On 31stAugust, over 200 guests will pack into the Great Hall as TEDxStormont returns to the iconic Parliament Buildings. Conor Aiken from Herbert Smith Freehills picks out the five talks he’s looking forward to.

 

Connected by the overall theme of ‘Imagine’, this year’s TEDxStormont promises to be the most inspiring event of the year, with a huge range of speakers looking towards the future of Northern Ireland.

This year, we at Herbert Smith Freehills are proud to be one of the main sponsors of the event and our whole team is really looking forward to hearing about lives well lived, dealing with personal tragedy, new ideas, pitfalls and success.

Here are my top five picks to look out for:

 

Nichola Corner

At the start of the year there was international shock at the tragic murder of journalist Lyra McKee. Many will remember the images and footage of Lyra on the news taken from her TEDxStormont 2017 talk on social and religious tolerance – which has now been viewed nearly 200,000 times.

This year, her sister, Nichola Corner, who paid a moving tribute to Lyra at her funeral, will take to the famous red dot to continue sharing Lyra’s message of peace and hope for our society. This will no doubt be an emotional and powerful talk.

 

Jess Dornan Lynas

Sister to the famous actor, Jamie Dornan, Jess has developed an innovative way to help those suffering from grief after the loss of a loved one, by creating a digital platform to keep special memories alive.

Jess now heads up ‘Afterbook’, a new online outlet for families and friends to remember their loved ones long after they have gone. Created after the loss of her own mother at an early age, she came up with the idea as a way to be able to share those special moments with her own children.

 

Saul Betmead

Saul Betmead has led a life far from ordinary. Born in England, he was the Captain of the North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club, a New South Wales State Champion for surfing, and is now Chief Strategy Officer at a large advertising agency in Paris.

This varied background allows Saul to pull creative inspiration into his marketing campaigns with high-level clients such as Vodafone and Burger King, meaning his ideas and work are seen by millions around the world.

Renowned for his transformative thinking, astute business mind and cool surfer presence, Saul can be expected to grace the stage of Stormont’s Great Hall with a refreshing talk from a man who is deeply passionate about people and the world around him.

 

Orla McKeating  

Home grown talent, Orla McKeating, is a champion of local businesses and named as one of the ‘40 under 40’ Business Leaders in Northern Ireland. She will take the stage to showcase her outstanding commitment to equality and continuous learning and how this will bring about a brighter future for us all.

Owner of the Boden Park Coffee Company, a social advocate, keen podcaster and single parent, Orla isn’t afraid for her voice to be heard. Her opinions on issues attached with stigma will no doubt pack a punch.

 

Colin Davidson

Colin Davidson is one of the most distinguished contemporary artists in the world. Hailing from Belfast, Colin has worked all over the globe, working on his iconic portraits of iconic figures such as Queen Elizabeth ll, Bill Clinton, Seamus Heaney and Angela Merkel – which appeared on the front cover of TIME Magazine.

With a focus firmly on Northern Ireland, as seen by his Silent Testimony collection, Colin will share what he thinks the future has in store for Northern Ireland, drawing on his unique experience of meeting those from every element of our society.

 

TEDxStormont takes place on 31stAugust at Parliament Buildings. For tickets and for more information on the speakers, go to www.tedxstormont.com.