In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, on September 29, 2012 TEDxYerevan will bring 300 people together for a day to share a TED-like experience at TUMO Center for Creative Technologies. Just like for the past two years, the event, licensed by TED, is self-organized by volunteers, who believe in the power of sharing ideas, hoping that TEDxYerevan 2012 becomes a local forum for ideas within community that inspires people to change their lives, their futures and ultimately their world.

The theme for this year’s event is Embracing Change, and while we’re on the topic, here are few changes to expect from TEDxYerevan in 2012.

  • No affiliated organization

Unlike in 2010 and 2011, when we had an affiliated organization to the TEDxYerevan licensee, this year’s event is completely independent and not affiliated with any organization. In other words, TEDxYerevan 2012 is organized solely by the hard work and passion of the volunteers and a handful of sponsors and partner organizations.

  • Simplified application process

Just like previously the event is invitation-only. But because we want to reach out to new people this year we are going to ask interested individuals to fill out an application form. Your effort to do so will show your commitment to participating in the event, making the selection process that much easier. Please keep in mind that there will be a selection process, in case we have more than 300 applicants, however the preference will be given to those, who have not attended TEDxYerevan event in the past.

  • Paid-lunch option

While providing free lunch is something we have done in the past, after careful examination of most successful TEDx events, our team made a decision to invest money only in event design and bringing in the best speakers, so we opted for paid lunch this year. However, the team is arranging healthy and affordable lunch options everybody can purchase during the lunch break. It is not uncommon for organizers to charge up a ticket for TEDx event up until 100 USD, which covers lunch and other expenses, but we since wanted to make this event affordable to larger audience we simply ask you to buy your own lunch.

  • Environmental responsibility

In the spirit of TED, we want to make TEDxYerevan 2012 event as sustainable and low-impact as possible. For a more eco-friendly event we are going to provide clearly labeled recycling bins, and ask you to help us minimize waste through a comprehensive recycling and reuse system at the venue.

We look forward to meeting you at TEDxYerevan 2012, and hope you will find it to be a great forum for learning, networking, and new idea generation.