TEDxKC Mike Lundgren Organizer

Hacking the Red Circle

Mike Lundgren is a nine-year veteran of TEDxKC (Kansas City), having produced almost 40 events. His 2017 event sold out in four minutes. They enjoy one of the most spectacular venues for a TEDx, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. They entertain and inspire 3,000 people and have over 30 different activities for attendees at the massive afterparty. Mike says they have amassed over 900 volunteers, with 70 who are super active on any given event. They have an intense focus on the user experience, thinking about before, during and after as touch points to pay attention to. Even in the fantastic venue of a performing arts center, no seat is more than 100 feet from the stage. I love how Mike self-identifies as a 'DJ of ideas.' He also suggests they have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to creative input. His company VML has been the original sponsor and is one of the top Marketing firms in the region. They solve branding and communication problems for clients and pour all of that energy into TEDxKC each year. No wonder they sell out in four minutes.