Portland is a prism of possibility — a creative community where people intersect and an unseen, radiant vision of opportunity is unlocked. Ideas are born, inspiration takes hold.
For its seventh annual event, TEDxPortland presents SPECTRUM — a celebratory gathering that honors the light in all of us.
Welcome.
Agenda
TEDxPortland 2017
14 Speakers
Emma Mcilroy
Stephen Green
Dave Sanders, MD
Annie Choo
Thor Drake
Luis Vargas
Renu Malhotra, PhD
Benjamin Dehen-Artaiz
Marla Smith-Nilson
Adam Garcia
Ragini Dindukurthi
Colin O’Brady
Ben Kaiser
Lindsey Murphy
David Rae
Redray Frazier
China Forbes
Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp For Girls
BodyVox
PHAME
Renny Gleeson 80 Performers
102 History — Experiences
The History of TED
The History of TEDx
TED Commandments
TEDxPortland: A Look Back
Where Are They Now?
6K Night Run
TED Cinema Experience
Poler Rucksack
Nike Air Huarache
124 Community
University of Oregon
Regence
Enjoy the Weather
Premier Press
Henry V
Tripwire
Lane Powell
Victory
Nike
Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.
Timberline
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Stephouse
Oregonian Media Group
142 Thanks Partners
Our Team
Our Volunteers
Board of Directors
Advisory Team
Farewell
Dedication
9:00a
Session 1
Luis Vargas
Ragini Dindukurthi
Dave Sanders, MD
Redray Frazier
Renu Malhotra, PhD
10:30a
20-minute break
10:50a
Session 2
PHAME
Benjamin Dehen-Artaiz
Marla Smith-Nilson
Colin O’Brady
Homer Williams
12:00p 90-minute lunch
1:30p
Session 3
BodyVox
Ben Kaiser
Thor Drake
Annie Choo
Adam Garcia 3:00p 30-minute break 3:30p
Session 4
Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp For Girls
Stephen Green
China Forbes
Emma Mcilroy
Renny Gleeson
4:30p – 6:00p Happy hour in the park
→ Special thanks to Fuller Events, Beam Suntory Spirits, Rogue Ales and Gran Moraine.
SPEAKERS
Emma Mcilroy
Stephen Green
Dave Sanders, MD
Annie Choo
Thor Drake
Luis Vargas
Renu Malhotra, PhD
Benjamin Dehen-Artaiz
Marla Smith-Nilson
Adam Garcia
Ragini Dindukurthi
Colin O’Brady
Ben Kaiser
Lindsey Murphy
David Rae
Renny Gleeson
Emma is the CEO and co-founder of Wildfang — a place that badass women call home. Wildfang is a lifestyle brand that launched in March 2013 and saw 20k girls join in just 30 days. Wildfang has since built a highly engaged tribe of fans, including numerous celebrities and musicians like Janelle Monáe, Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood. A self-confessed brand marketing nerd, she is sports-crazy and an avid runner, footballer, golfer and tennis player.
Emma Mcilroy
Wild Feminist
Favorite TED Talk? The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown
Favorite color? Green
Favorite Portland restaurant?
Ken’s Artisan Pizza
Pet peeve? Old leftovers in the fridge
Favorite movie? Old Boy by Park Chan-Wook
Karaoke go-to song? What’s Up! by 4 Non Blondes
Beatles or Rolling Stones? Beatles
Where would you go in a time machine? 2050
Favorite Book? The Count of Monte Cristo
Stranded on a desert island, what 5 artist anthologies would you bring with you?
Van Morrison, The Beatles, Dolly Parton, Neil Young and Tina Turner
Stephen Green
A voice for the underrepresented, Stephen works by day as a community manager for Townsquared, a startup that seeks to connect businesses with the knowledge they need to succeed. He also engages with blossoming AfricanAmerican PDX entrepreneurs in the annual competition, “Pitch Black.”
A true connector of people, Green has worked tirelessly for the last 17 years in banking and finance to help deserving businesses start, grow and prosper.
Favorite TED Talk? The Puzzle of Motivation by Dan Pink
Favorite color? Green Your Hero? My Dad
Favorite Portland restaurant? Firehouse
Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Smooth
Favorite movie? The Color Purple
Karaoke go-to song? Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangsta by the Geto Boys
Make one change in the world?
Talk to your neighbors every day
Favorite book? Drive by Dan Pink
Dave is a physician and business-builder with a passion for radically changing the way we care for our health. He’s made a career out of challenging convention and questioning the status quo, and co-founded ZoomCare in 2006 in Portland, OR. Today, ZOOM+ delivers “twice the health, at half the cost, and ten times the delight” to more than 200,000 people at 20+ neighborhood clinics throughout Portland alone. Their mobile app allows members to choose from over 500 appointments every day.
Care Giver Dave Sanders, MD
Favorite color? Blue Your Hero? Lisa Reynolds
Favorite Portland restaurant? Paley’s Place
Favorite movie? Moneyball
Beatles or Rolling Stones? Beatles
Where would you go in a time machine?
Appomattox
Favorite book? Lincoln by David Herbert Donald Something someone would be surprised to know about you? Honeymoon in Cuba If Hollywood made a movie about you, whom would you like to play the lead role?
