Year 12 Event Book - Alchemy

April 27, 2024

Cities are built and rebuilt Portland is in transition once again

With leadership, intention, and purpose, we drive progress by uniting our diverse perspectives. The magic of our culture and community is realized through the amalgam of creativity, technology, and innovation.

Year 12 is inspired by the unlimited potential and endless possibilities revealed through the alchemy of ideas. Twelve speakers, represented by 12 vibrant colors and unique symbols, will demonstrate how essential we all are in catalyzing change — in the Rose City and beyond.

Together we will challenge each other to think differently and take action because Portland is what we make it.

Land Acknowledgment

With reverence and respect, we would like to acknowledge that the land on which we gather today at the Keller Auditorium in Portland, OR, is the traditional and unceded territory of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other indigenous nations of the Columbia River. May we honor with gratitude the land itself and all the ancestral stewards of this land — today and every day.

A day for learning

Sit back, lean in, and enjoy the most inspirational, educational day of the year for our city. Our team of 75+ volunteers works tirelessly year-round to bring you today’s experience. We suggest you approach the day with curiosity, skepticism, objectivity, love, and an open mind. Listen, ask great questions, and choose to meet new people as we all engage in this day of learning.

Agenda

Session 1 9:00am – 12:00pm

hosted by David Rae

Gabriel Rucker

Dr. Robert Guldberg

Ian Williams

Lou Featherstone

Open Space

Ben Sand

Amber Huffman

Y La Bamba

Kali Thorne Ladd

Lunch 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Keller Park

Session 2 2:00pm – 4:30pm

hosted by Luis Vargas

Dr. Scott Bolton & Kota the Friend

Michael Curry

Modest Mouse

Melina Palmer

Larry Miller Renny Gleeson

Happy Hour 4:30pm

Reyna Tropical 2023 Performer

Meyer Pro behind the scenes

Details

Etiquette, Inclusivity, Food, Coffee & Tea

Etiquette

We suggest you approach the day with an open mind, curiosity, skepticism, optimism and a willingness to learn something new!

Please silence your cell phones. Assigned seating for guests.

Everyone receives a TEDxPortland tote bag thanks to our incredible friends at BodyVox & Hampton Lumber.

Inside your bag is:

- event book

- name tag

- lanyard

Auditorium doors will be closed when the sessions begin to respect the speakers/ performers on stage.

We will be clearing the auditorium during the lunch break.

Feel free to take notes in your book.

Emotion

You will notice there are tissues in your attendee tote bag.

We have learned over the years that this experience can be filled with vulnerable emotion. Laughs, tears, intellectual stimulation — the day packs a punch! To support you, we are grateful to our friends at HYPHN. We espouse their values: We are one team, they never settle, they build community, and they got our back! Thank you Matt Newstrom & Team.

Coffee

Coffee is an important part of our day here at TEDxPortland. Thanks to Matt Milletto and his incredible team at Water Avenue Coffee, we are delighted to offer complimentary coffee in the morning and during the lunch hour, while supplies last.

Tea Tea drinkers, rejoice! Thanks to our remarkable friends at Portal Tea, we are excited to offer the joy of tea complimentary in the morning and during the lunch hour, while supplies last.

Food

We are excited to be able to offer a multitude of local food carts in Keller Park for lunch today. Carts will be stationed on SW 3rd and 4th Avenues and can be accessed during the two-hour lunch.

Options for purchase:

Tamale Boy — Tamales

Phil’s Meat Market & Delicatessen — Bentos & Kabobs

Alchemy Sandwich Co. — Gourmet Sandwiches

Pidgin Hole — Rice Bowls

El Mas Chingon Mexican

Thank you to our partners:

Speakers, Performers & Hosts

Gabriel Rucker is executive chef and co-owner of iconic Portland, Oregon, restaurants Le Pigeon and Canard. One of the city’s most decorated chefs, Gabriel is the recipient of two James Beard Awards — one for Rising Star Chef in 2011 and one for Best Chef Northwest in 2013 — and author of the cookbook, Le Pigeon: Cooking at the Dirty Bird.

In 2019, he helped found the Portland chapter of Ben’s Friends, a restaurant industry support group. When not in the kitchen, you can find Gabriel looking for his lost golf balls on the course.

Hero? My parents.

Favorite Portland restaurant? Arden PDX.

Favorite movie? The Last of the Mohicans

Top three favorite Instagram follows? @rigsofdad; @whipceramics; @chefdanielwatkins

What’s one change you’d make in the world? Get rid of the internet and smart phones.

Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Chunky.

Biggest pet peeve? People with a can’t-do attitude.

Rolling Stones or the Beatles? Rolling Stones.

Greatest fear? Needles.

Most embarrassing moment?

The drunk speech I gave at the James Beard House many years ago. I still cringe thinking about it.

