Program Special Events
Immersive evening events, interactive lunches, caffeine-fueled conversation breaks … at TED, we know the most important ideas are generated when people connect with each other. So we offer ever more ways to make sure they do.
Pre-conference excursions
Get to know Long Beach and Palm Springs by joining one of our pre-conference excursions. As a sample, last year we offered visits to the aquarium, the state-of-the-art Long Beach Desalination Plant and the oil rigs that sit in Long Beach Harbour as options in Long Beach, along with movie studio tours and a heli-tour of the Port of Long Beach. In Palm Springs, we offered a tour of the town and surroundings by Jeep. (Reservations required. Sign-ups begin mid-December.)
Tues., Feb. 9, 12:30-4PM
Locations vary
TED University/TEDYOU
Attendees at TED are every bit as extraordinary as the speakers, and at TED University in Long Beach and TEDYOU in Palm Springs, they take the stage -- sharing hard-won knowledge in lectures that range from "How to negotiate a term sheet" to "Why family secrets should not be kept" to "How to break a board with your bare hands."
Tues., Feb. 9, 4-5:30PM
Weds., Feb. 10, 8:30-10:30AM
Fri., Feb. 12, 8:30-10:15AM
The Center Theater, Long Beach
Riviera Hotel, Palm Springs
Evening parties
Gather the world's leading thinkers and doers, offer them four days of rapid-fire stimulation, then sit back and watch the fireworks. Beginning with the welcome gala on Tuesday evening, and continuing through the block party, the TED Prize gala and the grand party Friday night, our evening events create the backdrop where ideas percolate, connections are made, and inspiration grows. Parties are open to all attendees, and each features a fantastic spread, an open bar and a collection of creative curiosities that invariably get people talking.
Nightly, beginning Tues., Feb. 9
Locations vary
TED Fellows Lunch (Long Beach)
This engaging and informative lunch, hosted by TED Community Director Tom Rielly, offers a chance to meet the 2010 TED Fellows. You'll learn more about our TED Fellows program and how you can participate. 150 tickets will be available at the TED Concierge Desk at the Terrace Theater.
Thurs., Feb. 11, 1-2PM
Location TBA
TED Prize lunches
These immensely popular lunches offer an opportunity to hear more from the 2010 TED Prize winners and get directly involved with their work. We invite everyone inspired to action by the TED Prize session to take part in these strategic lunches, and to step forward with the time or resources to help fulfill these world-changing wishes.
Fri., Feb. 12, 1:15-2:15PM
Locations TBA
Farewell Party
Four extraordinary days come to a close at our farewell parties, festive outdoor celebrations with music and merriment. Connect with friends old and new, and recap the most memorable TED Moments.
Sat., Feb. 13, 1-3:30 PM
Rainbow Lagoon, Long Beach
Poolside, Palm Springs