- Emily Ross.

You may have heard of the TED phenomenon before.

Centered on inspired ideas, the TED concept focuses on ideas worth spreading, often ones that may be a bit controvesial or different.

With a history of being radical and forward thinking, it’s not surprising that SFU was quick to get involved with the TED concept.

TEDx signifies an independently organized TED event and when Michael Cheng, an SFU student who was inspired by other TED events, found out he too could organize a TED event, TEDxSFU was born.

The inaugural TEDxSFU event took place at SFU's Surrey Campus in 2011, and featured notable presenters including former VANOC CEO John Furlong, VPD Chief Jim Chu and Hootsuite CEO Ryan Holmes.

Now in its second year, many of the organizing committee members are excited to be involved in another great conference with the theme “Going Against the Grain," which will take place at SFU Vancouver on September 22, 2012.

“This year’s theme, Going Against the Grain, offers a focused discussion topic which plays on all things contrary and non-conformist,” described Katherine Quan, the co-manager of Marketing and Communication. “Speakers will be sharing their stories or standing up and standing out against the crowd.”

Sure to get the audience interested, Quan hopes that this topic will spark conversation and inspire friendly debate among attendees.

Quan is not only excited by the topic of the conference, but also by the selection of speakers.

Who is she most looking forward to?

“I am very excited for Mark Brand,” she said, “having grown up in Vancouver and being familiar with the Downtown Eastside, I am interested to see what he has to share about his vision for the area.”

Along with Brand, several other speakers have been announced and profiled on the TEDxSFU blog. From TV hosts and social media superstars to journalists and social rights activists, this year’s speakers exemplify going against the grain.

According to Quan, Going Against the Grain is about, “mavericks, rebels, rivals, contrary, antithesis, and non-conformist.”

The focus is on how doing something out of the ordinary can lead to a revolution and ultimately, realizing change – something many of these speakers are familiar with.

Besides delivering another thought-provoking conference this year, the main goal of TEDxSFU 2012 is, according to Quan, “to deliver an amazing conference where attendees will engage with one another during and after the conference.”

Ultimately, the organizers want to spark and inspire discussion within the community and in an ideal world, would see attendees start up projects of their own.

Want to get involved? You can apply to attend the event on the TEDxSFU website, www.tedxsfu.com before August 22, 2012.

Can’t make the conference? The event will be lived streamed online. Also be sure to join the conversation on the TEDxSFU Facebook page www.facebook.com/tedxsfu and Twitter @tedxsfu.