Go-to karaoke song? Anything by Eek-a-Mouse.

Where would you go in a time machine?

Mid-’80s Venice Beach, or ’70s Studio 54.

What is under your bed right now?

Probably spiders. Our master bedroom is in the basement — it’s nice though!

If you were on a desert island, what five artist anthologies would you bring with you? You have the entirety of the artist’s catalog. The artist can be alive or dead.

Iron & Wine, Zach Bryan, Led Zeppelin, Mars & Mystre, Cage.

Robert Guldberg is Executive Director of the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact and Vice President of the University of Oregon. As a Professor of Bioengineering, Robert’s research group has published 280 papers over the past 30 years on musculoskeletal regenerative medicine, mechanobiology, and orthopedic medical devices.

He has co-founded six companies to translate his research into patient impact and was recently elected to the National Academy of Inventors. In 2020, Dr. Guldberg and collaborators co-created the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, a $220 million initiative to transform human health through the science of peak performance.

Hero?

My most influential mentor, Professor Bob Nerem.

Favorite Portland restaurant?

I haven’t been to many, but I enjoy Luc Lac.

Favorite book? The Pillars of the Earth

Favorite movie?

It’s impossible to choose.

What’s one change you’d make in the world? Eliminate suffering.

Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Smooth.

Biggest pet peeve? Narcissistic people.

Rolling Stones or the Beatles? Beatles.

Greatest fear?

My family being hurt.

Most embarrassing moment?

The time I forgot I was supposed to give the lead-off talk at a regenerative medicine conference.

Go-to karaoke song?

“I’m Tore Down” by Eric Clapton.

Where would you go in a time machine? The future.

If you were on a desert island, what five artist anthologies would you bring with you? You have the entirety of the artist’s catalog. The artist can be alive or dead.

Eric Clapton, Chuck Leavell, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Shawn Mullins.

Ian Williams is the founder and owner of Deadstock Coffee, a globally recognized, sneakerthemed coffee shop in Portland, Oregon. Located in the heart of Old Town, Deadstock focuses on uniting communities through a love of premium goods. With the goal of connecting people, Ian has partnered with several organizations throughout his entrepreneurial career. He’s worked with Adidas to design his own sneaker, created a unique coffee blend for Kann, and is a recurring host of Nike SNKRS Live: Live from the Archive. Ian is the recipient of 2022’s Travel Portland President’s Award and a 2023 James Beard Broadcast Media Award for his contributions and leadership. When not scouring the globe for the world’s best cookie, Ian focuses his time and attention on activating the vibrant community he helps foster.

Hero?

My mom, my dad — and Allen Iverson.

Favorite TED Talk?

I’m a #CheatMore champion.

Favorite Portland restaurant?

Depends how I’m feeling at that moment! But I’m always feeling like a sandwich.

Favorite book?

The Alchemist. It’s the first book I read front to back in my whole life — and that was at age 35!

Favorite movie? Snatch

Top three favorite Instagram follows? @cookingforbae; @morganbwarren; anything related to sneaker history.

What’s one change you’d make in the world? We all understand that it’s OK not to agree.

Chunky or smooth peanut butter?

I switch every other time.

Biggest pet peeve?

Not understanding spatial awareness. I’m a big fella, and I keep it together — you can too.

Rolling Stones or the Beatles? Rolling Stones.

Greatest fear? Being disrespected.

Most embarrassing moment?

I’m embarrassed so often that it rarely fazes me now. It’s just part of life.

Go-to karaoke song?

“Motownphilly,” by Boyz II Men.

Where would you go in a time machine? 1996. Back to Newport News, VA.

What is under your bed right now? Dust. And probably a sock.

If you were on a desert island, what five artist anthologies would you bring with you? You have the entirety of the artist’s catalog. The artist can be alive or dead.

In no particular order: Kanye, Andre 3000, Amy Winehouse (I know there’s some unreleased jamz out there), Marvin Gaye, and Tems.

At 53, Lou Featherstone is an accidental middle-aged influencer, passionately advocating for self-love and empowerment in midlife and menopause. A former trackand-field coach turned Positivity Rebel, she’s the spirited captain of the Self Love Revolution. Recognized as a disruptor, conversation starter, and bad feminist, Lou is driven by a deep purpose to connect humans and empower women to find their voice and confidence in their golden years. Lou’s mission intertwines shedding shame and embracing the power of permission with sex positivity and sustainable fashion.

Hero?

My kid. He never stops surprising me, teaching me & proving me wrong!

Favorite TED Talk?

The Vagina Whisperer by Tami Lynn Kent.

Favorite Portland restaurant?

¿Por Qué No? — primarily for their habanero margs!

Favorite book?

Untamed by Glennon Doyle.

