Why was the TEDx program created?

TED launched the TEDx program to help individuals, schools, and organizations create and host their own local, TED-style events, using a mix of live speakers and performances -- and in doing so, release TED free to the world. Created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading," the TEDx program is designed to give communities, organizations, and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis.