SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — An elite conference touted as "the ultimate brain spa" for its mind-altering themes will webcast live for the first time when it convenes in California in February.
Known for attracting Hollywood stars such as Cameron Diaz and Forest Whitaker as well as technology world royalty including Google founders Larry Page and Serge Brin, the TED conference focuses on "ideas worth spreading."
TED members, sometimes called "Tedizens," promise to use their clout, abilities or other resources to back ideas aimed at improving life on Earth.
Conference membership costs 6,000 dollars.
TED organizers on Friday unveiled an option of having the event live streamed to the computers of those who pay 995 dollars for year-long "associate memberships" that come with books, DVDs and other perks.
Joining the ted.com website is free and conference presentations are eventually made available for viewing online.
The theme of the TED conference from February 3 to 7 in Northern California is "The Great Unveiling" because it is to spotlight premiers of inventions, art, and "thrilling discovery."
The roster of TED conference speakers will be announced on Monday.
Past TED speakers include scientists, engineers, and researchers as well as former US president Bill Clinton and his one-time vice president Al Gore; musicians Bono and Paul Simon; author Amy Tan, and Sir Richard Branson.
"We created the TED Associate Membership Program to offer a more affordable way for thousands of people around the world to experience the excitement of watching the TED conference live," said TED community director Tom Rielly.
The TED conference name is derived from Technology, Entertainment and Design and it started in California in 1984.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