Priyanka Chopra
Favorite hiking spot? Forest Park
Roboticist Annie Choo
Annie is a Portland wunderkind. As a junior at Lakeridge High School with an overbooked schedule, she is involved in theater, tech, mock trial, and most importantly, robotics. This year she brings her vision for the future and passions for robotics, biology and engineering to the TEDxPortland stage. With youth like Annie in our midst, we dare you not to be inspired about the future.
Favorite TED Talk? Bacteria Quorum
Sensing by Bonnie Bassler
Favorite color? Blue
Your Hero?
Michelle Obama
Chunky or smooth peanut butter?
Smooth all the way Pet peeve? When people go back on their word
Where would you go in a time machine?
Ancient Rome
Make one change in the world? Climate change
Favorite book? Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
Favorite hiking spot?
Around Crater Lake
Most embarrassing moment?
I threw up in class in sixth grade, thankfully not on anyone
The pull of the Pacific Northwest was strong on Thor, who was born in Norway and raised in Arizona. With a nose for adrenaline, he spent his early life as a daredevil on land and snow. He became a sponsored snowboarder at the age of 16, had creative pit stops at Nike and Wieden + Kennedy, and today owns and operates See See Motor Coffee Co. He also created The One Moto Show — the most prolific motorcycle show in the PNW. His philosophy: If he can dream it, he can build it.
Daredevil Thor Drake
Favorite TED Talk? Making It In The Little Leagues by Aaron Draplin
Favorite color? Orange
Your Hero? Mom & Dad
Pet peeve? Naysayers
Beatles or Rolling Stones? Stones
Where would you go in a time machine?
1972–73
Make one change in the world? Bring dinosaurs back
Favorite Book? In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick
Greatest fear? Angry dogs
Stranded on a desert island, what 5 artist anthologies would you bring with you?
Morrissey, Dead Moon & CCR is all I need
Favorite riding spot?
Tillamook State forest Most embarrassing moment? Finding my mom’s underpants balled up in my jeans in 5th grade after the wash. I thought it was a sock…
Luis was born in Mexico City, grew up in California and found a home in Oregon. He has spent 20 years working around the world in the digital startup and adventure travel space helping iconic brands like Disney, REI, and The Clymb create meaningful experience-based businesses. His purpose is to inspire and enable others to have transformative travel experiences, with the knowledge that travel can be a force for good.
Luis Vargas Explorer
Favorite TED Talk?
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Favorite color? Blue
Favorite Portland restaurant?
Ava Gene’s
Pet peeve?
Chewing gum with mouth wide open
Favorite movie? Captain Fantastic
Beatles or Rolling Stones? Beatles
Favorite book? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Something someone would be surprised to know about you?
2nd Degree Black Belt
Greatest fear? Burning alive
Favorite mountain in Oregon? Mt. Hood
Favorite hiking spot? Nepal
Malhotra, PhD
An esteemed professor of physics, member of the National Academy of Sciences and of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Malhotra is an esteemed astrophysicist. She has examined a wide variety of topics, spanning from extrasolar planets to the meteoric bombardment history of the planets. She has revolutionized our understanding of the formation of “Plutinos” and other small planets, as well as the orbital migration of giant planets. She cannot help us understand why man-buns are in style.
Renu
Planetary Scientist
Favorite color? Green
Your Hero? My daughters
Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Chunky
Pet peeve?
People not disposing of their trash
Favorite movie? Back to the Future
Beatles or Rolling Stones? Beatles
Favorite book? Gaudy Night by Dorothy Sayers
Something someone would be surprised to know about you? I am an Anglophile
Greatest fear? Disease
Favorite hiking spot? Sabino Canyon
Ben grew up as the oldest of five children in Banks, Oregon and spent his childhood summers working in his great-grandfather’s factory, the Dehen Knitting Company. Today, Ben works as the company’s international sales manager and assists his father, Jim, with the family business to deliver “heavy duty old school truth.” Ben can also be found embracing his passion for cooking at Donnie Vegas, the bar he owns in Northeast Portland.
I’ve Got Friends In Low Places by Garth Brooks Beatles or Rolling Stones? Stones
Where would you go in a time machine?
To see the dinosaurs Make one change in the world? Universal healthcare
Marla Smith-Nilson
In the one-stoplight town of Benson, in the Sonoran desert of southern Arizona, Marla learned the important role water plays in providing life and prosperity. After obtaining degrees in both civil and environmental engineering, she founded the non-profit, Water1st International, to provide water and toilets to 168,000 people in the 1,900 impoverished communities around the world.
Favorite color? Orange
Your Hero?
Elvia Alvarado & Rev. Fred Wood
Favorite Portland restaurant? Food trucks!
Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Chunky
Pet peeve? Selfishness
Favorite movie? Bridesmaids
Karaoke go-to song?
Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey Beatles or Rolling Stones? R.E.M.
Where would you go in a time machine? Cabinet meeting with President Lincoln
Make one change in the world? No poverty
Favorite book? Collapse by Jared Diamond
Something someone would be surprised to know about you? I was prom queen my senior year of high school
Designer Adam Garcia
Adam’s love of story-based gameplay, hip-hop dance and music led to the founding of his creative studio, The Pressure. Through this studio he distributes his love for music via Soundset, an annual hip-hop festival that draws crowds reaching 50,000. A purveyor of language, he also hosts The Amazing Stumptown Spelling Bee and is working his way into the world of fiction writing. His work has led him to unique collaborations from Kanye West to the Department of Homeland Security.
