You've heard the saying, 'there are no stupid questions'. Well one talk this summer takes that premise to the next level.
"The idea is if you ask really good questions - that's what leads to great innovations and breakthroughs," explained Mike Lundgren from his VML office. "You could ask what causes cancer, or you could ask what's the evolutionary purpose of the cancer gene."
Lundgren brought TEDxKC to Kansas City eight years ago. Since then, it's become one of the year's most anticipated events. In fact, until recently it was the biggest TEDx event in the world. Now, it's the biggest in the U.S. and one of the biggest on the planet.
"TED is such a powerful brand," he said. "Kansas City is thirsty for intellectual programing, so I think it's the intersection of those two things."
TEDx speakers will take the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts stage to talk about science, technology, and new ideas. Given this year's news headlines, Lundgren said TEDx couldn't come at a better time.
"What's happening in the world today is troubling on so many levels," he said. "The twin enemies of progress are ignorance and indifference. What TED does so beautifully is it teases out the best ideas that can help us avoid the abyss and have an optimistic technology positive view of the future."
Tickets to the event go on sale at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 28. The event is Friday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. Afterwards, there will be a party on the front lawn of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
In years past, you could buy tickets via the Kauffman Center, through its website or in person. This year, the only place you can get the tickets is on the TEDxKC website.
- Live show at Kauffman Center: $50
- Simulcast at Kauffman Center: $25
- Watch parties: $10
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Terra Hall can be reached at terra.hall@kshb.com.
