Inform/Transform
TEDxUofM is the collection of brainpower cultivated at the University of Michigan. Bringing together great minds, brilliant talent, and innovative thinkers who are eager to inform the universe about their passions and dreams for the future. The ideas and stories radiating from the TEDxUofM stage will generate an energy in the audience, transforming their perception of the world and provoking them to act upon their own ideas as well as collaborate with those around them.
TEDxUofM Inform Transform will take place on March 29th from 10am until 5pm.
Why does TEDxUofM matter for students?
TEDxUofM encourages and empowers students to pursue their own crazy ideas.
Students already have the opportunity to tap into a wide expanse of resources that exist across the University. In order to connect students to these resources to fully leverage their potential, awareness must be created. But it does not stop there. A deeper change has to occur in order for students to be willing to take risk on their ideas.
The true determinant of transforming a great idea into a tangible reality is sparked by genuine passion and excitement. TEDxUofM is that “Ah-Ha” moment, the connection of the isolated neuron, the point of discovery.
We have an experience – like a chemical reaction – that transforms something inside us. When we examine ourselves later on, we discover that all the standards we’ve lived by have shot up another notch and the world’s opened up in unexpected ways.
— Haruki Murakami
What differentiates TEDxUofM from any other event at the University of Michigan?
TEDxUofM represents the brain trust of the University of Michigan. It is a rare platform for participants to glimpse into the diverse spectrum of innovative ideas burgeoning from the University and to determine what this means for our collective future.
The event is an opportunity for alumni to return to the University for a world-class event. TEDxUofM makes learning sexy. Rather than simply a networking event, it is a gateway to imaginative exploration. The event offers a creative hub of opportunity to showcase the wide range of University resources available for students who want to actuate their ideas.
Entrepreneurs on today’s college campuses are no longer only huddled together at the business school. They are emerging from the hallways in our music schools and our engineering programs. They are coming forward with fresh ideas in architecture and medicine. The educational programs designed to draw out these innovative thinkers must be welcoming to all students willing to take a risk on what some might call their “crazy ideas.”
— University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman
Who presents at TEDxUofM?
TEDxUofM presenters are University of Michigan affiliated and represent the leaders and best. In selecting speakers, we value ideas and passion more than fame or status on this stage. Presenters have a global perspective and have challenged conventions in their respective fields. Our presenters convey their ideas in an engaging and thought-provoking way, captured in 18 minutes or less. Since no honorarium is provided, presenters are motivated purely out of passion to share their ideas with the world.
No two presenters are alike, and talks encompass a wide range of disciplines that span every corner of campus. There is an equal representation of male and female presenters, and a strong showing of student speakers. Our presenters highlight and address the growing trends and areas of focus at the university – from sustainability and entrepreneurship to research and the arts. Presenters that are diverse in expertise, presentation method, experience, and perspective are united by the common purpose of spreading their innovations to an intrigued, perceptive audience.
Our presenters are TEDxUofM’s biggest asset; they drive the conference’s content and conversation. We do everything we can to ensure speakers are empowered to deliver the talk of their lives.
Who attends TEDxUofM?
TEDxUofM brings together a spectacular group of students, faculty, staff, and alumni to experience the event. Our attendees come from all backgrounds, and are just as diverse as University of Michigan itself; they share a penchant for learning and an openness to transcend preconceived boundaries. In addition, a global audience is invited to participate through a live simulcast of the conference.
We also encourage non-University of Michigan affiliates to apply to attend.
How do I apply to attend?
The application form for TEDxUofM 2012 opens here on the website on February 14th. Sign up for our mailing list (under ‘Stay In Touch’ at the bottom of the page) to be notified the moment it goes live.
Who is organizing TEDxUofM?
TEDxUofM is made possible through the successful partnership of a student organizing team, University administrators, and the community at large. If you are interested in volunteering with TEDxUofM, please shoot us an email to info@tedxuofm.com, with the subject line “Volunteer.”