Day 4 at TED – What Comes Next

After a week of mind-blowing ideas on everything from art to science to social change and more, TED2024 has reached its crescendo. Tonight, attendee celebrated with a night of enchantment, capped by a stunning performance from Lear deBessonet and Brian Stokes Mitchell and then were whisked away to a magical pop-up circus celebration. 

Once all the learning, curiosity, brain bending (and partying) is done, what comes next? 

Here are 4 things attendees learned this week that they hope will benefit you, too — even if you couldn’t be with us in Vancouver: 

1. We can disagree with curiosity and respect

“My big takeaway from this year is that you can disagree with people and still respect them,“ said TED Donor Ross Rosenberg.

Ross saw this play out on the stage, where speakers and attendees learned from each other and built bridges. Ross learned that it’s passion, curiosity and determination that matters most. 

2. We each have a role to play in transforming the future

“It’s an energy recharger to come from working on my own to hearing these world-changing stories," said Sandra Thompson, founding director, management consultant and visceral trainer. “I know I’m helping with that massive movement.” 

Attending TED made Sandra feel like she’d been to a brain spa for a week, and she’s leaving rejuvenated.

“I'm coming next year and am more of an advocate than ever,” Thompson said. As a member of the TEDx community, she was moved by being a part of a selflessly collaborative community and looks forward to applying what she learned to her own work.

3. Human connection and trust are essential in the age of AI

“My biggest reflection is how important human connection and trust are in the age of AI,” said Nichol Bradford. She was particularly moved by Pete Stavros’s talk on employee-owned business models. 

“Employees have to trust that tasks can really be gotten rid of to serve the customer better or drive your business,” she said reflecting on the part of Stravros’s talk that focused on how he revamped his company to reinvest in the community in the age of AI. “And employee owners have to be willing to tell you what can be automated.”

4. Ideas really do change everything 

“What I’m taking with me is everything,” said AI Intrapreneur Pankaj Kedia. “TED began 40 years ago with ‘Ideas worth spreading.’ But those ideas are now changing everything.” 

From the friendships he has cultivated to the late-night dinners to the early morning sessions, Pankaj has lots to reflect on and incorporate into his life and work once he returns home. 

We hope you've enjoyed these daily updates from TED2024, showcasing incredible ideas and insights from our community.

As we look ahead, stay tuned as Spark transforms into a monthly newsletter. And mark your calendars for TEDNext – our brand new TED conference in Atlanta on October 22-24, 2024 (Click here to apply to attend). We're looking forward to continuing to build a future worth celebrating —  together!

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