The famous TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) Talks have had their share of viral Internet videos on topics of interest and importance. The overall TED idea has become so popular that local, independently produced “TEDx” events have sprung up around the world. Seattle’s version of TED that is called TEDxRainier, which started in 2010.

The 2014 TEDxRainier separated the full day of speakers into three loosely tied together themes: “Who Knew”, “Through A New Lens”, and “To Boldly Go”. Within these themes, a series of scientists, academics, advocates, and interesting people presented their ideas and visuals for about 18 minutes each. Some locally famous speakers participated, including environmentalist Gifford Pinchot III, Congressman Jim McDermott, and mountain climber Ed Viesturs.

TEDxRainier Ed Viesturs at McCaw Hall Seattle

Ed Viesturs in McCaw Hall