TED talks come to town

TED Talks land in LIPA

By JORGE CAPERA

Most likely, at some point during the last 11 moths we all have bingewatched series and videos online. Probably, we have felt guilty about it. But, for Molly Glinn, her eureka moment arrived just as she was watching Ted talks on Youtube. The 20-year-old, from Buxton, has organised the first TEDxTalk ever in the history of the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) with her friend Keely Macdonald, 20, from Wales. Both are entertainment management students and have carried out a year-long planning operation that culminated in a hugely successful event last Sunday. TEDxLIPA was attended by over a hundred people on Youtube, with many more tuning in on Facebook Live and Eventbrite. It has been seen by more than 600 people since on Youtube. It attracted the participation of local and international thinkers, such as Paralympic athlete James Roberts, music and film personality Trevor Gibson and musician and footballer Chelcee Grimes. They, and other speakers, gave thought-provoking talks on issues such as the importance of finding one’s roots and how to deal with the demanding expectations of the contemporary world. Nevertheless, it was the determination of Molly and Keely that took it to a happy ending. Molly said: “We made the promise when we started this event that it was going to happen no matter what. Here we are, middle of lockdown three and it is definitely happening.” The project started in December 2019 of the back of Molly’s interest in TEDxTalks – the ‘x’ stands for independently organised events that hold a license from TED. Her fascination for how they are organised led her to apply for a licence. She approached LIPA and asked for permission to use their name for the event, and they were really happy with the idea. Gillian Walsh, a lecturer from the entertainment management course said: “We were delighted that they are doing a TEDxTalk, because it’s something new to LIPA. “Obviously, we wanted the event to be great and to represent LIPA. But, even if it failed – which was not going to–, the fact that they have produced all this is an achievement,” she said. Once the paperwork was done, TEDxLIPA needed to be fleshed out, and for that Molly needed a colleague. Enter Keely Macdonald. This was Keely’s first big gig. She said: “I’ve never done a TEDxTalk. It is a once in a lifetime thing. So, I thought ‘I will take the opportunity’ once I got it, and I’m glad I joined.” While Molly invited potential speakers and partners to join the project, Keely planned its technical side, and there were big challenges on both fronts. “Absolutely loads,” Molly says. “Obviously, a global pandemic is the key one. And the ever-changing position of our country regarding the pandemic has made it really challenging to plan an event, because there are so many rules that change almost every day.” What started as a live event for students and staff from LIPA soon became an online conference. And with COVID-19 spreading like wildfire in the UK, the menacing shadow of cancellation was lurking beneath the announcement of lockdowns. Also, there were issues with raising funds. However, for Molly and Keely TEDxLIPA was a passion project. Their phone calls, emails and zoom calls were bearing fruits and more people were supporting their initiative. Paul Corcoran was one of the people who helped them the most. For the Deputy Chair of the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partner-

Molly Glinn, left and Keeley Macdonald, right. Picture © Molly Glinn

ship, the idea of supporting TEDxLIPA with finding potential partners and sponsors was a no-brainer. He said: “I spent the afternoon just calling contacts and clients in order to see whether we could get additional support to make it happen. “For me it’s really important that we are supporting each other more than never.

“It’s a great opportunity for the students to learn how a TEDx works, but also, it’s a great opportunity to start new conversations between businesses and students, and breach that gap,” he said. Last Sunday TEDxLIPA was a huge success, counting the support of several local companies and charities – including the Anthony Walker foundation, Liverpool Open Media, MSB Solicitors and Mr Corcoran’s own training organisation Agent Academy. But, for Molly and Keely, this achievement is far deeper and personal. Keely said: “This is the first TEDx that they’ve done in LIPA. For it to be the first one and successful, it will be a big achievement, and hopefully they’ll be able to do it in future years. And for us to have started that process is quite an achievement.” Molly said: “It’s quite a landmark in both of our careers.

“Even though we’re still students, this is quite a major event for LIPA. To be the fighting force behind that is something that we are both really proud of.”

It is a once in a lifetime thing. So, I thought - I will take the opportunity‘ ‘