Carmel Magazine

Geniuses Share their Insights at Annual Carmel Conference B Y M I C H A E L C H AT F I E L D I n 2006, Richard Wurman, founder of the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference, had seen his creation become a huge commercial enterprise. He went back to the drawing board and launched the EG (Entertainment Gathering or Exempli Gratia, depending on who you ask) conference. "It was Richard's swan song, his return to the essence," says EG Director Michael Hawley. Now in its 14th year, the conference returns to Carmel's Sunset Center March 30-April 2. "Our emphasis is on presenting those who make and do exceptional things," Hawley says. "Attendees leave these weekends glowing like a thousand-watt bulb. Every year something happens that you remember forever. It's a con- ference of wonderfully talented people who do extraordinary things in all kinds of fields." The huge list of past presenters includes musicians Joshua Bell and Linda Ronstadt; politi- cian Pete Buttigieg; "MythBuster" Adam Savage; filmmaker Frank Oz and "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening. Presenters are typically not announced until just before the conference. "It's a complicated puzzle," Hawley says. "The program doesn't really gel until a few months before. EG is comprised of 40-50 geniuses talking about their pet projects and we're look- ing to create the perfect flow of ideas." For tickets and more information about the EG conference, visit egconf.com. Ty Vennewitz, who uses a Cyr Wheel in his acrobatic performances, will be at the EG Conference, held this year at the Sunset Center, March 30-April 2. 58 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 SHORTCUTS EVENTS Photo: Richard Kerris

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