Thought Sharing in Two Flavors (BIL and TED)

Flavors:  Caviar and Champagne  (flavorful, rare and exclusive)

The Organization: TED (Technology Entertainment and Design) "brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives. We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. So we're building here a clearinghouse that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world's most inspired thinkers."

Admission and Events: $6000, invite only, event registration closed through 2009. Check out their site for recorded talks!

Flavors: A Nice Microbrew and Chips  (tasty, accessible, and filling)

The Organization: BIL is "an open, self-organizing, emergent, and anarchic science and technology conference that was created in response to those interested in but unable to afford TED. BIL has been created as a free space for people with ideas to come together and share them."

Admission and Events: Free, March 1-2 2008, Monterey

BIL and TED