The speakers at this year’s TedXMB event on Nov. 14 come from backgrounds as diverse as an information scientist to a shoemaker, but their talks will coalesce around one topic: What’ s next?
The TedXMB team, made up of 75 volunteers mostly from Manhattan Beach, came up with the idea as a group.
“We tried to think of all the different ways someone might interpret that,” said organizer Kate Bergin. “The goal every year is to wow, inspire, open people’s minds, consider a new perspective on the same old thing.”
About 550 people are expected to attend this year’s event, which was close to selling out at press time.
Founded in 2009, the local branch of the TED series is one of the oldest, according to Bergin, who said there are about 3,300 around the world.
She attributes the nonprofit organization’s longevity to the community’s participation.
“The reason why we’re going strong is because the community is planning it, running it and attending,” she said. “No one person does the event. It’s become part of the fabric of the community.”
Most of this year’s speakers are local. A particularly timely presenter is Andy Weir, who wrote the novel on which the movie “The Martian,” starring Matt Damon, is based.
“He was pondering the idea if someone could survive living on Mars,” said Bergin.
Another speaker’s book, “Leap: Leaving a Job with No Plan B to Find the Career and Life You Really Want,” ties in perfectly with the theme.
Author Tess Vigeland, a veteran journalist who occasionally appears on National Public Radio, “was thinking there was still more out there for her, but she didn’t know what,” said Bergin.
“Her message is everyone deserves to be happy with what they’re doing.”
Mira Costa senior Pooja Nagpal, whom Easy Reader recently profiled, will also be speaking. Nagpal started a nonprofit, For a Change, Defend, that teaches women self-defense.
The day will be particularly meaningful for Lula Washington, founder of the Lula Washington Dance Theatre in Los Angeles, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary the same day as her talk.
“She’s such a strong and beautiful woman, really committed to creating social change and awareness through dance,” said Bergin.
Bergin had long admired Washington and wanted her to give a talk. This year, it worked out.
“I call it TEDx karma,” said Bergin.
In total, 12 speakers will appear at Manhattan Beach Middle School.
Though TED talks have skyrocketed in popularity online lately, Bergin said there’s no substitution for going in person and sharing the experience with a group of people.
“It’s the difference between listening to your favorite music on Spotify and going to a concert.” ER
