Still to come this year, amongst others, are Robert Ballard, the Oceanographer, Craig Venter, founder of the Institute for Genomic Research, Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club and Al Gore (again!).

How popular are the conferences?  On January 25th, TED announced that a ‘spare’ ticket was available (a VIP was unable to attend at the last moment) to be auctioned via eBay – proceeds going to charity.  The final bid?  $US 33,850.  The normal price is $US 6,000.

TED started with its first conference in 1984 and hasn’t looked back.  They have a very simple mission, as expressed on their website  – “spreading ideas.”  And very big ideas they are too.  Every year, they sponsor The TED Prize for 3 people winning a prize of $100,000 to help “Change the World.”  Oddly, one of the winners last year was Bill Clinton, we can only hope getting Hillary elected wasn’t how he hoped to “Change the World.”

TED is an organisation that really does seem to have some hope in changing the world.  They have the support of prominent people and the interest of thousands, if not millions of people around the world.  They vehemently hope you get involved and the web site describes many ways you can help.

Have a look at the website, get involved.  TED is important.