Photo courtesy of TEDxYYC

On Friday, May 25, a select group of Calgary’s idea seekers / idea generators attended TEDxYYC – an annual, independently-organized TED event.  TED, which is short form for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, self-describes as “a nonprofit devoted to ideas worth spreading,” and its TED conferences feature “riveting talks by remarkable people.”  TED and TEDx events have been described by others as “the ultimate brain spa.”

Calgary has demonstrated a strong appetite for TED, at both TEDxCalgary and TEDxYYC events.  But where do TED ideas go?  What happens to new ideas and connections, after the “brain spa” is over?  In this highly entrepreneurial city, is Calgary doing anything with what it learns?

Mike Bingly was an attendee at last month’s TEDxYYC event.

“I use the ideas every year in some way – random connections drive innovation,” Bingly tweeted, in response to C.I.A’s inquiry.

Matt Mayer, a Process Designer at Conscious Brands, also attended the event, and had many ideas on how we could better leverage the ideas and connections from the event.

“The question is how we can access the collective intelligence in the room as well as create a space for that shared interest and intelligence to continue to engage,” said Mayer.  “The quick answer is to create a Community of Practice but that demands dedicated, intentional space in the agenda for the collective to create it.”

The organizers of TEDxYYC have contemplated how to make sure ideas lead to positive action and/or creative outcomes.  Leor Rotchild, one of the TEDxYYC organizers told us about plans for growing the event beyond just an annual session.

Further, Rotchild suggested that “for successful execution of ideas, it’s my opinion that four basic ingredients are required: leadership, networks, commitment, and resources.”

“I feel that the full potential of the TED experience is yet to be realized by most and TED is constantly evolving. This is evident with the new TED-Ed format recently launched. It’s clear to me that engagement only once a year is not enough and that there is opportunity to develop a mechanism for year-round engagement.”

What do you think Calgary?  Tell us about how you’re leveraging your TED-inspired ideas. Send your thoughts to contact@calgaryisawesome.com or send us a tweet @ciawesome.

Or are you just leaving them at the brain spa?