TEDxTryon is all about opportunity. Beginning with our initial event in 2015, it offered our community the opportunity to spend a dynamic day in the presence of innovative local thinkers. It offered volunteers the opportunity to lend their talents to a community-based phenomenon. It offered innovators the opportunity to present their “idea worth sharing” to appreciative ears.

But most of all, it provided the opportunity for transformation. That’s the amazing thing about a TEDxTryon talk. It resonates far beyond the audience in the auditorium—it can change your life.

The TEDxTryon team has been soliciting speakers since the beginning of February and we are nearing the March 30 deadline for submitting an application. We have received many applications from people bursting with passion for their subjects. And we know that there are still so many wonderful experiences and ideas out there yet to be tapped.  If you have ever wondered what it would be like to give a talk, several past speakers offer their personal takes.

Author and thought leader Ann Herrmann-Nehdi addressed: “What You Need to Know About Your Brain That Will Change Your Life.”  She said, “TEDxTryon provides a unique opportunity that can reach thousands of people in a professional, powerful and succinct way. You’ll learn so much more than you could possibly imagine and gain skills you’ll use for the rest of your life.”

Celtic musician Jamie Laval, who demonstrated “How a Fiddle Tune Can Change the World,” explained that, “Speaking at TEDxTryon is rich with opportunity for personal growth. The process of preparation, refining one’s skills, and interacting with fascinating people from diverse backgrounds makes it an extremely rich and rewarding experience.”

Entrepreneur Tawana Weicker spoke about why “I Loved Teaching So Much…I Quit” after being inspired by one of her students to spearhead a movement to introduce bio-diesel technology into N.C. schools. “The TEDxTryon event gave this former teacher the opportunity to pay homage to the students, people and community who were my teachers,” she stated.

When asked whether the speakers felt it was worth the time and effort required to craft a TEDxTryon Talk, the resounding response was, “YES!” Sharing the talks beyond the stage at Tryon Fine Arts Center was another incentive, with the opportunity to reach an audience worldwide on YouTube.

So consider this an invitation to explore speaking at TEDxTryon. Applications are available on our website, TEDxTryon.com, until the end of the month. Unleash your idea worth sharing and see where opportunity will take you.

TED is a platform for ideas worth spreading. Started in 1984 as a conference where technology, entertainment and design converged, TED today shares ideas from a broad spectrum—from science to business to global issues—in more than 100 languages.  Independently licensed TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world. TEDxTryon is a locally organized event and is especially supported by the Arts and Education committee of Tryon Fine Arts Center.

– Submitted by Arlene Cassidy