Favorite TED Talk? Transformative Power of Classical Music by Benjamin Zander
Favorite color? Red
Favorite Portland restaurant? Tusk
Pet peeve? People being inconsiderate of others in public places
Favorite movie? Beat Street or Dark Crystal Karaoke go-to song?
Dance Magic Dance by Bowie Beatles or Rolling Stones? Beatles
Make one change in the world? Give children access to education and arts worldwide
Something someone would be surprised to know about you?
I spent years as a dancer, traveling teaching, competing and performing
Favorite mountain in Oregon? How about favorite caldera? Crater Lake
Engineer Ragini Dindukurthi
Ragini is a freshman at Westview High School in Portland and loves the challenge of identifying problems and working toward solutions. She also has a passion for fashion and co-founded the fashion club, Wildcat Couture. She loves robotics and designing things and plans to pursue a career in product design engineering.
Favorite TED Talk? The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain
Favorite color? Indigo
Your Hero? My grandmothers
Favorite Portland restaurant? Harlow
Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Chunky
Pet peeve? Overly optimistic people
Karaoke go-to song? Hotel California by The Eagles Beatles or Rolling Stones? Beatles Where would you go in a time machine? New York, 1960
Make one change in the world?
To make sure no one is ever alone
Stranded on a desert island, what 5 artist anthologies would you bring with you?
Green Day, Imagine Dragons, Rupert Holmes, Beatles, AC/DC
Colin O’Brady
Colin, a native of Portland, is a testament to mindfulness, setting audacious goals and achieving them despite overwhelming odds. Last year, Colin set two world records: he became the fastest person ever to complete both the Seven Summits (climbing the highest peak on every continent) and the Explorers Grand Slam (the Seven Summits + skiing to the last degree of the North and South Poles). He completed the challenges in 131 and 139 days, respectively. His non-profit, Beyond 7/2, strives to inspire kids to lead active, healthy lives and pursue their biggest dreams.
Favorite TED Talk? Before I Die by Candy Chang
Favorite color? Blue
Your Hero? Ernest Shackleton
Favorite Portland restaurant? Harlow
Pet peeve? People being late
Favorite movie? Meet Joe Black Beatles or Rolling Stones? Beatles Where would you go in a time machine? Forward in time to Mars colony
Favorite book? The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Milman
Favorite mountain in Oregon?
South Sister, the first mountain I ever climbed
Ben owns both the Kaiser Group, Inc., which is committed to commercial and residential construction, and PATH Architecture, Inc., which offers the highest level of conceptual design and timeless modern works of architectural beauty. Kaiser recently
concluded an 8-year term on the Portland Design Commission, which is tasked with overseeing the constant zoning, design and planning within the City of Roses. He is currently developing the tallest engineered timber building in the United States — Carbon 12.
Developer
Ben Kaiser
Favorite TED Talk? My Creations, A New Form of Life by Theo Jansen
Favorite color? Red Pet Peeve? Not completing a project
Chunky or smooth peanut butter?
Chunky, no question
Favorite movie? It’s a Wonderful Life
Hero? My Mother
Favorite Portland restaurant? Toro Bravo Karaoke go-to song? Roxanne by the Police
Favorite Book? 1984 by George Orwell Beatles or Rolling Stones? Neither
Lindsey is the creator, producer, and host of The Fab Lab with Crazy Aunt Lindsey, YouTube’s #1 kids science web series that takes everyday science concepts and turns them into fabulous DIY projects. As a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) advocate and science communicator, Lindsey focuses on accessibility and diversity in STEM.
Livestream Host Lindsey Murphy
Favorite TED Talk? How Schools Kill
Creativity by Sir Ken Robinson
Favorite color?
Indigo
Your Hero?
My Sister Pet peeve? Not putting veggies in the crisper
Beatles or Rolling Stones?
Beatles Make one change in the world? No money
Favorite movie? Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farms
Favorite Book? The Help Something someone would be surprised to know about you? I support Rachel Dolezal
Favorite hiking spot? Wherever I got lost that time in Brazil
Most embarrassing moment?
I don’t embarrass easily Notes
David believes in creating joy in others through community connection. A former creative at Nike, he is the Co-Founder and President of 503 Media & Events. He was part of the original planning group that brought TEDx to the Rose City in 2009 and has worked tirelessly to grow the event for our city. David formerly served as the Licensee for TEDxPortland and has been the host and emcee since 2012.
Curator & Host David Rae
Favorite TED Talk The Way We Think About Charity is Dead Wrong by Dan Pallotta
Favorite color Green
Your Hero
My parents and Ken Griffey Jr.
Favorite Portland restaurant Ava Gene’s
Pet peeve
People who don’t chase their potential
Favorite movie? The Natural Karaoke go-to song? Summer of ’69 by Brian Adams Something someone would be surprised to know about you?
Terrible sweet tooth
Greatest fear? Something happening to my kids
Renny Gleeson
Renny is a geek who has worked in the startup and interactive marketing space since 1994. He leads interactive strategy globally for Wieden+Kennedy and is the co-founder and leader of W+K’s Portland Incubator Experiment (PIE), a technology business
accelerator positioned at the intersection of startups and brands. Renny has presented on the stage at “Big TED” and as an original board member, speaker coach and chief advisor to TEDxPortland, he is vital to making each year’s event feel cohesive and impactful.
