Impact Report: TedxDaltVila One Year On

TEDx events have become synonymous with innovation, inspiration, and thought-provoking ideas. Among the myriad of TEDx conferences held worldwide, TEDxDaltVila 2023 stood out as a beacon of intellectual exchange and creative exploration. With a theme of Expanding Perspectives, speakers from diverse backgrounds shared their insights and visions for the future. From technology to art, sustainability to entrepreneurship, and sex to psychedelics, the topics covered were as varied as they were engaging. 

One of the highlights of TEDx Dalt Vila 2023 was its focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Speakers discussed innovative solutions to pressing ecological challenges, showcasing Ibiza's commitment to preserving its natural beauty while embracing modernity. Topics such as renewable energy, waste management, and conservation resonated deeply with attendees, sparking discussions and catalysing action. 

The event also celebrated Ibiza's rich cultural heritage, with speakers highlighting the island's vibrant arts scene and storied history. For author Ben Dunwell, the event not only impacted book sales but allowed home to clarify his vision as both a writer and a historian.

‘Sometimes I find the archaeological, academic approach, isn't really very good at conveying the past from within. It looks from a context which the people living in that time would not have used. It doesn't give you a sense of what it would've been like. The talk slowly but gradually led me towards an understanding that what I was trying to do was talk about a sense of allyship between modern humans and ancient humans. And then it really became about the living and the dead.  I went deeper and deeper and deeper into what I was trying to say that until I arrived for the first time with something that felt almost like a manifesto for where I was at. In terms of what I was writing, why I was writing about this era, what the point of the exercise was for me and what I felt it could offer other people. As a writer, that's incredibly useful at a profound, bedrock level.’

Ben’s was one of two TEDxDaltVila talks selected for special promotion by the global TEDx platform. The second, a talk on demystifying sex by the artist and educator Ruth Ramsay, has received almost two million views and has profoundly impacted Ruth’s career. As she explains:

‘The first impact is just simply about validation, because working with the topic of sex – despite in a ‘non-sexy’ way - you get a lot of haters. Some of us are simply trying to lift the shame of talking about sex, and perhaps hearing that in a more academic setting can be the validation people need. It’s taught me a fantastic amount about what I can achieve and about my work ethic, but also about the power of my message. If we want to get better at sex and enjoy sex more then we have to start treating it like a hobby. We have to bring it into the light, like tennis. I've had so many emails and messages via my website to say, ‘Oh my God, your TEDx talk! I watched it with my husband of 20 years, and for the first time ever we've talked about sex! Thank you for opening this up, it has totally changed my life.’ In terms of my business, it's been fantastic because typically people who now come onto a discovery call with me have generally seen the talk, so they are familiar with my outlook. It’s broken down barriers in so many ways. I couldn’t watch the talk for a week after, I was so shy. Now I wouldn’t change a thing.’

TedxDaltVila takes place this Saturday at the Palacio de Congresos, Santa Eularia. Click here for tickets.