BIC Announces 2025 TEDx Berkshires Speakers

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) will host TEDx Berkshires on Oct. 9 at the BIC. 

TEDx Berkshires is a local, independently organized event that brings the TED experience to the Berkshires by presenting ideas from "thought leaders."  This year’s event will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 pm, with a reception to follow. 

Tickets are now available and seating is limited.

"Innovation usually starts with an idea, sparked in response to a need for change or a desire to improve," said TEDx Berkshires Executive Producer Stephen Boyd, CEO of Boyd Biomedical in Lee.  "The TEDx Berkshires stage offers the perfect showcase to share the success of diverse ideas and the vision of the Berkshire Innovation Center.  Collective wisdom always wins, and we are thrilled to promote this year’s event as a community focused on life-long learning and exploring technology together."

The 2025 lineup includes:

  • Dr. Maria SiroisConsulting Fellow and  Chief Wisdom Integrator at LeaderMom, will present on strengthening health and optimism and building a better world for others and the planet.
  • Dr. Natalie NixonAuthor & CEO of Figure 8 Thinking, will present on new ways to think about creativity – through the lenses of wonder and rigor.
  • Dr. David BarzilaiFounder & CEO, Longevity Physician, and Healthspan Best Practices Pioneer, will explore the importance of a prevention-first, personalized approach to health and wellness.
  • Dr. Jennifer Le Blond, Managing Director of Emerging Climatetech at MassCEC, will discuss actionable strategies for sustaining momentum and ensuring Massachusetts remains a global hub for ClimateTech innovation.
  • Dr. Damon DiehlDirector of Technology at Luminate Optics Accelerator will present his idea that time is the only currency and get us thinking - are we living a life we would pay for?
  • Dr. Manolis Kellis, Professor of Computer Science at MIT and member of the Broad Institute will present on unleashing human creativity in an AI world.

"We are thrilled to have an eclectic lineup of speakers with unique backgrounds and insights," said IP Attorney, TEDx Berkshires Executive Producer and BIC Board Vice-Chair, Giovanna Fessenden-Fairbank. "We invite everyone to come learn, and be inspired by a tapestry of thought-provoking discussions with fresh perspectives and contemporary relevance."

2025 marks the third year that the Berkshire Innovation Center will be the host of TEDx Berkshires.  The inaugural TEDx Berkshires was held in Lenox in 2010 and was produced by Ethan Berg, Jamie Berg, and Dr. Mark Liponis.

Tickets for TEDx Berkshires are $100 for seating in the main stage area, or $75 for seating in the auditorium, and will include a reception following the TEDx talks.

 Visit https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/tedx-berkshires-2025 for more information.

 


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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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