Closer
Favorite TED Talk?
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Favorite color? Orange
Your Hero?
Thomas Paine
Favorite Portland restaurant? Burgerville
Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Chunky
Favorite movie? Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back
Karaoke go-to song?
Sister Christian by Night Ranger
Where would you go in a time machine?
Big Bang
Favorite book? Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy
Something someone would be surprised to know about you? Trombonist
Stranded on a desert island, what 5 artist anthologies would you bring with you? Stones, Arvo Pärt, Chemical Brothers, Beethoven, Adele
PERFORMERS
China Forbes
Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp For Girls
Redray grew up singing in the church but totes an impressive repertoire of genres. He’s toured with his band, Mosaic, and has opened for Lenny Kravitz and Blues Traveler. He then moved to Portland — away from his family and bandmates — setting out for the first time with just his voice and an acoustic guitar. Follow Me, a collection of songs intended to be handed out to people who book bands to play bars, turned out so well that he ended up back on the road with David Byrne for two years. Today, he’s back in Portland as he plans his next life adventure.
Redray Frazier
Songwriter
Favorite TED Talk?
Beats that Defy Boxes by Reggie Watts
Favorite color? Green
Your Hero? My Father
Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Smooth
Pet peeve? Hypocrisy
Karaoke go-to song? That’s How Strong My Love Is by Otis Redding
Beatles or Rolling Stones?
Beatles
Where would you go in a time machine?
To my Mother’s bedside in 2013
Favorite book? Siddhartha
Something someone would be surprised to know about you? I love to surf
Greatest fear? Public speaking
Led by Emmy Award-winning choreographers Jamey Hampton and Ashley Roland, BodyVox is known for its unique ability to combine dance, theater and film into breathtaking productions. Since its founding in 1997, BodyVox has toured to critical acclaim on stages around the world. Based in Portland, BodyVox’s movement surges from a fascination with the endless possibilities of the human body in motion.
Favorite TED Talk?
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Favorite color?
Indigo
Your Hero?
Prince
Favorite Portland restaurant?
Little Bird Bistro
Chunky or smooth peanut butter?
Smooth Pet peeve?
Climate change deniers
Karaoke go-to Sweet Caroline Beatles or Rolling Stones? Stones. B sides. Keith Richards is the weapon of choice
Where would you go in a time machine?
DaVinci’s studio
Make one change in the world?
All governments are run by women song?
PHAME believes art is a fundamental right. Since 1984, PHAME has supported artists and performers with disabilities in achieving their full creative potential. Through classes, performances and a statewide coalition, PHAME affects
systemic change to build a more inclusive world. Recent collaborations have included Pink Martini, the Portland Cello Project, and a world premiere musical by Debbie Lamedman and Laura Gibson.
Favorite TED Talk?
All Lives Matter by Karen Gaffney
Favorite color?
Yellow
Your Hero?
Arthur Honeyman
Favorite Portland restaurant?
Cupcake Jones
Chunky or smooth peanut butter?
Chunky Pet peeve?
Underestimating the potential of people with disabilities
Something someone would be surprised to know about you? That we’ve been in business as a non-profit since 1984!
Beatles or Rolling Stones?
Beatles
China is a Portland treasure and is known around the globe as the longtime lead singer of Pink Martini. After graduating from Harvard in 1992, where she won the Jonathan Levy Prize for acting, Forbes worked as an actress for several years, performing Off-Broadway in New York. She then became a musician and formed a band before moving to Portland to work full-time with Pink Martini. She’s also released two solo albums: Love Handle (1995) and ’78 (2008).
Vocalist Virtuoso
Favorite TED Talk?
Plus size? More
Like My Size by Ashley Graham
Favorite color?
Violet
Your Hero?
My sister, Maya Forbes
Favorite Portland restaurant? Coquine
Pet peeve?
Bad grammar and when people don’t want nuts in their chocolate chip cookie
Favorite movie? Tootsie
Karaoke go-to song?
Dim All the Lights by Donna Summer
Favorite book? The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Stranded on a desert island, what 5 artist anthologies would you bring with you?
Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, Donna Summer, Ella Fitzgerald, Maria Callas
Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp For Girls provides week-long summer camps for girls, including trans and gender non-conforming, where campers learn to play an instrument, form a band, write an original song and perform live. Through music instruction and creation they build self-esteem, leadership and life skills, and encourage social change.
Tuition assistance ensures no girl is turned away due to lack of funds. Rock Camp is a safe space where self-expression is encouraged and being loud is applauded!
Strawberry Jam Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp For Girls
Favorite color? Red Your Hero? All the Rock Camp campers
Favorite Portland restaurant?
¿Por Que No?
Pet peeve? Dusty and broken instruments
Favorite movie? Girls Rock! The Rockumentary. The story of Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls.
Greatest fear? Nothing’s scary with the support of Rock Camp
Favorite mountain in Oregon? Mt. Hood
Stranded on a desert island, what 5 artist anthologies would you bring with you?
Beyonce, The Beatles, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Summer Cannibals Most embarrassing moment?
