And we’re a match made in big-idea-fueled heaven.

Like TEDxAustin, Circuit of the Americas aims to serve as a global host and platform for innovation and inspiration. And they’re leading by example. Beyond the thrill of the racetrack and throngs of international F1 fans, COTA is a cutting-edge venue designed around the killer combo of technology, entertainment and design. (A 1-2-3 punch we’re partial to.) Already, our own design team is gearing up to reimagine the space as an immersive expression of FearLess.

Another idea-worth-spreading turned idea-in-action is COTA’s approach to environmental impact. The venue stands as the first purpose-built Formula One™ racing facility to become a member of the Green Sports Alliance. This non-profit organization is made up of more than 40 professional and collegiate sports teams and nearly 90 sports venues with a mission to help enhance their environmental performance. We can’t (okay, won’t) reveal everything we’ve got planned for our own FearLess event, but you’ll see an emphasis on the kind of heightened awareness and action we can all take to honor the resources we’re all so fortunate to have.

This being Austin, we’re also partial to entrepreneurial spirit. And at its heart, COTA is a 400-million dollar startup. The kind of grit and gumption it took to transform a barren plot of land just outside of Austin into a global showpiece – that’s the kind of leading-by-vision success story we can’t help but celebrate. It was just a few short years ago that TEDxAustin was an idea being incubated in a small office on East 5th, and we’re grateful every day for the kind of support we’ve received from the city we’re so very proud to call home. And so honored to share with the world via an event livestream and a growing library of TEDxAustin talks and videos.

As we shift into high gear toward planning our own debut at Circuit of the Americas, we hope you’ll apply to attend TEDxAustin: FearLess on February 9, 2013. (You’ll want to step on it – the deadline to apply is NOV. 25!)

Congratulations once again to Circuit of the Americas, the city of Austin, and all of you who put the ultimate vroom-vroom in all we do.

That’s because one of our goals in moving TEDxAustin forward is to generate a deeper dialogue with our community. Yes, we’re already over on Facebook and Twitter, and we enjoy exchanging ideas and comments with folks like you there.

So why blog?

To enjoy a little more real estate, as it were. To have a centralized place where we can settle in for a longer conversation that doesn’t get lost each time we hit “refresh”. To have an easily accessible archive of interesting and informative content.

We’ll focus on what’s inspiring us in the TED world and beyond; “ideas worth sharing” within our Austin community; follow-up on TEDxAustin speakers and performers; any and everything that feels driven by the spirit of TED’s “ideas worth spreading”.

Anything else? Insights? Comments? Suggestions?
Tough love – as well as love love – are all welcome here.

The TED Prize gifts the artist with $100,000, and the opportunity to make “One Wish to Change the World” at the TED conference in February 2011. Somehow we don’t think it will be a problem at all for JR to wish as big as his work. (We can’t wait!)

Early next year, the TEDxAustin event moves to Austin Music Hall; a venue also steeped in the music and history of our city. Coincidentally, Austin City Limits will move house too, just blocks away and into larger digs at the new W Hotel.

And at this moment, as we sit in the midst of planning, curating, expanding and anticipating our second event, TEDxAustin: Right Now, we feel thankful for what was and what will be. We’re thankful to generous Sponsor Partners, an enthusiastic community and a dynamic city that inspires us to want and do better.

You can get a sense of the day that was by watching this less-than-2-minute video of TEDxAustin: Play Big, as it happened on 02.20.10. And you can be part of next year’s memories – but only if you apply to attend TEDxAustin: Right Now, taking place 02.19.11.