The big day is almost here! TEDxDetroit 2023 kicks off bright and early 8am Thursday morning at Sound Board in Detroit. It’s our 15th anniversary event and it’s going to be epic! Here are a few answers to the questions we’ve been receiving:

What time does this shindig start?
Get here at right at 8am. There’s plenty to see, hear and do before the first speaker takes the stage at 9:30am. See the schedule below.

Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included (unless you specifically bought the lunch pass). If you bought the lunch pass in advance, a wristband will be with your name badge at check-in. If you didn’t, there is a food court on site, but expect long lines.

I can’t find my ticket!
Check your spam folder (search for TEDxDetroit or Connect Space). Receipts were sent automagically as you purchased them. If we charged your credit card, your name badge will be waiting for you at the door.

Weather
Who cares! This year, TEDxLabs is indoors and the parking deck is connected to the venue.

Parking?
There is plenty of free parking in the garages at Motor City Casino Hotel.

Coffee?
You can buy a cup in the small coffee shop at MCCH, but I strongly suggest you grab a coffee BEFORE you arrive. There’s nothing but bottled water available in the theatre.

Should I bring cash?
Yes. And a credit card. Bring money to pay for coffee, snacks, lunch, books, t-shirts, swag, shopping in TEDxLabs, and maybe a beverage afterward.

Can I buy extra tickets at the door or bring a friend?
Yes (until we sell out – just a few). Bring a credit card or cash (exact change is appreciated). Best bet: Save the time and buy the ticket now via our friends at Connect.Space.

Can I get a t-shirt?
Yes. TEDxDetroit t-shirts , pullovers, zip hoodies, and stickers will be available for sale at the event. Buy ’em early. Popular sizes always sell out quick.

What’s the hashtag?
Plenty of folks will be sharing the action and ideas on social media. Please use and tag @TEDxDetroit (always capitalize TED lowercase x initial cap Detroit no spaces between) when mentioning the conference on social media. Use the #TEDx hashtag (people around the world follow this hashtag) and #Detroit hashtag if there’s room (spread good news about Detroit). Favor: Like or share this post on Linkedin or this one on Facebook.

WiFi
WiFi is available if we all play nice. Please, no streaming. Turn off our auto-updates. Bring a power strip and make a friend.

Will there be a livestream?
Working on it. We’ll link the stream from TEDxDetroit.com, but there’s no substitute for experiencing the talks, performances, labs, and interactions in person.

Who is putting this whole shebang together?
A big team of talented volunteers who love our city, our state, business, innovation, and art. You can meet the producers and sponsors on our website. Say thank you when you have a chance. The team has donated a lot of time, talent, and treasure to bring this community event to life year after year.

What’s the schedule?
The day is packed. Come early with an open mind. Stay late with new friends and ideas.

Thursday, September 28th

  • Doors to the public open at 8am. Arrival experience with this year’s artist-in-residence the Smileman himself, Mr Phillip Simpson, plus dozens of VR, AI, Art, and Commerce booths in TEDxLabs.
  • 9:30am Session One on the Sound Board big stage
  • 11:00am TEDxLabs & Lunch
  • 1:00pm Session Two on the Sound Board big stage
  • 2:30pm TEDxLabs & Afternoon Break
  • 3:30pm Session Three on the Sound Board big stage
  • 6pm Event Ends

Here’s the speaker breakdown

Session One – 9:30am

  • Gabe Karp
  • Arabia Simeon
  • Amber Osley
  • Tom Nardone
  • Cora Cowles
  • Racquel Soledad & Team Sol
  • Tray Little
  • Cam Rowe
  • TEDx Class Photo
  • Terry Bean
  • Al Bettis
  • David Medina Álvarez
  • Michael Spehn & Gina Kell Spehn

TEDxLabs & Lunch Break – 11am. Tech. Art. Marketplace. And more.

Session Two – 1pm

  • Lee Meadows
  • Quiana “Que” Broden
  • Louie Lee
  • Jason Bressler
  • Ann Duke
  • Marques McCammon
  • Hajj Flemings
  • Staci Russell
  • Anthony Grupido
  • Trevor Pawl

TEDxLabs & Afternoon Break – 2:30pm. Tech. Art. Marketplace. And more.

Session Three –  3:30pm

  • Jay Johnson
  • Terry White
  • DeNisha Beasley
  • Tina-Marie Wohlfield
  • Little Tray
  • Mykolas Rambus
  • Paul Chambers
  • T-Barb
  • Robin Shear
  • House of Jit
  • Eddie Connor
  • Shawn Lee

Whole day wraps before 6pm.

Thanks again for being a part of TEDxDetroit 2023. It’s going to be an inspiring day in Detroit. Looking forward to seeing you bright and early Thursday morning.