Nothing is embarrassing at Rock Camp
HISTORY — EXPERIENCES
Established in 1984, TED is an annual event where some of the world’s leading thinkers and doers are invited to share what they are most passionate about. “TED” stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design — three broad subject areas that are collectively shaping our future. And in fact, the event is broader still, showcasing ideas that matter in any discipline. The diverse audience of CEOs, scientists, creatives, and philanthropists is almost as extraordinary as the speakers, who have included Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Frank Gehry, Paul Simon, Sir Richard Branson, Philippe Starck and Bono.
Oregon Ballet Theater
Timber Jim Serrill 2016
TEDx is part of a revolution in global education made possible by local organizers wanting to engage their communities. Established in 2009, over 15,100 TEDx events have been organized worldwide. Every week, in over 135 countries, people are coming together to pursue ideas worth spreading. Three words: Ideas. Worth. Spreading. We seek to build partnerships that will surface, promote and support great ideas. The concept is simple: create an immersive environment where prominent local organizations, thought leaders and key enablers from vastly different fields can cross-fertilize and draw inspiration from unlikely places. This foundation of partners, speakers and influencers forms the basis of the community we are trying to build in Portland and beyond.
Commandments
01 02 03 04 05
Dream big.
Strive to create the best talk you have ever given. Reveal something never seen before. Do something the audience will remember forever. Share an idea that could change the world.
Show us the real you. Share your passions, your dreams … and also your fears. Be vulnerable. Speak of failure as well as success.
Make the complex plain. Don’t try to dazzle intellectually. Don’t speak in abstractions. Explain. Give examples. Tell stories. Be specific.
Connect with people’s emotions. Make us laugh. Make us cry.
Don’t flaunt your ego. Don’t boast. It’s the surest way to switch everyone off.
06 07 08 09 10
No selling from the stage. Unless we have specifically asked you to, do not talk about your company or organization. And don’t even think about pitching your products or services or asking for funding from the stage.
Feel free to comment on other speakers’ talks, to praise or to criticize. Controversy energizes.
Enthusiastic endorsement is powerful.
Don’t read your talk. Notes are fine. But if the choice is between reading or rambling, then read.
End your talk on time. Doing otherwise steals time from the people that follow you. We won’t allow it.
Rehearse your talk in front of a trusted friend … for timing, for clarity, for impact.
Intisar Abioto
A Look Back
Welcome to our seventh annual event. We received our first TEDx license in 2009 and it took us 14 months to pull off our first event at the Portland Armory. We grew to the Portland Art Museum and have since landed at the Keller Auditorium. Our 60-member volunteer team works year round
on this experience to deliver ideas worth spreading to the Rose City and beyond. Our team goals center on speaker quality and content, premium event management, partner appreciation and inspiring Portland to think and do.
2011
Jim Riswold
Greg Bell
Dr. Brian Druker
Tinker Hatfield
Bobbie Conner
Elliot Mainzer
PHAME
On The Rocks
Mark Edlen
Scott Kveton
School of Rock
Thomas Lauderdale
Spencer Beebe
Karen Brooks
Storm Large
Mia Birk
John Jay
Con Bro Chill
2012
Thomas Brown
Dr. Jessica Green
Gavin Davison
David Terry
Portland Youth
Philharmonic
Bassima Mroue
Hideshi Hamaguchi
John Waller & Ben Canales
Joe Whitworth
Kate Davis
Sahar Alnouri
Rose City
Trombones
Ward Cunningham
Gene Sandoval
Dr. Aithan Shapira
Jeb Corliss
Sam Adams
2013
Asia Greene
Brian Grant
Mike Thelin
Jonathan Krisel
Tom Brokaw
Naomi Pomeroy
Kate Bingaman-Burt
The Royal Blues
Dr. Laurie Marker
Ben Huh
Guido Rahr
Kimberly Howard
Brian Faherty
Di-Ann Eisnor
Denver
2014
Aaron Draplin
Andrew Revkin
Cody Goldberg
Zalika Gardner
Eric Giler
Nong
Poonsukwattana
Jackson Gariety
Al James
Macklemore
Zach King
Isaiah Holt
D’Wayne Edwards
James Keller
Frank Moore
Oregon Ballet
Theatre
Lisa Sedlar
2015
Jon Wexler
Vidya Spandana
Karen Gaffney
The von Trapps
G Douglas Bundy
Linda Smith
Jacob Miller & The
Bridge City Crooners
Fawn Weaver
Benji Wagner
Gregory Gourdet
Con Bro Chill
Dr. Cameron Smith
Jenna Nicholas
Dr. Kent Thornburg
Regina Ellis
Amber Starks
Dr. Daniel Wilson
Speech
Renny Gleeson
2016
Elias Cairo
Nadya Okamoto
Joey Harrington
Intisar Abioto
Israel Bayer
Maurice Conti
Rex Burkholder
Tracy Oseran
Timber Jim Serrill
Thaniya Keereepart
Mara Zepeda
Samuel Hulick
Radiation City
Portland Gay
Men’s Chorus
Bobbi MacKenzie
Tylor Neist & Bridgetown Orchestra
Rose City
Trombones
Renny Gleeson
Nadya Okamoto Speaker, 2016
Nadya, whose work is focused on menstrual equity and breaking down the stigma around periods, launched the rebrand of her non-profit on March 8, 2017 — International Women’s Day. “Period. The Menstrual Movement” is a global youth-run organization that celebrates menstrual hygiene through advocacy, education and service, including distribution of products. In the last two years they’ve addressed over 78,000 periods through 46 non-profit partners in 27 states and 14 countries, and have registered over 65 campus chapters at universities and high schools around the U.S. This summer they will launch their policy program to engage activists and legislators for equitable access to menstrual hygiene, including the repeal of sales taxes on menstrual products in 37 states. Nadya is now 19 and a freshman at Harvard. She recently founded another non-profit, Millennials in Action, a media platform for actionable and shareable content. She also signed with a literary agency to write a book about her life and the future of The Menstrual Movement.
