In 2009, for the first time ever, you can experience the TED Conference live, from anywhere in the world.

As part of our new Associate Membership program, you can join a live webcast of the conference and create a private TED event for you and your friends.

But more than that, you’ll be part of a yearlong TED experience that includes conference DVDs, our famed TED Book Club mailings and other special touches.

The TED Associate Membership Program is open to anyone in the world. You can sign up year-round, or give it as a gift. $995 buys this virtual front-row seat for TED2009, and a year’s worth of innovation and inspiration.

As an Associate Member, you can:

+ Watch a private, web stream of the TED2009 conference (live from Palm Springs and Long Beach, Feb. 3-7)

+ Share the webcast with up to 10 friends in one room

+ Snag a boxed DVD set of the complete conference

+ Enjoy the famed TED Book Club — an inspired set of books, CDs and DVDs dropped at your door five times a year

+ Get enhanced social networking status on TED.com

+ Register for the next conference ahead of the general public

+ And more!

It makes a truly special holiday gift. (Or throw a party. Gather all your TED-head friends and enjoy the Membership as a group. Whether it’s for an office get-together, a university club or a library lock-in, an evening with TED is the perfect way to entertain, educate and inspire.)

Find out more at www.ted.com/associates.