Like many of you out there, I’ve spent a lot of time being inspired by TEDTalks from TED.com. J.J. Abrams’ mystery box presentation from TED is still one of my all time favorites:

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx, where x=independently organized event. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.

I’ve been working with my fellow artsScene chairs in Edmonton (Michael Brechtel) and Calgary (Sarah Blue, Alex Middleton), along with other passionate young professionals like Cam Linke, Stephani Carter and Jasmine Antonick to bring TEDx to Edmonton, Calgary and Banff. A few weeks ago, we received an official license from TED green lighting events for the coming year!

TEDxEdmonton will be an incredible opportunity to be inspired by leading creative professionals, technology experts, entrepreneurs and business and cultural leaders from across the city and around the globe, and learn how they are driving the creative economy. Built around the unique TED Talks format, themes will include creative entrepreneurship, creative sustainability and creative technologies.

More information will be released over the coming months at tedxedmonton.com and tedxyyc.com, so be sure to sign up for our mailing lists and follow us on twitter at @TEDxEdmonton and @TEDxYYC.