When TEDxDetroit returns – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6 – to the Masonic Temple, its iconic Talks and grand performances won’t be the only draw.

TEDxDetroit brings together the area’s leading thinkers, designers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, scientists, artists and students for an inspiring day to celebrate ideas worth spreading. Another part of that experience involves a hands-on connections with new technologies and a local maker marketplace.

These fall under the umbrella of TEDxLabs.

“TEDxLabs is our own business expo, art gallery and science fair, happening during TEDxDetroit,” said Charlie Wollborg, curator of TEDxDetroit. “It’s an opportunity for attendees to get hands-on with emerging technologies, interact with speakers and other attendees, co-create with local artists and support local businesses.”

It’s not too late to apply for a free space to exhibit at TEDxLabs. Applications are online at www.tedxdetroit.com.

In its 11th year, TEDxDetroit’s production team has added a few new professionals to the mix – and three of them will create an enhanced TEDxLabs experience.

Lauren Clayborne is director of TEDxLabs. She lives in downtown Detroit and works as an event planner assisting professional athletes with philanthropic efforts. Clayborne is excited to assemble TEDxLabs for the first time.

“Exhibitors range from local startups to organizations who want to demonstrate their products,” she said. “Leave the ‘everything isn’t perfect’ mantra at the door and join us!”

Anu Gopalakrishan is TEDxLabs’ technology curator.

It’s always great to partner and collaborate with such thinkers and doers of the community,” said Gopalakrishan. “Also, it’s a natural addition to what I already do within the start-up innovation ecosystem. I want to continue giving back to a city that is a global epicenter for innovation and sustainable growth.”

By day, Gopalakrishan is responsible for the growth of the innovations and intermedia for Kyyba Inc. in Farmington Hills. She resides in Plymouth. For the first time she will be managing operations for TEDxLabs and connecting technology-focused businesses with attendees.

“The event offers a solid platform to innovators who are changing the world, the way we think and adapt,” she said.

And returning for a second year, Ask Jennyfer Founder Jennyfer Crawford is MarketPlace curator. She will manage local makers and vendors who will sell goods on site during the day-long event.

“I love being involved in TEDxDetroit because it gives me a chance to work with a great group of people and to provide a great opportunity for small businesses to be seen,” said Crawford.

Crawford is no stranger to market curation. She joined on in 2018. She is perhaps best-known for creating the successful event known as All Things Detroit in Eastern Market. Crawford is also a podcaster and curates summer markets for DTE Energy and the Downtown Detroit Partnership as well as events for organizations like the NAACP.

“TEDxLabs gives attendees an opportunity to connect with businesses and individuals – who may or may not be TEDxDetroit speakers – and have a great talent to share,” said Crawford.

Wollborg agreed. Put simply, he said: “TEDxLabs is the space where connections happen.”