Theme: NOW

The TEDxFlanders 2019 edition invites you to take a journey with eight extraordinary speakers and two marvellous acts from Belgium and around the world.
TEDxFlanders is an independently organized TED event. Founded in 2009 as the first TEDx event in Belgium, we have been sharing “ideas worth spreading” ever since.
This year we reach a unique milestone and invite you to celebrate our 10th anniversary by joining our mind-blowing event with the theme “NOW”
Our events are fully inclusive and open to people from all walks of life. This year, we’ll be exploring transnational ideas, transhumanist solutions, and transcendent world topics because this is NOW.
Check out our website for the latest updates: www.tedxflanders.com

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Desguinlei 25
Antwerp, Antwerpen (nl), 2018
Belgium

Amber Setta aka Glamber

Slam Poet

Amber describes herself as a 20-year old dreamer born in the wrong century. She’s been writing ever since she had the ability to hold a pen and discovered the power of rhyme. She has a keen interest in today’s society and is involved in politics and culture, which directly impacts her poetry and spoken word.

Benjamin Verstraete

Percussionist

Benjamin Verstraete is a Belgian percussionist who lives and breathes music, and has a true passion for all music genres. Equipped with his trusted drumsticks, we’re sure he’ll bring that passion to life tonight.

Edel Maex

Psychiatrist, Zen Teacher and Author

Edel Maex is a psychiatrist, Zen teacher and pioneer of mindfulness in Belgium and the Low Countries. Dr. Maex is known for his groundbreaking work in introducing mindfulness within hospitals. He currently works at the ZNA Hospital in Antwerp, where he directs the Stress Clinic. As a Zen meditation practitioner, he has led Zen groups in Antwerp for many years. He is the author of many books on mindfulness and Buddhism, most notably Mindfulness: In the Maelstrom of Life which has also been translated into English.

Elke Van Hoof

Professor, Clinical Psychologist and Researcher

Elke Van Hoof is a professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and teaches health and medical psychology as well as clinical psychological interventions. She is best known for her work on stress, burn-out, sensory-processing sensitivity, and return-to-work. She embodies a unique combination of business expertise, psychology and academic research. She is the managing director of the Center for Resilience as well as the co-founder of Agile Grit, a company that creates software and online applications for psychosocial health care.

Harald Austbo

Cellist and Singer

A highly creative and original cellist and singer in the cello underground, Harald Austbø plays in various impro and jazz ensembles. In 2018, he formed his own quartet, Harald Austbø Quartet, for the CELLOFEST organized by the Cello Biennale in Amsterdam.

Hilde Helsen

Materials Science Engineer, Entrepreneur and Author

Hilde Helsen is a materials science engineer and one of the first female engineers to assume a top role at a multinational organisation in Belgium. She is the founder of TRAJECTUM, an agency accompanying professionals and organisations at various stages of transition and assists with organisational change and management. In 2003, she realized her mission to inspire people to rise above themselves and founded TRAJECTUM in 2013. She first became a Board Member then President at Toolbox in 2014, where she strived for increasing collaborations between people in the private and social sector to create meaningful social impact. In 2018, she wrote Dreamers Who Do, convinced that each of us has a dream that we can realize with love and support from others. Following her motto of “there is more in you” she continues to inspire and help people and organisations to bring their ideas and projects to life. Her book Dreamers Who Do has also been translated into English.

Joris Vanbriel

Industrial Designer and Co-Founder of ecoBirdy

Joris Vanbriel is an industrial designer and the co-founder of the sustainable children’s furniture brand ecoBirdy, an award-winning design brand committed to respect and cherish the earth’s precious resources. Partnering with Vanessa Yuan in 2011, Joris founded ecoBirdy which is based here in Antwerp. By collecting, processing and recycling plastic toys in collaboration with local workshops and recycling centers, ecoBirdy creates second-life new products and social added value. They create design products that enable kids to experience creativity while raising awareness about sustainability.

Nadia Aimé

Technologist, Social Entrepreneur and Educator

Self-taught technologist, social entrepreneur, educator and proud mummy to a beautiful 16-month old boy all while running. She Leads Digital, a Brussels-based entity.Nadia’s story is one of courage and tenacity through adversity and her experiences have given her a passion to reach out to those in need of a second chance. Her mission is to educate, enable and empower. Her work focuses on improving the lives of vulnerable groups, through education and creating more interest and enthusiasm surrounding career and entrepreneurship opportunities within the STEM fields.

Ozark Henry

Singer-Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist and Producer Piet Goddaer

Ozark Henry is Piet Goddaer’s pseudonym. Since David Bowie praised his debut album in 1996 as one of his favorites, the Belgian artist has produced music ranging from avant-garde electronica to pop and a symphonic album with Belgium’s National Orchestra. His work is applauded and recognised internationally and has won numerous gold and platinum awards.

Sarah Ann Macklin

Model and Nutritionist

Described as the Jamie Oliver of the modelling world by Marie Claire, Sarah Ann Macklin is a Model and Nutritionist who aims to transform the fashion industry by educating agencies and both male and female models on the importance of eating well. Through her work in this industry, Sarah has confronted the demands of the model image, and other highly exposed roles, to create a healthy balance between mind, body and food. She is a regular contributor to Women’s Health, Esquire, Rake magazine and Harper’s Bazaar, where she has also been publicly critical of current “low fat” dietary guidelines. She believes that these are casual in the twin epidemics of type 2 diabetes and obesity with a need for immediate attention and change.

Thierry Geerts

Country Director Google Belgium and Luxembourg

At the the heart of the digital revolution, marketing and innovative entrepreneurship, Thierry Geerts is Country Director of Google Belgium and Luxembourg. His book Digitalis: How to Reinvent Our World (2018) explores a country (Digitalis) where more than 4 billion people are connected and where healthcare, education, mobility, economy and other social themes are addressed thanks to the possibilities of a digital revolution. Geerts challenges us to face our fears and embrace technological progress and the digitization of our world. He’s a member of the “Digital Minds for Belgium”, a group of thinkers and doers who share the passion to build a Digital Belgium.

Zelda la Grange

Former Private Secretary to Nelson Mandela

Born in apartheid South Africa, Zelda la Grange served President Nelson Mandela for 19 years. She has received many awards from various charitable organisations for her dedication and service to the late Nelson Mandela and continues to work for them, including serving as the Patron for the First for Women Foundation and non-executive Director for the non profit organisation Healing Hands. Zelda has been speaking internationally since 2010 and continues to inspire people through sharing her life experiences. In 2014, she published her memoirs in the international best seller Good Morning, Mr Mandela.