When Ben met Al
Two events in the past two years have changed my life profoundly. Both conferences, both in America, both mind-blowing; PopTech and TED. I've just returned from this year's TED in Monterey, California, where I've had the privilege of spending four days rubbing shoulders with the likes of Al Gore, Burt Rutan, Dr.Larry Brilliant (the chap that eradicated smallpox), Jeff Bezos (founder of Amazon.com), Sergey Brin and Larry Page (founders of Google), Matt Groening (creator of The Simpsons), Pierre Omidyar (founder of eBay), Tony Robbins (motivational speaker and bestselling writer) and many, many others.
Anyway, a few memories:
Biggest 'D'oh!':
The wonderful Daphne Zuniga (yes, Princess Vespa from Space Balls!) was interviewing people for a TED documentary. On Friday morning she came up to me in the foyer and introduced her friend – I didn't catch her name and I couldn't quite see her name badge, but despite big sunglasses she looked vaguely familiar. I shook her hand and she asked me how I was finding this year's conference. I launched into an effusive speech about how it was so wonderful that the famous (and/or super-rich) people there had so much humility; how TED was a unique forum for conversation about the big issues facing the planet and the human race, yadda yadda. And then the anonymous blonde removed her sunglasses. I was chatting to Meg Ryan.
Most Surprising Speaker:
I was blown away by Sir Ken Robinson, who spoke movingly, passionately and hilariously about the mess that the education systems of the western world are in, and the importance of fostering rather than inhibiting creativity in children. 'All kids have tremendous creative potential, and we are squandering it: schools educate kids out of creativity – the process of having innovative ideas that have value – because mistakes are stigmatized – and if you're not prepared to be wrong, you will never come up with anything original.' Ethan Zuckerman somehow blogged Sir Ken's talk in real time.
Best Poetry:
The incredible 'slam poet' Rives. You can hear his poem 'Mockingbirds' here.
Most Unexpected Bonus:
Driving up the coast to San Francisco after the conference in a Mustang convertible.
Biggest post-TED downer:
Learning that my luggage is still at LAX.
For a more thorough write-up, Ethan Zuckerman, Bruno Giussani, The Lone Ronin and the official TED Blog have it sewn up.
— Filed under Speaking