A month or so back I had a chat with Karl Hakeem Belizaire, Director of nonprofit organisation Mowgli. He mentioned to me that he was organising a TED event in Bristol and was on the hunt for someone to help with the Social Media and promotions side of it.

Being a big fan of TED events and passionate about local issues it was a no-brainer for me and I told Karl I would offer my support. I was the latest addition to TedxBristol team which was growing in size (more information on the team to follow). Since that initial conversation the pace has really picked up. Everyone who I have talked to has been really positive about the event which very encouraging.

For those that are not so familiar TED Events are conferences that bring together speakers and experts from different fields (see TED website for details).

The TEDxBristol event is on the theme of 'the world around us' with special focus on creativity, innovation and sustainability. From compelling speakers to music acts; we are certainly enthusiastic that this will be a unique experience in Bristol.

The event will be held in the newly-opened M-Shed on the 8th September 2011. The confirmed speaker line-up is diverse as you can see below:


- Daniel Efergan & Gavin Strange, a creative combo working in the digital depths of Aardman Animations, strive to create fun through building games, nurturing communities and telling stories. Aardman Digital was recently awarded a BAFTA for the Wallace & Gromit’s World of Invention website in the 2011 British Academy Television Awards.

- Richard Noble specialises in developing high risk ventures. Project Director of the BLOODHOUND Project, the engineering adventure for the 21st century, pushing the limits and inspiring young engineers and scientists with an incredible car capable of 1,000mph".

- Arthur Potts Dawson is a talented chef, restauranteur, cookery writer and social entrepreneur. His newest business venture, The People’s Supermarket, opened in June 2010 and is a not-for-profit co-operative social enterprise. Jamie Oliver recently described Arthur as “the original green chef”.

- Dr Marie-Annick Gournet is a Principal Lecturer in Intercultural Communication and Director of Widening Participation. The main interest is in the notion of identity, its basis and its relationship to culture. I am particularly interested in exploring the ideas of positive diversity and the impact- Tony Bury has spent the past three decades founding and running start up companies across the world. Philanthropist and serial entrepreneur, Tony is founder and trustee of Bristol based international charity the Mowgli Foundation, providing mentors who inspire, support and empower entrepreneurs in achieving their business and personal potential.

- Wendy Stephenson is a renewable energy engineer with 15 years experience in the environment and climate change sector. CEO of Converging World, a UK based charity that aims to address issues arising from social inequality, creating mechanisms which link communities in the developed and developing world.Only one hundred people will be able to share the #TEDxBristol experience. Register your interest by the 28th July.

I will make further announcements on this blog but for more information check out the main website (which went live today) and the TEDxBristol Twitter.