TEDxOgden Speaker Lineup Provides Illuminating Conversations

OGDEN, Utah (June 22, 2018) – The second annual TEDxOgden will take place June 29, at Peery’s Egyptian Theater, doors open at 6 p.m. Designed to showcase creative minds and to share ‘ideas worth spreading’, this event will include eight speakers, a social hour before the show, as well as entrance to the after-party where attendees can expect an exciting lineup of performers including triphop DJ music provided by IGAMA, pop up street theatre and light projectionists. The event brings together change makers, leaders, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts with an ‘idea worth spreading’ under the theme ‘Illumination’. 

“The speakers for TEDxOgden were handpicked for their inspired thinking and passion to share some of their experiences with others” said organizer Sydnie Furton. “Each speaker has been challenged to give a powerful talk that will inspire the crowed in 12 minutes or less. The diversity of the speakers and the message they have to give will make for an incredible evening.”

Tickets are currently on sale for $40 and can be purchased up to the day of the event at www.smithtix.com or at the theater’s box office.

Schedule of Events:
6-7 p.m. | Pre-Event Social Hour
Peery’s Egyptian Theater Courtyard

7-8:15 p.m. | Session One

• Jeremy Keele – Innovation and Opprotunity
• Hannah Cross - Remember Who You Are: Healing Self-Identity Disease
• Keisha Howard - Imagining a SolarPunk Future
• Alexis Pluta – Singer
• Ben Taylor - Let People Surprise You

8:15-8:25 p.m. | Break
Stretch your legs and your minds, enjoy food, entertainment and drinks in the courtyard

8:25-9:30 p.m. | Session Two

• Tabatha Mae Butler and Rebecca Virgo - Serendipity in Collaboration
• Joeseph Cancilla – Polynesian Fire Dance
• Alex Doman – Your Brain is Better on Music
• Jessica Greenberg - Science and Magic: Illuminating the Stage with Lighting Design

9:30-10:30 p.m. | Post-Event Social Hour
Meet and greet the speakers, discuss new ideas with those around you, and network with other community members. TEDx Ogden after-party attendees can expect an exciting lineup of performers including trip-hop DJ music provided by IGAMA, pop up street-theatre and poetry performances, light projectionists, and installation art all themed around "ILLUMINATION" and light. 

Speaker Bios:

Jeremy Keele received his undergrad at Brigham Young University and received a J.D. degree from the New York University School of Law while doubling up with an M.P.A from Harvard University. Jeremy is the former CEO of Sorenson Impact Center and will be "Illuminating" the audience through his talk on “Innovation and Opportunity”

Hannah Cross is a mental health therapist for juvenile offenders in a long-term secure facility.  She is also a yoga instructor and student of A Course in Miracles. Her talk, "Remember Who You Are: Healing Self-Identity Disease” will explore aspects of the current juvenile justice system and beliefs held by society at-large that perpetuate lifelong incarceration for many youth that enter the system. Treatment of juvenile offenders with a focus on self-acceptance and mindfulness assist in moving towards the goal of re-connection with self and community.

Jessica Greenberg is a theatrical lighting and sound designer and professor at Weber State University. Jessica's talk "Science and Magic: Illuminating the Stage with Lighting Design" will explore how can the color of light shape the way an audience experiences a performance? See demonstrations in color mixing, technology, the psychology of color, and some surprising optical illusions.

Ben Taylor is a Weber State University alumni. He has a simple yet powerful idea worth spreading in his talk, "Let People Surprise You." Learn how a mysterious Facebook message sparked an unlikely friendship and launched a non-profit organization.

Tabatha Mae Butler and Rebecca Virgo will be co-presenting on their talk “Serendipity in Collaboration” This how-to course will identify what is needed to nurture collaborative spaces where the happy accidents we know as "serendipity" turn out to be a very intentional consequence of your joint efforts. If collaboration fatigue has you dreading your next meeting, this unique approach will have you feeling illuminated with the possibilities.

Alex Doman is a local author, entrepreneur, and product creator, who was recently named one of the top 50 human behavior experts to watch will address, "Your Brain is Better on Music." In this insightful and experiential talk, Alex will share the how-to’s of using acoustically modified music and neurotechnology to transform our brains and thus ourselves through the simple practice of listening

Keisha Howard is the founder of Sugar Gamers, a female online gaming community. Keisha is a huge fan of female super heroes and is constantly encouraging female empowerment and camaraderie. While on the TEDxOgden stage she will explore "Imagining a SolarPunk Future" and discuss solar energy.  

TEDx is a global program of independently organized events licensed by TED. Tickets can be purchased at www.smithtix.com or in person at the Peery’s Egyptian Theater Box Office.

Visit www.tedxogden.com or the TEDxOgden Facebook page for the most up-to-date details on the 2018 event. Videos of talks from the 2017 TEDxOgden event can be viewed on the website and Facebook page as well.

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