"Thriving is more than just surviving; it's growing, prospering, and flourishing. This day-long event explores how communities, organizations, and individuals can thrive mentally, physically, and artistically. Attendees will have opportunities to hear and discuss "ideas worth spreading" from innovators in well-being, creative cultures, sustainability and lifelong learning. Come be entertained and inspired."

That's the description of this weekend's TEDxSoCal's theme - "Thriving." On July 16, from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. downtown Long Beach will host it's first TEDx conference. TEDx is like a mini version of the well known TED conference. The idea behind it is so that smaller organizations can create their own "TED" experience without the hefty price tag.

With more than 15 guest speakers at the event, all from different backgrounds will speak with the audience on how they are making in difference in their specific areas of focus. The guy I'm looking forward to hear from is Long Beach resident Daniel Kish. I read about him this year in an issue "Men's Journal," and I was blown away. He's a blind man who can make clicking noises with his tongue, and when the sound waves hit a certain object he can tell how far it is what, the shape - basically it's human sonar. He also is the founder of World Access for the Blind - a nonprofit organization which facilitates self directed achievement  for blind people. Trust me, the dude is pretty tight! He rides his bike throughout Long Beach and even hikes mountain trails.

Anyways, it should be an interesting event, there will be a lot of cool things going on throughout the conference. Here is some general information about TEDxSoCal:

TEDxSoCal at the Center Theatre in Long Beach

Join us in beautiful downtown Long Beach on Saturday July 16, 2011 for a day filled with short talks, performances, pre-recorded TEDTalks and an evening reception where participants will continue to interact and engage the ideas of the event.

Learn more about the venue here.

Will you attend TEDxSoCal? What do you think about the line up of speakers? Do you think there could've been more diversity in the selection of speakers? Have you heard of TED or TEDx before? What would you like to see at the next TEDx?

562CityLife is funded by a Long Beach Community Foundation Connected Corridor grant supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation's Transformation Initiative.