FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS SMART THINKING FOR KIDS ALL ABOUT?
A TED style mini-conference designed to introduce kids to technology, interesting careers and creative pursuits they may want to explore as they get older. It's an opportunity to meet inventors, innovators and interesting people who do what they love, and love what they do.
School's are struggling to prepare our kids for the future - the curriculum is out-dated and the teachers don't have the skills, or time to introduce new concepts with all the pressures they already face. We're incredibly fortunate to live in a city full of extraordinary people, companies and initiatives - and our mission is to give kids the opportunity to meet as many of these game-changers as possible to start dreaming BIG and changing the world.
We have also selected a special group of great brands and technology start-ups to introduce and demonstrate their inventions to children attending at a hands-on exhibition after the talks.
This is an event for children and parents to enjoy and be inspired at together. Your children are the innovators of our future, and we believe - the future is now!
WHO IS IT FOR?
Families with children aged 8 - 13 years (and their parent / carer).
This range is intentionally on the young end - once children fall in love with something, it guides them deeper to other similar interests and like-minded friendships. Try getting a teenager to try something new, or risk looking dorky in front of their peers! There are many technology and entrepreneurship initiatives targeting young adults, but nothing addressing the need to start young. Younger kids don't tend to have as many hang-ups and are willing to have a go at something new. We're hoping they discover 'something new' at our events, fall in love and pursue it as they grow up because they love it.
CAN I BRING A YOUNGER / OLDER CHILD?
As much as we'd love to have the whole family, the event is not ‘entertainment’ - it is a relaxed conference format and is therefore likely too long and unsuitable for younger children. The format and topics discussed are not aimed at younger children (but mature six / seven year olds are welcome at parents discretion. No under 6’s please). Likewise, older children will enjoy the event, but the 8-13y age range is the one we are trying to reach the most.
CAN I ATTEND WITHOUT A CHILD?
Nope, this is an event aimed at children - although adults will very much enjoy it. No adults without child supervision and visa versa. You are of course welcome to ‘borrow’ an age appropriate child from a friend so you can attend together.
CAN A CHILD ATTEND ALONE?
All children must have adult supervision at all times.
WHEN + DURATION?
Sunday 5th November. Doors open at 1:00pm (there is no need to arrive early as seats are assigned). We run a relaxed schedule with a 'time frame' rather than 'set times'.
Talks last approximately two hours with a break in the middle - we have some terrific raffle giveaways during the talks (you must be in the auditorium to win) and give kids an opportunity to ask speakers questions.
The talks are followed by an option to stay and play / demo the technology exhibitors gadgets and speak to the inventors, researchers and speakers.
The event will finish by 5:00pm and we recommend a stop at one of the many nearby locations for fireworks on Bon Fire night!
ARE THERE DIFFERENT TICKET TYPES?
Tickets for adults and children are priced between £10 – £30 depending on the location within the theatre. All seats have a terrific view, some are just closer to the action (the very back top balcony rows are bench seats), but the theatre is intimate with good visibility from all sections.
All children will also receive a goody bag after the show.
CAN I GET A REFUND IF I CAN NO LONGER ATTEND?
Tickets are non-refundable, but can be re-assigned to someone else if you email us at least 48hrs before the event.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY TICKETS?
You will receive a confirmation email once your booking is completed with a PDF ticket attached. Tickets will not be posted. Please either print the ticket PDF or save it on your phone for us to scan on arrival. (Please also check your spam folder in case you do not receive your confirmation a few minutes after booking).
WHERE IS THE EVENT HELD?
Our venue is the amazing hub of world explorers: The Royal Geographical Society, located at 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR
DOES THE VENUE HAVE PARKING?
There are Pay and Display bays in the streets around the venue and as the event is on a Sunday, single yellow parking is also possible.
IS THERE A CLOAKROOM?
There is a cloakroom - although please note, no large bags or suitcases are permitted at the venue.
WILL THERE BE ANY FOOD?
Complimentary drinks will be available, but there is no food available on site. Please have lunch before arriving. There are many options in the area ranging from WholeFoods Market a few blocks away to many great restaurants and cafes a few minutes away.
I KNOW A GREAT SPEAKER / SPONSOR – WHO SHOULD I TELL?
If you know of a terrific, inspiring speaker we should consider for future events, or a great brand that would like to be involved, please let us know below.