Creators, entrepreneurs, artists, designers, scientists, thinkers and doers will all converge on September 28 for the third annual TEDxDetroit conference, taking place at the Orchestra Hall at the Max M Fisher Music Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. What’s the goal of bringing this diverse yet interestingly similar group of people together for an entire day? To spread positive ideas for the world from Detroit.
TED (which stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design) conferences aren’t like any other conferences I’ve attended. They’re eclectic and quirky, but in an engaging and inspiring way. While I’ve felt inspired after conferences like FutureMidwest and BrandCamp, TEDxDetroit conferences have produced a totally different type of creative inspiration in me. That’s why I’m looking forward to attending again this year.
To get an idea of what TED conferences are like, take a look at the diversity of 2010’s speaker lineup, which included poets, a chief science officer, a video producer, a belly dancer and a singer/songwriter. And, watch the below TEDxDetroit performance by David Blair, an amazingly talented artist who sadly and unexpectedly passed away this year.
So, what’s in store for attendees of this year’s conference? Charlie Wollborg, executive producer and curator of TEDxDetroit, was nice enough to answer a few questions about the 2011 conference.
How will the 2011 TEDxDetroit conference differ from past conferences?
Our mission remains the same. TEDxDetroit is a day for ideas, innovations and inspiration highlighting positive ideas from our city and state for the world.
Can you share any general information about the speakers this year?
The speaker names are starting to trickle out on social media and the press, but I actually like to keep them a surprise. I like folks to come in with an open mind and join us for a wild ride. This year’s program will feature Giant Robots and Tap Dancing and Cherries and Sword Fighting and Nuclear Super Colliders and Fine Art for Babies and a Gourmet Lemonade Stand run by a nine year old kid. I’m serious.
In your opinion, why is TEDx different from any other type of conference that exists?
The content. The speakers bounce back and forth between left brain and right brain. We alternate between academics and geeks and entrepreneurs and artists and inspirational human stories. It’s not a business conference, but we highlight many cool business leaders. It’s not a tech conference, but we showcase loads of interesting and innovative technology. It’s not a social media conference, but you’ll find Twitter, YouTube and Flickr ablaze with content during TEDxDetroit. Hell, we’re not even sure it is a conference. When you leave TEDxDetroit, hopefully your boundaries of possibility have been stretched and the fire in your belly has been rekindled.
What are the top reasons why someone should attend TEDxDetroit?
TEDxDetroit brings together the “charged particles” to encourage collaboration, optimism and a sense of what’s possible. I think it will ignite your passion, fill your Rolodex with interesting people, stretch your smile and give you a swift kick in the entrepreneurial ass to get moving on that big project you’ve been sitting on for far too long.
Interested in attending? You have to request an invite (don’t worry, it’s not an arduous process). Space is limited for the event because one of the goal’s of TED is to gather attendees who are as interesting as the presenters. While some may complain that this is seclusive and unfair, I’m OK with it. As long as you make an effort, you will undoubtedly meet some very interesting people at this conference thanks to the selective attendance process.
The cost to attend is only $26 (which includes lunch), and all proceeds will support charities opening children’s minds to art and technology in Detroit. More than $16,000 has been raised in the past two years from TEDxDetroit.
Seriously…why would you NOT go?!
If you’ve attended TEDxDetroit or another TED event in the past, share in the comments what you enjoyed most about the conference and why it’s worth attending.