TEDxBerlin

More than three years ago, a smart friend introduced me to the world of TED and months after I watched fascinated the discussions about "ideas worth spreading". I learned a lot about how to make smart presentations and how to introduce your ideas in a challenging way and still learning how to do it properly.

A couple of days ago, I was offered the chance to participate at the TEDxBerlin, an independent event featuring local and international speakers. I was very happy and thinking that maybe I should set the target of being one of the speakers of a similar event myself (don't ask me what x edition, as I continue to be a proud and happy nomad).

This year, the common denominator of the talks was energy - an issue dear to the heart of Berliners and Germans in general. But, following the traditional way of putting things into perspective, the talks weren't exclusively technical and loaded with complicated equations about energy. Most part of them were projecting ideas about energy as a human and social resource, that we should learn to use it better and smartly, be it in business, daily life or creation. 

Early in the morning, from the U-Bahn station, we were delicately directed to the location: a classical place for organizing events in Berlin - The Station, former part of the Dresdner station at the end of the 19th century, reentered in the public use only a couple of years ago. Since I am in Berlin, I learned to go beyond the aesthetical - term that could easily be equivaleted to luxury and glamour - aspects of the place as most part of the exhibitions, conferences and performances spaces are former industrial areas. During the winter, the disadvantage might be the problematic heating. At TEDx, I felt the one digit temperature during the first session, but the energy of the electric heaters brought back the normality for the rest of the day.

Entering TEDx

The music tank, by Nik Nowak

The audience was predominantly young and nerdy: people checking assiduously their very smart cell phones, iPads and other sophisticated devices - but without talking on the phone during the event; conference speakers dressed nonconformistically. Answering the target, the food and the drinks were perfectly fit: vegetarian food for lunch, fresh bunches of mint for tea, various natural drinks and frozen yogurts for desert and cappuccino with bio milk. The only "serious" and "traditional" presence was Audi, who offered some leaflets, a car at the entrance and some packs with black notebooks and silver pens. 

Colourful chairs for nerds

The conclusion of the long day - I enjoyed every single discussion, felt brainstormed for more than 6 hours and will be happy to repeat this experience as soon as possible. Out of a long list, I will mention a couple of intervenients that captivated me: Thimon von Berlepsch (magician), Mischer'Traxler a creative duo making objects by sun-generated power, Benedikt Foit and Habib Lesevic suggesting a revolutionary way of considering business beyond the consumerism or Verena Delius who adviced about five small and smart stept for saving and improving your business. And promise to watch one more time the tips about How to Spot a Liar. 

Wish I have such a healthy brainstorming at least once the day!