Benefficient. Intellectuals. Level.

The catch for many of us is that TED is $6,000, which is too expensive for most people, including a great number with good ideas worth spreading. BIL has been created as a free space for people with ideas to come together and share them.

Our event is self-organizing, emergent, and anarchic. Nobody is in charge. If you want to come just show up. If you've got an idea to spread start talking. If someone is saying something good, stop and listen.

We hope BIL can be a perfect match to TED.

Frequently Asked Questions

What?
At some point we realized we are all interesting people with worthwhile things to say, and it didn't make sense to rely always on centrally organized ways for spreading ideas. There is a time and place for traditional conferences, TED is a great conference, but perhaps a little emergence and anarchy is needed.

Are you affiliated with the Technology, Entertainment, and Design conference?
No. TED is aware of BIL and supportive of it, but is not affiliated with BIL. For information about TED, see their website.

Who organizes BIL?
Nobody, or rather, you do. We all organize BIL. BIL emerges from our collective consciousness.

Who speaks at BIL?
You do. There will be instructions on the Schedule page of the wiki on how to coordinate this.

What does it cost to come to BIL?
Nothing. Just show up, then discuss and learn.

When is BIL?
March 1-2. TED is that Wednesday to Saturday, so we're organizing BIL from Saturday to Sunday. We're hoping some TED attendees will stop by on Sunday to check it out. BIL will be held at El Estero Park Complex (Google Map).

How should I prepare for BIL?
Check out the BILDERS TOOLKIT on the wiki.

Live from BIL 2008

BIL 2008 Sponsors

As this is a free conference, we depend on the generosity of sponsors to cover expenses. If you would like to become a sponsor, visit the sponsor page on the wiki to see what expenses we still need help with.