TEDxExeter 2019 – one week on

12 April 2019

One week on and the TEDxExeter team is still buzzing from TEDxExeter 2019 and the incredible talks given by our speakers. So a huge thank you to them and to our Partners, without whom the event could not happen.

Public screenings were held at venues across Devon, many companies held their own viewing events, and thousands more watched online from countries around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, India, Russia, Japan, Nigeria, Somalia, US, Mexico and Venezuela.

We have had the most fantastic feedback from those of you who joined us – whether in the venue or via the livestream.

Speakers tackled subjects including disability, fancy dress, artificial intelligence, street harassment, FGM and the impact of rudeness at work, particularly in the NHS.

“The diversity of speakers and wide range of subjects at TEDxExeter were wonderfully unified by a shared determination, inspiration and strong message of hope.” Steve Simpson

Just to share a couple of highlights:

Steve Simpson, Associate Professor in Marine Biology and Global Change at the University of Exeter, gave an insight into his research into underwater sound, which was featured on Blue Planet II and Blue Planet Live. As a self confessed ocean optimist he says..” human impacts are rapidly changing the soundtrack of the ocean. But it is not too late!  Exciting discoveries provide new opportunities for creative solutions that can help restore the seas for future generations.“

Apprentice Izzy Clarkson and Exeter College student Jess Pepperell told how their idea of labelling priority items on supermarket shelves led to a sharp rise in donations to Exeter Foodbank and has subsequently been adopted by Sainsbury’s nationwide. As
As Izzy says:” Sometimes you just need a new mind on an old problem…sometimes the most simple ideas have the greatest impact.’”

On a lighter note, musical comedy duo Harry Baker and Chris Read, together with beatboxer and electronic singer-songwriter SK Shlomo, led the audience in a sing along.

We can’t wait to share all the talks in a few weeks time.

Claire Kennedy, curator and licensee of TEDxExeter, summarised the day:

“Our theme this year was ‘The Art of the Possible’. When many communities are feeling more and more divided, the day offered an opportunity to pause and consider the future we want to create and how we might get there.
 
Since we launched in 2012, TEDxExeter talks have been viewed over 21.5 million times. These are ideas from Exeter impacting the world. None of this would be possible without our inspiring speakers and performers, our dedicated team of volunteers, the huge generosity of our partners and the positive energy of our whole TEDxExeter community.”