Welcome to TEDxNorthwich, an independently organized TEDx event proudly hosted in the heart of Northwich in Cheshire, England. Under the auspices of TED, we’re on a mission to curate ideas worth sharing, ignite curiosity, and foster meaningful conversations within our vibrant community.
A Town Steeped in History and Community Spirit
Northwich, a rapidly growing town, boasts a rich tapestry of history, events, and a close-knit community that stands as a testament to its forward-thinking spirit. It’s a place where volunteers rally behind causes, championing ideas and charities to well-deserved success.
The roots of Northwich can be traced back to the Roman era, drawn by its abundant salt deposits and strategic river crossings.
Today, the river and salt industry continue to play pivotal roles in the town’s identity. Neighboring Winsford proudly hosts the largest working salt mine in the UK, while Northwich comes alive with a calendar of lively family events, including the infamous River Festival and the adrenaline-pumping Krazy Races down Castle Hill.
A Proud History and a Bright Future
Market days in Northwich date back to 1535 and continue to thrive, with a bustling monthly outdoor artisan market that spans the town. These historical observations, coupled with modern developments, have earned Northwich the esteemed title of “One of the Best Places to Live” by The Sunday Times.
The TEDxNorthwich Journey: From Inspiration to Realization
TEDxNorthwich was born from the convergence of two TEDx enthusiasts, Sam Newey and Catherine Sandland, at TEDxNantwich’s inaugural event in 2016.
It was here that Catherine delivered her powerful TEDx talk, “Stand up. Speak up. Stand out!”, capturing the attention and hearts of attendees, especially Sam and Karen Rogers. Two hours later, an idea to bring TEDx to Northwich was scribbled across the table and the rest, as they say, is history.
Ideas Worth Spreading: The TEDxNorthwich Team
At the core of TEDxNorthwich’s success lies an exceptional team, united by a commitment to excellence and the power of Ideas Worth Sharing.
This takes a whole team to work through the entire process from Idea research to stage. Behind the scenes, our production wizards, talented photographers and dedicated event team work tirelessly to ensure every moment is captured and every detail is flawless.
Some of the team are involved all year around and others bring their professional expertise when it is needed. Some are visible and are seen to represent TEDxNorthwich in the flesh whilst others share their talents in the background but still weaving their magic to enable us to create an unforgettable experience. Some of our volunteers may get involved closer to the event or on the evening. Each and everyone of us creating the whole picture together. Without every team member we could not enjoy the TEDxNorthwich success we do.
We will shine the light on our team throughout the year. Given where we are, about to embark on TEDxNorthwich 2024, it is fitting to highlight where the process begins as our licence is approved and we embark on a TEDxNorthwich event.
It starts with the search for Ideas worth Sharing. This requires a lot of research and we support this further with an invitation of nominations to speak too.
Our Speaker selection team carefully review the Ideas and decide on those Ideas we feel need too be heard now. Speakers are then invited to join our program where we offer extensive support to further delve into the idea with our coaching team.
Our world-class coaching team is headed by Catherine Sandland and Ashley Costello. Ashley joined us after taking the TEDxNorthwich stage in the first cohort of Speakers to share her idea, ‘Is Education Broken?’. An idea that is very close to her heart and one which is embedded in her lifelong work with young people. Always on the search for inspiring team members, passionate to continue the TEDx story by sharing their expertise, Ashley was invited to join the Coaching team the following year. She brings with her a focus on Speaker wellbeing, backed by over 25 years Pyscotherapy and wellbeing experience her contribution is an invaluable complement to Catherines Speaker Coaching skills.
