Cleveland State University announced that it will host the popular TED series in October. TED, which stands to Technology, Entertainment and Design, shares original ideas through talks and programs held around the world.

Sponsored by CSU’s Monte Ahuja College of Business to highlight the imagination, innovation and entrepreneurship of the Cleveland and CSU communities, TEDxClevelandStateUniversity will be held on October 3.

“We’re really excited we’re able to host a TEDx event,” says Colette Hart, senior director of outreach and engagement centers at the college of business. “The TED community works hard to identify potential TED hosts that are consistent with the goals and objectives to inspire and innovate.”

TEDxClevelandStateUniversity should put Cleveland in the national spotlight, at least among TED followers. “Most people who have heard a TED talk have been moved because it’s very personal,” Hart says. “It has a global following and our job is to make sure Cleveland State and Cleveland are part of that global community.”

Ahuja College dean Joseph Mazzola sees the TEDx conference as a growth opportunity. “For people who watch TEDx presentations, the whole idea is to be around innovative thinkers and innovative ideas,” he says. “They want to connect the dots and see the world in a way that hasn’t been seen before.”

While the speakers have yet to be chosen, interest has been high. “We’ve had people contact us globally who are interested in participating,” says Hart. “It allows us to showcase the talent of our local community on a global basis.”

Hart says they will be sure to include students and the community in the programming. A portion of the event will be dedicated to past TED talks.

Now that CSU has earned a TEDx license, the university plans to host regular events. October’s program will be an annual happening.

Source: Colette Hart, Joseph Mazzola
Writer: Karin Connelly