A “THOUGHT provoking” and “emotionally charged” sell-out event on the subject of human-to-human connection can be replayed on YouTube.

TEDxSouthampton brought 13 speakers to the city’s Harbour Hotel.

TEDx events are independently organised versions of the famous TED (technology, entertainment and design) conferences which have attracted audiences of millions to hear “ideas worth spreading”.

Lee Peck, licence holder and co-curator of TEDxSouthampton, said: “The reaction we received was incredible. Because of the pandemic the event was postponed three times, but we were determined to put on a live event. I’m delighted we kept our nerve.

“There was laughter and tears as the thought provoking and often emotionally charged speeches hit home. It’s fair to say each and every one of our hand-picked speakers had the audience in the palm of their hands.”

He added: “Southampton is a great city and deserves to be showcased and its talent put onto an international stage. It’s especially important to keep the focus on Southampton right now as it’s on the long list for the bid to become the UK City of Culture 2025 and the TEDx programme has a global reputation for excellence.”

TEDxSouthampton had the theme of Human to Human Connection.

Co-curator Annelies James said: “The topics have never been more relevant as the pandemic has engulfed the world. The speakers asked some important questions like how can we embrace our personal capital and be more vulnerable, revealing our more human side? How can we challenge ourselves, overcome adversity and champion our own growth and potential? How can we recognise and tap into the greatness that comes from being human?”

She added: “I would also like to thank our team of helpers. TEDx events are not for profit so we had incredible support from our associates and fellow professionals in our community who gave of their time so generously. A mention too for our sponsors. Without their commitment and enthusiasm for what we’re doing there simply wouldn’t be an event. We are very grateful to them all.”

Lead sponsor of TEDxSouthampton was Aura Technology, which delivers IT services for businesses. Legal sponsor was major law firm BDB Pitmans with offices in London, Cambridge, Reading and Southampton. Performance sponsor was Southampton’s world class Mayflower Theatre, the fourth largest in the UK. Southampton Harbour Hotel, the city’s only five-star hotel, was venue sponsor.

The speeches can be found at youtube.com/user/TEDxTalks/videos