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).

Jack Singer Concert Hall
205 8th Ave SE
Calgary, Alberta, T2G 0K9
Canada

Apoorv Sinha

Apoorv Sinha is an innovator with a focus on environmental footprint. Founder of technology start-up and Carbon X-Prize semi-finalist, Carbon Upcycling Technologies (CUT), Apoorv strives to commercialize a process to convert CO2 emissions into performance-enhancing fillers for concrete, plastics, pharmaceuticals and batteries. Apoorv is a 2016 Clean50 Emerging Leader and member of the Energy Futures Lab. In 2010, Apoorv co-founded TOHL, a humanitarian logistics start-up that has conducted water infrastructure projects in Chile and Kenya. TOHL has been featured on BBC, Forbes Magazine, Calgary Herald and the Discovery Channel.

Carl Janzen

Carl Janzen is a professional guitarist, versed in a diverse array of musical genres and instruments including bass guitar, mandolin, ukulele and 5-string banjo. A graduate of Mount Royal University, Carl’s musical journey spans over a decade in performing and collaborations on Juno-nominated recordings.

Darcy Stamp

Darcy Stamp is a Calgary-born classical-crossover violinist who has performed and recorded with Josh Groban, George Canyon, Johnny Reid and many others on more than 100 albums. Darcy has toured extensively throughout North America and Europe with Fiddlers GF and Calgary Fiddlers.

Dr. Wolfgang Tittel

Dr. Tittel is a University of Calgary physics professor with over two decades of groundbreaking research – featuring pivotal discoveries that helped elevate quantum physics out of the laboratory and into the real world. A Senior Fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Wolfgang‘s interests range from fundamental research into entangled particles, the behavior of atoms at near absolute zero, and applications of quantum communications. In 2016, Wolfgang and his team took to social media to showcase a demonstration of quantum teleportation across Calgary – a first for a scientific discovery.

Greg Rankin

Jarett Hooper and Greg Rankin are both inspiring educators with Rocky View Schools and co-founders of the innovative Building Futures Program. Based in Airdrie, Alberta, Building Futures is an application-based learning initiative where high school students build houses alongside construction and trades professionals. Curriculum requirements are integrated into this real-world educational project to foster pride, passion and collaboration within the community. Jarett and Greg bring a combined expertise in math, trades, leadership and the arts to engineer a truly engaging experience through project-based learning. Accolades include Alberta’s Provincial Excellence in Teaching Award.

Hayley Wickenheiser

Hayley Wickenheiser is one of the best female hockey players in the world. A five-time Olympic medalist and national team member since age 15, Hayley’s passion for sport is matched by her desire to give back to the community – working with JumpStart, KidSport, Right to Play, Wickenheiser World Female Hockey Festival and dozens of organizations worldwide. Originally from Shaunavon, Saskatchewan and a graduate of the University of Calgary, Hayley’s numerous accolades include the Order of Canada, Canada’s Walk of Fame and The Globe and Mail’s “Power 50” influencers in sport.

Janelle Pewapsconias

Janelle Pewapsconias is a nehīyaw iskwesis (Plains Cree woman) who channels her creativity and passion for Indigenous culture via gaming platforms. Born and raised on the Little Pine First Nation, Treaty 6 Territory, Janelle is the founder and chief gamemaker of Neeched Up Games as well as an influential spoken word poet. An alum of the University of Saskatchewan and student at Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, Janelle is a Top 10 Finalist on CBC’s We Are The Change for her contribution to community building across Canada.

Jarett Hooper

Jarett Hooper and Greg Rankin are both inspiring educators with Rocky View Schools and co-founders of the innovative Building Futures Program. Based in Airdrie, Alberta, Building Futures is an application-based learning initiative where high school students build houses alongside construction and trades professionals. Curriculum requirements are integrated into this real-world educational project to foster pride, passion and collaboration within the community. Jarett and Greg bring a combined expertise in math, trades, leadership and the arts to engineer a truly engaging experience through project-based learning. Accolades include Alberta’s Provincial Excellence in Teaching Award.

Jeff Stockton

Jeff Stockton is a harpist, singer and storyteller with a focus on Celtic heritage and spirituality. Originally from Watervalley, Jeff is an award-winning recording artist and veteran performer of 20 years on national and international stages.

Marni Panas

Marni Panas is a leading voice on inclusion and social justice, dedicated to creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ and the greater community. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Marni has shared her experiences and insights with local, national and international media – including CNN, CTV and the BBC. Marni’s work contributed to Gender Identity and Gender Expression being added as protected grounds from discrimination to Alberta’s Human Rights Act and similar legislation to Canada’s Human Rights Act. Marni is a transgender woman who has been very transparent throughout her journey in the hopes of fostering acceptance through education and respectful dialogue.

Martin Parnell

In 2010, following a 25-year career in mining, Martin started his "Quests for Kids" initiative. Over the next five years he completed 10 "Quests". These included running 250 marathons in one year, setting five Guinness World Records in endurance events and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in 21 hours. At the end of 2014, he had raised over $1.3m for the humanitarian organization Right To Play and 27,000 children had been given the gift of hope.

Michael Bernard Fitzgerald

MBF has shared the stage and toured with Joel Plaskett, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Steve Winwood, Sam Roberts, Stars, K-OS, The Wallflowers, Lights and many more. He’s also performed at many a musical festival – including Bonaroo, Firefly Festival and the Calgary Folk Music Festival.

Michèle Moss

Michèle Moss is a dancer, choreographer, researcher and educator. A co-founder of Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD), Michèle explores the nature of jazz through performance-creation and arts-based educational research. Currently an Associate Professor with the University of Calgary’s B.A. Dance Program, Michèle is celebrating 20 years of academic service and scholarship. On a quest for the best vantage point from which to consider dance, Michèle has trained with luminaries of contemporary dance and conducted ethnographic research at field sites including West Africa, Cuba, Italy, Jamaica, Poland, India, Japan and New York City.

Peter Oldring

Peter Oldring is a celebrated Canadian actor, comedian and author. Over the past 25 years, Peter has brought countless laughs to the stage, screen, and airwaves. Originally from Drayton Valley (now based in Los Angeles), Peter is a Gemini Award nominee and Canadian Comedy Award winner. Credits include the Just for Laughs Festival, Second City, and upcoming appearances on House of Cards and 2 Broke Girls. In collaboration with co-creator Pat Kelly, Peter produces the CBC Radio One satirical series This Is That, and co-authored This is That Guide to Canada.