TEDxMemphis returns Sat. to discuss city’s potential

TEDxMemphis, a locally organized event modeled after the popular TED Conference, returns for its second year Saturday with 17 speakers discussing the “Value of X.”

This year’s panel brings together a diverse mix of backgrounds to ponder what organizer Anna Mullins says is an intentionally vague topic.

“It can mean a lot of different things,” Mullins said. “We’re hoping to create a platform for some of the most innovative voices to talk about the value of people, adventure, things that make us uncomfortable. Some markets have topics that are much more specific.”

At last year’s inaugural event, speakers talked about “What’s Next.” Speakers included Kimbal Musk, an investor, philanthropist and brother of billionaire Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla Motors.

This year’s lineup includes Ned Canty, the director of Opera Memphis; Philip Mudd, the former deputy director of the counterterrorist center at the CIA and senior intelligence adviser at the FBI; Darius Wallace, a Memphis-based actor and writer; and David Waters, columnist for The Commercial Appeal. The complete list of speakers is available at tedxmemphis.com.

Mullins said organizers focus on local voices but try each year to add a couple of speakers who can offer an outside perspective, such as Mudd this year.

Tosha Downey, another of this year’s speakers, said she was inspired to participate by attending last year’s event. She said she was moved by “the thoughtful mix of innovation and inspiration” as speakers talked about Memphis moving forward.

Downey, a native Memphian, recently returned to the city as director of advocacy for Teacher Town Memphis, an organization partnering with the city to transform chronically underperforming schools.

Downey said she’s optimistic about the city’s future.

“I tell my friends all across the country that in 10 years, Memphis will be one of the best cities in America,” she said. “We have a great cost of living and are reinvesting. We’re closing the gap faster than most urban areas.”

People are invited to apply to speak, Mullins said, and organizers also ask some to speak.

TEDx events are locally organized and designed to have the feel of the TED (technology, entertainment, design) Conference.

This year’s Memphis event will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the University of Memphis Rose Theatre.

Tickets are available for $75 at tedxmemphis.com. Tickets also will be available at the door if there are any left.