Western Grocer Serving the industry since 1916
By Melanie Houssin
I had the opportunity to attend TEDxWinnipeg on May 28 at the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Concert Hall. The event brought together some of Manitoba’s most compelling ideas to the iconic red dot made famous through TED Talks around the world.
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design- three broad subject areas that collectively shape our world. The organization’s mission is to discover and spread ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding, and drive meaningful change. In 2025 alone, TED launched more than 16,500 new ideas, which were viewed and listened to 1.7 billion times across 248 countries and territories.
This year’s TEDxWinnipeg lineup explored topics including artificial intelligence, mental health, reconciliation, neuroscience, identity, astronomy, sustainability, and community resilience. The speakers included researchers, educators, artists, healthcare professionals, and changemakers from across Manitoba, each sharing an idea designed to challenge perspectives and inspire action.
What does this have to do with the grocery industry, you may wonder?
Quite a lot, actually.
Every talk began with an idea—an idea intended to spark change and improve lives. Isn’t that how most food and beverage companies begin as well? A new product, process, or service often starts with a simple idea aimed at improving people’s lives through better health, convenience, enjoyment, sustainability, or nutrition.
Throughout the day, I was reminded that innovation is not limited to technology or science. It can come from any industry, including our own. Whether we are developing new products, improving customer experiences, embracing new technologies, or building stronger communities, meaningful progress starts with asking better questions and being open to new possibilities.
There were many takeaways from the day that relate not only to how we live our lives, but also to how we run our businesses. The presentations challenged attendees to think differently, embrace change, remain curious, and continually strive to become better versions of ourselves while contributing positively to the world around us.
I hope to see some of my friends in the grocery industry at next years event!
