TEDx comes to USF Sarasota-Manatee

Anyone familiar with the popular TED Talks series knows that some ideas are just worth spreading.  The nonprofit organization hosts some of the world's leading minds to share their wisdom and insight in 20-minute speeches. If they don't get you inspired, I'm not sure anything will.

Featured speakers have included Bill Gates, Roger Ebert, Elizabeth Gilbert and many others, who have spoken on topics ranging from health and well being to business tips and current events. The events have become wildly popular and have begun to fill its seats with celebrities and members of the social elite. But, for those of us who can't make it to one of the three major TED events held each year, there's TEDx, where x = an independently organized TED event.

As much as it might sound like algebra homework, or a shipping and delivery service, TEDx is more similar to the concept of a franchise. These independently hosted events adhere to certain guidelines and rules, as outlined by the TED Conference and follow a similar format, only on a local level, using a mix of video and live speakers to make these popular talks more accessible.

Recent USF Sarasota-Manatee graduates Andrew Gould and Brittany Bedford have teamed up to co-host the first TEDxManasota Salon at 5 p.m. this Wednesday, Sept. 25, at USFSM. The event's theme is "Student Power to Change the World for aGood '” It Takes One '”It Takes You." After recently welcoming its inaugural freshman class, USFSM is a fitting venue to start a dialogue about students' power and ability to have influence.