Sold-out TEDx event opens up to the Bristol public

The Richmond Building, home of Bristol SU Liz Eve

Press release issued: 24 May 2016

A TEDx event organised by the University of Bristol will be bringing a day of inspirational and thought-provoking talks from expert speakers from around the world to the people of Bristol.

The TEDxUniversityofBristol event on 4 June features 15 speakers discussing a range of topics from eco-friendly sanitary pads and Paralympic skiing, to the psychology of seduction and life on Mars.

Although tickets were snapped up in under 24 hours, organisers have secured sponsorship from independent UK law firm Burges Salmon in order to screen it live in the Richmond Building, home to the University of Bristol Students' Union (Bristol SU).

Among the high-profile speakers at the event, entitled 'The Complexity of Simple Things', are David Nabarro, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Ebola; William Whitehorn, former President of Virgin Galactic; and psychiatrist and broadcaster Raj Persaud. It will also feature some of the University's most engaging researchers.

Gilberto Algar-Faria, TEDxUniversityofBristol co-organiser, said: "TEDx is all about ideas worth spreading so we're excited that we'll be able to share our event with more people by screening the event live. Anyone can come along to The Balloon Bar to watch the whole day of talks as they happen and sample the full 'TEDx experience’ or dip in and out of talks as they chose."

Bristol has become one of the UK's leading cities for hosting the hugely popular events, created in the spirit of the world renowned TED talks that are devoted to spreading ideas.

Frances Bennett, trainee resourcing team member at Burges Salmon, added: "The line-up for the event is full of fascinating and compelling speakers who will be encouraging us to see the world in a different way.

"As the city's largest law firm and a major Bristol employer, we are pleased to have the opportunity to align ourselves with the innovative and creative thinking that comes with these TEDx events. We are therefore excited to support TEDxUniversityofBristol and promote sharing ideas that challenge the way we think and behave."

The 'Complexity of Simple Things' will be live streamed for members of the public on Saturday 4 June from 9am to 6pm in The Balloon Bar, Richmond Building, 105 Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1LN.

The event programme and full details of the speakers can be found on the TEDxUniversityofBristol website. Entry is free of charge.

TEDxUniversityofBristol is also sponsored by the University of Bristol, Bristol SU, Oratemate, Hodos Consultancy and The Society of Merchant Venturers.

Further information

University of Bristol sponsors include: Alumni Foundation, Cabot Institute, Centre for Complexity Sciences, Centre for Quantum Photonics, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Global Insecurities Centre, Public and Ceremonial Events Office, School of Arts and Queen's School of Engineering.

About TEDx

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a programme of local, self-organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.

TEDxBristol recently played to a sold-out audience at Colston Hall, trending 7th in the UK on Twitter and reaching 2.7m people online. TEDxUniversityofBristol is one cog of this global network.

About Burges Salmon

Burges Salmon is the independent UK law firm whose unique model and collaborative culture delivers the best mix of advice, service and value.

We have built a progressive service culture based on collaboration and teamwork that is shaped around the needs of our clients to deliver a fantastic service and experience.

We work in selected markets where our knowledge, experience and skills deliver highly effective solutions to our clients' complex needs.