Favorite movie? The Sound of Music

Top three favorite Instagram follows?

@StillWeRise; @Siegfried&Joy; @itslennie

What’s one change you’d make in the world? Everyone would have the ability to put themselves in someone else’s shoes.

Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Chunky.

Biggest pet peeve? Bad manners.

Rolling Stones or the Beatles? Beatles.

Greatest fear? Being buried alive.

Most embarrassing moment?

A long story involving the peel-off lid to a McDonald’s BBQ Sauce that was unwittingly stuck to me while I utterly bullshitted someone about my dedication to healthy living — in particular, my uncompromising commitment to healthy food.

I noticed the lid an hour after I got home from the meeting.

Where would you go in a time machine? The French Revolution, circa 1793. Primarily for the outfits.

What is under your bed right now? Sex toys and sportswear.

If you were on a desert island, what five artist anthologies would you bring with you? You have the entirety of the artist’s catalog. The artist can be alive or dead.

Bach, Brené Brown, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Frank Sinatra, Soul II Soul.

Open Space is a creative container for dance and movement where every body is welcome.

Founded in 2020 by Charlene Hannibal, Franco Nieto, and Maeve Dougal, Open Space teaches dancers to dance, teachers to teach, and performers to perform. Located in North Portland, the School at Open Space fosters artistic, inclusive, and accessible development for hundreds of children — from a young age to the professional level. The artists at Open Space work with today’s leading minds and choreographers in contemporary dance, showcasing their physical and expressive breadth throughout Open Space’s annual productions.

Charlene Hannibal Co-Founder & Executive Director

Hero? Albus Dumbledore.

Favorite TED Talk? Any TED Talk by Brené Brown.

Favorite Portland restaurant? Posies Bakery and Café.

Favorite book? You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson.

Favorite movie?

Dirty Dancing, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Gene Wilder), A Chorus Line

Top three favorite Instagram follows? @unoboooo; @leegumbs.photography; @lisacongdon; @sheshreds_media

What’s one change you’d make in the world? Convince every child that they have a special talent.

Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Chunky.

Biggest pet peeve? Giving up.

Rolling Stones or the Beatles?

Neither. Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, or Beyoncé.

Greatest fear? Paralysis.

Most embarrassing moment?

Tripping and falling feet over head on stage while just walking. (Like ALL of us have done this!)

Go-to karaoke song?

“Dance: Ten; Looks: Three” from A Chorus Line.

Where would you go in a time machine? To a time where bodies stop breaking down.

What is under your bed right now?

Pointe shoes, bobby pins, and dance socks with holes.

If you were on a desert island, what five artist anthologies would you bring with you? You have the entirety of the artist’s catalog. The artist can be alive or dead.

Crystal Pite, Akram Khan, Alonzo King, and Frédéric Chopin.

Ben Sand grew up the son of a single mother and one of six siblings living in Spokane, Washington. He always roots for the underdog. Today, Ben is CEO of The Contingent, a national venture nonprofit designed to empower leaders and mobilize communities for the common good. Alongside a robust workforce development portfolio, The Contingent runs Every Child — an initiative spreading across the country to recruit volunteers and foster families to help children in crisis. The organization has won several national awards for the innovative use of technology in the nonprofit sector. Ben is also the author of A Kids Book About White Privilege.

Hero? The underdog.

Favorite TED Talk?

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth.

Favorite Portland restaurant? Ken’s Artisan Pizza.

Favorite book? The Catcher in the Rye.

Favorite movie? Tombstone

Top three favorite Instagram follows? @therxckstxr; @thedumbdads; @zagmbb

What’s one change you’d make in the world? Every child in the United States foster care system would have an ideal placement as they work toward reunification.

Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Smooth.

Biggest pet peeve?

Kids, if you take the last sparkling water, put the box in recycling! Gawd!

Rolling Stones or the Beatles? Rolling Stones.

Greatest fear? Being alone.

Most embarrassing moment?

Fourth grade. First date. Arcade. Pocket full of quarters. Playing Off Road. Completely depantsed (boxers and all). Full monty. I am still recovering.

Go-to karaoke song? “Ain’t Goin’ Down” by Garth Brooks.

Where would you go in a time machine? The Wild West. “I’m your huckleberry.”

What is under your bed right now? Dust bunnies.

If you were on a desert island, what five artist anthologies would you bring with you? You have the entirety of the artist’s catalog. The artist can be alive or dead.

Langston Hughes, Caravaggio, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Counting Crows, David Brooks.

Amber Huffman has dedicated more than 25 years to pioneering and shaping the industry standards that have transformed our computing and data center ecosystem. In her executive roles at Intel and Google, she’s known as an inclusive leader who supports and coaches the technologists around her to reach new heights of innovation as a community. During her undergraduate work, Amber received a scholarship that empowered her to transition from life on an Iowa pig farm to a successful high-tech career. She’s now driven to create similar opportunities for others. Amber and her wife love learning from their young-adult daughters and supporting them in their STEM pursuits.

