TEDxDetroit returns this fall with a new focus and a new venue. On Wednesday, November 12, the long-running event will take place at the Durfee Innovation Society, marking the first time it will be held outside of downtown Detroit. Organizers say the move is designed to give attendees a closer look at the people and organizations shaping change in the city.
The event will bring together entrepreneurs, educators, scientists, artists, and other professionals from across the region for a one-day gathering centered on storytelling, collaboration, and idea sharing. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. for open house tours of the Durfee building, with speaker presentations scheduled from 2-4 p.m.
TEDxDetroit, now in its 16th year, is part of the larger network of independently organized TEDx events. Its mission remains consistent: to spotlight creative thinkers and spark discussions that help shape the future of Detroit and surrounding communities. Hundreds are expected to attend this year’s program, which includes talks from a range of speakers and an interactive exhibit space known as TEDxLabs.
The Durfee Innovation Society is operated by Life Remodeled, a nonprofit focused on revitalizing Detroit neighborhoods through education, workforce development, and community services. In recent years, the organization and its work have been featured in several TEDxDetroit talks. This year, the event will be held directly in one of Life Remodeled’s main facilities.
“We’re excited to bring this year’s event to the Opportunity Hub at Durfee Innovation Society, where attendees can immerse themselves in the city’s communities,” said Terry Bean, TryBean Founder and TEDxDetroit Executive Producer. “Detroit is home to countless changemakers and leaders and this event provides a space to unite their ideas and turn them into action.”
Attendees will also be able to engage with the work of the Durfee Innovation Society through TEDxLabs, a hands-on experience showcasing community projects and nonprofit programs based in the building. Life Remodeled describes its mission as converting vacant school buildings into “one stop hubs of opportunity,” where multiple nonprofits can operate together to serve families and students in the surrounding neighborhoods.
“Bold ideas and powerful stories drive the city of Detroit,” said Diallo Smith, President and CEO of Life Remodeled. “We’re proud to host TEDxDetroit at the Durfee Innovation Society to magnify the voices of Detroit’s dreamers and doers who are inspiring change and progress within our great city.”
Life Remodeled’s model is based on collaboration. By housing several organizations in one location, the group aims to streamline access to services, improve student performance, and increase access to jobs, health care, and family support resources. The building currently supports programs focused on youth education, job training, and essential human services, reaching thousands of community members each year.
TEDxDetroit has built a strong following since its debut in 2009, featuring more than 250 speakers from Detroit and the Great Lakes region. Past presenters have included doctors, filmmakers, engineers, poets, and business leaders. The event has grown to become one of the largest independently organized TEDx events in the country.
Tickets for TEDxDetroit 2025 are available now at TEDxDetroit.com for $50.
TEDx events operate independently but follow guidelines established by the main TED organization. These events combine live speakers with TED Talk videos to encourage dialogue and learning. While TEDxDetroit is specific to the city and region, it shares in the broader mission of the TED organization, which aims to share ideas that inform and connect people around the world.
The shift to a new location for TEDxDetroit signals a practical effort to place the spotlight on neighborhoods and organizations working at the community level. For attendees, the setting offers a chance to engage with the work being done every day to support families and improve access to opportunity across Detroit.
