Monthly Archives: October 2013

by Joe Vennare, Storyteller

From time to time someone will ask a TEDxGrandviewAve team member a question.

Right after we’ve fielded all of the “who is TED?” questions, everyone wants to know:

Why do you do this?

What do you get out of hosting this event?

These questions are simple enough, but the explanations are a little more involved.

First, if you’re thinking we do it for a paycheck, you’re wrong. The TEDxGrandviewAve team is an all volunteer squad. As a matter of fact, TED prohibits TEDx events from making a profit. All of the money we raise is put right back into the event. The speakers aren’t paid either. And no one, speaker or organizer, is permitted to pitch or sell anything.

Nope, money isn’t the motivator.

Then what is?

As the Q and A goes on, it becomes clear that we do it because we couldn’t imagine not doing it.

Does that make sense?

Yes, the planning, organizing, designing, fundraising, and marketing take a whole bunch of time and effort. But, the payoff is priceless.

“The event was Pittsburgh at its best: intimate, authentic, and inspiring.” - TEDxGrandviewAve 2013 Attendee

We get to have a hand in sharing ideas and inspiration, two very powerful things. And, because the TEDxGrandviewAve team and event is deeply rooted in Pittsburgh’s community, we’re focused on the people and ideas that are leading the way in our region. We want to showcase them and their ideas, we want to see just how far these ideas can spread.

So the not so simple, simple answer to the “why?” question.

We do it because we’re passionate about Pittsburgh and we’re passionate about making a difference. And people that do things out of passion, do them better.

But, there’s a catch. Something we don’t want you to overlook. It’s kind of the most important part of the event.

It’s not about us, it’s about you.

We’re just the platform; you are the next big thing.

We need your ideas, insights, and innovations.

So, tell us, what are you working on? And, don’t forget to answer an important question; “why do you do what you do?”