Dear all,
It's hard to think about where to begin setting the tone for a full day's worth of mind-expanding goodness.
It's even harder to keep a secret from 500 attendees leading up to an event. When our friends at The Black Sheep Agency first approached us with the idea of a protest (or shall we say "fauxtest"), it took us by surprise, so we can only imagine how you felt when you arrived to a G.A.S. (General Apathy Syndrome) outbreak. To keep the fun under wraps, their firm was given zero publicity as a sponsor leading up to the event. We hope you all enjoyed this little pre-planned surprise on Saturday morning, and even if you didn't, please let these fine folks know! Their 20+ crew worked hard to make sure our minds were challenged and perceptions were expanded before the event even started. A TEDx in New Zealand has already taken note.
National Signs not only donated their ginormous LED display which lit up the entrance, but also attended the event with the desire to forge connections between the ideas involved. And no morning would be complete without mini-organic cupcakes from JodyCakes, and gourmet coffee and tea from none other than David Buehrer's team at Greenway Coffee & Tea. Their station of six (yes, 6!) baristas helped kick start the morning, and refuel the day. For this, we thank you, thank you, thank you kindly. If you enjoyed the espresso, latte art and other finely tuned beverages, please give them a shout!
Just when we thought the day was over, a whole new team took the reigns and brought us to an after-party filled with even more great conversation. Grace Rodriguez, the prized talent behind AYN Brand and A LIST, pulled together a flawless presentation at Nouveau Art Bar - who opened their doors early, just for this event. Together with Catherine Le, yummy food from Bowl, a gorgeous cake from Delectable Bites, and music by Benjamin Wesley and Music Heals, these outstanding individuals helped us unwind and continue to share so many of the great moments from the day behind us. Thank you all for helping us get to know our presenters, volunteers, and audience on an even greater level.
If any of the above made a difference in your day, please let them know by emailing BeforeAfter@TEDxHouston.com - they all truly deserve it.
We'd like to leave you with one final note - Chris Anderson of TED, mentions "Some people report a "TED crash" or a "TED-ache" immediately following the conference..." Don't fear the discomfort! A fellow friend and TEDxer, Jessica Hampson, is in the early stages of organizing a TEDxHouston book club. If you have an interest in keeping the TEDx vibes flowing, please email her at Jesshampson@gmail.com.
Best wishes,
Javier, Kara & Tim