Wednesday 10 December 2014

Thank you

On Saturday, we held the 6th edition of TEDxEuston, Facing Forward at the Mermaid Theatre in London. This year was particularly challenging for the team, with many of us, no longer based in London, and the increasing pressure of work and family demands.  To make matters worse, we had sponsorship challenges, tickets did not seem to be selling as quickly as in previous years, some friends and partners were not returning our calls, and there were many logistical challenges. As an all -volunteer team, all with busy day jobs, TEDxEuston has always been a labour of love, our contribution towards the creation of a new Africa, the Africa of our dreams, but this year that love was tested to its very limits.

And so it was with a sense of trepidation and wariness that we approached this year’s event.

But on the day, you picked us up and blew us completely away!

From our amazing volunteers, to our partners and sponsors, from our collaborators and our exhibitors to you our warm and welcoming audience- in the Mermaid and on Livestream; from our camera crew and our hosts at the Mermaid, to our amazing speakers you all reminded us why what we do is important, and by your words and actions made all the sacrifices of the previous year worth it.

Speaker after speaker made us laugh, made us think, taught us, inspired us, and made us pause as we reflected on our theme “Facing Forward”. 

And at the end, the standing ovation from you and your very clear indication that you valued what we do, was life-affirming.

We continue to receive messages of goodwill from across the world, and we do not know what the future holds, but with you, our community, working with us, we are again convinced that we all can work towards making the future of our beloved continent better than today

Please remember to make your TEDxEuston Pledge if you have not already done so- what are you going to do next year to make a better Africa?

Send them in to us at team@ tedxeuston and do send in any suggestions of support.

We will keep you posted as we recover and look to the future- this thing is bigger than us, it belongs to you, the community, and you must show us where you wish us to go.

For TEDxEuston to continue, it will not be because of what we have done, but because of what you will do. 

Thank you, and thank you and thank you, we are honoured and humbled by your belief in us.

We will send out a feedback form, please do make out a few minutes to complete it.




Friday 5 December 2014

Remembering Madiba - one year on...

On the eve of TEDxEuston 2013, December 5, Madiba passed away and left the continent in our hands. Not a week before, or a month before....but on the eve of TEDxEuston.

Through our tears and working through the night, Chuks Adichie put together this short and powerful collection of voice and visuals, from posters primarily from the Mandela Poster Project as a tribute to Madiba.

Continue to rest in Peace ...Madiba. We live in the shadows of giants. Watch it HERE.




Then Mrs Ngozi Okonjo Iweala took it to another level when she asked the house to dance for Mandela....dance for Mandela? Who would have thought that 600 Africans would be dancing for Mandela on a cold winter day in London. Well ....that's the TEDxEuston you cannot see online. We'll do it again tomorrow.


SOLD OUT and LIVESTREAM

Thank you people- for the 6th straight year, you have sold out TEDxEuston; all 600 tickets available are one!. Now its time to deliver!

If you are unfortunate and can't make it to TEDxEuston 2014 on Saturday, don't worry, you will be able to watch the event Live. You will also be able to logon with your Facebook and Twitter details and join the conversations in the chat rooms.

The event will be streamed live from 10.45 am (UK time) on Saturday the 6th of December and you can watch it HERE



Wednesday 3 December 2014

Browse the stands at TEDxEuston

We're three days away from what you could call the finest gathering of bright minds devoted to spreading ideas about Africa. A mouthful for sure, but true nonetheless.


Whilst you're meeting new people, exchanging fresh ideas and jotting down contact details, take a moment to explore the stands by our incredible partners and supporters on the mezzanine.

From books to accessories, events to special offers, there will be something interesting for you.

We can't wait to welcome you back to the Mermaid! See you Saturday.#FacingForward

At the stands...you will find;

The CDC Group,...the building of businesses throughout Africa.

The Royal African Society.... promote Africa in business, politics, culture and academia

The Wellbeing Foundation....believes that there is something special in every African man, woman and child.

The Africa Centre,...promotes Africa’s cultural diversity outside of the continent.

DigitalBack Books....a new exciting virtual collection of books written on Africa

Ines Kitoko,...fashionable Africa influenced accessories

Jacaranda Publishing,...and exciting new independent publishing house based in London.

TACTIC...transforming Africa through innovation

of course....the TEDxEuston Book Stand.  

And....all this will not be possible without the support of our other partners: SHELL, SunTrust Oil, Shore-line Power, ...and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (for a special part of the programme- TEDxChange)  

Tuesday 2 December 2014

At TEDxEuston, its never about the after-party :)

The after-party is probably not the reason anyone would come to TEDxEuston, but hey since you will spend the whole day with us, why don't we spoil you a "little"? Most of our speakers will stay as well....

And this year we have something special: DJ Bloxx will be in the house! If you are one of the few in London not acquainted with his "work". Not to worry, after TEDxEuston 2014 you will be :)

The last few tickets will go tonight, you may buy the last one here, and for students here.












Monday 1 December 2014

Behind the scenes at TEDxEuston

Watching TEDxEuston talks online is brilliant! It sure is....but there is so so much more to the event. Enjoy below some of the sights of TEDxEuston that make the event the full-body experience that it is. Its really not about just watching the talks - but immersing yourself in the event.

Grab one of the very last tickets here, and for students here.


Our youngest attendee! 


 Funmi Iyanda's smiles 


Reunions... 


Fashionistas


The merchandise


The Joy 


...and what it is all about!