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Six Tips to Amplify Your TEDxSanAntonio Experience

The big day is near.

If you’re participating in the epic-ness that is TEDxSanAntonio, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience.

1. Arrive early. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Allow time to park and walk a few minutes to the Dicke Art Building. Grab a cup of coffee and meet some new people.

2. Stay until the very end. Serendipity rules at TEDxSanAntonio. The speaker you are least interested in hearing … usually rocks your socks off. The after-party at the historic Holt Center (5-8 p.m.) is a great place to meet the speakers and share your newfound enthusiasm.

3. Clear your calendar. Lend us your brain for the day. Ignore your email. Switch off your phone. It is an immersive experience, and you won’t want to miss a moment.

4. Talk to strangers. Ignore your parents’ advice. TEDxSanAntonio is teeming with amazing people. Look at the person two aisles over. Read his or her three Talking Points on the name badge. Strike up a conversation. You’ll never know what connection, Big Idea or epiphany you might experience.

5. Leave your laptop at home. And your cell phone in your bag or pocket. The speakers at TEDxSanAntonio merit your full attention, and laptops and cell phones are a big distraction – not just for you, but for everyone around you. To preserve an immersive experience, we don’t allow cell phone use in the theater. Blogging is permitted from the balcony only.

6. Download our (free) TEDxSanAntonio iPhone App and devour the program guide. Our schedule is so crammed that we don’t have time for long speaker introductions.

Got a question about directions or tickets? Need special assistance? Please call Debbie at 210-823-4239.

Posted in Attendees, Event, TEDx.

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By Shawn.Cohen – October 14, 2011

TEDxSanAntonio Live Webcast

The live webcast of TEDxSanAntonio is set to begin at 9:00AM US/Central on Saturday, 10/15/2011.

Video Production and live streaming are made possible by the good folks and technology of NewTek. We’re proud to have them as a sponsor of TEDxSanAntonio.

View the TEDxSanAntonio Program Guide

Posted in Event, Video.

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By George Riley – October 14, 2011

Call for Volunteers

Want to be involved in TEDxSanAntonio but can’t quite figure out how? We’ve got a perfect opportunity for you. It takes a village to put on TEDxSanAntonio, and we’re looking for a few good men (and women). Don your volunteer hat and sign up today to work on Saturday, October 15 during the event. There are opportunities for everyone, so no matter your talent, we’re sure to have a need to fill.

Are you a future politician? Get some experience at glad-handing in the registration area. Help people get registered and checked in, get their name tags and figure out where to go. Or, if you’d rather herd cats, join the Wranglers. Help direct attendees from the registration area to the lobby and keep TEDxSanAntonio running smoothly. Just want to dig in and get your hands dirty? We’ve got something for you, too. We’ll need help setting up, on stage/back stage and to pack it all up when it’s done.

TEDxSanAntonio is all about taking action, so if you’re looking for a way to help make this great event a reality, Sign Up NOW to volunteer your time and talent.

Posted in Event, TEDx, Volunteers.

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By BeardyMcD – September 30, 2011

TEDxSanAntonio 2011 Speakers Announced

TEDxSanAntonio 2011 is moving full steam ahead to deliver a rockstar line up of speakers October 15 at the Stieren Auditorium, on the campus of Trinity University. Attendees will take in a variety of compelling talks:

Tales of escape from the killing fields of Cambodia
The beat of Tejano music and the soul of Xicano
One leader’s drive to change the lives of disadvantaged women, one business outfit at a time

Additionally, The TEDxSanAntonio 2011 speaker lineup includes Sichan Siv, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; Juan Tejeda, instructor of Music & Mexican Studies at Palo Alto College; Guvinder P. “G.P.” Singh, CEO, Paras CapitalManagement; and Pamela Taylor, co-founder and executive director of Dress for Success San Antonio.

There will be 14 other talks presented by speakers local to the Alamo City and others from around the world.

TEDxSanAntonio is currently accepting applications for locals who want to attend. Applications may be submitted at http://www.tedxsanantonio.com/attendees/ and close on September 20, 2011.

Posted in Attendees, Speakers, TEDx.

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By Shawn.Cohen – September 16, 2011

San Antonio is More Than “Two Tacos And A Beer” – Jorge Amodio

Jorege Amodio

Jorge Amodio

Jorge Amodio is the chief technology evangelist at LJCV Electronics. In the 80s, he was involved in the early stages of Internet in Argentina. Lately, in San Antonio, he’s been working on the R&D side of embedded microcontroller applications. Last year, Jorge attended his first TEDx event ever in San Antonio and he blogs about his meaningful experience here.

 

A couple of years after I moved to San Antonio, I listened frequently to a radio station that played audio clips of people’s responses to the question: “What do you think when you think of San Antonio?”

One of the responses that always caught my attention was: “Two tacos and a beer.”

No doubt, we have the best tacos. And we always find a good reason to be in a “fiesta” mood. So while that may include a nice cold one, let me tell you: San Antonio is about so much more.

