msuCatalyst →

by megan gebhart

A few weeks ago, I went the TEDxDetroit conference. It was interesting, inspring, thought-provoking and fun--exactly what I expected it to be. The reason I knew it would be all these things is because I've watched videos from other TED conferences online. These online videos are terrific, so terrific I figured most people would know about them.

To my surprise, the majority of my friends and professors didn't know what I was talking about when I mentioned the conference. That needs to change! So here is a 30-second explanation of TED (for a more official explanation click here): 

TED is a conference that started in California with the intention of bringing together people from Technology, Entertainment and Design industries to discuss thier "ideas worth sharing." The speakers they invite are brilliant, creative, funny, talented, incredibly innovative and filled with amazing ideas that, luckily for us, are filmed and available online.

TEDxDetroit was a smaller scale version of TED with Michigan speakers discussing issues that are relevant to the state. It was an awesome event. If you want to learn more about it, check out the guest post I wrote for beyondwordsblog. At the TEDxDetroit event, they showed a few videos from the main TED conference that really harness the power of TED talks. I HIGHLY encourage you to watch one (or all) of these and then visit the TED site and do some exploring on your own!

Rory Sutherland

Rory Sutherland stands at the center of an advertising revolution in brand identities, designing cutting-edge, interactive campaigns that blur the line between ad and entertainment (very funny!).

Shai Agassi

Shai Agassi wants to put you behind the wheel of an electric car -- but he doesn't want you to sacrifice convenience (or cash) to do it.

Elizabeth Gilbert

The author of Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert has thought long and hard about some large topics. Her next fascination: genius, and how we ruin it:

If you enjoyed those, check out these:

• Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity
• Hans Rosling reveals new insights on poverty 
• Johnny Lee demos Wii Remote hacks
• Aimee Mullins and her 12 pairs of legs

A TEDxLansing is in the works so when more information comes out about a date and location, we will definitely let you know!