In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Northrop Auditorium
84 Church St SE
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455
United States

Mu Daiko

Based in the Twin Cities, musical group Mu Daiko performs a repertoire of traditional, contemporary, and original taiko compositions. Founded by Rick Shiomi in 1997, the group regularly premieres new work, bringing a unique Minnesota voice to the expanding canon and innovation of North American taiko. Through performances, studio classes and school residencies, Mu Daiko has taught thousands of students of all ages and abilities. www.muperformingarts.org

Britt Ringstrom

Britt Ringstrom has built both her career and her life around strength, exercise and movement. An athlete throughout high school and college, Ringstrom’s performance on the ice and the field-- not to mention her ability to back squat 400lbs-- mark her as nothing less than the epitome of power and performance; however, Ringstrom is no stranger to the challenges of disease as well as mental and physical setback. After struggling with severely swollen joints and all-consuming fatigue, Ringstrom was diagnosed with Junior Rheumatoid Arthritis mid-way through her college career. Betrayed by her body, Ringstrom was forced to modify her lifestyle in order to continue to pursue her passion. In the process, however, Ringstrom has been able to bring her love of action, commitment to health and unique perspective to movement’s special populations, including elderly individuals facing similar physical obstacles and young girls attempting to find their place in athletics.

Dominic Venturo

Dominic Venturo is an executive vice president and chief innovation officer for U.S. Bank. In this role, he leads a team of visionaries who see potential in emerging technology or business models and adapt those to fit customer needs as they understand them today or how they envision them in the future. His team develops new products, sets the strategy for emerging innovations in financial services and creates the environment within the bank through which these innovations are tested, adjusted and brought to market. Mr. Venturo’s extensive financial services background includes 27 years of experience in product development and management, commercial risk management, commercial lending and sales management. He has been with U.S. Bank for 17 years and has led the innovation team since 2007. Mr. Venturo earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Oregon State University and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington Graduate School of Banking.

Eric Kaler

University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University in 1982. He went on to become one of the nation’s foremost experts on “complex fluids,” which have applications in drug delivery, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Since taking of office in 2011, President Eric Kaler has focused on core priorities: academic excellence, access for quali ed students, stewardship of tuition and public dollars, diversity, a world-class research enterprise that aligns with the needs of the state of Minnesota and its industries, and a deep commitment to public engagement and outreach, locally and globally.

MJ Johnson

MJ (Michael) Johnson is a competitor, founder, and Internet star in the realm of beards. 4-time National Bearding Champion and holder of 3 consecutive 1st place winner in the Imperial Partial Beard category, Johnson has much to speak on. His other honors include 2013 2nd Place WBMA World Bearding Champion and 2015 4th Place WBMA World Champion. The community minded medalist is also Founder of The Minneapolis Beard and Mustache Club. His interests do not stop at hair, as he is also a husband, father, and wine strategist. Join his following of 23,700+ at @Razorhater on Instagram.

Raj Sethuraju

Dr. Raj Sethuraju is an applied criminologist with over 20 years of community-based activism as a researcher and educator. Inspired by the resilience of the youth and the men in our prison systems, he trains probation agents, community members, and justice personnel on implicit biases and raising consciousness utilizing restorative justice practices. In his latest work, Dr. Sethuraju explores the depths of our justice system and creates a framework in which consciousness becomes the roots of our practices.

Sona Mehring

Sona Mehring is the founder of CaringBridge, the first and most widely used nonprofit social network dedicated
 to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey through the use of free personal websites. Throughout her successful
 career as a computer programmer, website developer and business owner, Sona 
found her joy in making the Internet easy 
to navigate for the average person. In
 1997 when close friends experienced a health crisis and needed to quickly share the devastating news with their family
 and friends, Sona’s web developer skills were put to the test. She was inspired to create a website, and CaringBridge was born. In 2016, after nearly two decades
as CEO, Sona transitioned into the role 
of founder and chief ambassador.

Todd Lehman

Years ago Todd Lehman saw that the world was striving for the same thing he was, which was a more creative approach to play. He has spent his entire career building a company that embraces creativity and breaks the mold of the traditional playground. His goal is to immerse children in an alternate universe by designing and building realistic worlds that capture the imagination and delight the senses.