ideacity 2014: Eighth Speaker Announcement
With less than a month until ideacity 2014 officially kicks off, we’ve still got plenty of new speakers to roll out in the weeks to come. The latest batch of presenters bring with them years of experience in fields that have taken them to uncharted territory, testing them both mentally and otherwise. From the depths of the ocean, to outer space (and everywhere in between), these idealists have proven to be unshakable in their dedication and unwavering in their desire to meet their goals, whether they be personal or in the name of the global good. And, for good measure, we’re excited to announce a talented trio of Canadian musicians sure to leave this year’s audience wowed.
ROB STEWART – Solutions for an Endangered Humanity
Rob Stewart is an award-winning biologist, photographer, conservationist and filmmaker. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Stewart began photographing underwater when he was 13. By the age of 18, he became a scuba instructor and then moved on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, studying in Ontario, Jamaica and Kenya. While on assignment in the Galapagos Islands, Stewart discovered sharks were being killed for their fins within the marine reserve. He decided to make a film to bring people closer to sharks, but what was supposed to be a beautiful underwater film turned into an incredible human drama filled with corruption, espionage, attempted murder charges and mafia rings. MORE…
BRAD EDWARDS – Space Elevator
Although his career has put him on the cutting edge of more than one new technology, today Dr. Bradley Edwards is known best for his designs for for the first viable space elevator, a cable 100,000 kilometers long stretching from Earth to space that can be ascended by climbers – a vertical railroad with some of the same potential to change our world as the railroads of ancestors. Dr. Edwards’ books on the construction of a space elevator are the cornerstone for conferences, research around the world and efforts to build the first space elevator. There are challenges, but the technology may take man to other planets and stars, bring us limitless clean energy and will undoubtedly fuel the imagination of generations to come.MORE…
JEAN-GUY SAURIOL – Turning 60 on the Atlantic
Most people celebrating their 60th birthday – or any birthday, for that matter – hope to do so with good company, food, and maybe even a drink or two. Jean-Guy Sauriol, however, had a very different vision for how he’d enjoy the landmark birthday. When he turned 60 on Dec. 31, 2013, he was alone on the open ocean, and celebrated with an unglamourous meal of Pringles and cola. That’s because just a few months ago, Sauriol was in the midst of a journey that, when he completed it on February 6, made him the oldest Canadian to row solo across the Atlantic – no small feat for a man with little rowing experience, and a career that made him more than familiar with the meaning of risk. MORE…
LARA ST. JOHN, STEPHANIE CADMAN & MATT HERSKOWITZ – Groundbreaking Canadian Trio
Canadian-born violinist Lara St. John has been described as “something of a phenomenon” by The Strad and a “high-powered soloist” by the New York Times. The Guradian has touted genre-hopping dancer, choreographer and fiddler Stephanie Cadman as “incredibly talented, world class and jaw-dropping.” Together, they’ve been delving into the relationship between the dances of many (folk) and of one (Bach) in their series of Dance and J.S. Bach videos. Along with works with Montreal-based pianist/composer/improviser Matt Herskowitz, a master of jazz, classical and world music, this trio of unique and talented performers will offer work from their diverse musical inspirations and explorations at IdeaCity 2014. MORE…
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Dignity Memorial
Like any great event, ideacity wouldn’t be possible without the vision and support of our sponsors.
As North America’s largest provider of funeral, cremation and cemetery services, the Dignity Memorial® network is the name families turn to for compassionate and professional final arrangements. Dignity Memorial providers care for more than 500,000 families each year and understand the importance of thoughtful, personalized arrangements. MORE…
“ideacity, known as Canada’s Premiere Meeting of the Minds, is a new species of conference.”
For more information or tickets to the 2014 ideacity conference, visit our ticketing page or contact David Cravit at [email protected], 416-607-7739 or cell 647-280-8163.