More than 220 people attended the third annual TEDx event Feb. 20 at the Empire Arts Center, reaching audiences across the country through live streaming.
The event is a TED talk-like experience dedicated to bringing people together for spreading ideas, encouraging discussions and networking with other attendees, according to a news release. Starting just 30 years ago, the nonprofit has generated more than 1 billion views on Youtube, and Grand Forks has contributed to more than 423,000 of these views from its 19 talks in 2014-2015.
The Feb. 20 featured 35 volunteers, 10 speakers, 3 performers, and over 115 live stream page views. The live stream, sponsored by UND Student Government, was available free of cost to viewers around the world.
Organizer Becca Grandstrand said she and her husband started the local TEDx three years ago by applying for a hosting license. Since then, the event has become what Grandstrand describes as "completely different from any other event in Grand Forks."
"It's not arts, it's not sports, but it's not entirely education either," she said. "The speakers, who are chosen by a team of volunteers, cover a broad range of topics that they are passionate about. Grand Forks is evolving, and TEDx Grand Forks brings something completely new."
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The TEDx program in Grand Forks, which was independently organized, was used as a platform for sharing thoughts, ideas, and calls for action. This year's theme, Roots and Wings, served as an inspirational focal point for the speakers.
The presenters spoke on a wide range of topics from the efficacy of business operations to the methods of agricultural sustainability.
Contestant Mitzi Bolanos spoke about the unfair judgement of pit bulls. At the end of her talk, she brought out several pit bulls, and the audience was overjoyed.
"It was fun to see everything come together," organizer Courtney Olson said in a statement. "The stage design, performances and ideas shared by passionate speakers really brought our theme to life."
Speakers also included Kim and Dave Adams, Gabe Brown, Mic Jordan, Heidi Mihelich Demars, John Nowatzki, Brian James Schill, Ken Streater and Katie Wallace. Along with the presenters, performers included Nicque Robinson, Positive Motion and PATEO.