Ashley was invited to join the Coaching team the following year, marking an invaluable addition. With a focus on Speaker wellbeing, cultivated through over 25 years of dedicated experience in Psychotherapy and wellbeing practices, her arrival brings a new and much needed dimension to the team. Her sincere commitment to holistic wellness seamlessly complements Catherine’s Speaker Coaching mastery, bringing a harmonious synergy that elevates our speakers talk impact
With over 30 years of coaching and enabling people to share their voices and Ideas with power and clairty Catherine is quite simply a core foundation to the TEDxNorthwich success. Her personable and incredibly supportive guidance has been instrumental to our speakers delivering the best version of their ideas. As speakers embark on six intensive months of crafting and rehearsing their talks she helps them transform their ideas into impactful talks. The program is not for the faint hearted. TEDxNorthwich have incredibly high standards that require speakers to invest wholeheartledy into their idea and the message they want to share. The results speak for themselves and year on year we applaud Catherines incredible contribution. The speakers especially so. Whilst we want to keep her as TEDxNorthwich’s secret tool we would be rude to not give other potential speakers the opportunity to nail their talks too. She is currently supporting other TEDx organisers helping their speakers get clarity around thier idea too. We are so grateful to have her as core member of TEDxNorthwich team.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDxNorthwich stands as a beacon of inspiration, where TED Talks videos and live speakers converge to spark profound discussions and forge connections. Together, our team are a symphony of dedication, turning visions into reality and amplifying voices to resonate far and wide.
If you feel your values fit with ours and you would love to share your expertise or passion to volunteer with TEDxNorthwich please get in touch.
On the search for Ideas worth Spreading
We’re always on the search for new idea suggestions and the people best placed to share them. Our excellent coaching program will help grow the idea to be TEDxNorthwich stage ready. If you know of someone in your network who will inform and inspire, surprise and delight whom you feel has an Idea that belongs on the TEDx stage, or if you have one yourself, we want to hear from you!
What are we looking for?
We are seeking innovative, locally rooted yet universally relevant ideas that challenge conventional thinking. These ideas should be defendable and offer a fresh perspective that TED may not have explored before.
They should have the potential to alter perceptions across various domains, whether scientific, philosophical, cultura, community.
We are looking for voices that haven’t been widely heard, capable of presenting their expertise in a new light. They should offer a perspective that might be unfamiliar to the global TED community and contribute diversity in demographics, ethnicity, background, or topic compared to other speakers.
To help potential speakers identify their ideas, here are some guiding questions:
- What controversy in your field can a general audience comprehend?
- What common misconception would you like to dispel?
- Why is this idea significant and for whom?
- Who might disagree with your perspective, and why?
- How have you implemented this idea in your own work?
- What’s the core concept behind your latest project, and how did you garner support from funders and collaborators?
If any of the above resonates and you want to take the next step, complete the Sepaker nomination form on our website.
A set of guidance notes will help with the completion along with a schedule of dates that the speaker will need to attend as part of the program.
Partner with TEDxNorthwich
Do you want to be a part of something meaningful?
Are your values aligned to TEDx values?
Do you love learning and sharing Ideas, new perspectives, positively impacting in your community and giving a platform to people who can change how we see and feel about the world we live in?
If the asnwer is yes to any of the above we would love to hear from you.
Each year we look for Sponsors to partner with is and help bring TEDxNorthwich to life.
As a non profit and run by volunteers our sponsors enable us to power up our event so that is is not only inspiring but also memorable.
By supporting us, you will join the global TEDx community and benefit from TEDxNorthwich’s individually tailored flavour.
We get to benefit from your partnership, expertise and thinking big perspective.
Contact us at tedxnorthwich@gmail.com for more information
Invitation to join us
If anything we’ve shared has piqued your curiosity and you wish to explore more about nominating or sharing your idea, joining our team, or partnering with TEDxNorthwich, I’m keen to connect with you.
As the Licensee and Organizer of TEDxNorthwich, since its inception, I am deeply honored to be part of this remarkable initiative.
Curating the exchange of transformative ideas, both on the TEDxNorthwich stage and on the global virtual platform, gives me great pride. Even more so because of the dedication and tireless efforts of a team of like-minded experts who contribute immeasurable passion voluntarily. Their commitment is incredibly inspiring, and together, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the TEDx community.
Sam Newey