Hero?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg and my dad.

Favorite TED Talk?

Are You a Giver or a Taker? by Adam Grant.

Favorite Portland restaurant? Mediterranean Exploration Company, Nimblefish, and Tin Shed.

Favorite book?

The Best and the Brightest by David Halberstam and Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert.

Favorite movie?

It’s not a movie, but Ted Lasso.

What’s one change you’d make in the world? Everyone agrees on a single, accurate version of the facts.

Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Smooth.

Biggest pet peeve? Narcissistic leaders.

Greatest fear? Slimy, creepy, crawly things.

Go-to karaoke song? “All I Wanna Do” by Sheryl Crow.

Where would you go in a time machine? A happy moment with my parents and my sister when I was young.

If you were on a desert island, what five artist anthologies would you bring with you? You have the entirety of the artist’s catalog. The artist can be alive or dead.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, P!nk, Halsey, Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran.

Y La Bamba is the musical brainchild of singer-songwriter Luz Elena Mendoza, blending the soulful melodies of indie folk with the vibrant rhythms of Mexican heritage. Their music is a mesmerizing fusion of tradition and innovation, inviting listeners on an evocative journey filled with poignant storytelling and infectious beats. With each song, Y La Bamba crafts a vivid tapestry of emotions, weaving together tales of love, longing, and cultural identity. Their performances are a testament to their artistic prowess, captivating audiences with their magnetic energy and authentic expression.

Hero? My mother.

Favorite Portland restaurant? Hey Love.

Favorite book? The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende.

Favorite movie? The NeverEnding Story.

What’s one change you’d make in the world? That we could be able to truly connect with earth and the cosmos with humility. But honestly for some reason the world is the way it is as it’s guiding us to a learning, a growing, a shedding.

Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Chunky.

Biggest pet peeve? Being projected on.

Rolling Stones or the Beatles? Neither of them.

Greatest fear? To not fear.

Go-to karaoke song? “At Your Best (You Are Love)” by Aaliyah version.

Where would you go in a time machine? This is a Time Machine and I am here.

What is under your bed right now? Dust.

If you were on a desert island, what five artist anthologies would you bring with you? You have the entirety of the artist’s catalog. The artist can be alive or dead.

Ramón Ayala, Las Jilguerillas, Carlos y José, El Palomo y El Gorrión, Juan Gabriel.

Kali Thorne Ladd is a social entrepreneur, passionate about the neuroscience of love and belonging as a driving force for education transformation and human flourishing. Her 25-year career spans from teacher to program manager to policy maker. After serving as Education Director for Portland Mayor Sam Adams, Kali co-founded KairosPDX, a non-profit school dedicated to closing opportunity and achievement gaps for historically marginalized children and building a place that rehumanizes children in education. After nearly a decade of work with KairosPDX, Kali now leads the Children’s Institute, a statewide organization in Oregon focused on helping all children thrive.

Hero? Harriet Tubman.

Favorite TED Talk?

The Danger of the Single Story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, with Brene Brown’s The Power of Vulnerability as a close second.

Favorite Portland restaurant? G-Love and Kann. Tied.

Favorite book?

God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy is one that stands out, as well as Americanah by Ngozi Adichie. Overview, Devotions by Mary Oliver, and The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera.

Top three favorite Instagram follows?

@michelleobama; @maryoliversdrunkencousin; @lizbellyoung

What’s one change you’d make in the world?

When we see one another across differences, we see one another’s humanity, and we create policies and practices that honor this, leading to a revolution of kindness and equity.

Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Chunky.

Biggest pet peeve? When people crack their knuckles.

Rolling Stones or the Beatles? Neither! Ani DiFranco.

Greatest fear?

Something tragic happening to my children.

Go-to karaoke song? “Shoop” by Salt-N-Pepa.

Where would you go in a time machine? To another galaxy. I’m curious what else is out there.

What is under your bed right now?

Old photographs, journals, papers, and magazines.

If you were on a desert island, what five artist anthologies would you bring with you? You have the entirety of the artist’s catalog. The artist can be alive or dead.

Wow. I love artists so much, from the literary arts to the visual and all the in-between. The first to come to mind are Toni Morrison, Ella Fitzgerald, Jacob Lawrence, Joy Harjo, and Salvador Dali.

Dr. Scott Bolton is a theoretical and experimental space physicist at NASA, spearheading the Juno mission since 2011 to unlock Jupiter’s secrets — from its beginnings to its swirling atmosphere and mighty magnetic fields. As part of NASA’s quest to explore the outer planets, Scott’s work builds on his earlier projects with the Galileo mission, where he was a member of the plasma spectrometer and plasma wave instrument teams, and the CassiniHuygens mission, studying Saturn’s moon Titan.

With a career at NASA spanning more than 35 years, Scott’s been at the forefront of space research, contributing to over 250 scientific papers and earning numerous accolades, including NASA’s Exceptional Achievement and Outstanding Leadership Medals. His work has not only advanced our knowledge but also earned him the Smithsonian Magazine’s American Ingenuity Award. Holding a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics, Scott uniquely blends his quest to unlock the secrets of the universe with his passion for teaching and combining science with art and music.

Hero? Superman.

Favorite TED Talk?

Richard Saul Wurman or GZA’s 2023 performance.

Favorite Portland restaurant? Nong’s Khao Man Gai.

Favorite book?

Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant.

Favorite movie? The Party

What’s one change you’d make in the world? Increase tolerance.

Did you know?

Galileo discovered the first four of Jupiter’s 95 known moons in 1610 using his new invention called a telescope.

Juno launched on August 5, 2011, arriving at Jupiter five years later on July 4, 2016.

The main spacecraft was built by Lockheed Martin with instruments and components from all over the world.

Juno can travel at upwards of 165,000 MPH. For reference, the Space Shuttle would travel at 17,000 MPH.

Juno will cover 1.8 billion miles during its voyage.

Juno’s official mission ended in August 2021, and its extended mission now runs through September 2025.

Kota the Friend is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his combination of potent instrumentals and vivid lyrics. Shirking record deals, he operates his own label and apparel brand FLTBYS (short for Flight Boys). As a trained musician specializing in the trumpet, Kota’s DIY mentality and desire for creative freedom drive him to film his own videos and record music from wherever he happens to be.

Since his debut mixtape in 2016, Kota most recently released the album Lyrics to Go Vol. 5, following cult-favorite recordings Lyrics to Go volumes 1 through 4, dynamic studio albums Memo, Everything, and Foto, and his collaboration with Statik Selektah, To Kill a Sunrise.

Hero? My mom.

Favorite TED Talk? The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown.

Favorite Portland restaurant? Canard.

Favorite book? Shoe Dog by Phil Knight.

Favorite movie?

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Top three favorite Instagram follows? @brenebrown; @resmaamenakem; @j.one.8

What’s one change you’d make in the world? Everyone would lead with love instead of fear.

Greatest fear? Loved ones getting sick.

Most embarrassing moment? Peed on myself in first grade.

Go-to karaoke song? “Stan” by Eminem.

If you were on a desert island what five artist anthologies would you bring with you? You have the entirety of the the artist’s catalog. The artist can be alive or dead. Jay-Z, Kanye West, Frank Ocean, the Beatles, Pharrell Williams.

Michael Curry is an award-winning visual concept designer and one of the most prolific and sought-after live entertainment creative directors of the past 30 years. Michael is best known for his innovative character and puppetry designs across multiple theatrical forms, including award-winning productions in theater, spectacle, opera, dance, film, ceremonies, and themed entertainment.

Michael works closely with his long-term team in Portland, Oregon, where they constantly innovate for future projects and support ongoing theatrical productions worldwide, including

The Lion King and Frozen.

Hero? Pablo Picasso.

Favorite TED Talk?

A Thought Experiment on the Intelligence of Crows by Joshua Klein.

Favorite Portland restaurant? Coquine.

Favorite book?

A Clearing in the Distance by Witold Rybczynski.

Favorite movie? Blade Runner

Top three favorite Instagram follows?

I’m not on Instagram, but my company is @michaelcurrydesign.

What’s one change you’d make in the world? Everyone has telepathy — no miscommunications that way!

Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Chunky.

Biggest pet peeve?

When people say they can’t do something without trying first.

Rolling Stones or the Beatles? Beatles.

Greatest fear? Heights.

Most embarrassing moment? Sweating through my first art demonstration at age 17.

Go-to karaoke song? I’m afraid of singing.

Where would you go in a time machine? The Song Dynasty, around 1094 AD.

What is under your bed right now? CPAP machine.

If you were on a desert island, what five artist anthologies would you bring with you? You have the entirety of the artist’s catalog. The artist can be alive or dead.

I would take art and music anthologies. Picasso, Mozart, Stravinsky, Arvo Pärt, and Tito Puente.

Between completing a sold-out 25th-anniversary tour for their 1997 breakthrough album, The Lonesome Crowded West, and playing a summer 2023 run with Pixies and Cat Power, Modest Mouse remains one of the most consistent live acts today. The release of 2021’s album, Golden Casket, heralded another new chapter in the GRAMMY® Award-nominated, multi-platinum band’s unpredictable evolution. Produced in Los Angeles and Portland, the album hovers in the liminal space between raw punk power and experimental studio science. Throughout the album, frontman Isaac Brock explores themes ranging from the degradation of our psychic landscapes and invisible technology, to fatherhood. The twelve tracks behave like amorphous organisms, undergoing dramatic mutations and mood swings that speak to the chronic tug-of-war between hope and despair that plays out in Brock’s head.

Origins of the name:

Modest Mouse got their name from a Virginia Woolf passage where she described the working class as “modest mouse-colored people.”

Inception:

The band formed in 1992 in Issaquah, Washington, by Isaac Brock, Jeremiah Green, and Eric Judy when they were just teenagers.

Breakthrough album:

Their album The Lonesome Crowded West (1997) is considered a landmark of indie rock.

Grammy nod:

They were nominated for a Grammy in 2005 for Best Rock Song for “Float On.”

Side project:

In 2002, Isaac’s side band, Ugly Casanova, released its one album called Sharpen Your Teeth.

As heard on:

Modest Mouse songs have been included in many movies and TV shows including The O.C., Daredevil, Gilmore Girls, Six Feet Under, The Blacklist, and many more.

Melina Palmer is an author, keynote speaker, and CEO of The Brainy Business. Her consulting firm helps companies worldwide use behavioral economics to their advantage, encouraging customers to buy and motivating employees to buy in. She’s written three best-selling books and hosts The Brainy Business Podcast, which has more than one million downloads in over 170 countries. Melina teaches applied behavioral economics through the Human Behavior Lab at Texas A&M University and her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Inc. and Psychology Today.

Hero?

My husband, Aaron Palmer.

Favorite TED Talk?

How to Start a Movement by Derek Sivers. At less than three minutes, it really shows how powerful a well-curated thought can be.

Favorite Portland restaurant?

New Cascadia Traditional: The Gluten-Free Artisans.

Favorite book?

A More Beautiful Question by Warren Berger.

Favorite movie?

The Back to the Future trilogy. That counts as one movie, right?

Top three favorite Instagram follows? @amyporterfield; @thehayleycakes; @amyscotiapottery

What’s one change you’d make in the world? More thoughtfulness by everyone in all situations.

Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Smooth.

Biggest pet peeve?

I edited books early in my career, so I can’t help but see every spelling and grammatical mistake.

Rolling Stones or the Beatles? Beatles.

Greatest fear?

A member of my family (or me) gets in an accident while we aren’t together.

Most embarrassing moment?

I was an extra in the movie Prefontaine. We filmed a close-up scene to capture Jared Leto’s captivating dialogue. I wasn’t part of the shot, so I was goofing around with a friend a few sections away and fell — loudly — and went clamoring my way down several sets of metal bleachers. I was fine, but they had to cut the scene and send the medic up to me — it was awful and not how one wants to be remembered throughout the summer.

Go-to karaoke song? “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn.

Where would you go in a time machine? To watch Monet paint all the water lilies.

What is under your bed right now?

At least one stray hair tie and a rogue bobby pin or two.

If you were on a desert island, what five artist anthologies would you bring with you? You have the entirety of the artist’s catalog. The artist can be alive or dead.

The Beatles, Journey, John Mayer, Tom Petty, Billy Joel.

Larry Miller is the Chairman of the Jordan Brand Advisory Board, a division of Nike Inc. Larry originally joined Nike in 1997 as Vice President of U.S. Apparel, then went on to serve as Vice President and General Manager of Nike Basketball. He helped launch the Jordan Brand at Nike in 1999 before becoming President of the Portland Trail Blazers from 2007 to 2012, after which he returned to Jordan Brand.

Under his leadership, Jordan Brand has grown from a $200 million basketball shoe line to a $4 billion athletic footwear and apparel icon. Larry graduated with honors from Temple University, earned an MBA from LaSalle University, and has served on the board of directors at Self Enhancement, Inc. As a passionate advocate for education and mentorship, Larry has previously taken leadership roles with the Urban League and Junior Achievement. Co-authored with his daughter Laila, Larry’s memoir, Jump: My Secret Journey from the Streets to the Boardroom, details his ascent from the streets of West Philadelphia to some of the highest distinctions of the corporate world.

Hero? Nelson Mandela.

Favorite TED Talk? Bryan Stevenson is my favorite TED speaker.

Favorite Portland restaurant? El Gaucho.

Favorite book? Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela.

Favorite movie? The Godfather.

What’s one change you’d make in the world? Peace, happiness, and equity.

Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Smooth.

Biggest pet peeve? Traffic.

Rolling Stones or the Beatles? Beatles.

Greatest fear? BIG dogs.

Where would you go in a time machine? Forward.

What is under your bed right now? Nothing.

