“Changing the Way We Eat” is coming to town! I think I’m going to be able to attend this annual TEDxManhattan event again and I’m so, so excited. Last year I met farmers, slow foodies, sustainability advocates, and chefs—all passionate about food.

TEDx isn’t a TED event, but it is licensed by TED. Something of a local version of ideas worth spreading, it’s an event that lets thought leaders share unique points of view with a small immediate audience and a large virtual one. It’s called an independently organized TED event.  Check out some of the speakers on the “Changing the Way We Eat” lineup:

-South Bronx teacher Stephen Ritz, a community organizer who launched the first indoor edible wall in NYC. His speech at Columbia University, “From Crack to Cucumbers,” and this Urban Farming NYC video launched his national following, which includes First Lady Michelle Obama.

-Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director of Food & Water Watch.

-Kavita M. Shukla, Inventor of Fenugreen FreshPaper , packaging that keeps produce fresh as much as four times longer than other methods.

-The CEO of BrightFarms, Paul Lightfoot.  His company finances, builds and operates hydroponic greenhouse farms at or near supermarkets, eliminating time, distance and costs from the food supply chain.

Like last year’s conference, attendance is extremely limited in order to encourage an intimate, salon-like experience. That means that most people who want to attend cannot. But here’s what you can do: watch a live webcast, and, if possible, do it with other people. TEDx urges folks to hold viewing parties, so you can discuss what’s happening and your reaction to the speakers’ ideas in real-time.  Find out how to host your own viewing parties in this quick video.