Ideas that move: How TEDx Klagenfurt brings international perspectives to Carinthia
“Technology, Entertainment, Design”: This is what TED stands for, an international conference format from the USA that has been bringing forward-looking ideas to the stage since the 1980s. Under the motto of “Ideas worth spreading”, local teams in hundreds of cities around the world organise independent events that highlight new perspectives from technology, business, science, society and culture. Klagenfurt is also part of this network.
Under the banner of “Bringing the world to Carinthia – and Carinthia to the world”, TEDx Klagenfurt has developed into more than just a conference in recent years: it is a stage for new ideas, a meeting place for entrepreneurial networking and a platform for international visibility. In this interview, Matej Čertov and Marina Hedenik from the TEDx team explain why the format was created here, and why specifically companies and start-ups benefit from it.
What is the idea behind TEDx Klagenfurt?
Matej Čertov: We were a group of people who had studied or worked abroad and then came back to Carinthia. And that’s when we realised that we were missing this international flair. With TEDx, we wanted to bring ideas from around the world to Klagenfurt on the one hand and show Klagenfurt and Carinthia to the world on the other.
Marina Hedenik: Our guiding principle is simply this: We bring Carinthia to the world and the world to Carinthia. We want to give a stage to unusual perspectives and open the people here to new ideas.
Why is this format particularly well suited to Carinthia?
Marina Hedenik: Carinthia is very well located in the Alpine-Adriatic region. We actively approach partners from Italy and Slovenia and have visitors from these regions on site. As the centre, Carinthia is ideally located to network these three regions more closely.
Matej Čertov: We have also deliberately chosen English as the language of the event. This facilitates the international distribution of our talks and gives guests from Slovenia, Italy and other countries a common platform. At the same time, we are filling a gap, as there are very few events in English in Carinthia.
Who would you like to reach with the event?
Marina Hedenik: Our visitor flow analysis shows a very homogeneous distribution across age groups, professional fields and regions. This event is not aimed at any specific target group. Anyone who is open to new ideas is welcome.
Matej Čertov: Exactly. The decisive factor is openness – thinking beyond the norm. Typically, many people come from the start-up scene, entrepreneurship or students. But the range is wide.
“We create a stage for ideas from all over the world – and at the same time give people from Carinthia the opportunity to become internationally visible. It is precisely this exchange that creates the added value of TEDx Klagenfurt.”
After her first year as a volunteer at TEDx Klagenfurt, Marina Hedenik immediately wanted to become part of the organising team. Today, she is responsible for team and event coordination and heads the Event Experience division. She works as a product manager at semiconductor manufacturer Infineon Technologies and designs products at the interface between customer requirements and technical development.
How important are short distances and personal networks?
Marina Hedenik: That is the be-all and end-all. We all work full-time, and organise TEDx on a voluntary basis out of pure enthusiasm. This would not be possible without short distances and personal networks.
Matej Čertov: The network is certainly a door-opener. At the same time, it is very important to us that our partnerships are based on clearly defined packages and economic criteria. What counts in the end is the value we offer. One advantage that also results from the size of the location is the visibility; there is a lot of competition in a big city. In Carinthia, a format like TEDx attracts more attention, also from the media.
Why is TEDx Klagenfurt relevant for companies and start-ups?
Marina Hedenik: We attach great importance to our Experience Area with around 25 exhibitors. Companies and start-ups use this presence to present their ideas and make direct contact with speakers and visitors. Here’s a concrete example that comes to mind: A Slovenian company made contact with Red Bull on site, which resulted in follow-up projects. The founder later wrote to me: “Without that day, I would never have gained this access.”
Matej Čertov: There will also be masterclasses for entrepreneurs, workshops for students and an exclusive speakers’ dinner with business matchmaking. We want to enable real interaction – in addition to the top-class presentations on stage. This also distinguishes us from other TEDx events both in Austria and internationally.
“Carinthia has a lot to offer in terms of scenery and sport. With TEDx, we are closing the gap in international exchange. And it creates a community without barriers: CEOs, students, founders, everyone gets to talk at eye level.”
Professionally, Matej Čertov is Director FP&A at the international video streaming technology company Bitmovin. With TEDx Klagenfurt, he specifically strengthens the dialogue between business, start-ups and international initiators. In both roles, he shares a central concern: bringing international perspectives to Carinthia and bringing global visibility to regional innovative strength.
What is your experience on how international speakers experience Carinthia?
Matej Čertov: We take them on a short journey, from meeting them at the airport and finishing by the lake. And this combination of TEDx, the people you get to know along with the beautiful landscape often has an impact. Many extend their stay. Some have even considered moving here and looked at apartments later.
Marina Hedenik: Many then share their enthusiasm with the outside world via social media. Speakers with thousands or even millions of followers post pictures from Klagenfurt. When they say, ‘Wow, how great is this?’, that has an enormous reach.
What role is TEDx Klagenfurt going to play in the future?
Marina Hedenik: We are currently working on the next TEDx. In addition to the large conference, we are also developing smaller formats such as TEDx Salons and TEDx Live. It should not just be a one-off event but should provide continuous impetus. Our team consists of 25 highly motivated, committed people. To experience the combination of this energy and this talent bundled together is something special. This not only results in TEDx events, but also many other ideas.
Matej Čertov: We don’t want to sink into routine; that’s not our approach. It’s better to try out new things and always set different accents.
