TEDx in a Box

January 12, 2012

TEDx Top 10

IDEO.org Fellow Emily Friedberg compiles a top 10 list of the characteristics that make a TEDx organizer.

The IDEO.org" target="_blank">IDEO.org TEDx how-to team is putting the finishing touches on a redesigned TEDx organizers manual. After spending the last several weeks immersed in all things TED, IDEO.org Fellow Emily Friedberg has compiled a top 10 list of the characteristics that make a TEDx conference organizer.

1. Highly motivated. 

TEDx organizers are motivated by ideas, by TED, and by their communities. Each is motivated to produce the very best TEDx event they can.   

2. Very energetic

TEDx organizers can be nothing if not energetic. Pulling off a TEDx event is a daunting task but these organizers do it with ease and grace. 

3. Passionate about the power of TED

What motivates TEDx organizers is their belief in the power of TED to inspire and bring communities together. 

4. Self-starters 

The TEDx licensing process is highly individual; and each TEDx organizer has decided independently to step forward and hold their TEDx event. 

5. Engaged in their communities 

Being a TEDx organizer is a relatively thankless task, which shows that these people are not in it for themselves. They are in it for their communities. As one organizer said, “I wanted to make my community a place I want to live.” 

6. Creative 

TEDx organizers are super creative and have pushed their local themes in new and innovative ways. 

7. Outgoing

Once you get TEDx organizers talking about TED, well… they love to talk! They are more than willing to discuss their experiences with us and with other TEDx organizers. 

8. Collaborative

No TEDx organizer works alone. They gather teams around them to help plan events and to build the TEDx community where they are. They share their experiences, tools, and resources with other (and future) TEDx organizers. 

9. Supportive of peers

TEDx organizers are extremely supportive of their peers and often offer phone calls, advice, and full-on mentoring to new organizers. 

10. Resilient

TEDx organizers rarely organize just one event. As soon as they finish one event, they are thinking about their next event.

Contributed By
Emily Emily Friedberg
Business Designer