Seventeen speakers who are from or have strong ties to the Dayton region will take the stage on Friday, Oct. 11.
“We’re pleased that this year, for the first time, all of our speakers came to us naturally through the application and audition process,” said John Owen, co-chair of the event. “Nearly 200 people applied this year to audition, and more than 50 people auditioned. Our community has so many smart, creative people with great ideas worth sharing.”
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This year’s speakers are:
• Herbert Woodward Martin, on Dayton poet Paul Laurence Dunbar and his literary legacy.
• Criswell Davis, on the importance of wood in design and architecture, and how it affects peoples' lives and feelings.
• Kenston Henderson Sr., on how to accomplish racial reconciliation in today's polarized society.
• Anna Baugham, on her experience of writing a song every day for 90 days, and what it taught her.
• Dean Waggenspack, on how society should rethink and reimagine retirement.
• Jad Mubaslat, on the history of money and how it has led to cybercurrency such as Bitcoin.
• Benjamin Holmes, on the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence.
• Luther Palmer, on how mathematics can be applied to solving important community problems.
• Jennie Hempstead, on how graphic note-taking can boost listening and help our memories.
• Brandy Foster, on the value of generalists in a world full of specialists.
• Mary Rogero, on how kitchens have evolved to take on special importance in our home lives.
• Daunielle Rasmussen, on how the theater industry is changing to attract younger audiences.
• Crystal Phillips, on how she went from being a struggling student to an adult educator, and what children need from their teachers.
• Donna Sanchez, on how she went a month without speaking, and what it taught her.
• Sid Thatham, on the power and cultural importance of online memes.
• Estelle Gibson, on the importance of financial independence, especially for women.
• Connie Vaughn, on how anyone can be a "math person."
TEDxDayton’s Signature Event will run from 12:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on October 11 at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St. in downtown Dayton.
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This year's theme is "Connect." In addition to speakers, there will be performances by Dayton-area artists, dancers and musicians, and opportunities to network and interact with fellow audience members and community members.
Tickets are on sale now and are available at www.ticketcenterstage.com/TEDxDayton.
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