It’s about time: Windsor’s 2nd annual Tedx Conference

By Julianna Bonnett

Time is a valued commodity, but this didn’t stop over a hundred people from spending theirs at the University of Windsor’s second annual Tedx Conference on Feb. 17.

“It’s about time” was the focus of the self-organized event where guest speakers shared their ideas about what time means to them. The conference, held at the university’s Centre for Engineering Institution, featured seven speakers talking about experiences ranging from surviving a breakup to mental health awareness to computer science.  

“My talk which was called active listening and our perception of time is about the idea of how our concept of time is changed depending on our engagement,” said Robert Franz, Music Director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra and one of the event’s guest speakers.

Franz, who was excited about participating in his first Tedx conference, said he thinks the perception of music changes daily.

“Music is frequently changing, the timing, the mood, the feeling, that’s what I’m here to talk about today. How easily music can change us and our surroundings.”

Tedx gatherings are a way for the local community to share ideas and foster education.  The non-profit organization that started in 1984, is devoted to spreading ideas throughout the world. Whether it’s technology or entertainment or education, speakers use their voices to enrich understanding and share ideas.

Organizer of the event and biology major Milana Milivojevic said Tedx is helping shape university students.

“It’s helping a lot of people at the university think clearer, it’s allowing us some down time from our studies to focus on other things we may be dealing with like mental health problems or stress,” said Milivojevic.

Registration for the event was $50 for the public and $40 for University of Windsor students. Attendees shared a meal and conversation which gave the University of Windsor students an opportunity to talk with the speakers one on one.

Organizers said are hoping to follow up the event’s success with another one next year and hope to showcase more ideas worth sharing.