Are we just a bunch of flat earth thinkers? What is the best way to ask difficult questions to marginalised people and get an open response? How can I play a role in citizen science under the sea? What will the impacts of seabed mining have on WA’s marine environment?
These were just some of the questions posed by speakers appearing at TEDxPerth’s return to the big stage for the first time in three years on Saturday 1 April.
A total of 14 speakers shared their thought-provoking ideas with more than 1500 guests at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Boasting plenty of energy and a broad range of talent from WA and beyond on the main stage, backed by an army of volunteers and marking its 10th anniversary, the event was hailed a success by organisers and those who attended.
The audience heard from a range of interesting speakers, including mesmerising Broome-based astronomer Greg Quicke, “noodie” photographer Lauren Crooke, Nyungar elder Len Collard and early childhood development advocate Molly Wright, who beamed in from Manchester in the UK.
As a major partner of the event, Spoke sponsored two breakout Q&A events giving audience members the opportunity to directly connect and question select speakers, including UN scientist Professor Sandor Mulsow, WA Museum molecular biologist Dr Nerida Wilson and creator of ABC series You Can’t Ask That Kirk Docker.
Spoke also managed a newsroom activation, allowing guests to share their highlights of the event and pose their own big ideas should they have the opportunity to present a TED talk in the future.
Catch some behind the scenes action from the event in the reel below. Speaker videos will be released on TEDxPerth’s YouTube channel in coming weeks, stay tuned if you want to learn more.
LEWIS STEWART