Where are they now?
Aaron Draplin Speaker, 2014
In his humorous and popular Talk from the theme year “Perfect,” Aaron said he hadn’t written a book…yet. Well, he did it. His book, Pretty Much Everything from Abrams Books, appeared in May 2016. The book’s been hailed as, “the complete package for the new generation of designers,” and eight months after publication it was already in its fourth printing. He soon completed a 34-show/7-week book tour, and is now racing around the nation on a 38-show/10-week romp. His Field Notes products continue to grow in popularity, while the souls at Draplin Design Company (DDC) continue to help their fellow human beings — one mouse click and one project at a time. In Draplin’s words: “We’re thankful for the whole mess.”
On April 11, 2017 the TEDxPortland organizing team produced the third annual 6K Night Run at OMSI. Affectionately referred to as “Paint the Town TED,” this experience is proudly presented by Audi Beaverton and welcomed over 700 participants. Nike Dri-FIT TEDxPortland shirts were presented to each runner and colorful “SPECTRUM” costumes were in full effect for best-dressed.
Participants enjoyed a non-competitive experience that was family friendly around the Portland waterfront. With additional special thanks to OMSI, Fuller Events, Rogue Ales, LED Lenser, Pinnacle Exhibits, Nike, Stumptown Coffee, KIND Bar and Red Bull.
Course Route: starting at OMSI, we headed North on the Eastbank Esplanade, crossing West over the Steel Bridge, and continued South on the Waterfront Park Trail, crossing East over the Hawthorne Bridge, finishing back at OMSI.
→ We are thrilled to share that this event has been promoted in the TEDx global community by the TED Leadership in New York and has been replicated in over 15 cities around the world!
6K Night Run
Paint the Town TED
TEDxPortland proudly supports TED Cinema Experience here in town starting April 24, 2017. Once a year, the world’s most powerful ideas are shared on the TED stage in Vancouver, BC. Watch in a special streamed experience for cinemas, captured live.
There will be three unique screenings at Lloyd Center theater. For the full speaker lineup, visit TEDCinema.com
Join us!
Opening Event Monday, April 24 8:00p PST
TED Prize Event Tuesday, April 25 8:00p PST
Highlights Event Sunday, April 30 4:00p PST
Despite battling pneumonia at the time, TEDxPortland alumnus, Benji Wagner, delivered a wonderfully memorable talk in 2015 reminding us that modern technology is a tool that can help us connect with the natural world. He and the creative team at Poler continue to be involved with our planning efforts. We are very thankful for their collaboration on the custom Rucksack backpack designed for 2017.
Poler Rucksack
Benji Wagner 2015
→ Respecting fire marshal guidelines at the Keller, Patrons will be given their backpacks at the end of day during the happy hour. They are also for sale for any attendee to buy — while supplies last.
The Nike Air Huarache debuted in 1991 and is another one of those timeless Nike shoes for which we have Tinker Hatfield to thank. The water skiing-inspired sneaker was willfully “stripped to the bare essentials” with a neoprene fit that soon had runners clamoring for it.
Though controversial at the time, Nike scaled back the Swoosh branding to create a shoe that could thrive on the merits of its technology alone. A test run sold at the NYC Marathon in the early ’90s and runners raved about them. A legend was born.
Tinker spoke on the TEDxPortland stage in the 2011 inaugural year at The Armory, and Nike has been a part of the TEDxPortland journey with a signature shoe every year since. We are delighted to honor our cherished alumnus and grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with a grassroots company that contributes so much to our local community and the world.
We believe Tinker is a shining light in the Portland creative community. The shoe choice for year seven is an extension of the theme and reflects hope, courage and inclusivity.
Nike Air Huarache
→ With special thanks to Adam Welliver, Brendan Hughes and Aaron Cooper for assisting in the development of this one-of-kind shoe.
COMMUNITY
60+ partners graciously give their time, services and resources to make this event possible. Special thanks go to our Presenting, Platinum and featured partners who go above and beyond.
The University of Oregon, specifically the School of Journalism and Communication in Portland, was one of our first partners in 2011. They helped get TEDxPortland off the ground. In 2012, The University of Oregon became the presenting partner and has continued their support ever since. We do not know where we would be without them. We are so thankful for their support, not only with our main event at the Keller but also with TEDx SALONS that are held throughout the year. They are also the hosts for our TEDxYouth@Portland experience as well. With heartfelt appreciation we thank Matt Roberts who has graciously facilitated a wonderful community connection.
Our core organizing team finds inspiration in this quote from legendary Oregon track coach, Bill Bowerman: “The real purpose of running isn’t to win a race, it’s to test the limits of the human heart.”
