In 2009, TED started granting licenses to independent third-party organizations to organize TED conferences worldwide under the name "TEDx." These are programs consisting of organized local events in which people gather to share an experience similar to the TED in that they are led by the principle of "ideas worth sharing." In TEDx events, televised conversations are combined with speeches in front of live audiences, with the purpose of generating profound discussion and connection within a small group.