When TED came to Edmonton back in March, it was a very exclusive event. Because of the rules of TED, TEDx Edmonton could only have a maximum of about 100 people in attendance… Scott and I spoke with Ken Bautista in a previous episode of the Unknown Studio, and Ken told us he reason for the cap was because TED basically wanted the concept to be proven in Edmonton before the opened the flood gates.
Unfortunately, the attendance cap prevented a whole pile of people from going to check out the talks (which were phenomenal, by the way. Read my very brief comments about it here). As a result, local political blogger Dave Cournoyer created a Facebook event which he called ALEx, invite people to come out and drink in lieu of attending the exclusive (and admittedly costly) TEDx event.
Turns out the demand for an ALEx was pretty overwhelming. That’s why we’re doing another one tomorrow evening at Original Joe’s Varsity Row.
This edition of ALEx may (or may not) feature actual speakers… In truth, it’s just an excuse to drink and discuss the issues of the day with people who are interested. It’s part networking, part education, part leisure and part alcohol — hence the fact that ALE stands for “Alcohol, Leisure and Edutainment.”
Come join us for a delightful summer gathering. You’ll learn something new, and you’ll meet some great new people as well!
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Wasn’t ALExEdmonton was an event created to make fun of people attending “TedX”? That would make this event terribly ironic, wouldn’t it?
It was indeed, which is why it’s still free and open to whomever. Nothing exclusive about it, just the drunken ramblings of whoever shows up.
That’s all well and good, but when you say “we’re doing another one”, it leaves me wondering if you’re confused or if you’re ok with making fun of an event that you previously hosted.
Also ironic: holding an “exclusive” event based on presentations that are open and free to everyone.