Bemidji State University’s Department of Technology, Art and Design is seeking presenters for its first-ever TAD Talks event, scheduled for Thursday, April 30.

TAD Talks, modeled after the famous TED Talks series, is a multi-disciplinary event featuring live presenters. The department wishes to solicit presentations that will help BSU students – and any community members who attend the event – understand and seek meaning in issues involving technology, creativity, innovation, and the entire process of life.

Those interested in presenting at the TAD Talks must apply by March 15. To apply, submit a one-paragraph proposal to Satchel Josefson, assistant professor of technology, art & design at sjosefson@bemidjistate.edu. All proposals will be reviewed by a jury, and organizers expect to select 10 speakers to present at the event. Presenters will be notified that their proposals have been accepted in late March. All TAD Talks presentations will be recorded and archived on the department’s website.

TAD Talks guidelines
TAD Talks presenters are invited to speak for 10-12 minutes on any subject that meets the overall goals of the event, with certain exceptions:

• No selling. It is essential to a TAD Talks that the presenter mention what they do and describe the businesses that they are in. But, speakers may not use the TAD stage to pitch their products or services or to ask for funding.

• No politics. While politics and policy are key parts of the global conversation, the TAD stage is not the place for political advocacy or belittlement of political adversaries.

• No religion. The TAD stage is not the place to prove or persuade the correctness of a single religion, deity or belief system

As TAD Talks are a work in progress, guidelines are likely to change over time as organizers encounter new issues and challenges. For feedback on the guidelines, such as suggestions for additional limitations or information on whether a proposed topic would be acceptable, please contact Josefson and the TAD Talks organizers.

Contact
• Sachel Josefson, assistant professor of technology, art & design

Bemidji State University, located in northern Minnesota’s lake district, occupies a wooded campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Enrolling nearly 5,000 students, Bemidji State offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and nine graduate programs encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. BSU is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and has a faculty and staff of more than 550. University signature themes include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and global and multi-cultural understanding.