As signified by the x, this is an independently organized but authorized TED (Technology Entertainment and Design) at Canada’s Simon Fraser University (SFU). It’s too late to apply as a speaker (I managed to get my application to speak about memristors and cognitive entanglement [the presentation I wanted to give at ISEA 2011] submitted and then promptly forgot about it) but you can still apply to attend the Nov. 26, 2011 event at the Surrey campus.

As to why you might want to apply, there’s this from the TEDxSFU website application page,

Although our gifted ‘storytellers’ will be the focal point of the event, this won’t just be a one-way experience. Unlike reading a book or even watching great TED talks online, this event is designed with you as a key element of the programming. Our breakout sessions, with you and 99 of the other pre-approved attendees, will be the backdrop to some great connections and memorable conversations.

• Invitations are granted at the discretion of the TEDxSFU team based on a broad set of criteria, ensuring a diverse audience and a rich exchange of ideas. All applications received are reviewed pending available registrations.
• Information provided in this form will be used exclusively by the TEDxSFU committee for review purposes and not shared for any reason.
• We won’t have room for everyone who applies, so we’ll select participants based on your responses to our application questions. If you don’t make it in our first round, you’ll be added to our wait-list if interested.
• You will be notified through email approximately two weeks after the deadline whether your application has been successful. More details of the conference will be sent to you then.

I don’t think all the TEDx events require an application. Certainly, the TEDxStrathcona (mentioned in my August 4, 2011 posting) didn’t, all they wanted was the price of a ticket. Other than location, date, an application form, and a description of the organizing team (on the About page), there isn’t much detail yet about the proposed event.

I’m in a bit of a quandary. If not accepted as a speaker, I might want to attend but before submitting an application I’d like to know who the speakers are going to be. Speaking as someone who has organized events, the organizers have adopted an interesting strategy.