounds like a fantastic lot of speakers. I was lucky enough to go last year and I'd put aside the money to go again this year. But, a while ago, it occurred to me that I could take that money and we could maybe organise a conference of our own here in the UK, which might be even more interesting. Or at least easier to get to.
So this is the plan:
We've booked the Conway Hall for the 16th of June. Which is a Saturday. It'll be about £20 to get in. I want to make it something almost anyone can afford.
The plan is to have all sorts of speakers speak about all sorts of stuff. Not brands, advertising, blogging and twitter but interesting, unexpected, original things. I'm hoping to find fascinating people and to just ask them to speak about something they care about. I want to replicate the experience of clicking from one really good blog to another, ranging across sciences, arts, musics, jokes and whatever. There will be 20 minute slots and 3 minute slots. Some people will play music or sing. And some people who can't be there will be asked to send three minute videos. Perhaps. I reckon we can squeeze a lot of interestingness into a day. And then have a party afterwards.
But it'll all be down to the goodwill and enthusiasm of the speakers anyway, because I won't be able to pay any of them.
The hall is paid for, seats and presentation stuff will be paid for. But that's the 'TED money' soaked up. After that I'm hoping to find sponsors to chip in, not to pay money and put up a logo but to provide things like wifi, smoothies, or cakes. And it'd be great if someone would like to film it properly, or podcast it, or do nice drawings. I don't think we'll be having name badges, branded pens or lime cordial so we won't worry about them.
I think that's about it for now. It's June the 16th. If you think you might come it'd be nice if you'd comment below, just so we can start to get a sense of numbers. And I'll soon get round to setting up paypal for tickets and upcoming and all that sort of thing. If you can think of someone we should ask to speak, that'd be great too. Or maybe you want to speak? I've already asked some people but I think they all thought I was joking so I'm going to ask again now I've written this.
And we need a name for it. I'm not sure The Conference Of Interestingness is good enough. Any suggestions?
Attending! I will be flying from Germany. Not a long trip, since I will be in the country around that day anyway ...
Fantastic Idea, btw.
Posted by: tombo | March 26, 2007 at 04:18 PM
get a bigger hall or have a web link
Posted by: elton clough | March 30, 2007 at 01:14 PM
This sounds like such a wonderful idea. Hopefully I will be there.
Posted by: aecm | April 05, 2007 at 07:25 PM