ABOUT TEDX, X = INDEPENDENTLY ORGANIZED EVENT

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

About TED
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world's leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes or less. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman.

The annual TED Conference takes place each spring in Vancouver, British Columbia. TED's media initiatives include TED.com, where new TED Talks are posted daily; TED Translators, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed. TED has established The Audacious Project that takes a collaborative approach to funding ideas with the potential to create change at thrilling scale; TEDx, which supports individuals or groups in hosting local, self- organized TED-style events around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.

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TEDxTralee was, like all amazing ideas in 2021, was a big Covid Idea! the brainchild of James Finnegan and Bryan Carr both from Tralee. Both gentlemen have years of experience in presenting, performing and producing productions and conferences. After their 2021 and 2022 conferences, Bryan travelled to TEDWomen in Atlanta in October 2023 to achieve a Community plus licence from TED. Ideas Worth Spreading (Ireland) CLG was formed in February 2024 and the not-for-profit organisation is going from strength to strength with some exciting announcements to come for 2025 onwards.

OUR TEAM

The Movers and Shakers Team!

BRYAN CARR

LICENCEE & CO-CURATOR

Bryan Carr Bryan studied classical singing with teachers in Dublin, Los Angeles, Maastricht and Glasgow.

In 1998 he became lead vocalist with Platin Opera Scala Germany. In 2000 Bryan premiered the part of ‘Daigh’ in the Irish Dance Musical ‘To Dance on the Moon’ performing over 500 performances throughout 14 countries.

He continued as Production Manager on four International productions namely ‘Spirit of Ireland’, ‘To Dance on the Moon’, ‘Dance of Desire’ along with ‘Legend of the Knight’ and ‘The Celtic Kings’ which he devised and co-produced.

In 2004 Bryan established Shannon Star Entertainments as an Event Management Company and became Project Manager on the 550 seater Tinteán Theatre in Ballybunion. He covered production management on Bryan Adams in Galway along with the inaugural World Fleadh Festival in 2006. From 2007 to 2018 he was Event Manager on The Rose of Tralee International Festival, Ireland largest and longest running Festivals.

Currently, along with Festival Business Development work with the Rose of Tralee Festival he is also Production and Event Manager for festivals such as Punchestown Racing Festival, The Park Festival, Féile Tralee Street Fest, the National Circus Festival of Ireland & The Global Economic Summit.

He is Director of ‘Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts’ in Kerry and has been teaching singing to hundreds of young singers since 2002. He lives in Tralee with his wife Denise, two young kids and dog, Hamilton!

JAMES FINNEGAN

EVENT CO-CURATOR & HOST

James has lived in Tralee for over thirty years having moved here from London.

He has extensive experience in performing, having sung for three Popes numerous Presidents, Royalty and Heads of State as well as significant acting experience on Stage and Screen including appearing in the Academy Award nominated film "The Lobster"

He is actively involved in the Community and has helped win National and International recognition and Awards for Tralee, as well as coordinated local, national and international festivals and events.

In February 2024 he received a Municipal District Award from Kerry County Council and Tralee Municipal District for his efforts in promoting Tralee, charitable works and voluntary activities.

He has wide ranging experience in Education, Training and Development in Business and Sport up to and including Elite International level, holds a shared Guinness World Record and is a regular contributor to local and national media.

He is actively involved at local, national and international level with Toastmasters International and regularly features on weekly podcasts and broadcasts on Public Speaking and Current Affairs.

He is married to Kathleen and has two children and four grandchildren Amy, Ava, Harry and Louis

ALANNA DIGGIN

CO-HOST

Alanna is a radio presenter and has been working with Radio Kerry for eight years, now presenting her weekly music show "New Moves" every Friday night.

She also appeared on the RTE show "Connected" which won the IFTA Best Reality Show award in 2015

She has a keen interest in people & everyday life stories. She works full time in childcare and is inspired by children everyday as they inspire us to be hopeful, patient and kind.

She thoroughly enjoyed helping in the TedX Tralee 2021 event and is delighted to have been asked back