Renny Gleeson is a Managing Director of Marketing at RA Capital, a multi-stage investment group focused on biotech and global health. Previously he worked as a strategist, futurist, and threatcaster for SciFutures, started the strategy and futures group BIG, and led global interactive and business strategy groups at Wieden+Kennedy. Renny is an original TEDxPortland board member and he loves this community — and he gives you a gold star if you’ve read this far!

Hero?

I’m sticking by Gabriel Solmer (Dir. of the Portland Water Bureau). Do you like water? I like water. Her team makes sure we all get it. And do you know the PWB Mission Statement? “We serve excellent water every minute of every day.” Those heroes aren’t playing over there.

Favorite TED Talk?

Why Science Fiction Matters by Annalee Newitz.

Favorite Portland restaurant? HOTLIPS Pizza.

Favorite book?

Recent: Shards of Space by Robert Sheckley; The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey neé Elizabeth MacKintosh; Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson.

Favorite movie? Soundtracks? Glad you asked! Arrival by Jóhann Jóhannsson; Dune + Blade Runner 2049 by Hans Zimmer; The Mission by Ennio Morricone and MystThe Soundtrack by Robyn Miller (yes, the game). And Mad Max 2: Road Warrior by Brian May (literally just learned it was by Queen guitarist/astrophysicist Brian freaking May).

What’s one change you’d make in the world? Trust but verify.

Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Wait — there’s smooth peanut butter? Why?

Greatest fear? That someone is still reading this.

Go-to karaoke song? “Sister Christian” by Night Ranger.

Where would you go in a time machine? Mars, in the year 3000. Maybe I won’t need to bring oxygen? We’ll see.

A few favorite Portland things? Red Clouds Collective, DZ Alterations, Les Schwab Tires, Coco Donuts, Ecliptic Brewery, Langlitz Leathers.

If you were on a desert island, what five artist anthologies would you bring with you? You have the entirety of the artist’s catalog. The artist can be alive or dead.

Queen, Ennio Morricone, Johnny Cash, NIN, Traveling Wilburys.

Luis’s purpose is to inspire and enable others to have transformative travel experiences. He has spent 20 years working globally in the start-up and experiential travel space helping iconic brands like Disney, REI, and Backroads build and scale meaningful businesses. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for TEDxPortland and is the Founder and CEO of the certified B-Corp and Climate Neutral awardwinning travel company Modern Adventure. He deeply values community and actively invests time and resources in those that have the power or potential to be catalysts for change.

Favorite TED Talk?

Elusive Creative Genius by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Favorite Portland restaurant?

Kann. Bright, spicy, delicious, and the lovely human that is Gregory Gourdet!

Favorite movie?

Elf, during the holidays, gets me every time.

What’s one change you’d make in the world? Optimism as an act of rebellion. That we would all connect with the bittersweet beauty of being alive and human. That all is one and one is all. More optimism, connection, and joy.

Biggest pet peeve?

Someone being effusively enthusiastic about an idea, project, and collaboration and then ghosting.

Rolling Stones or the Beatles? Beatles.

Greatest fear? Harm to our children.

Something someone should know about you? Traveled to over 100 countries.

Where would you go in a time machine? 200 years into the future and see if optimism was sound.

Under your bed right now? Nothing.

David Rae believes that Portland is what we make it — his DNA is rooted in community connection. With pit stops at the University of Oregon, Nike, and 503, he is now the Principal of Raen Creative. His passion lies in brand strategy, delivering one-of-a-kind experiences, and evoking unforgettable moments. David was part of the original planning group that brought TEDx to the Rose City in 2009 and has worked tirelessly to grow the event. Formerly, David served as the licensee for TEDxPortland and has been the curator and emcee since 2012.

Hero?

My parents and partner, Reegan.

Favorite TED Talk?

Stroke of Insight by Dr. Jill Bolt Taylor was the first TED talk that I ever viewed online in 2007 and it changed the trajectory of my life. But the talk I continue to come back to is The Way We Think About Charity Is Dead Wrong by Dan Pallotta.

Favorite Portland restaurant? Jake’s Famous Crawfish.

Favorite movie?

Just one? I can’t. Everybody cut Footloose! So many... The Natural, The Man from Snowy River, Pulp Fiction, Stand by Me, Top Gun 1 & 2, Project Grizzly, Silence of the Lambs, Glory, Last of the Mohicans, Star Wars, Predator, Christmas Vacation, Gladiator, Batman (1989), Field of Dreams

What’s one change you’d make in the world?

People’s behavior would be intrinsically wired to the notion of “leaving something better than you found it.”

Biggest pet peeve?

Entitlement (Eli Cairo’s Talk!) and people who don’t chase their potential.

Greatest fear?

Something happening to our kids.

Most embarrassing moment?

