Andy Carvin (www.andycarvin.com) is Senior Strategist for National Public Radios Social Media Desk. As coordinator of NPRs social media strategy, he has helped NPR programs learn how to connect the public with NPRs editorial activities in order to further the quality and diversity of NPRs journalism. He was recently named by Washingtonian magazine as part of its 2009 list of the 100 leading technology innovators in Washington DC. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)