Regence believes in us and pushes us to new limits, from creative short films to creating inspirational magic on stage. We will never forget the indelible moment last year when Timber Jim Serrill challenged us to “Spread the Love.” Those incredible moments are made
possible by wonderful partners who support our ambitious thinking. Thank you for your partnership and congratulations on your 100th anniversary of service in the Northwest. With special thanks to the leadership of Scott Burton, Andrew Over, Tim Clevenger and Kristen Cox.
TEDxPortland Year 7 brought new creative beginnings with a remarkable new agency in Portland. We are thankful to Sam Amis who introduced us to the extraordinary team at Enjoy the Weather. From day one we have marveled at their capabilities and what they have
done to take TEDxPortland to new heights. They create the objects, spaces and experiences that captivate our imagination. From theme ideation to digital execution, it has been a thrill and distinct privilege working with them. We are excited for what the future holds…
This amazing Portland family business elevated our production value to new heights when we first started working with them in 2012. In 2014, we introduced our first volume of the award-winning TEDxPortland event book. These books are now cherished collectibles, finding homes on personal
library shelves, coffee tables and ottomans. All the printed collateral you see here today is made possible by the amazing team at Premier Press. In particular, we would like to thank Eric & Autumn Farrara, Jeremy Farrara and Andy Gordon for being models of professionalism and generosity.
The world class stage design, studio animation and production execution behind TEDxPortland is a reflection of an amazing group of individuals from the hometown event company — Henry V. Their company ethos is simple: “make things happen.” We wholeheartedly believe the team embodies their ethos as they continue to support our efforts with profound
industry expertise, grace and a sense of unparalleled style. We consider the Henry V team a natural extension of our core team and give special thanks to Chad Smith, Martin Van Londen, Matthew Anderson, Jerry Green, Matt Harper and Katja Asaro.
Tripwire is built on a foundation of innovation and deep security expertise. More than that, it is built upon the wonderful people that work there who believe in us. They bring incredible business acumen and thoughtful
resources to our year-round planning process. Thank you for being steadfast partners these past three years Sarah Holt, Will Claridge, Harold Metzger, Rob Etzel, Ashley Milano and Ambyr O’Donnell.
We never thought TEDxPortland would grow into what it is today.
Thank you to the leadership at Lane Powell for earnestly looking out for the organization’s best interests as things have developed over the years.
From formalizing our initial
organization, to supporting our non-profit incorporation, we are eternally grateful to Lisa Poplawski, Jeff Wolfstone and Carter Mann for their thoughtfulness and stewardship. Platinum Partner
Victory continues to raise the bar for our creative standards. Their team of motion, graphic, web and social designers dream, dare and do the impossible. They have influenced our digital reach to a global scale, produced our annual highlight films and meticulously
worked to remaster our speakers’ talks for the rest of the world to enjoy, forever. Without them, the Radiance Orb we are enjoying today would not have been possible. Thank you, Victory, for continuing to energize our efforts in this digital life.
Many of Nike’s core maxims inspire our organizing team philosophy. Principles such as: simplify and go; evolve immediately; be a sponge; do the right thing. We are inspired by their grassroots beginnings and how they have transformed the world as a force for good. They have been with us as a
partner from day one and we cannot imagine this journey without them. Thank you for continuing to inspire us and for supporting our creative endeavors. With special thanks to Howard Lichter, Allyn Robinson, Alenna Merrihew, Erin Moreno and Mike Brewer.
Brian Faherty spoke on the TEDxPortland stage in 2013 at the Portland Art Museum. It was one of the most moving Talks in our history. He reminded us to “always remember our analog self in this digital world.” The message continues to be poignant and allows us to pause with selfreflection.
We are grateful to both Brian & Jill Faherty and the entire Schoolhouse Electric Team for continuing to support our efforts. For the second consecutive year they have beautifully furnished our green room backstage for our speakers and performers to find a quiet, warm, comfortable refuge.
Creative Collaborator
Last October, a 25-person TEDxPortland organizing team traveled up to Silcox Hut for the second consecutive year for an offsite retreat to dream about and create Year 7. We were once again inspired at 7,000 feet to create the foundation for SPECTRUM — a celebratory gathering that honors the light in all of us.
We’d like to extend special thanks to Sally and Jeff Kohnstamm and the folks at Timberline Lodge for making this trip possible. Silcox Hut is such a special place. The magic found there touches everyone who enters the lodge.
Creative Collaborator
Stumptown Coffee Roasters has been a proud partner of TEDxPortland since its inception in 2011. We thank them for fueling our creativity.
Our organizing team is incredibly grateful. We sincerely appreciate Stumptown providing product for 3,000+ guests today.
Creative Collaborator
Stephouse’s WiFi network by the numbers:
37,000,000
Unique social media impressions for TEDxPortland 2016.
100 Gigabytes of data transferred by last year’s attendees (equal to streaming 100 HD movies).
7,000
Feet of ethernet cable needed to outfit the Keller Auditorium with WiFi.
70
Hours required to install this year’s WiFi network.
“We believe that TEDxPortland is the most educational and inspirational day of the year. We feel honored and humbled to be a partner providing dedicated WiFi at the Keller Auditorium. For us, this job is like our Super Bowl — it is the biggest, most technical event execution for our team. We love to support ideas worth spreading.”
