The Logo for 2019

If you didn’t see our previous post, the theme for TEDxHastingsSt 2019 is Questioning Assumptions. When it came time to design this year’s logo, we wanted to keep the same designer, Sandra McNair at The Print House in Havelock North. They did all of our printing and most of the design for last year.

The new logo for 2019

Geometry & MetaphoR

We really liked the simplicity of the logo last year. We also liked the geometric metaphors that Sandra used to represent the fluid and interconnected nature of our theme, Culture. This year, we wanted something equally meaningful but still impactful for the theme of Questioning Assumptions.

As human beings, we naturally make assumptions. We put limits around ourselves, our friends, our co-workers, our beliefs, etc. These limits often create a box around these things that prevent any growth or change. When we question our assumptions, that box begins to grow. Therefore, our understanding of ourselves and the world around us can begin to grow as well.

So, our square logo is a visual representation of that mental expansion. Also, don’t forget to save the date, 10 August 2019. More information is coming soon.

Speakers?

Also, if you or someone you know wants to speak at the event, the final date to express interest has been pushed back by request to 30 Match. Click here: https://goo.gl/forms/snDC1KfUiUPejaVt2.

THEME: Questioning Assumptions

The theme for last year’s event was culture. If you look at the talks from last year, few of them actually address culture directly. The theme is used more like a compass for the event itself to prepare audiences for the type of talks the speakers will give.

This year’s theme

This year, we will address assumptions. One definition for assumption: a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof. We all have assumptions about the world and about ourselves. They help us make sense of the world, and they help us make decisions and drive our culture.

Assumptions help us stay safe and avoid risk, but they can also help us avoid opportunities. We cannot think outside the box and affect change without questioning the assumptions we make. That means we cannot improve our world or ourselves until we question our assumptions. The reason is simple, an assumption that appears true and positive for one person may appear false and negative for another.

An Example

Dieting is a great example. We assume that eating more vegetables and exercising more will help us lose weight. Sometimes this is the case, but the truth is far from simple. Maintaining the motivation to eat a special way and exercise constantly is just unrealistic. As individuals, we have to question our assumptions about dieting.

Not everyone will lose weight the same way because we don’t all gain weight the same way. For some people a low fat diet will work but not for others. For some, a low carb diet will work but not for others. In dieting, we can’t just change our eating and exercise habits to the latest fad diets. We have to address our own personal health needs, and form a diet and exercise routine that will help us lose weight and maintain the motivation to do so. Some people need to do it on their own, but others need a team of friends to help them. Dieting, like anything else, is more complicated than just the assumption that eating veges and running will solve the problem.

Step Two

TEDxHastingsSt is on a journey of development improvement, and we hope you’ll join us. We began by celebrating the cultural diversity of Hawke’s Bay. The next step will be to question our assumptions in order to create positive change. The speakers will present ideas that help do just that.

Soon, we will show off our new logo for the 2019 event. Stay tuned!

Save the Date!

We have finally found the right venue for this year’s event. We can’t share the address because it isn’t finalized yet, but you should save the date, Saturday 10 August 2019. It is nowhere near school holidays. The event will likely happen from 1:00-6:00 pm. So, parents can still get their kids to sport and even have lunch with them.

More information is coming soon such as the new logo, the venue, the theme, and ticket sales. Stay tuned, and watch this space. You might even want to subscribe to the blog!

Want to speak at TEDxHastingsSt 2019?

Since November, we’ve had several people register their interest in speaking at TEDxHastingsSt this year, but we’re still looking for more if you or someone you know might be interested.

You may register your interest here: https://goo.gl/forms/snDC1KfUiUPejaVt2. Also, please forward the link to anyone you think should speak at TEDxHastingsSt this year.

The Journey Continues

Thanks for joining us! We are still updating the site, and we will continue to add new things as the next event develops. Please stay tuned and subscribe to the blog to remain up to date.

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton