For me, Saturdays are a time to kick back and relax at home, by reading a book or perhaps watching a film. But on this particular Saturday, my body and mind refused to cooperate with my normal routine. I leaped out of bed at the crack of dawn, and shocked myself awake with a super-cold shower.
What was the special occasion? TEDxUbud 2014! Although this was the fourth time TEDxUbud had taken place, this was the first time I had the opportunity to join the event. I was very excited to see so many people with brilliant ideas gathered together in one place to share their stories.
As much as I would like to be one of those people up on stage (maybe one day!), I was not going to TEDxUbud as a speaker, or even as a regular attendee. Together with my colleagues Cantika, Tanya and Anna, I was going to represent Kopernik, one of the sponsors of the event.
READY TO QUENCH SOME THIRST
As a sponsor, Kopernik had prepared water stations around the venue, each equipped with Nazava filters to provide fresh, clean drinking water to the enthusiastic crowd. Before the event, TEDxUbud and Kopernik had reminded attendees to bring a reusable bottle with them to refill throughout the day.
One of our responsibilities was to ensure that the Nazava filters were refilled and that everyone stayed well-hydrated. Sounds easy, right? In fact, it wasn't quite so easy.
We took turns making patrols around the venue to check how much clean water was ready to drink from each Nazava filter. If the water level was already low, we had to quickly refill it because the process of filtering more water takes a little time.
Our challenge: the water source to refill the filters was not very close to the water stations. So, we had to go back and forth collecting water with a bucket that was quite heavy when filled with liquid. Wherever we went, one black bucket accompanied us. Fortunately the TEDxUbud organisers lent a hand, ensuring all of the attendees could quench their thirst with fresh Nazava-filtered water without a problem!
ARE YOU SURE THIS IS SAFE TO DRINK?
At the event, we also opened a booth to introduce Kopernik and our technology range to the TEDxUbud attendees. This particular responsibility made me a little nervous. Why? Because I had heard from my colleagues who had attended the event the previous year, that the attendees would ask many difficult and challenging questions about Kopernik's range of technologies. In preparation, I created my own special study session to learn the details of each of the products.
"ARE YOU SURE THIS IS SAFE TO DRINK?"
This was one of the many questions that was thrown our way. We tried our best to thoughtfully respond to every question, helping each other if we weren't quite sure of the answer.
Although we had to field some tricky questions, we were very happy with the positive response that we received. Our booth was always buzzing with curious visitors. They were truly interested in Kopernik's vision and mission, and in the simple technologies that we had on display.
WORK OR PLAY?
During every break, I seized the opportunity to enjoy every aspect of the event: visiting the booths of other local organisations, trying my hand at pottery, savouring the delicious organic food, and of course listening to many talks - from the comfort of a bean bag.
The brilliant ideas and relaxed atmosphere at TEDxUbud were truly invigorating for my body and mind. Yes, I was there to work. But sharing a bean bag with my great colleagues while enjoying organic frozen yoghurt and listening to brilliant ideas from inspiring speakers? Plus the enthusiastic interest in Kopernik from the attendees? It didn't really feel like work at all!
Proudly quenching the thirst of TEDxUbud attendees with Nazava-filtered water
Fivelements: a fantastic venue for TEDxUbud
The K-Team was on hand to answer questions about Kopernik's range of technologies
Feeling inspired and invigorated by our TEDxUbud experience
