We see what Forbes can't.

Courtesy of Kyle Roth of Epstein Design Partners

I experienced something Friday at TEDxCLE that could never possibly be simplified to the point of meaningful commentary, either here or, definitely not, someplace like Forbes. The best proof of the impact of the event, though, wasn't felt yesterday. Or today, or even over the next few weeks, or months. It will only become apparent when those of us there take what we've experienced, the connections we've made, and channel it toward shaping the area we love to call home.

The end of the day, in fact, best summarizes the tenor of the event. With the wildly informative and inspiring lectures over and the house lights up, the mixing began. At the after party at Stone Mad Pub, you saw audience members in deep conversation with speakers. Speakers from vastly different backgrounds engaged intensely with each other. Connections being made, right before your eyes. It spilled over, of course, online later as well, when the connections and comments on Twitter began to resemble those at the after party.

There was so much to learn throughout the day. Dr. C. Martin Harris from the Cleveland Clinic led off by showcasing how computerization and online planning and recordkeeping can and will shape the future of health care. Benson Lee of Technology Management, Inc., helped shed light on the emerging technology of fuel cells and how, when applied, they can make a tremendous impact across the planet, especially in the developing world.

Even before Terry Schwarz from Pop Up City took the stage, I knew we were in for an amazing talk. Starstruck and armed with my novice's interest in urban planning, I spoke with Schwarz before the event started. She was so engaging, and her unique perspective came through when, in her speech, she perfectly analogized what can be done in Cleveland with the Japanese artistic practice of Kintsugi.

With Kintsugi, craftspeople mend broken pottery not by trying to restore pieces to their original appearance, but by healing the cracks in such a way that their repairs beautifully call attention to the affected areas. Schwarz showed how we can help Cleveland not by attempting to restore every area to its original condition, but by healing the city intelligently, and piece-by-piece though smart planning and design - as well as through shorter-term events and installations that provoke thought and shine a light on the city's potential.

Another inspiring moment came next when attorney Patrick Perotti discussed how, through legal means, unclaimed class action settlement monies can be collected and, best yet, distributed to charity. I urge you to learn more about this very important movement at Ohio Lawyers Give Back. After a video about two amazing emerging technologies, Chris Yanc showed us his advances in multi-touch technology and talked about the benefits of open-source development.

After a break, Tremont Electric's Aaron LeMieux talked about his nPower technology, which relies on kinetic energy to create electricity, both for personal and region-wide use. It was so great to see such innovation coming from Northeast Ohio. Following LeMieux was another local point-of-pride, journalist and cook Michael Ruhlman, who spoke about the importance of cooking and how the decisions we make about the food we eat - and how we eat it - shape not only our lives but also our society.

Ruhlman spoke about how cooking has led him to build meaningful, life-enriching relationships with his bread maker and the husband-and-wife team who raise the pork he eats. I know the feeling quite well, as Casey and I built so many meaningful relationships with those merchants we've met through our local farmers' market. Ruhlman also hit home when he discussed how each food choice you make now is your vote for that choice in the future. In other words, eat mass-produced, factory-farmed products now and you're voting with your wallet for more of the same.

I can't remember at which point during Danielle DeBoe's talk my mind was completely blown, but I'm positive it happened on several occasions. The ROOM SERVICE owner's discussion of living a passionate life underscored everything I have been thinking about where I'd like to take things personally and professionally. It helped reinforce the importance of knowing yourself first, and letting that knowledge dictate the choices you make. It also felt good, too, to hear from someone so enthusiastic about her city.

Someone else enthusiastic about Cleveland was Wrath Arcane's Sean Bilovecky, who discussed how his menswear (and soon-to-be for women, too) label has grown from humble beginnings to great heights. I need to be wearing some of his work, and fast. And closing the day was Dana Myers from Myers Motors, who showcased his electric vehicles and discussed how they can shape the future of smart transportation. An informative end to a special day.

When you soak it all up - some great recaps and photos here and here - you realize that there is just so much important work going on right here in Northeast Ohio. Not just important to the area, but with potential to change the world. It's heartwarming and beyond inspiring to see how much brainpower there is in our own backyard and how motivated everyone is to see their home become a better place.

And that's something those behind that Forbes article could never appreciate. There's nothing miserable about creative, enthusiastic people working together. There's nothing miserable about local businesses becoming vital members of their communities. There's nothing miserable about hope for something better. As Terry Schwarz pointed out, there's hope for this area, because if there weren't, people wouldn't be here and working so hard to turn it around. To focus only on the negative negates that important work.

Any mention of TEDxCLE, further, would be incomplete without mention of its two tirelessly devoted planners, Hallie Bram and Eric Kogelschatz, who delivered a perfect experience. We had the pleasure of meeting them for dinner a few weeks ago, and you'd be hard-pressed to find two people more interested in championing Cleveland than them. You put on a flawless program Friday, and I'm already looking forward to not only next year's TEDxCLE, but also what you two will do next for the area. I know I speak for everyone there when I say thank you for such a moving, impressive day.

Comments

[rachael]

I can't wait to read this when I have time!

[Joseph]

Thanks! It was such an unbelievable time, honestly. I wish I could bottle up how I felt and keep it going ...