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We’re excited to announce the launch of TEDx, a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.

As you know, nearly three years ago, we starting posting our TEDTalks freely online. Ever since then, hundreds of people have been sharing TEDTalks in independently organized group settings — in private homes, high schools, universities, corporate lunches, and salons.

Because TED’s mission is “ideas worth spreading,” we’re enthusiastic about people doing this. And today, we formally launch the TEDx program to the world. TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event, is a program to promote local events with the TED spirit. Learn more about it at www.ted.com/tedx.

We tested the concept with a few partners, and have been thrilled with the outcome. In fact, today, we’re releasing our first TEDxTalk: the Biospherian Jane Poynter, who spoke at the TEDxUSC “Ideas Empowered” Conference. This is the first in what we hope will be a series of new voices and ideas from around the world. You can see highlights from some of our first TEDx events here:

+ TEDxUSC

+ TEDxTokyo

Upcoming TEDx events on the schedule will be held in all corners of the world – from Sydney, Australia, Shanghai, China and the Fiji Islands to Qatar and Capetown, South Africa. The complete list is available at http://on.ted.com/r.

Or sign up to host your own TEDx event. Invite friends, family or co-workers, and send us feedback after your event.

We hope you are as excited about this program as we are and will consider joining us on our newest TED journey.