Who is this TED? TED isn't a who, it's a what. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design, three broad subject areas that are, collectively, shaping our future. The TED conference is an annual gathering of big brains and cool creators in California. Get the full story at TED.com.
What is TEDx? In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has launched a new program TEDx to expand the ideals of TED around the globe. This will be the third TEDxDetroit. There have been over 1500 TEDx events around the world.
Who is presenting at TEDxDetroit? Cool people. Interesting people. People at the top of their game. People just starting out. People who've done it all and wrote the book. It's a mix of speakers you won't see anywhere else. We'll be announcing members of our top shelf line-up as we get closer to the event.
What time is the event? The full experience is 8am to 8pm. The official conference is 9am to 6pm. You won't want to miss the arrival experience from 8am - 9am with art, music, technology and networking. The after party is still in the planning stages, but should run from 6pm to 8pm.
Where to I register for TEDxDetroit? Attendance at TEDxDetroit is by application and invitation. You can request an invite by completing the form on our Attendees Page.
Apply for a conference? Seriously? Seriously. Space is limited for this event. We're working to ensure the people attending the conference are as interesting as the people presenting. We're curating a collection of thinkers and doers across a wide range of fields and experiences. From fresh minded students to seasoned entrepreneurs, TEDxDetroit will host an interesting mix of talent and experience. If you have positive ideas for the world, you might be just the person we're looking for.
Why do you end sentences with a preposition? We like to keep you on your toes – about, to and from.
Can I speak at TEDxDetroit? Maybe. Do you have an idea worth spreading? Is it remarkable? Will it entertain, inspire and inform us all at the same time? There are no canned pitches at TEDxDetroit. Leave your boring powerpoint at home. Watch a few TEDtalks BEFORE you consider reaching out to us. This is NOT your average conference. If you think you have what it takes, visit our Speakers Page and tell us about your talk.
Can I perform, exhibit at TEDxDetroit? Maybe. We're seeking cool gadgets and technology, breathtaking and provocative art, delicious and remarkable food. Contact the curators for the relevant department below:
- Gadgets & Technology: Email Patrick Reyes
- Visual Artists: Email Jane Fader
- Food & Beverage: Email Elena Wollborg
- Musicians: Email Hubert Sawyers III
Can I volunteer to help at TEDxDetroit? Sure. We need tons of help - from speaker wrangling to working registration to capturing the event with your lens. Contact our Volunteer Coordinators
- Volunteer: Register with Shelli Gutholm
- Photographers: Email Benjamin Slayter.
Can I sponsor TEDxDetroit? Yes! Help support ideas, innovation, entrepreneurialism and inspiration in Detroit (and get your brand in front of a lot of brilliant thinkers and doers). Please contact TEDxDetroit Director of Community Terry Bean at 248-224-1326 for information on becoming a TEDxDetroit sponsor.
Who's putting this shindig together? This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED.com. The event is being produced locally by a large team of volunteers. Learn more about the TEDxDetroit Board of Directors on our Producers Page
Still have questions? Please contact Charlie Wollborg.

