THE SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM GETS SERIOUS ABOUT HAPPINESS
Center’s annual benefit to feature TED talk speaker Shawn Achor, leading expert in positive psychology
(Palm Beach, Fla.) More than 11 million people worldwide are interested in what TED talk speaker Shawn Achor has to say – and that is good news for anyone who is seeking some positivity this season. Achor, a leading expert in positive psychology and one of the most popular TED talk speakers of all time, will be the guest presenter at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium’s annual benefit. The lively and interactive discussion will take place at The Breakers on Wednesday, March 2.
According to Achor’s TED talk, his findings in positive psychology are that “… it’s not necessarily the reality that shapes us, but the lens through which your brain views the world that shapes your reality. And if we can change the lens, not only can we change your happiness, we can change every single educational and business outcome at the same time.”
“The Science Center believes that science is everywhere,” said Lew Crampton, Science Center CEO. “The idea and proof of positive psychology and its implications is important for individuals and for society at large. Just think, if we know we can take measureable steps toward refocusing the way we see our external world for a beneficial payoff all around, why wouldn’t each of us seek to implement these strategies? We are excited to have Shawn Achor speak to our supporters. His presentation style is engaging and exciting and we know our guests will leave with scientifically valid facts on how to shape a happier and healthier lifestyle.”
Spending 12 years at Harvard University, Achor is one of the world’s leading experts on happiness and success. Known for his advocacy of positive psychology, his research was published in Harvard Business Review; his TED talk is one of the most popular ever; he has worked with a third of Fortune 100 companies; lectured in more than 50 countries; and authored two New York Times best-selling books – Before Happiness (2013) and The Happiness Advantage (2010). He also spoke with Oprah on an episode of “Super Soul Sunday” about happiness research and the perception of success.
Leadership for the spring-time benefit includes Caroline Cummings Rafferty, Mary Freitas and Elizabeth Gordon as co-chairs and Frances and Jeffrey Fisheras honorary chairs. Major sponsors to date include Jeffrey and Frances Fisher and Lew and Kathleen Crampton.
The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium features more than 50 hands-on educational exhibits, an 8,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center” and an interactive Everglades exhibit. Dinosaurs Around the World, the Science Center’s seasonal blockbuster exhibition, is scheduled to open on November 1. The traveling exhibit features more than a dozen animatronic dinosaurs that roar, swing their tails and move their mouths to the delight of guests of all ages. Allpermanent exhibits will be on display during “Dinosaurs Around the World’s” special showing. Tickets for the March 2 event are $500 per person and seating is limited. Contact Marcy Hoffman, director of institutional development, at (561) 370-7738 or mhoffman@sfsciencecenter.org for more information or for sponsorship opportunities.