Do you watch TED talks online? I do, and I love them. So in the months leading up to our big move, I was thrilled to find out about TEDxAmsterdam. Just like attending Dutch Design Week, getting involved in TEDxAmsterdam was something that I had my eye on from afar. I told myself: when I get there, I'm going to do that.
"That" meant applying for a spot on the volunteers' team in July, via a short form on the TEDxAms website, and hearing back from Salmaan, the head of the volunteers' team, three weeks before the big event on November 25.
"That"meant showing up at Amsterdam's Stadsschouwburg (city theater) a week before the event to meet the volunteers, be briefed on our tasks and take a tour of the theater. I love the performing arts and the Stadsschouwburg (yes, I stumble a bit when I type that), dating back to 1894, is one of Amsterdam's oldest performing arts venues. I loved being able to go backstage and all around this historic building.
"That" meant getting my own TEDxAmsterdam t-shirt to wear on the day of the event. Yay for swag!
Photo courtesy of Mariana Oud
Between people trying to sneak in with wineglasses or food, people trying to sneak in where they weren't allowed to sit, people trying to worm their way in after the sessions had started, I had to steel myself to just say NO! It meant being firm, not listening to people wheedling, bargaining and throwing their (perceived) weight around, and possibly even being (gasp) disliked. But you know what? It was worth it.
Read why, after the jump!
