Below you’ll find answers to many of the questions asked by TED and TEDx newbies. Click on each question to reveal the respective answer.

What is the difference between TED and TEDx?

TED conferences are organized and run directly by TED. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis. The goal of TEDx is to inspire a passion for spreading ideas in local communities from within.

What is the difference between TEDxPortofSpain and TEDxPortofSpainSalon?

TEDxPortofSpain is a local, independently organized TED event in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, that strives to bring a TED-like experience to the city of Port-of-Spain. Our aim is to provide a platform where thinkers and change makers co-inspire to question the way we think.
TEDxPortofSpainSalon is a small recurring event that keeps the community engaged between yearly conferences.

Are you employed by TED?

No. While we operate under a license from TED, TEDxPortofSpain is a volunteer-based organization.The organizers and other volunteers donate their time to bring TEDxPortofSpain events to our community.

How do I attend a TEDxPortofSpain event?

We usually ask attendees to request a ticket for our main events. The best way to stay connected with TEDxPortofSpain is to join our mailing list.

How can I become a TEDxPortofSpain volunteer?

Volunteers are the backbone of any community based event. Volunteers tend to be people who are as passionate as we are about ideas worth spreading. We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help bring TEDxPortofSpain to life. If you’re interested in helping out, we’d love to hear from you. Click here if you would like to volunteer.

Why should I “request a ticket”?

Our tickets are distributed on a first come first serve basis. TEDx events are generally oversubscribed. We are looking for remarkable people with great stories and ideas worth sharing.

We have adopted some of TED’s practices—like their practice of requesting an invitation. When a delegate takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete the application, it creates a common threshold for everyone entering the event. This practice helps to ensure that our limited seats go to people who are committed to being there. We have no VIP’s nor will we ever have VIP delegates. Only those who apply can attend.

How can I “request an invitation”?

In an effort to find a fair way to issue tickets, we ask attendees to request an invitation, using our online form which is usually posted on our website.

Why is there a cost to attend the conference?

We posted a blog about why we charge for our event. To find out more please see our blog entry.

Does TEDxPortofSpain offer bursaries/scholarships to attend the conference?

Yes we do. When you request a ticket from us there is an option to apply for a bursary.

How do you decide who qualifies for a bursary or scholarship?

We do not have strict criteria for granting scholarships, but primarily, we look at indicators, like estimated income based on profession, age, etc … This means that the priority goes to people with low estimated levels of income, young people and students.

How do I nominate a Speaker?

Use our ‘Suggest a Speaker’ form and fill in as much information as you can. This form goes directly to our Speaker Selection team.

How long does it take for nominations to be processed?

Due to the high volume of qualified nominees we receive, review by the curating team can take anywhere from three weeks up to three months.

What if I need to cancel? Can I give my ticket away, or can I get a refund?

Tickets are not transferable or refundable. If you find that you are unable to attend the event you can e-mail us at conference@tedxportofspain.com and suggest an alternate for your seat.

Is there a list of public attendees to see who’s coming?

We are unable to share a list of attendees. There will be time for you to network and mingle before and after the event.

Can I send someone in my place?

No, tickets are tagged to applicants names. All attendees should complete the form if they wish to attend.

Can I come and go as I please?

We recommend staying for the entire event, just as you would for a play at the theater. Lunch is from 12:30-1:30pm.

What if I show up late or have to leave early?

We recommend staying for the entire event.

Can I take a break then return to my seat?

We cannot guarantee that your seat will be available when you return.

How many people attend?

We will have roughly 400 in attendance.

Are tickets reserved seating or general assembly? We have a group wanting to attend; should we buy tickets as a group to sit together?

Tickets are general assembly for conference attendees. You can purchase tickets separately as they do not reserve a specific seat. We recommend arriving when the doors open or soon after to give you and your party enough time before the event starts to find seats together.

Are media passes being offered?

Journalists are welcome to apply personally as attendees. For media passes, please feel free to contact us.

Is TEDxPortofSpain a non-profit organization?

Yes. TEDxPortofSpain itself is a not-for-profit event that does not handle or collect any sponsor money.

If TEDxPortofSpain doesn’t handle sponsor money, then who does?

We request that all sponsor money be paid directly to 868Change to cover our event expenses. We will provide you with the payment information once you’ve signed on as a sponsor. 868Change acts as our fiscal sponsors.

What is 868Change?

868Change was born because we noticed that when we did our own social good projects, we would often get to the point where we could not grow unless we registered as a NonProfit. We did not need a NonProfit organisation, we needed the infrastructure it provided. So in setting up 868Change, we envisioned it to be an organisation that could support a network of citizens working on ideas worth doing.

868Change is an evolving organisation. Our model is to adopt one social good project at a time. The goal is that we eventually grow into an organisation that can support several initiatives (ideas worth doing) that contribute to the common good.

Thus 868Change could serve as both a network and an ‘Education Hub’ for those interested in changing social systems.

Can we sell products or services at the venue?

Unfortunately, sponsors cannot sell products or services at the venue. ‘Conversation Changer’, ‘Instigator’ and ‘Foundation Builder’ sponsors have the option to give a gift to our attendees.

Are TEDxPortofSpain Talks copyrighted?

Yes, they are under a Creative Commons licence.

What does the TEDxPortofSpain Creative Commons licence allow?

TEDxPortofSpain Talks are available under the Creative Commons licence “Attribution – NonCommercial – NonDerivative” in order to allow non-commercial entities (like bloggers, educators and groups of friends) to use them freely and easily.

Can I re-edit and/or remix TEDxPortofSpain Talks?

No. Our Creative Commons licence clearly states that “derivative works” of any kind (edits, cuts, re-mixes, mashups, etc.) are not allowed without explicit permission from TEDxPortofSpain and the speaker.

How do I request an image from TEDxPortofSpain?

Image requests should be directed to our Communications Team at social@tedxportofspain.com with the email subject Image Request. The request should be accompanies by the following information:

• Name of requested image
• Publication date
• Preferred file format
• Deadline for receipt of image

A photo credit will be provided when the image is delivered.

How do I request an interview with a TEDxPortofSpain team member or speaker?

Requests for interviews should be directed to our Communications Team at social@tedxportofspain.com with the email subject Interview Request. Your email should include the following:

• Brief background on your interview request
• Proposed publication date
• Your deadline

.