Saturday, September 29, 2012

TEDxAmsterdam ? The Nature of Passion

What?s with all the inspired people? Organizers, advisers, partners and other supporters of TEDxAmsterdam gathered at the Mayor?s home for the unveiling of this year?s line-up of all-star speakers. The evening began with a gathering in a grand and elegant room by deputy mayor Caroline Gehrels, embellished with intricate gold and red d?cor, topped off with a spectacular chandelier in the middle. Guests excitedly conversed and greeted new friends.

Celine Cairo performing during the TEDxAmsterdam partner meeting

Celine Cairo performing during the TEDxAmsterdam partner meeting

Astrid Elburg is looking for a moving sparkle

Astrid Elburg, member of the TEDxAmsterdam Braintrust

Astrid Elburg, member of the TEDxAmsterdam Braintrust

The first guests I had the pleasure of meeting were two women involved in the organization and advisory of TEDxAmsterdam and TEDxAmsterdamWomen. I made it a goal to understand why it is all these guests are passionate about TEDx, so I inquired and was not the least bit disappointed with their responses. Brain Trust member, Astrid Elburg, shared that she most looks forward to seeing speakers who ?bring a sparkle? and who are able to use the fire within and share it with the audience. She described the beauty of TEDx to bring people together from all over the world and to ?open peoples? minds?. Astrid also highlighted it as an innovative way for people to learn, whether they are being moved by them in the audience or watching online. Interestingly, I agreed when she emphasized the feeling aspect of TEDx events, and how they reach into peoples? core.

A different take on TED

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Peter van Lindonk, TED fan, TEDxAmsterdam speaker and Braintrust member

Another stand out Brain Trust guest amongst the many in the room was Peter van Lindonk. An innovator and social change-maker in his own right, Peter is so passionate about the power of events like TED that he was inspired to start his own PINC conference. After attending five TED events in the United States he was determined to bring this unique and profound experience to Europe. When asked what he looks forward to in the upcoming TEDxAmsterdam edition, he excitedly commented, ?I go for the bouquet, never for a flower!?. It was an eloquent reminder that any TEDx taken as a whole is much more powerful and moving. I was aware of the aura and key features of TEDx events at this partner meeting. An experience that appeals to all of one?s senses: sight, sound, emotion, mind and more!

Cherishing a love for life

It was a joy to discuss with people how TEDx has touched them each differently, and yet always significantly. Many cherish TEDx for enabling people to meet, raise awareness and share ideas. Many look forward to the audience?s reactions and the impact of the speaker. Through all my conversations with TEDxAmsterdam organizers and leaders there was one constant. You could always sense the passion that drives these individuals and has made them a committed and hardworking team. Performer Celine Cairo captured this phenomenon with her reference to being a ?TEDx junkie?. She followed by explaining that she is so passionate about TEDx because it has reminded her of her love for life, a notion I think most TED supporters can relate to.

I for one had a unique experience: without ever attending a TEDx conference first hand, I?ve already sensed a touch of TED by talking to these passionate TEDxAmsterdam fans.

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Source: http://www.tedxamsterdam.com/2012/the-nature-of-passion/

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