For the 16th consecutive year, TEDxDetroit returns on Wednesday, September 18, at the Wayne State Field House, promising to be a gathering of some of Michigan’s most innovative minds. This year’s event is poised to be bigger than ever, featuring groundbreaking ideas and a stellar lineup of speakers set to shape the future across various fields.
TEDxDetroit draws thousands from across the region for a single day dedicated to storytelling, innovation, and human connection. Attendees experience thought-provoking, concise talks designed to ignite fresh thinking and foster collaborations.
“Michigan is a hub for creativity and innovation with more engineers, more artists, and more entrepreneurs dreaming up the future,” Charlie Wollborg, curator of TEDxDetroit, said in a statement. “This whole day is designed to spark all of us to put our ideas into action.”
Past TEDxDetroit events have spotlighted everything from flying cars and medical advancements to groundbreaking technology and performances from local artists, poets, and community figures. This unique blend of speakers and talent creates an atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else.
“TEDxDetroit has celebrated the hallmarks of forward progress: ideation, innovation, and inspiration for 15 years,” said Terry Bean, TEDxDetroit Executive Producer. “After every event, I think ‘there’s no way it can get better than this,’ and I’m looking forward to being proven wrong once again on Sept. 18.”
The lineup of confirmed speakers is as diverse as it is impressive, representing fields ranging from technology and the arts to education and entrepreneurship. Featured speakers include:
– Steve Acho – Technology Staffing Professional & Speaker
– Charity – Artist, Singer & Songwriter
– Jen Brace – Chief Futurist, Ford Motor Company
– Al Bettis – Singer, Songwriter & Speaker
– Crystal Brown – CEO & Co-Founder, CircNova Biotechnology
– Zachery Dereniowski – Content Creator, Onefluent (MDMOTIVATOR)
– Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi – Visiting Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
– Jennifer Dukarski – Shareholder, Attorney & Engineer, Butzel
– Darrick Ervin II – Comedian, Okay To Laugh & Mortgage Banker
– Tim Finkel – Comedian & Educator, Cengage Learning
– Joel Fluent Greene – Poet, Author & Event Producer
– Kimberley Hanke – Founder & CEO, Elm Park Labs
– Nikunj Jain – Cleantech Founder, Thought Labs
– Neil Jones – Video Game Developer & Founder, Aerial Knight
– Tom Kuntzleman – Assistant Professor of Teaching – Chemistry, Wayne State University (“Tommy Technetium”)
– Chris Lambert – Founder & CEO, Life Remodeled
– Dana Lowell – CEO & Co-Founder, LilyPad Labs
– Imani Ma’at – Dancer, Artist, Filmmaker & Educator, Flip the Switch 529
– Beth Mach – Chief Operations Officer, Spacely
– José Maldonado – Founder & CEO, Pink Teddy AR
– Brandon Martin – Founder, Reaction Technologies
– Jalen Martin – Co-Founder, Reaction Technologies
– Scott Monty – Speaker & Communications Strategist, Scott Monty Strategies
– Anna Przybylski – Content Creator & Author, “Keep it Up, Cutie” (@akprzy)
– Michelle Red – Ad Exec & World Traveler, Multicultural Musings
– Randy Roberts – Founder, Auraloids
– Nick Seluk – Author & Illustrator, The Awkward Yeti
– George Tait – Storyteller, Mentalist & Deception Expert, Mind Tapped Productions
– Elizabeth Toye – Educator, DPS
– Joshua Wilde – Magician & Owner, The Wunderground Magic Shop
– Asim Williams – Technology Leader & Educator, Ahdeah Labs & Google Code Next
In addition to the speaker lineup, TEDxDetroit also features TEDxLabs—a showcase of local technology, art, and small businesses. Part business expo, part art gallery, and part science fair, TEDxLabs offers attendees a chance to explore new tech, sample local food, purchase from local artisans, and interact with speakers between sessions.
“TEDxLabs is a vibrant ecosystem where AI, immersive technologies, and human creativity collide, sparking innovation. It’s a testament to the power of the diverse minds in our community,” said Anu Gopalakrishnan, TEDxDetroit Labs Director and Executive Producer. “The energy is pretty contagious when you see these ideas interweave, creating a tapestry of new startups that’s nothing short of magical.”
For 16 years, TEDxDetroit has been a stage for the ideas that fuel Detroit and Michigan’s ongoing resurgence. This year’s event promises more of the same: a day full of creativity, connection, and forward-thinking ideas. Mark your calendars—September 18 at the Wayne State Field House is set to be an unforgettable day. Tickets for the event are on sale now at tedxdetroit.com.
