Five Ways To Prepare And Make The Most Of Attending TEDx
- Oct 29, 2024
- 4 min read
Lauren Anders Brown is an award-winning documentary storyteller who uses film, photography, audio, and her writing to focus on issues of global health and human rights. She has captured content in over forty countries, including conflict zones, in order to amplify the voices of others and especially women.
On November 9, TEDxBermuda will host its much-anticipated 10th edition. The island hasn’t seen a TEDx event since before the pandemic, and for an island that champions tech innovation, boasts a rich history of arts and culture, and supports big ideas through entrepreneur programs like Ignite, TEDx Bermuda strikes a chord with the local community. TEDxBermuda is unique—it’s the island’s only charity where every donation goes directly into the event, run entirely by volunteers and made possible solely through its donors. This year’s generous sponsors include CCS Group Limited, 64 NorthWest Partners LTD, Chubb, Renaissance Re, Appleby, efit, Bacardi, and MarketPlace.
1. Buy your ticket
This is an in-person event with no virtual attendance option, so if you’re interested, snag your ticket now! Don’t live in Bermuda? Book a trip and experience TEDxBermuda in person. Hosted at the Hamilton Princess, the venue offers the convenience of accommodation and event access all in one place if you’re lucky enough to secure a room. This popular event has been highly anticipated since the last edition in 2019, so don’t wait!
2. Plan your transportation
Parking at the Hamilton Princess won’t be able to accommodate all attendees, so consider public transportation options for November 9. If traveling by sea, ferries depart from Dockyard at 11:55 a.m. or from Belmont (12:15), Darrell’s Wharf (12:20), and Salt Kettle (12:25) to arrive in Hamilton by 12:30 p.m. a relaxed 30 minutes before the event starts. Carpooling is also an option, but note that most parking lots don’t allow long-term parking for the entire time of the event. However you choose to arrive, plan to be on time so you don’t miss a moment!
3. Learn about the TEDx speakers and topics
The heart of TEDx is, of course, its speakers. To get the most out of the event, take some time to get familiar with this year’s lineup:
Jim McNiell
Susana Martinez Conte
Andrew McConnell
Everett Lacey
Glenn Corn
Dale Johnson
Dr. Sanjay Rao
Dr. Pradipta Ghosh
Tiana Holt
Saskia Wolsak
For a deeper dive, check out the TEDxBermuda page for their bios. And if you’re looking for some pre-event inspiration, consider reading TED Talks by Chris Anderson—a fantastic behind-the-scenes look at preparing for a TEDx talk.
4. Prepare your profile to connect with attendees
TED events are all about “ideas worth spreading,” and you never know when a speaker or attendee will spark your interest in a new area. The best way to carry the TEDx connections forward is by reaching out. A quick way to make connections at the event is through LinkedIn. Join the TEDxBermuda 2024 LinkedIn group to learn more about the speakers and topics so you’ll go into the event with a good understanding of each session.
Update your LinkedIn profile with your experience, education, licenses, certifications, and skills. Include any volunteer work, relevant projects, or accomplishments, and highlight these in your Feature section. Having your profile polished and easily accessible will help you connect quickly at TEDx.
Remember to follow up by sending a message after connecting: “Thanks for connecting with me at TEDxBermuda 2024.” This little reminder will keep your interactions fresh in both your minds.
5. Come fed and charged for a day of ideas worth spreading
Come prepared, both physically and digitally. Charge your phone fully before the event, there won’t be many chances to recharge, and you don’t want to miss an opportunity for a photo with a speaker or an important slide. Bring a power bank if you have one, and connect to the Hamilton Princess event Wi-Fi to save your battery. Make sure you’ve had a filling lunch, or bring snacks that won’t disrupt speakers. A refillable water bottle or a coffee from the Duchess Café will keep you energized for a day of absorbing ideas.
TEDx events are always unique, and this 10th edition promises to be no exception. Make the most of the day by coming prepared, ready to connect, and open to inspiration.
Lauren Anders Brown, Tech Startup Entrepreneur
Lauren Anders Brown is an award-winning documentary storyteller who uses film, photography, audio, and her writing to focus on issues of global health and human rights. She has captured content in over forty countries, including conflict zones, in order to amplify the voices of others and especially women. She produces work through her own production company colLABorate: ideas and images, works as a consultant for the United Nations, and is Creative Director of the e-learning startup Gamoteca. She is a true artivist: an artist who uses any and all of her available platforms to creatively advocate for human rights.
Lauren is an entrepreneur, founder of her tech startup PadsPass and digital pet passport helping people travel with their pets.
