TEDxDetroit Reveals 2016 Lineup Of Speakers

If you had the world’s attention for a few minutes, what would you share? That is the question each TEDxDetroit speaker will answer during the highly anticipated celebration of technology, entertainment and design, on Thursday, Oct. 6 at Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre. With hundreds of applications submitted, event organizers have narrowed down the list and selected local influencers, thought leaders and innovators to kick off this year’s conference, including: History Channel’s Mobsteel Cast Member Adam Genei; HistoSonics Inc. President and CEO of Christine Gibbons and more.

Also joining the 2016 lineup of speakers are:

• Aaron James Draplin, founder of Draplin Design Co.
• Rick Lax,  deception expert, magician, magic creator, author and producer executive director of the Coleman A. Young Foundation
• Eric Thomas, founder of Saga MKTG
• Dawn White, chief technology officer of Accio Energy
• Jeff Owens, chief technology officer of Delphi Automotive
• Bill McDonald, principal of Phoenix Haus
• Rick Robinson, Mr. CutTime of CutTime Productions and bassist in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
• Christian Birky, founder of Lazlo
• Dave Meeker, vice president at Isobar
• Katie Mann, co-founder and CEO of 4th Wall Theatre Company
• Lisa Waud, creator of the Flower House
• Lungiswa Moore, creator of #mygirlsquad
• Mike Knight, co-owner and head trainer at Art of Strength
• Paulette Auchtung, planetarium and live theaters manager at the Michigan Science Center
• Ron Kagan, executive director and CEO of the Detroit Zoo
• Satori Shakoor, executive director of The Secret Society Of Twisted Storytellers

Kicking off at 8 a.m., conference goers will also draw inspiration from a selection of performers and artists, including: a showing of Anthem of Us, a short film produced by filmmaker Stephen McGhee; as well as performances by bluegrass band Shine on Kentucky Moon, improvisational atmospheric space orchestraBotanical Fortress, local soprano and Kresge Art Fellow Kisma Jordan, Detroit Bellydance performer Lana Mini, master puppeteer Patrick Elkins and  local poets James Kaymore and Zaira Ware. Legendary Detroit Street Artist Fel3000ft will also serve as the event’s artist in residence, creating a one of a kind canvas piece in the Fox Theatre Lobby throughout the day.