David Houle, a futurist, thinker, and speaker, explains how technology, specifically cell phone ubiquity, has radically altered the notion of place in modern society. Part of TEDxSarasota’s inaugural conference held on 12/12/12 with the theme “Creativity Matters” at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.

Scout Bassett, who began life as an amputee in a Chinese orphanage, speaks about the importance and power of creating one’s own identity. A world-class athlete, Scout is a student at UCLA and works with the Challenged Athletes Foundation. This talk is part of TEDxSarasota’s inaugural conference held on 12/12/12 with the theme “Creativity Matters” at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.

Les McCurdy, a comedian and comedy club owner, tells the story of Special O’Laughics, a program he launched that helps mentally challenged adults to learn and perform stand up and sketch comedy. Part of TEDxSarasota’s inaugural conference held on 12/12/12 with the theme “Creativity Matters” at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.

Chris Lambe speaks at TEDxSarasota about the Mosaic Villages Project, which is helping 300,000 smallholder farmers move from subsistence agriculture to a food surplus in nine countries. Part of TEDxSarasota’s inaugural conference held on 12/12/12 with the theme “Creativity Matters” at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.

Nick Whitney explains research he has been involved with at Mote Marine Laboratory in studying the behavior of wild animals using technology such as the accelerometers found in many smartphones. Nick applies these tags to sharks, leaping sturgeon, invasive Burmese pythons, and other species to find out what these animals are up to and why it matters. Part of TEDxSarasota’s inaugural conference held on 12/12/12 with the theme “Creativity Matters” at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.

Surprises abound in this multimedia, surrealist talk/performance by Rony Abovitz and Magic Leap at TEDxSarasota. Rony is a recognized innovator and entrepreneur, having co-founded the pioneering robotics company, MAKO Surgical Corp, which was recognized by Deloitte as the #1 fastest growing tech company in North America in 2011. Part of TEDxSarasota’s inaugural conference held on 12/12/12 with the theme “Creativity Matters” at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.

Mary Esselman explains how dramatically reconfiguring the traditional classroom with the help of innovative technology is allowing promising improvements in underperforming schools. A 25-year veteran in public education, Mary has promoted equity, innovation, and transformation of urban schools — both as a teacher and administrator. She is currently the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan’s Chief Officer for Equity, Innovation, and Accountability. Part of TEDxSarasota’s inaugural conference held on 12/12/12 with the theme “Creativity Matters” at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.

George Haddad, an aerospace engineer and project manager at NASA Kennedy Space Center, speaks about changes in the space program as well as current NASA research, including on the International Space Station. Part of TEDxSarasota’s inaugural conference held on 12/12/12 with the theme “Creativity Matters” at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.

Steve Shenbaum explains how honesty, humility, and humor allow us to be the best we can be in life. Steve is considered one of the industry’s leading experts in character development, team-building, and communication training. Part of TEDxSarasota’s inaugural conference held on 12/12/12 with the theme “Creativity Matters” at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.

Kelsang Jampa leads a guided meditation at TEDxSarasota. An American Buddhist monk, Jampa travels extensively, giving the ancient wisdom of Buddha to people throughout the US and abroad, helping them to find happiness in their hearts. Part of TEDxSarasota’s inaugural conference held on 12/12/12 with the theme “Creativity Matters” at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.