Larry was one of our last minute additions to the program. Because of this, his talk was quite a bit shorter than we would’ve liked, but I think he manages to hit the mark brilliantly in the time allotted. An artist with a most unusual medium, Larry uses his talents not just to entertain, but to educate and bring people together. He has worked with disparate groups all over the world, and was able to get people who didn’t even share a common language to help build some of the most amazing structures I’ve ever seen.
On a personal note, if you got to meet Larry at the conference you learned the same thing about him as I did: he’s one of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. I am very glad I got the chance to meet him and learn more about him, and I thought his talk was both inspiring and highly entertaining. Enjoy…
I was inspired to come up with a new “section” for this blog to discuss networking successes that came out of TEDxRochester. Larry, for example, made some great connections at the Strong Museum of Play. In speaking with other folks after the conference this seems to have happened for quite a few attendees, and I’d love to document some of them as enticement for next year’s TEDxRochester.
Which brings me to a request: publishing this video today is apropos as I just saw a tweet from Larry this morning that he’s having trouble acquiring a corporate sponsor and promoter for next year’s Balloon Manor. The economy kept Balloon Manor from happening this year, but we need to make sure it happens in 2010. TED, and by extension TEDx, is about networking great minds together to accomplish great things. I would love to see the TEDxRochester community rally around Larry to help him get this done!
Geva Theatre Center
RACF
RIT
It is great to see Larry in front of this group with his story. He is a long time leader and wonderful representative of the best in our worldwide balloon community and industry.
We use translucent film made with sap drained from trees or made with oil drained from the earth. We sculpt envelopes for air. We transform them with hands, with machines and with imagination.
In the process we inflate not just balloons, but our own sense of self worth as we are transformed by rewards of money, smiles and praise.
In the process we stretch not just balloons but the imaginations of our customers with the possibility that they too might become creators and not just creatures.
In the process we color not just the light seen through our balloons but we color the emotions and attitudes of those persons whom we engage with our displays.
As we exercise our balloon arts we have daily opportunities to expand business, stretch imaginations, and color attitudes in positive ways. When we do these things, the momentum of our individual influence combines with others in a world wide Balloon Arts Movement that can significantly alter and improve the world around us.
Well, I did not intend to sound quite so much like a recruiter for more balloon artists. But, we would love to have you join us, or at least help track down sponsors for Balloon Manor 2010 (and a few other great balloon arts events).