Organizers hoping to build community through new TED-style event

A group of students at Utah State University are hoping a new TED Talk-styled event will offer students and the community a weekly chance to share inspirational ideas, stories and musical numbers.

Originally started in Provo, Treehouse Talks was brought to Logan by Ethan Sumison and others to help students connect with peers, learn diverse ideas, and leave more aware.

Sumison believes the event will shine in Logan. “Aggies just do it better,” he said.

Sumison and four other Utah State students have created an Instagram page, @treehousetalks.logan, to promote the events, which began in September and have been being held on Thursdays at 9 p.m.

“Even in the short time that we have started,” fellow group founder Sara Cutright said, “friendships have been made, people have been inspired, and new ideas have been spread.”

The founders are excited to see the audience grow, and continue to make Treehouse Talks a judgement-free environment. The event organizers also want to emphasize that everyone has their own unique story, and plenty of wisdom to share.

The first few weeks of the event were held at the amphitheater on Old Main Hill. Now that winter weather has set in, the organizers are looking for an indoor venue — and hoping perhaps to find a barn in which to host the event.

“There’s nothing a good heart-to-heart talk surrounded by Christmas lights in a barn can’t fix,” Sumison said.