The TED conference has been called “The ultimate brain spa,” “Davos for optimists” and “A journey into the future, in the company of those creating it.” Millions of people all over the world have watched TED videos (over 400 million downloads), read TED books, engaged in TED conversations and taken part in independently produced TEDx events. TED’s mission: “Ideas worth spreading.” Sharing ideas really does lead to better answers.

TEDxMidwest is a locally and independently organized TED-like event. Once a year, TEDxMidwest brings together a remarkable line-up of fascinating, innovative and influential speakers whose talks challenge, move and inspire. Conversations are sparked and collaborations begun.

Connection is the electricity that runs through the event, arcing from stage to audience and among all the attendees during breaks and meals. TEDxMidwest brings together some of the most amazing people working across of a variety of disciplines, who all share a common bond of curiosity and strong desire to make a difference. There is an alchemy in the mix: Expect conversations that could very well change your life.

TEDxMidWest 2011 will be held on October 13 and 14, at Chicago’s spectacular Oriental Theatre. The twenty-five speakers run the gamut. All push the limits. Among the presenters:

• John Hodgman: Daily Show resident expert and comedian
• Dean Kamen: Inventor, science evangelist
• Alison Levine: History-making mountaineer and explorer
• Wes Craven: Horror film director, expert on fear
• Nancy Etcoff: Psychologist, expert on love and happiness
• Bill Strickland: MacArthur genius, jazz impressario
• Daniel Hernandez: Hero who helped save Congresswoman Gifford’s life
• Amory Lovins: Clean energy visionary
• Paul Nicklen: National Geographic polar photographer, YouTube sensation
• The Interupters: Ceasefire’s fearless team of frontline violence preventers
• Phil Zimbardo: Psychologist, expert on good and evil
• John Ondrasik: (Five for Fighting): singer/songwriter
• Pablos Holman: One of the top hackers in the world
• Kevin Bacon,:Actor, rocker, six degrees philanthropist
• and many more…

An amazing audience is as much a part of the TEDxMidwest experience as the speakers. It includes top scientists, artists, designers, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, business leaders, architects, Nobel Prize-winners, authors and 50 very gifted inner-city high school students, along with the remarkable teachers who nominated them.

Apply today to experience “Ideas Worth Spreading” with a Midwest flair and participate in deep discussion and connection in our small group.