The Superheroes of TEDxSurat

When the lights dimmed and the TEDxSurat stage glowed with the spotlight, an idea worth spreading wasn’t the only thing shining bright. Behind every flawlessly delivered talk and every perfectly timed cue was a group of superheroes—our volunteer team—armed not with capes but with clipboards, headsets, and an arsenal of inside jokes.

Pulling off an event like TEDxSurat is no small feat. From curating speakers to ensuring the greenroom snacks were always Instagram-worthy (yes, even the food bowls were photogenic), it takes a village. Here’s a heartfelt look at the team that made it all happen.

Volunteers for TEDxSurat come in all shapes and sizes—quite literally. From the 6-foot-tall tech guy we lovingly nicknamed “The Techy” to a petite powerhouse who could command a crowd of 500 armed with nothing more than a clipboard and unshakable determination, this team had it all.

During orientation, we asked everyone why they wanted to join. One person replied, “ have seen your team last year, and wanted to be a part of that .” she is now our lead social media strategist.

The days leading up to the event were a whirlwind of activity, fueled by chai, snacks, and a healthy dose of adrenaline. Each team had its unique challenges and triumphs:

• Pre-Events Team : The excitement for TEDxSurat didn’t start on the main event day—it began weeks earlier with engaging pre-events. From a thrilling treasure hunt that sparked curiosity and collaboration to a creative “Draw Your Future” session that encouraged attendees to visualize their dreams, the team made sure there was something for everyone.

  Workshops on communication skills empowered participants with tools to express themselves better, and an open mic offered a platform for raw, unfiltered talent to shine. These pre-events set the tone for what was to come and created lasting memories for the community.

• Registration Team: These champions made sure every guest felt like a VIP from the moment they stepped in. Armed with megawatt smiles, they handled the rush with finesse, even when someone wanted to change their name at the venue.

  
  

• Lobby Activity Team: The lobby wasn’t just a waiting area; it was an experience. From interactive art installations to a memory wall, this team ensured that every corner had a story to tell. Their pièce de résistance? Getting people to take “bite-sized” interviews, which ranged from heartfelt to hilariously candid.

  
  

• Content Team: The unsung heroes who toiled tirelessly behind the scenes. Whether it was crafting the perfect speaker introductions, editing last-minute slides, or ensuring every talk has the sense of an idea, they worked with the precision of poets and the stamina of marathon runners.

  
  

• Marketing Team

  The masterminds behind the buzz. This team ensured that TEDxSurat stayed on everyone’s radar. From crafting compelling social media campaigns to engaging with the audience online and offline, their creativity and strategic thinking kept the excitement alive. Whether it was creating teasers, managing live updates, or responding to queries, they made sure the world knew that TEDxSurat was the place to be.

When the day of TEDxSurat finally arrived, the energy in the air was palpable, and every volunteer stepped up to handle their responsibilities with pride and a smile. Whether it was greeting guests, managing backstage transitions, or capturing live updates, everyone brought their A-game. Each task, no matter how big or small, was carried out with precision and a touch of creativity, transforming chaos into a symphony of seamless execution.

Every challenge was met with unwavering determination and a healthy dose of humor. The volunteers weren’t just fulfilling duties; they were weaving together the fabric of an extraordinary event, ensuring every guest and speaker felt valued and inspired.

Beyond the caffeine-induced giggles and the occasional sorry-thank you moments, I walked away with invaluable life lessons:

• Adaptability is Key: When the mic stopped working during a talk , a volunteer checked all the mics till the event finished.

  
  

• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: From the newbie who assembled gift bags to the veterans who handled speaker curation, every single person’s effort mattered.

  
  

• Never Underestimate the Power of Snacks: A well-fed team is a happy team. (Special shoutout for the “Idlis-vada” which helps us to stay alive for half a day)

TEDxSurat wasn’t just about the speakers or the audience; it was about the spirit of collaboration, learning, and a shared belief in the power of ideas. We volunteers, came as individuals but left as a family , one bonded by memories, inside jokes, and perhaps a little glitter from the “X” on stage

To our incredible team: Thank you for your sweat, tears, and impeccable sense of humor. You didn’t just help create an event; you made magic.

Stay curious, stay caffeinated, and remember: Ideas may spread, but laughter is contagious.

---- BiH@G ( All © Reserved )