Reflections of the TEDxSummit

From April 15-21 we had the privilege of gathering in Doha, Qatar in the Middle East with about 700 other TEDx organizers from all around the world. This was a remarkable trip – designed for learning, sharing, growing, and becoming inspired.

Let us start by saying – this was not your average conference. It was much much more. Never have we experienced such a positive, creative, and diverse environment. Each day we had the opportunity to meet incredible people from all walks of life. We began to make connections before the conference and workshops even began, through organized tours like sand dune bashing.

Arriving in Doha -  we were greeted by the Power of X

The conference kicked off in an amphitheatre, where we sat alongside 1200 locals, taking in some remarkable TED talks. (Hans Rosling’s talk at the Summit can be viewed here) This really set the tone for the week.

In a large dome built especially for the TEDxSummit we gave our ears to some fellow TEDx organizers as they got on stage and shared their best practices as well as their ‘Ideas Worth Spreading’. Over 3 days we attended workshops that we hand selected in order to best inform ourselves on relevant topics. Some of the workshops we attended included; How to Build a Resilient Volunteer-Organized Event, Partnerships, Building a Local Community, Ticketing, Getting a Great Talk from your Speakers, Hosting, Filming, Designing your Stage, How to Engage your Audience, and Public Relations. These workshops were quite informative and allowed for a lot of discussion and new ideas to surface. We had an opportunity to gather with all of our fellow Canadians to discuss issues relevant to our region and opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

 

Left to right: Courtney and Megan taking a tour on a camel during dessert day

TEDxAlgonquinPark was very well received and there was much excitement from other organizers upon hearing that this event would be focused on and hosted in a provincial park. In fact, you may see some of their smiling faces volunteering on September 6^th!

We are happy to report that we have returned home with the tools needed to make TEDxAlgonquinPark a positive and memorable event for you, as we continue to go forward in the planning stage, with great excitement. We hope to implement some of the best ideas we heard at the TEDxSummit and are grateful to have had this opportunity to learn from other organizers.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Algonquin Visitors Centre,

Megan and Courtney

Timberfest: Mardi Gras in the Ottawa Valley

We're thrilled to welcome Vanessa Van Decker to the team as a blogger. Here at TEDxAlgonquinPark, one of our goals for the organization is to engage the younger generation in building this great community, and Vanessa is already emerging as a community leader. We think you'll enjoy her first piece on Barry's Bay Timberfest, and we're looking forward to hearing more!
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In many cultures there is a last hurrah  before the fasting of lent begins and in the Ottawa valley, Timberfest is our version of mardi gras . This past weekend, Feb. 16-20, people flocked to Barry’s Bay from near and far for the Timberfest celebrations.

     
     On Thursday the winter festival began with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the arena. MPP John Yakabuski, Mayor David Schulist and Phil Conway chopped the ribbon with an axe. Shortly afterwards the Miss Timberfest Pageant began. Twelve beautiful Ladies vied for the title of miss Timberfest and in the end Emily Weatherbed, the student council president from Madawaska Valley District High School was crowned Timberfest Queen.

     Meanwhile, Thursday evening on the ice surface was a different scene. The Barry’s Bay midget Bears faced off against Renfrew in a game of hockey. Over the weekend many hockey games were played at the arena while lumberjack competitions were held outside. Lumbermen faced off in events such as ax throwing and chair carving to prove their skill. Many community members also participated in nail driving competitions. If none of those activities interested you there was also a mechanical bull ride, snowmobile runs, horse-drawn sleigh rides, balloon twisting and a live band.

     A beavertail stand was open selling delicious steaming pastries to satisfy hungry visitors. The line up was usually long because everyone wanted a taste of the delicious treat. We moved along quickly coming making friends with those near us in line along the way. Beavertails originated in Killaloe, and as you can imagine the Killaloe sunrise, topped with cinnamon sugar and lemon, was a popular choice on the menu this weekend.

     
     The ski hill, Madawaska Mountain was buzzing with activity for the Timberfest Celebration. There was a large crowd of skiers and boarders who took advantage of the sun and snow on Saturday and Sunday. It was a great weekend to be at the ski hill.

There was also a community festival in Killaloe on Saturday night including family skating, outdoor activities and a moccasin dance.

     

      Many university students who were home for reading week and adults who took advantage of family day weekend came out to the festivities. This winter festival was a great place to catch up with friends and family or meet someone new. Timberfest has something for everyone and is a wonderful Ottawa Valley celebration. Those who come from near and far know it is the place to be on family day weekend.