Monique Ruff-Bell TED #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast with Ruud Janssen Year +1

In the latest #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast, host Ruud Janssen engaged in an illuminating conversation with Monique Ruff-Bell, TED's Chief Program and Strategy Officer, about the organization's evolution and future direction. Ruff-Bell shared insights on TED Next, a groundbreaking event in Atlanta that attracted 80% new attendees, aiming to match the impressive 55-60% retention rate of TED's Vancouver conference. TED's ecosystem has expanded significantly, now encompassing 3,000 annual TEDx events, TED Ed for schools, and the Audacious Project, which raises nearly $1 billion yearly for global initiatives. New thematic events like TED AI and TED Sports, alongside the Countdown Climate Change conference in Nairobi, showcase TED's commitment to diverse and impactful programming. Ruff-Bell highlighted TED's shift from "ideas worth spreading" to "ideas change everything," influencing event design and content curation. This philosophy is evident in TED Next's structure, which features 45 TED talks, Next stage content, and innovative networking through brain dates. The event's success is bolstered by a comprehensive first timers program and learning journeys that guide attendees through themes like leadership and creativity. The podcast revealed Chris Anderson's transition plan after 25 years at TED's helm, including the organization's relocation from Vancouver to California post-2026. Ruff-Bell discussed the delicate balance of honoring tradition while embracing innovation, exemplified by the introduction of "buy now, pay later" options for TED Next to attract younger professionals. TED Next's speaker lineup reflects this balance, featuring established names like Paul Tazewell, costume designer for "Wicked," and Dan Savage, renowned sex advice columnist, alongside emerging underground voices poised for breakthrough moments. This diverse roster underscores TED's commitment to showcasing a wide range of perspectives and ideas. Ruff-Bell emphasized TED's role in fostering optimism and hope, particularly crucial in today's political climate. TED events are designed as sanctuaries where attendees can disconnect from chaos and rediscover hope, with experiences shared actively on LinkedIn to engage a broader audience. As TED continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to creating an ecosystem of learning and inspiration. The organization'sadaptive approach, balancing the needs of long-time supporters with efforts to attract new audiences, ensures that TED remains at the forefront of spreading impactful ideas and driving positive change in an ever-changing world. Speakers Monique RuffBell - Chief Program & Strategy Officer - TED - https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniqueruffbell/ Ruud Janssen - Managing Partner / Founder - Event Design Collective - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruudwjanssen/ Check out the Snapsight AI recap Takeaways, Idea Cloud and Summary here: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/60c6a5eb-0ad5-4bdd-8395-793fcc584d1e/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways