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• DK Holland – March 9 2006

  During the last talk on Global Warmng by Al Gore, I had one last copy of my new book (Branding for Nonprofits) in my lap and I recall him saying "I know I need help in branding. Everyone keeps telling me that. I can't keep calling it Global Warming. I know Warming sounds good...If ANYONE can help me out here...:"
  
  
  
  I automatically picked up a pen and inscribed the book to Al and his team. I walked into the auditorium and as the crowd thinned about him, I thrust the book towards him saying "It's all in the book". "THIS is just what I need!" he said, looking quite astonished. It was then I got a big bear hug from Big Al... This was perhaps my most perfect TED moment in 11 years...

• David Hornik – March 6 2006

  Thanks Diego. I couldn't agree more. TED is an amazing time to catch up with friends, old and new. I can remember meeting Phil Lelyveld, Disney's new technology guru, at my first TED. We had a fantastic conversation and I've looked forward to catching up with him at TED every year since. And the number of folks I look forward to seeing at TED increases year after year. The only shame is that I have to wait a whole year to see them all again.
  
  
  
  As for TED Moments, I have to admit that despite years as a lawyer and VC, I'm still a musician at heart. Live music grabs me. And the music at TED this year did not disappoint. Ethel started the conference off with a bang and continued to captivate throughout. I particularly enjoyed the collaboration between Ethel and Jill Sobule (the patrol saint of musical storytelling) and only wish there had been more. And the Stew set was far too short as well -- such subtle, clever stuff.
  
  
  
  But, for fear of being redundant, I must say that the musical highlight for me this year, as with every year, was Thomas Dolby. I've been a fan of his for more years than either Thomas or I would probably care to admit. As a computer musician, I always admired not just his musicianship but his incredible use of technology. Over the years he has performed with a band, with guest musicians, with and without vocals, but always with the unique combination of technology and soul that characterizes his music for me. Thomas's final performance was filled with energy and fun and I only hope we get to hear more from next year than we did this year. Thanks Thomas.

• Diego Rodriguez – March 6 2006

  As a TED Virgin, just being there.
  
  
  
  Having lunch with Burt Rutan. Seeing the look of surprise on his face when I told him that he was one of my inspirations when I was a teenager, one of the big reasons I studied mechanical engineering.
  
  
  
  Seeing Dave Hornik again after something like 16 years!
  
  
  
  Attending my second drumming circle in two weeks.
  
  
  
  Sir Ken Robinson.
  
  
  
  Getting blinded with science - LIVE!
  
  
  
  Sitting with my friends in the Simulcast lounge, falling out of our chairs during Fleischer's essay on history and the future.
  
  
  
  That cool Saturn Sky - wish I could have sat in it!
  
  
  
  Eating roast chicken and baked beans on the beach whilst in deep conversation with John Maeda.
  
  
  
  Jellyfish at The Aquarium.
  
  
  
  Everybody and everything!

• Chris Anderson – March 1 2006

  So many... all of the above, plus....
  
  
  
  Seeing the gorilla walk across the stage during Tom Rielly's wrap-up... brilliant.
  
  
  
  Michael Shermer's demonstration of how suggestible we are, with just a few words on screen... "sweet Satan"
  
  
  
  The astounding 3-minute talks of Stewart Brand, David Rose and others.
  
  
  
  Getting Ronald Lo's film from Hong Kong minutes before the TED Prize session and being able to show the spectacular way he boosted Ed Burtynsky's wish... (it's running every hour in Hong Kong as we speak)
  
  
  
  Thomas Dolby's astounding rendition of "his song".
  
  
  
  Vishal Vaid. 15 minutes of heaven.
  
  
  
  The gasped response to the TED titles, the first time they were shown.
  
  
  
  The electrifying Rick Warren/Dan Dennett match up.
  
  
  
  Hearing Peter Gabriel talk about his childhood in such personal terms... not sure he'd really told this story before.
  
  
  
  Bursting into tears 15 seconds into Sirena's first piece.
  
  
  
  Seeing three standing ovations for our TED Prize winners.
  
  
  
  The unbelievable atmosphere of celebration at the beach party...

• Ben Saunders – March 1 2006

  I'm with Bruno - the 'Supreme Court' shout from Al Gore during what had until then been a predictably slick Tony Robbins presentation was priceless.
  
  
  
  Sirena Huang's quiet moment of thought after Chris' request for an encore had me on the edge of my seat, Majora Carter's heartfelt passion put a lump in my throat, Rives' final performance gave me goosebumps, and I was on the verge of giving a solo simulcast standing ovation to Sir Ken Robinson. There are many more.
  
  
  
  Throughout, Al Gore had me wondering how on earth such a natural leader, with so much conviction, intellect, passion, humility and panache could lose a presidential election.
  
  
  
  And only at TED could I chat merrily away to a friendly lady in sunglasses (and a flipped-round name badge) for a few minutes *before* realising that she was, in fact, Meg Ryan.

• BG – March 1 2006

  Arriving at the Monterey theatre for the session on "Sex and War" and finding a marquee announcing: "Now showing 'Vertigo'; next: 'The Terminator'" - how appropriate;
  
  Al Gore and Tony Robbins falling for each other - and both making "a lifelong commitment to come back to TED every year";
  
  Joshua Prince-Ramus' hyperrational presentation on hyperrationalism (or how to start with complex diagrams and end with an audience in awe);
  
  Gregory Colbert talking for the first time at a conference about his amazing photography work.