TED kicks off its annual U.S. conference today in Long Beach, California This year’s program includes a range of explorers, storytellers, photographers, scientific pioneers, visionaries and provocateurs from all parts of the globe — and for the first time, features sessions guest-curated by innovators Bill Gates and Juan Enriquez. Themed “The Rediscovery of Wonder,” TED2011 will take place starting today through March 4.
“This year’s speakers and performers are diverse, inspiring and, in many cases, groundbreaking,” said TED curator Chris Anderson. “Recent tectonic events in the world have reminded all of us of how technology, imagination and courage are helping to shape history. It’s the perfect backdrop to a week spent immersing ourselves in the rediscovery of wonder. We can hardly wait for the conference — and to start sharing ideas from the conference on TED.com throughout the coming year.”
TED Prize Winners Share Their Ideas
On March 2, the 2011 TED Prize winner, French photographer JR, will reveal his wish live from the main stage at 5:30pm PST. The entire TED Prize session will be streamed free over the web; sign up at tedprize.org for more details. The TED Prize is awarded annually to an exceptional individual who receives $100,000 and “One Wish to Change the World.” Designed to leverage the TED community’s exceptional array of talent and resources, the TED Prize leads to collaborative initiatives with far-reaching impact. In the same session, last year’s winner, chef and advocate Jamie Oliver, will share his plan to fulfill the wish he made to create a healthy food movement.
