TED started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. From their website, “TED is a non-profit that believes powerful ideas, powerfully presented, move us – to feel something, to think differently, to take action.” Their mission = Discover & spread ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding, & drive meaningful change.
The annual conferences bring together the world’s most fascinating thinkers, leaders, teachers & doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes). The first TED talks were posted online in 2006.