— Tyler Booth, President, Stephouse
Creative Collaborator
1,800
Devices that accessed the TEDxPortland WiFi network in 2016.
30
Enterprise-grade, high-capacity wireless access points installed for today’s event.
1
TEDxPortland’s rank among social media trends in North America four years running.
Today we are live streaming this experience for free on OregonLive.com. We are grateful to the dynamic team at the Oregonian Media Group for facilitating this experience for
all to enjoy online. We have had a wonderful partnership dating back to 2014. With special thanks to Chris Hammond, Sean Sterling and John Maher.
Media Partner
Board of Directors
Paul Anthony, Renny Gleeson, Susan Hoffman, David Rae, Clare Ryan and Mark Starkey
Licensee
Clare Ryan
Advisory Team
Stephen Marc Beaudoin, Greg Bell, Karen Brooks, G Cody QJ Goldberg, Al James and Gene Sandoval
Curator & Host
David Rae
Leadership Team
Peter Achterman, Allen Hardin, David Rae, Clare Ryan and Sophie Williams
Speaker Committee
Peter Achterman, Paul Anthony, Cathey Armillas, Renny Gleeson, Allen Hardin, Vince LaVecchia, Pete Lewis, Grace Moen, David Rae, Clare Ryan, Robyn Tenenbaum, Seth Walker and Amy Wolff
Creative Studio
Enjoy the Weather
Principal
Ian Coyle
Executive Producer
Emily Boisvert
Creative Director
Matthew Anderson
Strategy & Execution
Jessica Caldwell and Eric Thompson
Agency Photographic Partners
Danklife Retouching and Photo
Illustration, Corey Drayton, Jacob Hinmon and Chris Low
Stylists
Brittany Blanchard and Kelly Searle
Introductory Video Creative
Henry V Studios
Stage Design & Production
Henry V
Back Stage Management
Really BIG Video —
Maria & PJ Harvey
PR & Communications
Ryan Bartholomew, Kasia Hall and Kelsey Knecht
Agency PR Edelman
Social Media & Interactive Kelsey Knecht
Volunteer Management
Ben Ford and Molly McCluskey
Alumni Involvement & Engagement
Ashley Campbell
Art Direction
Michael Noe
Copywriting
Peter Hampton and Seth Walker
TEDxPortland Studio Design Team
Jordan Aftanas, Kyle Fordham, Annatova
Goodman, Scott Huber, Dan Noe, Michael Noe and Daniel Westlin
Keller Park Expo
Christina & Tyler Fuller and the Fuller Events Team
Apparel
Gemo Wong and Peter Achterman
Signature Custom Nike Shoes
Adam Welliver, Brendan Hughes, Aaron Cooper and Tinker Hatfield
Pam Lloyd, Kelsey Nealeigh, Anna Caporael and Emily Kojis
TEDxYouth@Portland Mentorship
University of Oregon, Matt Roberts, Jordan Aftanas, Benjamin Chait, Allen Hardin, Nike, Really Big Video and Stumptown Coffee Roasters
6K Run Committee & Partners
Fuller Events, Sophie Williams, OMSI, Pinnacle Exhibits, Rogue Ales, KIND, Red Bull, Led Lenser, Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers and Really BIG Video
Accounting
Julie & Scott Rawitscher of CB Solutions
Event Camera Crew
Joe Christensen and Blaze Streaming Media
Event Photography
Donny Mays, Conner Meyer, Alex Wang and Victory
Virtual Reality Stage Experience
Planar, Panogs and Dot Dot Dash
Creative Workspace
WeWork and 503
Design Emeritus
Jake Hollomon
Jedi Mentor
Aaron Cooper
For First Believing In Us
Michael Doherty
→ We are very grateful to the staff of the Keller Auditorium. Your precision and professionalism continue to take us to new heights.
Our Volunteers
On behalf of 60+ volunteers who organize this event, we thank you for coming today and appreciate your commitment to spreading ideas in the Rose City and beyond.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
— Margaret Mead
Board of Directors
Our volunteer Board of Directors oversee the activities of our 501(c)3 non-profit organization. They determine the powers, duties and responsibilities involved with our vendor practices, governing principles, constitution and by-laws. We are eternally grateful to their leadership and commitment dating back to 2009 when conversations first began to bring TED to Portland.
Renny Gleeson Since 2009
Paul Anthony Since 2009
Mark Starkey Since 2009
Susan Hoffman Since 2009
Clare Ryan Since 2012
David Rae Since 2009
Advisory Team
The TEDxPortland Advisory Team is comprised of past speakers and performers who give us guidance, support and constructive feedback. They are our North Star, thank you.
Stephen Marc
performer
Gene Sandoval
speaker
Karen Brooks
speaker
Greg Bell
speaker
Al James
performer
G Cody QJ Goldberg
Thank you
Thank you for joining us today. We believe this day is a reflection of our amazing city, one that brings vision and opportunity to all those it touches. The TED experience of listening to new ideas and spreading them elsewhere is what this is all about. We hope you were inspired today, maybe even transformed. Our collective voice and action is the heart and soul of Portland. Be the light.
Joey Harrington 2016
TEDxPortland Year Seven is dedicated in loving memory to
His love for music and community inspired our city.
