Hospitality, history and ideas worth spreading.

2022 in the rear view mirror

Looking back at the year that was, the TEDxMelbourne team have much to celebrate. Assisted by the generous support of our global sponsor, Marriott International, the dedicated team of volunteers began the year by hosting a range of intimate sessions like our Brunch Series and TED Circles, navigating the new world of events planning post covid. TEDxMelbourne audiences were warmly welcomed back in-person, bringing with them curiosity, a sense of excitement and re-connection. 

The year was capped off in November 2022 with TEDxMelbourne’s first flagship event since the pandemic, under the beautifully apt theme of Kintsugi, from broken to beautiful. Hosted in the Capitol Theatre in the heart of Melbourne, audiences were treated to a musical introduction followed by a series of insightful and thoughtful talks about what it means to repair, heal and accept the imperfections of life. To celebrate, TEDxMelbourne speakers and volunteers ended the evening at the Marriott Docklands with stunning views over the water as the sun set across the bay.

Hospitality and ideas worth spreading

With a presence all over the world, it is no surprise that TED partners with a global hospitality brand like Marriott International. TED’s mission to spread ideas, inspire curious thinking and deepen our understanding of the world transcends borders, nations and cultures. Curious, open-minded thinkers, like TED audiences are often travelers too, exploring other places, interacting with different people and bringing their ideas back home.

Technologies, innovation and beliefs have spread across the globe throughout history hand in hand with migration and travel. It’s no secret that hospitality - lodgings, food and welcoming people - has played a big part in the spread of knowledge and goods throughout history. Trade routes, such as the Silk Road, the Spice Routes and Polynesian trade routes evolved and grew in lock step with the growth of inns, warm meals and company.

Aiding exploration

Caravanserai are an example of how hospitality and trade facilitated the spread of ideas and technologies. Emerging as early as the 3rd century up until as late as the 19th century, caravanserai were large guest houses or roadside inns which emerged all along the Silk Road from Turkey, to China and beyond to North Africa. They were essential hospitality services that offered safe lodgings to travelers, merchants, their caravans, camels and goods. Situated approximately one day’s journey apart from each other, they played an important role in housing, feeding and protecting vulnerable groups as they made the cross-continental journey.

At the centre of the caravanserai would be an open courtyard where guests could gather to connect, tell stories and share information. These meeting places allowed for cultures and ideas to disseminate across vast distances.

A gateway to connection

In modern times, hospitality continues to play a dynamic and important role in the spread of ideas about other places, people and culture. In Japan for instance, Ryokan, or traditional Japanese guesthouses are a way for visitors to experience the local culture, customs and architecture, and enjoy a hospitality experience that has changed little over hundreds of years. From the no frills youth hostel in a bustling capital city, the homestay with authentic home cooked meals, to an exclusive luxury hotel in historical settings, the best places to stay are often those that give us an insight into a place and its people and tell an unforgettable story. By experiencing how others live, we open up our minds to new ways of thinking.

In our fast-paced globalised world there are so many ways through which ideas travel. Via the cables and servers that facilitate our online activity and the processing power available at our fingertips. We no longer need to travel to share innovations and technologies, but hospitality is still an important hub for connecting people with one another and better understand the unique perspectives others bring.

The TEDxMelbourne team would like to thank the Marriott Docklands for supporting ideas worth spreading in 2022. For facilitating a wonderful year of regeneration and connection and for helping to spark curious thinking in our vibrant city.