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).

Tuacahn Studios
1100 Tuacahn Dr, Ivins, UT 84738
Ivins, Utah, 84738
United States

Britton Johnsen

Speaker, Sales Trainer, Coach

Britton was born and raised in Murray Utah. He was selected as a McDonalds All American, a Parade All American, and Utah's 1997 Mr. Basketball. He went on to play for the University of Utah under Rick Majerus and was a key factor in their final-four run. In 2001, he was awarded Mountain West Conference player of the year. After an injury-plagued senior season he was an undrafted rookie , but through hard work earned himself a spot on the Orlando Magic roster. He then did stints with the Indiana Pacers, the New Orleans Hornets, and in the minor leagues before taking his career overseas, playing in Spain, France, Turkey, and Greece. Britton's experiences run the gamut. His presentation includes a strategy that helps create opportunities in sports, business, family, and people in all walks of life. He believes the main ingredient for success is choosing hard decisions over easy ones each moment of the day. brittonjohnsen.com , Twitter: @brittonhoops

Cody Adent

Thought Leader, Entrepreneur, Best Selling Author

Growing up, Cody Adent developed a love for sports and started learning the power of winning and losing. Cody has always had an entrepreneurial spirit - one that motivated his desire to skip college, creating his first business at just 19 years old. Cody is currently the President and CFO of Vibrant Management, a hospitality management company based in St. George, Utah. Vibrant's mission is to "Create a Place Where Dreams Become Reality," and they build brands and digital footprints for properties that are ready to be industry leaders. https://www.codyadent.com/

Drew and Emerson Williams

Singer Songwriter, Musician, Principal

Drew Williams, Ed.D.is the Principal and founder at Utah Arts Academy (UAA). He earned his Masters in Ed. Leadership and his Doctorate of Education in Strategic Planning and Organizational Theory. Having performed for three decades as a professional touring and studio musician, as well as serving as a dedicated educator and administrator, Drew found the perfect fit in an arts-focused school. He and his wife (also a talented musician and songwriter) moved to Nashville, TN, and both continued in education and music. Throughout their years in Nashville, they toured with groups nationally and internationally, released three studio EP’s and, most importantly, had three beautiful children: Emmy, Holland, and Beckham. Emmy, a sophomore at UAA, has pursued her love of guitar and songwriting. She performed on UAA's Live record, which featured two original songs. Drew & Emmy share the stage when they can in a way that only a dad and daughter can capture.@em.wills78, https://utahartsacademy.org/

Dustin Anderson

Comedian, Storyteller, Speaker

Dustin is a comedian and storyteller whose passion for taking verbal risks has delighted a few and infuriated a few more. He spends as much time as possible with his wife and daughters to remind him that nothing else really matters. Instagram @therealdustinanderson, www.unpopularTshirts.com

Erik Sorenson

Serial Entrepreneur, Ironman Triathlete, Pilot, Author

Erik Sorenson is a dynamic international speaker, entrepreneur, podcaster, author, & marketer. With a career spanning over two decades, Erik has established himself as an expert in the advertising industry, having worked with several Fortune 500 & 1000 clients. But Erik's impact extends far beyond the corporate world. He's a firm believer in empowering individuals to unlock their true potential, and his speaking, training, and coaching platform is a testament to this. With his passion for helping others, Erik inspires and motivates individuals to rise above their limitations and achieve greatness. Erik is a prolific author, having co-authored two best-selling books and his latest book, Commit First and has been featured by Forbes and Inc. Magazine. When Erik is not busy conquering the business world, he prioritizes his family and personal pursuits. He's a proud father & husband, a serial entrepreneur, marathon runner, IRONMAN™ triathlete,& an instrument-rated pilot.Eriksorenson.com

Essie Gonzsen

Mindfulness Facilitator | LGBTQ Advocacy Educator | Donor Relations Strategist

Since being clinically diagnosed with Anxiety at the age of 7, Essie Gonzsen has worked throughout her life to find ways to use anxiety as an asset. Utilizing her passions and strengths to be a voice for minorities, Essie taught special education for 8 years and is now Equality Utah’s, first, Southern Utah Regional Manager. She has a masters degree in Special Education and was awarded Teacher of the Year by Burbank School District in 2018. Essie continues to work diligently to grow as an individual as well as lift others, she and her wife own a wellness business that supports people in incorporating mindfulness into their day to day in order to live with more intention and joy. Essie believes that it is possible to turn what is perceived as weakness into our greatest strengths. www.itsprojectmindfulness.com and https://www.equalityutah.org/

Irene Katzias

Wedding Planner, Speaker, Designer

Irene, founder of Irene + Co Events, began her wedding planning journey in 2015. Now based in Utah, she’s orchestrated unforgettable weddings nationwide, from the lively streets of New York to the scenic landscapes of Utah. An active member of WIPA Utah, Irene’s work is featured in The Knot, Rocky Mountain Bride, and Utah Bride and Groom. Proudly awarded The Knot’s Best of Weddings and WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award, Irene excels in crafting unforgettable moments that resonate with couples and leave a lasting impression. https://www.irenecoevents.com

Michael Goold

Retired chief of police, EQ, Coach, Doctoral Faculty Member

Dr. Michael Goold retired as a Chief of Police after 23 years in law enforcement. He served in many capacities including patrol officer, Comm Center supervisor, Corrections Watch Commander, CSI/Detective Division Asst. Commander, and Chief of Police. His doctoral dissertation examined traumatic stress and 9-1-1 personnel. He is a certified executive/team coach and certified facilitator in Emotional Intelligence. Dr. Goold is an adjunct doctoral faculty member. In his spare time he competes in triathlons and distance running. Sitnasolutions.com

Ryan Kohler

CEO, AI Visionary, Entrepreneur

Ryan Kohler, CEO of refer.io and ApplicantPro founder, epitomizes visionary entrepreneurship. He bootstrapped ApplicantPro from the ground up, transforming it into an industry leader with over 10,000 clients, 280 employees, and $35M+ in revenue, earning an Inc. 5000 spot for 11 years in a row. Championing part-time work, Ryan has revolutionized employment models, demonstrating that part-time roles, notably filled by working moms, can be a powerful driver for business success and work-life balance. His journey from a part-time accountant to a CEO underscores his belief in part-time employment's potential. A beacon for startups and established firms, Ryan leverages the gig economy in an unconventional way to promote flexible, output-focused work cultures. His leadership and advocacy for a more adaptable workforce have established him as a sought-after thought leader, reshaping modern work paradigms. Refer.io applicantpro.com