After more than 20 happy, but increasingly crowded years in Monterey, the TED conference is moving ...
We scoured the entire U.S. for a new location that would give us some breathing room, while retaining all the qualities that made Monterey so special. To our surprise and delight, we found the place we're looking for... in Long Beach, California. The arts and cultural center there is absolutely perfect for our needs; after months of planning and dreaming, we've become convinced that it will make a spectacular long-term home for us (starting with TED2009).
Why move? At last year's TED, we received clear feedback from many of you that we had simply outgrown the Monterey Conference Center. With 1300 people attending, and only 500 seats in the Main Hall, we were faced with long queues for the Main Hall and, on occasions, an unseemly crush. At the same time, we had to turn away hundreds of amazing potential attendees.
We believed we could do better. At Long Beach, we found a theater that can accommodate all our attendees, but -- and this is what has us so excited -- it retains Monterey's wonderful sense of intimacy and energy. Everyone who knows TED and visits this theater emerges with eyes sparkling, knowing that it can take our conference experience to the next level... It's bigger, yes, but it's beautifully intimate. It still feels like TED!
The new venue has so many advantages:
- A bigger theater means all attendees get a Main Hall pass
- The environment in Long Beach has a relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of Monterey. We'll still feel that we're "away" on a retreat
- There are beautiful hotels within 3 minutes walking distance
- Fantastic facilities for parties and other events... including an aquarium, gorgeous restaurants, clubs and outdoor space, including a certain, um, very long beach
- The modern, flexible stage will allow us to incorporate more spectacular theatrical elements into TED
- We can still have a simulcast lounge, which is perfect for those who want a more informal atmosphere. But it will be a choice rather than a necessity
- Travel there is easy, with three airports within an hour's drive, including LAX and Long Beach Airport (only 20 minutes away)
- The weather in February is terrific (warm and sunny)
All in all, the TED team couldn't be more thrilled. We honestly didn't know if we'd find another location that would work. But we're convinced we have. And we're looking forward to sharing it with you. Soon ....
TED2009, our 25th anniversary, will be held Feb 4-7, 2009, in Long Beach, California. The theme: "The Great Unveiling." Instead of looking back, we'll be looking forward. Everyone on the program will be premiering something: A thrilling discovery, a revolutionary idea, a powerful invention, a spectacular piece of art, a first-time performance. We'll be sharing undiscovered talent never before publicly seen... along with big names who are willing to work on something brand new and amazing for TED.
It will be an exhilarating TED, the best way we can imagine to begin our next chapter. Registration will open later this month. We invite you to join us on the next amazing stage of this journey...
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