I had a privilege and honor to be invited to attend the TEDx event in Amsterdam last week. Although a long-time subscriber to podcast at TED website, I was curious what the character of the first-ever Dutch TEDx event would be. Open, inspiring and forward looking? Or just a chique networking event for the “lucky few” wrapped in a popular image of TED?

My fears dissolved as soon as the first speaker, Frans Timmermans began his inspiring speech on how embracing our fears can unleash creativity, can be fun and can lead towards resolution of complex problems. Within moments and then until the end of the day the conference room was charged with inspiration, hope and optimism, with sincere determination of the speakers and attendees not only to spread the ideas but also to act towards making them happen. I liked how many ideas were directly related to environmental sustainability of life on our planet. And not only ideas, but also concrete products were demoed, I personally loved for instance the product Wattcher, giving you instant information on how much energy your household consumes at any given moment.

And not to forget… the humor! Speakers like the Dutch photographer Hans Aarsman or Danish architect Bjarke Ingels provided an insightful look into their work with humor which was impossible to resist. According to the organizers, there will be a speech recording posted on YouTube every week, sure look them up there. Apropos, the organizers. I was amazed how much care, energy and attention to detail was put into organizing the event. Already the guest list selection process must have been a headache, just imagine that for every attendee there were ten of those whom the organizers had to disappoint.

Although not without a bit of preaching, TEDxAmsterdam was a very inspiring event with a potential to change the course of one’s life and thinking. It felt like attending a 20 course diner for your brain. I would like to thank the organizers for making the TEDx in Amsterdam happen, I’m looking forward to the 2010 edition. I won’t attend though, so that those who were not invited this year, have a greater chance next year. Hey, and I’m getting that Wattcher thing, not only to talk about making something happen for the planet, but also to act.

NB: There was not much room for snapshots during the day packed with talks and demos, so just one photograph: Kevin Kelly (Wired magazine) speaking.

Update: Frans Timmermans’ speech, mentioned above, is now available on Vimeo.