Bringing TEDx to Woodstock as an annual conference
Applicant Name
Deborah Greene
Applicant Organization
The Peace Traveler
Email Address
Phone Number
802-296-1421
Mailing Address
PO Box 305
South Woodstock
VT
05071
Organization Website
Grant Request Summary
I have been working with TED to bring a TEDx conference to our area.
TED conferences are a globally recognized brand that specializes in collaborating with communities to create events which then live on well beyond each community through TED’s international network. Placing a TEDx within our community offers an opportunity to showcase our local talent in various fields, as well as bring renown speakers to our area.
This is a unique moment of growth in so many communities around the world. Woodstock, with its history in conservationism and its reputation as one of the most beautiful small towns, is an ideal place to forge conversations about creating peaceful communities, innovation in business / farming/technology and living a more sustainable life.
The event will take place over a weekend, with several side events and ways to participate. There will be an opening evening event, a full day of TED Talks. There will also be an TEDx “Innovators Showcase” which will be a curated event that will take place all weekend long and be open to the public.
There have been TEDx in the northern part of the state in Burlington and Stowe. This TEDx in Woodstock will service the South-Central Vermont area and we look to grow it year upon year to be a formidable event of ideas and community goodwill.
Project Budget
$25,000+
Desired Grant Amount
$25,000+
Other Funding Sources
Funding will also come from sponsors and vendors participating in our Innovators Showcase during the TEDx weekend.
Project Timeframe
TEDx will be produced annually, and the inaugural event will take place within the next year, looking to produce during a shoulder season. We will also be creating ongoing series of panel discussion throughout the year featuring well-regarded speakers in their field to help foster conversations about community, ecology, growth and well-being.
How will this project benefit the economic and community development of Woodstock?
There are several ways that producing the TEDx event for the region here in Woodstock, would benefit the community and economic development. TEDx comes with its own platform and those who participate will widen their own personal reach exponentially. The event will also be an annual event that businesses can count on the create revenue and widen their patronage.
I look to produce this event with a keen eye on creating a weekend event that is consciously organized to consider the residential community so that it can be enjoyed both those who live here and those who visit.
Finally, a key element of the nature of the TEDx would be to bring forward ideas about how to create more cohesive community and how to create opportunities out of the adversity we have faced in recent years.
Which EDC Working Grouop Objectives does your project best support?
Housing (Expanding housing supply for local workforce), Marketing (Marketing Woodstock to attract more visitors and permanent residents), Attracting New Businesses (Attracting businesses to Woodstock), Events (Supporting the growth of events for visitors and the community)
Other Objectives
Project Collaborations
There is a myriad of opportunities to collaborate within the community. We are speaking with Billings Farm as the main venue and will also work with local small business owners and restaurants, inns etc. to plan the festivities.
Additional Comments