Theme: Going Places!

For TEDxTampaRiverwalk 2015, our theme was “Going Places!” – scientifically, socially, economically, geographically, artistically, politically and philosophically. And our great slate of presenters took us on some amazing journeys! See our recap at http://bit.ly/1PXUu9g .

John F. Germany Public Library Auditorium
900 North Ashley Drive
Tampa, Florida, 33602
United States

Chad Mairn

Librarian, Innovation Lab at St. Petersburg College

Chad Mairn is a librarian, teacher, author, and self-described geek who frequently shares his enthusiasm for ‘all-things technology’ as a speaker at library and technology conferences. He is an Information Services Librarian, adjunct professor, and also manages the Innovation Lab at St. Petersburg College.Chad also plays drums in Fowler’s Bluff, a local rock band with their own craft beer with the same name, because librarians are Rock Stars!

Deshjuana Bagley

President & CEO of TechPlayZone

Deshjuana Bagley is President and CEO of TechPlayzone, which offers science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workshops for students ages 7-17 in the Tampa Bay area, and she is the outreach manager of the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE). Desh is also the coordinator for FIRST LEGO League programs in the West Central Florida, and has some powerful insights on early childhood education in the 21st Century.

Doug Hughes

Government Reform Advocate

Doug Hughes, a former mailman from Riverview FL, father of four, gained recent fame for his gyrocopter flight onto the lawn of US Capitol Building in a calculated act of civil disobedience. He currently faces up to 9 years in federal prison for his actions intended to spotlight the need for congressional finance reform. “Not since the Civil War,” says Doug, “has representative government been so threatened as it is today. But there are solutions in a growing movement and I propose a strategy for success.”

Erin McConnell

Graphic Designer and Cosplayer, Founder of Heroes United Against Cosplay Bullying

For many, dress-up is child’s play, but to Erin McConnell, Graphic Designer and video game lover turned cosplayer, also known as JezzebellGem, and a social advocate, it’s a powerful outlet that isn’t just fun. Cosplay, she says, a positive platform that can help channel inner strength and help participants discover how to feel good about themselves, embrace their uniqueness and overcome negativity, bullying and adversity.

Laird Popkin

CTO National Automotive Research/Developer e-NABLE

Laird Popkin, Chief Technology Officer at National Automotive Research Group and a Developer with e-NABLE , a nonprofit that leverages the power of volunteers with 3D printers, to create 3D printed prosthetics for children. Laird shares the story of the e-NABLE community and the “3d Mechanical Hand – Maker Movement” that was inspired by two strangers (a prop maker from the USA and a carpenter from South Africa) who came together to create a prosthetic hand device for a small child in South Africa – and then gave the plans away for free so that others in need would have access. “What originally started out as a couple of guys who created something to help one child in need…has grown into a world wide movement of tinkerers, engineers, 3D print enthusiasts, occupational therapists, university professors, designers, parents, families, artists, students, teachers and people who just want to make a difference.”

Paul Stonebridge

Librarians, Pasco County Library System

Paul Stonebridge is Teen Services Manager for Pasco County Libraries and, with Sean McGarvey, coaches of the nation’s only library-based FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, the Edgar Allan Ohms. Pasco County Libraries also hosts LAMECon, a free two day anime convention, and Rockus Maximus battle of the bands.

Sean McGarvey

Sean McGarvey is Library Administrator for Pasco County Libraries, and with Paul Stonebridge, coaches of the nation’s only library-based FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, the Edgar Allan Ohms.

Tony Selvaggio

Founder & CEO, Scrap on Spot & e-Smart Recycling

Tony Selvaggio is a 28 year old entrepreneur born and raised in Venezuela. He is the founder of Scrap On Spot and e-Smart Recycling. Tony has an extensive background in business development, business management and over seven years of experience in the recycling industry. He’s learned how to identify and create value where others see trash, and works to provide a tangible benefit for the community and make goods available to people in secondary markets and other countries at accessible prices.A society moves forward, he says, by working together.