Recently we were asked to participate in the planning and designing of the stage for an independent TEDx event in Manchester New Hampshire. What is TED you might ask? TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. Along with two annual conferences — the TED Conference in Long Beach and Palm Springs each spring, and the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh UK each summer — TED includes the award-winning TEDTalks video site, the Open Translation Project and TED Conversations, the inspiring TED Fellows and TEDx programs, and the annual TED Prize.

The event we participated in is called TEDxAmoskeagMillyard, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxAmoskeagMillyard event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.

This years theme was innovation through collaboration and the talks were nothing short of fascinating. We could not believe some of the incredible achievements made by people in our own backyard. The day was inspiring and as well as being educational. We cannot wait to be involved again next year.

Here are some photos of our stage creation....