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Program Special events

Immersive evening events, interactive lunches, intense conversation breaks ... At TEDGlobal, we know the most important ideas are generated when attendees and speakers connect with each other. We offer many ways to make sure they do.

Bletchley Park

Pre-conference events

Familiarize yourself with Oxford and the UK by joining one of our pre-conference excursions, including a tour of Bletchley Park (where Alan Turing worked, Ian Fleming got inspiration for his James Bond novels, and the Enigma encryption code vas cracked during WWII), visits to Oxford landmarks such as the Bodleian Library, and out-of-town exclusive trips to London, to the Culham nuclear fusion facility, to the MINI car factory, to Broughton Castle (where the movie Shakespeare in Love was shot), and elsewhere. Plus, a special panel by The Forum, from the BBC World Service, and a pre-conference welcome event.

Monday, 20 July

Locations available to registered attendees

TED University

TED University

Attendees at TEDGlobal are every bit as extraordinary as the speakers, and the much-loved TED University has them take the stage, sharing hard-won knowledge in lectures that range from "How to be interesting" to "How front page news is selected." To participate, you should plan to arrive in Oxford on Monday, 20 July, in order to attend TED U the next morning.

Tuesday, 21 July (AM)

Keble College Auditorium

Evening events

Evening events and parties

Gather the world's leading thinkers and doers, offer them four days of rapid-fire stimulation, and then ... sit back and watch the fireworks. Beginning with the pre-conference gathering on Monday evening and the welcome gala on Tuesday, our inspired evening events and special sessions create the backdrop where ideas percolate, connections are made and inspiration grows.

Nightly, beginning Monday July 20

Locations available to registered attendees

 

TED Fellows Lunch

TED Fellows Lunch

This engaging and informative lunch, hosted by TED Community Director Tom Rielly, offers a chance to meet the TEDGlobal 2009 Fellows. You’ll learn more about our growing TED Fellows program and how you can participate. 150 seats will be available for this lunch.

Time and location available to registered attendees

Farewell picnic and punting

Farewell picnic and punting

Four extraordinary days come to a close with a festive picnic and traditional punting along the River Cherwell. Partners and kids are welcome at this casual gathering, perfect for recapping the most memorable TEDGlobal Moments.

Friday, July 24

Locations available to registered attendees