Ongoing Commitment To Progression: OluKai Presents TEDxMaui 2013

In an ongoing effort to support thought-provoking discourse while strengthening regional innovation in Hawai’i, OluKai will present the second TEDxMaui, the independently produced version of the globally renowned TED conference committed to “ideas worth spreading,” on January 13, 2013, in Kahului, Maui. A live broadcast of the TEDxMaui event will be accessible through www.olukai.com with opening ceremonies beginning at 9:00 a.m. Hawaiian Standard Time / 11:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. People across the country and beyond can also follow TEDxMaui live on Twitter at @tedxmaui and participate in live conversation by using the #TEDxMaui2013 hashtag. Similar to the mission of OluKai’s Talk Story series (an original collection of short videos and photography curated to inspire and connect people across cultures), the day-long conference will encourage global thinking and positive action with luminary speakers such as Archie Kalepa, mentor to OluKai, big-wave surfer and innovative waterman recently inducted to the Hawaii Watermen’s Hall of Fame; Alex Grey, visionary medical illustrator from Harvard Medical School whose art has been featured in Time, Newsweek, on the Discovery Channel and albums of Tool, Beastie Boys and Nirvana; Quayle Hodek, renewable energy expert named one of the ‘7 Hottest CEO’s’ by Treehugger.com and one of Red Herring’s ‘Top 25 Entrepreneurs Under 35;’ Jenelle Peterson, an inspired teacher who has taught in classrooms from Compton to Maui; and Kim Rosen, MFA, author of Saved by a Poem: The Transformative Power of Words whose work has been featured in media such as O Magazine and The New Yorker. “OluKai is the founding partner of TEDxMaui and we are honored to continue in helping create an enduring platform for inspired thinking,” said Kerry Konrady, Director of Marketing for OluKai. OluKai’s giveback philosophy is part of brand’s DNA and marked by a continual commitment to partnering with organizations actively pursuing Mauka- and Makai-initiatives (protecting the land and ocean) including Maui Cultural Lands, The Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and Junior Lifeguard Program, and Team OluKai/Kamakani Eleu, which is part of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association. OluKai has built a legacy of support with relevant, meaningful and high-quality events across the country such as Outside Lands, the OluKai Love & Roots Tour with Anuhea and Mishka, TEDxMaui and their employee-produced Ho’olaule’a annual celebration (with elite SUP and OC1 races) on Maui. Additionally, the brand has stepped in with hands-on efforts for pressing needs such as participating in a recent cross-country drive to deliver supplies to people in New York affected by Hurricane Sandy along with their annual Giveback Day, during which the company closes its doors and joins a local cause – such as Project Save Our Surf and Inside The Outdoors for wetlands and ocean conservation and StandUp for Kids to raise awareness and supplies for homeless and street kids in Orange County, CA. About TED | TEDx
TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." The program is designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level. At TEDx events, a screening of TEDTalks videos -- or a combination of live presenters and TEDTalks videos -- sparks deep conversation and connections. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis. To learn more, visit http://www.ted.com/pages/about_tedx. For more information about TEDxMaui, visit www.tedxmaui.com and ‘Like’ them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TEDxMaui.