Events

Reflection: TEDx Lagos 2019 Event.

Ever wondered what a TED or TEDx Talk event is like? Happily reflecting and sharing my thoughts on the just concluded TEDx Lagos 2019 Event.

If you are unaware, TED is a global nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas via short talks. At first, topics were centered around Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED) but today, TED/ TEDx talks have evolved and now cover a wide range of topics.

According to the official website, TEDx event is a local gathering where live TED – like talks and performances are shared with the community.

TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis. They are branded TEDx, where x= independently organized TED event.

With a tag line like ‘Ideas worth sharing’ one can tell that speakers present carefully curated talks with the aim to share an idea, inform, inspire and provoke conversations that should be had.

My TEDx Lagos 2019 Experience.

I have always enjoyed watching TED / TEDx Talk videos on YouTube, so I made a mental note to attend one if the opportunity ever came.

You can then imagine how heart broken I felt when I realized I had missed the TEDx Lagos 2018 event. A friend had put up an Instagram picture of the event in real time, and Banky W was the speaker.

I immediately followed TEDx Lagos official Instagram account and kept a close tab on them.

Another TEDx Lagos opportunity presented itself and on the 3rd of August 2019, I attended my first TEDx Lagos event.

The theme for TEDx Lagos 2019 was Spring! For me, it means the defining moment that catapults you into action. Everyone has that spring board moment and it is important to recognize it.

Location

The event held at The MUSON Centre in Onikan Lagos and on entering the premises, I could already see how much effort was put into organizing the event.

Beautiful outdoor decor, ample parking area, sign posts to aid with direction and of course volunteers who were very happy to answer questions.

TEDx Lagos 2019 Event Phaytea’s Pulse

Speakers At TEDx Lagos 2019 Event.

The convener, Mercy Akamo opened the conference with a welcome speech and encouraged everyone to be positive, open minded and ready to learn.

Apparently, none of the speakers used the popular ‘Welcome to my TED talk line’, but I love that the TEDx Lagos 2019 event had carefully selected thought leaders from diverse industries.

The different topics initiated conversations, helped to create connection and understanding amongst attendees.

This TEDx Lagos 2019 event had 8 awesome speakers and I love that they came equipped with timely presentations and relatable examples.

See line up of the speakers and the order in which they spoke below:

First speaker – Victor Sanchez Aghahowa (Producer) talked about drawing the line on storytelling.

Second Speakers – Alade Miriam and Okechukwu Emmanuel (Students) spoke about the need to motivate children to impact their community.

Third Speaker – Nireti Adebayo (Human Resource Expert) talked about nurturing talent and creating an inclusive workplace.

Music performance from the Cavemen (Afrocentric and Music Band)

Fourth Speaker – Dr. Ayorinde Babatunde James (Molecular Biologist) spoke about DNA and how life is in a set of codes.

Fifth Speaker – Dr. Vivian Oputa (Medical Director) spoke about the ills of skin bleaching.

Sixth Speaker – Olumide Soyombo (Angel Investor) spoke about the importance of having a circle that can invest in your dreams.

Music performance by Isioma Williams (Theatre Artiste)

Seventh Speaker – Nse Ikpe-Etim (Actress) spoke about the importance of being mentally aware.

Eight Speaker – Otto Orondaam (Social Entrepreneur) spoke about the need to choose collaboration over competition.

The most relatable presentation for me was from the award winning actress Nse Ikpe-Etim who spoke about Mental health.

*Preparing a post on noteworthy quotes from these amazing speakers.

TEDx Lagos 2019 Event Phaytea’s Pulse

Comfort And Entertainment.

Impressive. That was my very first impression when I walked into registration area. From how easy it was to get a name tag and goody bag to the smiling volunteers in bright yellow t-shirt, everything screamed ‘feel right at home’.

Just before the event started, guests were directed to the simulcast area to have breakfast. Again, we were greeted with very friendly volunteers and got handed our breakfast pack.

The simulcast area was beautifully decorated and aesthetically pleasing. There was a graffiti decorated area, painting area and just all round goodness. One of the highlights at TEDx Lagos 2019 was the 360 booth experience.

TEDx Lagos 2019 Event Phaytea’s Pulse

After breakfast, we proceeded to the The Agip hall and it was very conducive. The seats were comfortable and the hall had the right temperature.

In between the talks, we had musical performance from the Cavemen, a 2 man band that performed beautiful Afrocentric and highlife music.

There was also an amazing performance from Isioma Williams and his over 10 man band. This particular band performance was outstanding and received a standing ovation from literally everyone.

The DJ was amazing and his choice of music got everyone singing along.

The was a break out session with union bank and Skoll foundation, lunch was provided and after the Thank you speech from the convener, attendees were ushered back to the simulcast area for the after party / dinner.

What event makes breakfast, lunch and dinner available for attendees?

With registration at 3000 Naira, the team put together a beautiful event, worth over that amount, well organized and participants were put into consideration.

TEDx Lagos 2019 is my first TEDx event and even though I have no basis to compare it to, it is so difficult to fault anything. It was amazing and I had a good time.

I cannot speak for other TEDx events, but TEDx Lagos 2019 was worth my time. Looking forward to attending subsequent ones. You should too.

Share your thoughts.

Have you ever attended a TED or TEDx event in your city?

I will love to read from you.

Phaytea

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