From modest beginnings back in 2012, TEDxGlasgow has grown its annual event into one of the most established TEDx events in Europe.
In 2017, it welcomed in excess of 1,800 people to the city’s SEC Armadillo to explore the theme ‘Lead or Follow’ with a dynamic lineup of speakers, including world record-breaking rocket man Richard Browning, BBC war correspondent Quentin Sommerville, fitness guru Jessie Pavelka and elite athlete Lee Craigie.
And, in 2018, over 2000 guests will come together to explore the theme ‘Rethink…’.
Run by a small but passionate team, TEDxGlasgow is a non-profit organisation, which builds on the global TED culture of creativity, innovation and collaboration. Aiming to provide a platform to present the brightest and best ideas from Scotland to an international audience, the organisation independently coordinates an annual event that brings together influential and inspirational individuals from all walks of life.
In the past few years the organisation has not only shone a light on innovative ideas and provided a platform for change but attempted to measure tangible impact as a result of its events. With two instances of policy change – one relating to Laura Beveridge’s talk on social care and the other on Jamie Cooke’s basic income talk – and multiple recorded pledges, the tracks are being laid for another event that Scotland can be proud of.
On his experience talking at TEDxGlasgow earlier this year, Jamie Cooke, head of RSA Scotland said; “This enthusiasm for the talk has been a sign of how useful it has been as an educational and introductory resource for the topic.
“It has been used in talks and conversations, shared widely across Twitter, and used by a senior journalist to explain what Nicola Sturgeon was talking about when she launched the Programme for Government.
“The TEDx brand, and particularly the reputation of TEDxGlasgow, carries a prestige and seriousness with it that helps to open doors, that is recognised globally, and which connects you as a speaker into a wider community of thinkers.”
Next year, at TEDxGlasgow 2018, the theme ‘Rethink…’ will challenge the status quo, ask guests to consider new perspectives, inspire them to re-imagine the way we address our world and all things in it.
Gurjit Singh Lalli, founder and curator at TEDxGlasgow, said; “The city and country has embraced our presence and I’m proud to say that TEDxGlasgow has provided a platform to share ideas that have had a tangible impact on our lives. As we go into a new year, we’re looking to reach even more people across the globe and shout about the incredible achievements of those around us. So, get applying and join us on the day!”
But, that’s not all. Following the announcement from the First Minister of the Year of Young People 2018, TEDxGlasgow has said it will run its own, separate youth event alongside the main event.
The new standalone TEDxYouth@Glasgow event, supported by EventScotland and Scottish Government, has been launched to showcase the amazing talents of young people in Scotland, whilst providing them with a unique platform upon which they can share and access diverse and revolutionary ideas.
As well as presenting its young delegates with networking and learning opportunities, the event will be co-designed and delivered by a team of young people including students from Glasgow Clyde College. It will take place on the 31 May (the day preceding TEDxGlasgow 2018) at SEC Armadillo, with 2000 12-26 yearolds invited to be part of this landmark event.
John Rafferty, assistant principal faculty of health and wellbeing at Glasgow Clyde College, said: “This is a phenomenal project for the city of Glasgow, its young people and for our students to be involved in.
“We are proud of the talent and skills that our young people have and bring with them every day to Glasgow Clyde College. Being involved in TEDxYouth@Glasgow provides an opportunity to work on a live project, develop organisational, communications and event and project management skills.
“It’s an exciting time for the young people of Glasgow to attend an event that’s created for them, by their peers.”
Tickets for TEDxGlasgow 2018 are now available via the TEDxGlasgow website along with full details about this year’s event and speaker applications. More information on both the main and youth events here.