TED, the nonprofit known for "Ideas Worth Spreading," announces today it will move its annual TEDGlobal Conference to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2014, moving from its current Edinburgh, Scotland venue.
The theme of the Rio-based conference will be "South!" as TED brings its global community of thinkers and doers across the equator to celebrate the outpouring of innovation, dynamism and creativity taking place all over the global south.
TEDGlobal will take place in a custom-built venue on Rio's Copacabana Beach from October 6-10, 2014. Registration will open this fall.
"Rio has been beckoning TED for many years, both metaphorically and literally," said TED Curator Chris Anderson. "It's at the heart of a continent bursting with fresh thinking. We're delighted to finally be going. This conference will be ambitious, a thrilling new chapter for TED's growing community of global souls."
TEDGlobal was held in the United Kingdom for the last six years - first in Oxford and then in Edinburgh. The move to Latin America is a continuation of TED's 30(th) anniversary celebration, with the annual TED Conference having announced its move from Long Beach, California to Vancouver, British Columbia earlier this year.
"We are proud of the conferences we've held in Edinburgh," saidBruno Giussani, TEDGlobal Director. "As TED's international reach has expanded, Latin America has emerged as a clear and exciting next move. Rio is not only a hub of innovation and fresh thinking, but it presents a rich history and exquisite physical setting. We will gather forward-looking speakers from all over the world."
Rio de Janeiro was chosen for several reasons:
-- It is one of the world's great cities, recognized for its landscape,
innovation, and rich culture.
-- The venue sits right on the beach of Copacabana, providing a new setting
for this annual global gathering.
-- Immediately next to the convention center are world-class hotels,
restaurants and event spaces.
-- As TED's global footprint grows - with incredible momentum throughout
Latin America - Rio provides an ideal setting in the heart of the global
south.
-- Brazil's leaders have been very supportive of bringing TED to Rio, and
are committed to helping make TEDGlobal 2014 a success.
"We are delighted to host TEDGlobal 2014," said Rio de Janeiro's Mayor Eduardo Paes. "I experienced TED firsthand when I spoke at the TED2012 conference. It is a unique gathering of the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers. As Rio continues to grows, hosting TEDGlobal is a reflection of how far we have come - and where innovation and creativity can take us."