What’s up with TEDx in 2010?

This week at a partnermeeting I had the pleasure to announce that the second edition of TEDxAmsterdam will take place in the Stadsschouwburg in Amsterdam. On 30 November 2010, the stage of this beautiful city theater will be reserved for the new ideas of revolutionary thinkers and innovators in the field of technology, entertainment, design, art, science and business. For one day, this monumental city theater turns into “a theater of the mind”.

In the words of Sasha Naod: “TEDxAmsterdam was the city’s sleeper hit last year. The conference attracted much media intention and there was a waiting list of more than 4500 people.” We were indeed surprised by the amount of positive reactions and the great interest. This is why we are moving to a larger location and also having some new surprises in store. Including a special children’s TED conference, similar to TEDx but for and by children.

At this same meeting Monique van Dusseldorp then revealed this years’ theme: “Science & Fiction”. Her interpretation:

Mankind is able to imagine great things which push the limits of science. Through the interplay of fiction (a dream that makes the world better) and science (the actual test-run and execution), we are getting one step ahead. “Science & Fiction” is therefore the central theme of the second edition of TEDxAmsterdam.

Top speakers from various disciplines will discuss their innovations, visions, perspectives and realizations in the area of technology, urban life, nature, the human body and more. Marian Spier then went on about how the whole TEDx Amsterdam Crew (30 people) is coming up with creative ideas to explore this team further in a new program book and a few surprises.

Melle Daamen (director of the Stadsschouwburg) confessed that he has been a real TED-fan and I’m very grateful that he helped us tremendously so far. In his words: “We are very delighted that TEDx Amsterdam has chosen for our big monumental/grand hall this year. TED is a great format and more than perfect for a theater. Also in keeping with our policy to let our theater be more part of the city. And for the greatest thinkers and doers we happily are opening our doors.”

More information about the guestlist and how to attend will follow in the next couple of months. I’ve been working fulltime on TEDx allready since January and I can’t wait to see how we can stir up our little country once more.