Team Hill's first TEDx event lauded as a success

  • Published
  • By George F. Jozens
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  More than 100 attendees participated in Team Hill's first TEDx event here Jan. 10 at The Landing.

What began in 1984 as a conference to bring together people from three worlds - Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED) - has grown in to a sharing and learning spectacle in communities around the world.

TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." Events are planned and coordinated independently and are designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences via talk videos, live presenters or a combination of both.

Hill AFB's first-ever TEDx event consisted of four videos that presented topics on how to make stress positive, leadership and what make a successful person.

"At the conclusion of each segment participants were given the opportunity to discuss their thoughts," said Eli Whitman, Hill AFB's TEDx committee chair. "Many participants had active dialogs with those around them, sharing personal stories or relating the segment back to life, work, etc."

"Besides viewing thought-provoking and informative videos, we also understood valuable perspectives and ideas from people outside of our Airman culture," said Chief Master Sgt. Jason France, 75th Air Base Wing command chief. "The primary focus of the TED Talks we viewed (included) leadership and resiliency. After each segment we engaged in small group discussions to reflect on what we learned and to incorporate our own perspectives."

"It is important for us to be aware that people in the private sector have a lot to offer those of us who serve in the military, whether in uniform or as a government employee," said France. "They can offer innovative ideas and solutions to many of the same challenges we face in the military."

Those who attended the event had similar thoughts and although many weren't quite sure what to expect, the post-show feedback was positive.

One attendee commented that it was good to have events that were "outside the norm." Another said they were glad to be part of an opportunity to expand the outlook of employees on base.

"The videos were thought provoking, generated astute discussion on the topics presented and seemed to be appreciated by those in attendance," said Col. Kathryn Kolbe, 75th Air Base Wing commander. "Many thanks to all of the brain trust and others that pulled together the TEDx event - it was superbly planned and executed."

The next TEDx event is March 18 at The Landing and participants will participate in a live stream from the TED conference in Vancouver, Canada. Seating will be limited to 100 people and registration will open Feb. 3 at www.75fss.com.