The TED factor

TED began as a California-based conference in the 1980s named after its three initial subjects: technology, entertainment and design. It has expanded its subject matter and its geographical scope, holding conferences and making freely available videos of its speakers. Volunteers translate talks into more than 70 languages. Whatever you think about the original TED business model and the amazing speakers they manage to invite to their events, you have to be even more inspired by how it has spawned an after-life.