A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to assist with a documentary on CFUR Radio that covered the opioid and fentanyl crisis. The show was produced by a young gentleman by the name of Grant Bachand. At the time, I was impressed by his very mature and insightful approach to a complex and charged topic.
Skip ahead to just a few months ago, and I was delighted to see that this same individual was creating the very first TEDx event here in Prince George. But I wasn't surprised. I had already come to know Grant to be brilliantly creative and an advocate for a forward-looking and dynamic community.
So I met up with Grant recently, as I have been developing an interest in better understanding the creative processes of a younger generation whose artistic crafts are seeped in technology, algorithms, design-thinking and digital communications. Especially creative processes that aim to enhance our understanding of community, while breaking down barriers that divide us and highlighting the intersectionality that connects us.
I could hardly wait to ask my first question, which was (of course) why?. Why would someone in a full-time master's program, with a busy role in campus radio and other commitments, decide to take on something as ambitious as producing a TEDx event? Incidentally a TEDx (TED stands for "Technology, Entertainment, Design") is an independent event, which can be organized by a person who acquires a license from the TED organization and agrees to follow certain principles. TEDx events are non-profit and are organized by volunteers from the local community, "with a goal to spark conversation, connection, and community".
I appreciated hearing about Grant's motivation and theme behind the event, which is to dispel misconceptions. One such misconception is that a lot of people want to leave Prince George because there is not enough going on here. Grant explained it to me that fundamentally he "wants people to believe that they don't have to go to Vancouver, because there are in fact awesome things here. We need to start doing inspiring and contemporary things like this, and if we can do a TEDx here, we can do anything."
Grant seems excited about the roster of speakers that are coming together and how the distribution of the videos from the event will serve as an international platform for people to share their ideas and content to a large audience. The TED YouTube channel alone has about eight million subscribers, so this is a big chance for some of the brightest thinkers from our region to be seen and heard globally.
The work that has been done to produce the event, from the initial application for the licence through to the selection of speakers and now to designing the "show" certainly has been a labour of love for Grant. But what a lot of responsibility too.
Hosting a TEDx event is like producing a live TV show. You get one shot, so the development of the talks, how the stage will look, the lighting, the camera angles - all at the highest, professional calibre - are just a few of the many decisions that Grant and his committee have been tackling. After all, this isn't just one-day event, it will be a legacy from Prince George that will remain online in video format for many years to come.
And a big kudos to UNBC and the City of Prince George for taking a chance on Grant and the TEDx team.
So, check out TEDx UNBC on Sept. 30. You can either by tickets for the talks or, you can attend the free trade-show that will include the work and ideas of some of our top local minds in the realms of technology, design and entertainment.
The event is happening at the Canfor Theatre at UNBC and the final roster of speakers and trade show presenters is being unveiled over the coming days. For more information you can check out their Facebook page at /TEDxUNBC, or the website at tedxunbc.com Theatre NorthWest is helping out with ticket sales which can be purchased online at tickets.theatrenorthwest.com.
Congratulations to Grant and all his team members and supporters for creating what will be an inspiring and conversation-sparking event that will put Prince George on the map. How great it truly is to see the younger generation of Prince Georgians stepping up and showing - through actions - their pride of and commitment to their community.
And through it all, helping us understand a little bit better the new art forms they are creating.
