TEDx has started accepting applications in preparation for its second event at Syracuse University. The application process is now open and applications are due by Friday, Jan. 23. The actual event will take place in April.

TEDx was created as a way of spreading ideas that are considered groundbreaking or innovative on the local level. TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to ideas worth spreading. Emma Herrera, a sophomore who is involved with the event itself, said organizers try to get the best speakers possible. The theme will be different from last year, but has not been decided yet.

Karen Lopez, the curator of the TEDx event this year, said organizers are looking for ideas that make society a better place.

“The first year of the event it was extremely popular and the event sold out within 25 minutes,” she said. “We haven’t got a focus for the event this year. The decision is made after all the applications are made.”

Lopez said there was a focus last year on promoting the event to draw in speaker applicants, but this year the goal is to reach out to specific people to apply for the event.

“We will also be requiring applicants to submit a video with their application so that we can test their communications skills,” Lopez said. “The reason for this is sometimes people have an amazing idea but can’t communicate the idea speaking in front of people.”

TED is based out of California and is known worldwide for having some of the most innovative and influential people in the world come to speak on “ideas worth spreading.” Some TED talks included Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. The TEDx events allow people who have great ideas that may only be known on the local level to spread them around the world.

A wide variety of people spoke at the event last year including students and professors. Speaker topics ranged from poetry to economics. Ronald Taylor, a current SU student, was a participant at last year’s TEDx event and he spoke on the potential that students have to achieve when given the necessary resources.

“The experience was enlightening. I got to speak on something powerful that I was passionate about and it was a great platform to do it,” Taylor said. “I definitely plan on buying a ticket this year. I was exposed to so many intelligent people with very interesting ideas.”

Another speaker last year was Professor Carl Schramm.  Some of his students in his course on failing cities suggested he apply to present his ideas in the inaugural TEDx at SU. Schramm added that TED events are a great way to get ideas out there.

“If you have a contrary or innovative idea, speaking at a TED event is a great way to leverage your ideas and get exposure,” he said.

Published on January 20, 2015 at 12:01 am

Contact Connor: clried@syr.edu