New Arlington TEDx Conference Looking for Speakers

Another TEDx conference is coming to Arlington this year, with a theme of “Connectedness.”

TEDxArlington is planned for Oct. 3, organized by a of Arlington residents hoping to think about connectedness “in broad terms.” That could mean how people are connected to or by “technology, science, nature, art, music, athletics, vocation, passion” or with “our families, neighbors, schools, community, strangers, country, world,” event organizer Laura Novak said in an email.

“We are seeking unique stories, ideas and concepts with some connection to Arlington,” Novak said. “Speakers need not be recognized experts, but rather people who can inspire with their passion, their story and their ideas .. The goal is a unique group of people with a wide, thought-provoking set of ideas.”

Novak and co-organizer Joey Skoloda are accepting nominations for speakers until May 1. Nominees do not have to be polished public speakers, Novak said, just passionate about their topics. Coaches will be provided to help the chosen speakers refine their presentations.

There is not yet a location or time set for the event, although Novak said it could be at Rosslyn’s Spectrum Theatre. TEDx is an offshoot of the popular TEDtalks, which allows communities to organize their own events for sharing ideas about a central theme. TEDxArlington follows the 2013 TEDxRosslyn conference with the theme of “Imagining the Future.”

The theme of “Connectedness” is intended to bring people together to have an honest conversation about the community, Novak said.

“The reason for it is to promote a conversation that is unbiased, nonpolitical about not just the things that are happening in Arlington, but the things that can bring us together,” she said. “I wouldn’t say that we’re divided, but I think there’s a lot of conversation going on. TED and TEDx are just great forums and formats for beginning a conversation and doing it in such a way that’s open and honest.”