Who would know that among us there is a CNN Hero — Holly Hirshberg — whose non-profit organization has been providing seeds to thousands of families so they can grow their own food?

Or that a fascinating PhD right here in San Antonio — James Bower — had the bright idea of getting rid of school textbooks and moving education into the future? Or that a a former District Attorney — who once prosecuted people — would admit he made a grave error and  no longer supports the death penalty?

I can keep going on, but the truth is, I didn’t know … until I participated at the first TEDxSanAntonio in October 2010.

It was a mind-boggling experience that I’ll never forget. I’ve been following the TED talks for years and always dreamed about being able to participate in an event like that.

The start was funny, Vicor Landa, our host did a fantastic job creating a perfect environment and mood for the rest of the day. And I laughed when Victor opened by talking about tacos!

The whole event  — not just the speaker content — was a blast.  Meeting the participants and organizers felt like a big reunion of open-minded friends sharing experiences and ideas, and not just about technology.  There were

touching personal experiences that resonated to the bottom of my heart and seeped into the deep interconnections of my brain.

It was a great opportunity to make new friends, meet very

interesting people, share my thoughts and geeky ideas, and no doubt confirm that San Antonio is way more than just “Two tacos and a beer.”

By the way, in case you wondered, we didn’t have tacos for lunch.

Are you interested in applying to attend the next TEDxSanAntonio on October 15, 2011 at Trinity University? Click here: http://www.tedxsanantonio.com/attendees/tedx-san-antonio-2011-attendee-application/

Posted in Attendees, Event, TEDx.

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By MichaelBMaine – August 22, 2011

TED Talk – Tony Porter: A Call To Men

Michael B. Maine

Media Justice League showed this video to conclude a media literacy course we taught at the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV). I don’t want to spoil the presentation, but listen to the message Porter sends to both men and women. Pay special attention to the audience’s reactions during the talk. Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Posted in Talks, TEDx, Video.

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By MichaelBMaine – August 18, 2011

My Favorite TED Talk: How To Start A Movement

Michael B. Maine

“The first follower is what transforms a loan nut into a leader.”
-Derek Sivers

The video below is of a Derek Sivers’ presentation at TED. He speaks about the important of the first leader. We often talk about  leadership, but often forget about the importance of followers. Sometimes it’s more courageous to be the first follower than the first leader.

Watch more thought provoking videos and engage in the conversations at TED.

 

Michael Maine is the founder and chief strategy officer of Menrva Labs , working with small businesses and non-profits to build sustainable business and marketing strategies. Follow Michael on Twitter at @michaelbmaine and @menrvalabs.

Posted in Speakers, Talks, TEDx, Video.

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By MichaelBMaine – August 13, 2011

Wouldn’t You Like This On Your Business Card?

TED Business Card (Back)

Back of TED Business Card

This is the back of the card of a TED employee. I think this says it all. If only more businesses had taglines like this. If only more businesses lived this type of philosophy. If only more businesses operated like this. Think of what we could accomplish together.

 

Michael Maine is the founder and chief strategy officer of Menrva Labs , working with small businesses and non-profits to build sustainable business and marketing strategies. Follow Michael on Twitter at @michaelbmaine and @menrvalabs.

Posted in Event, News, TEDx.

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By MichaelBMaine – August 5, 2011

Do Or Do Not, There Is No Try

Michael B. Maine

Yoda

Yoda

Now, I’ve never watched a Star Wars movie (I know. I actually have been living under a rock), but I was readingSex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs, by Chuck Klosterman where I came across Jedi Master Yoda’s quote, “Do, or do not. There is no ‘try.’”

At that point I put the book down and reflected on what I just read. I agree with Yoda. When we attempt something, we have to pursue it as though there is no option to fail. Too often, we go into a situation with the sentiment that, if we don’t reach the desired outcome, we can at least say we tried. Sometimes we will fail, but we can’t allow ourselves to go into something expecting to. I understand we’re not going to win each and every time, but shooting for just good enough or the attempt will ensure that we never reach success.

Do or do not. There is no try.

 

Michael Maine is the founder and chief strategy officer of Menrva Labs , working with small businesses and non-profits to build sustainable business and marketing strategies. Follow Michael on Twitter at @michaelbmaine and @menrvalabs.

 

Posted in TEDx.

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By MichaelBMaine – August 3, 2011

Can Fun Change Behavior For the Better

Michael B. Maine

Can we encourage positive behavior by making things fun? The folks over at The Fun Theory do. They held a competition inviting people to provide ideas on how to make everyday tasks such as throwing away trash, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and recycling more fun. They simply ask the qustion, “Can fun change behavior for the better?” Here are some of their submissions.




 

Michael Maine is the founder and chief strategy officer of Menrva Labs , working with small businesses and non-profits to build sustainable business and marketing strategies. Follow Michael on Twitter at @michaelbmaine and @menrvalabs.

Posted in TEDx, Video.

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By MichaelBMaine – August 1, 2011

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