Eighth grade — accidentally running into a telephone pole trying to impress a girl I had a crush on. Lying on the ground with “tweetie bird stars” in the sky, I broke my nose. Been shit on by a bird four times in my life too — should I buy a lottery ticket?

Something someone should know about you? My happy place is on Sundays with my Old Gold softball teammates. Swing with joy...

Where would you go in a time machine? April 12, 1980 — dipping my foot in the Atlantic Ocean with Terry Fox as he began the Marathon of Hope across Canada.

If you were on a desert island, what five artist anthologies would you bring with you? You have the entirety of the artist’s catalog. The artist can be alive or dead.

Prince, Tina Turner, Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and Ben Harper. Honorable mentions: Tragically Hip, and Public Enemy.

Our Ecosystem

Renny Gleeson 2023 Closer

History of TED

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, 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 leaders, scientists, creatives, and philanthropists is almost as extraordinary as the speakers, who have included Brené Brown, Bill Gates, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Frank Gehry, Bryan Stevenson, Sir Richard Branson, Philippe Starck, Jill Bolte Taylor, and Bono.

5 TED Fun Facts

1. The first TED Talks were posted online, and shared with the world on June 27, 2006

2. The most popular TED Talk with over 76M views is Do Schools Kill Creativity by Sir Ken Robinson

3. TED has committed more than $1 billion to their Audacious project to fund changemakers around the world to dream as big as they dare, and then shape their boldest ideas into viable plans

4. The recommended maximum length of a TED Talk is 18 minutes

5. The youngest person to deliver a TED Talk was Molly Wright at 7 years old

History of TEDx

TEDx is part of a revolution in global education made possible by local organizers wanting to engage their communities.

Established in 2009, more than 40,000 TEDx events have been organized worldwide. Every week, in more than 135 countries, people are coming together to pursue 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.

5 TEDx Fun Facts

1. The “x” in TEDx stands for independently organized events that are licensed by TED

2. The most viewed TEDx Talk with over 78M views is Beatbox Brilliance by Tom Thum at TEDxSydney

3. The most viewed TEDxPortland talk is The Incredible Inventions of Intuitive AI by Maurice Conti with more than 7.4M views

4. More than 3,200 TEDx events will happen this year with a projected 3,700 globally next year

5. The color of the TEDx red is Pantone 485 C

David Rae 2023 Curator & Host

Luis Vargas 2023 Host

01

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.

02

Show us the real you. Share your passions, your dreams…and also your fears. Be vulnerable. Speak of failure as well as success.

03

Make the complex plain. Don’t try to dazzle intellectually. Don’t speak in abstractions. Explain. Give examples. Tell stories. Be specific.

04

Connect with people’s emotions. Make us laugh. Make us cry.

TED Commandments

05

Don’t flaunt your ego. Don’t boast. It’s the surest way to switch everyone off.

06

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.

09

End your talk on time. Doing otherwise steals time from the people that follow you. We won’t allow it.

10

Rehearse your talk in front of a trusted friend…for timing, for clarity, for impact.

07

Feel free to comment on other speakers’ talks, to praise or to criticize. Controversy energizes. Enthusiastic endorsement is powerful.

08

Don’t read your talk. Notes are fine. But if the choice is between reading or rambling, then read.

TEDxPortland

Mission, Vision, Goals

We are so grateful you could join us for our 12th event.

For historical context, we received our TEDx license in 2009, and it took us 14 months to pull off our first event at the Armory. There was never an intention to organize an annual event, but the feedback was so overwhelmingly positive, we decided to return to the Armory for Year 2. We grew to the Portland Art Museum in 2013 and then doubled the event size to the Keller Auditorium in 2014. We held our event at the Keller for six straight years. In 2022, we created history by hosting 8,000 guests at the Moda Center for Year 10. It was the largest indoor TEDx ever, with our organizing team persevering through three reschedules and a three-year hiatus with Covid-19.

After Year 11 and “Confluence” in 2023, we are thrilled once again to return to the Keller in 2024 with you. Led by our 75+ member volunteer team, this experience delivers on “ideas worth spreading” to the Rose City and beyond. It is a year-round planning effort focused on high-quality speakers, outstanding content, premium event management, and partner appreciation. Our team believes that this is the most inspirational, educational day of the year for our city and that Portland is what we make it.

Mission

To spread ideas. TEDx is part of a global TED community, welcoming people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world. We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, perspectives, and lives.

On TEDxPortland.com and TED.com, we’re building a clearinghouse of free knowledge. A community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other, both online and at our events.

Vision

Create a world-class experience that inspires Portland to think and do.

Goals

To organize the most educational and inspiring day of the year.

To bring our community together to celebrate people, partners, and places.

To develop a core team organizing dynamic that fosters love, passion, and commitment to one another.

To be the most innovative TEDx event on the planet.

TEDxPortland is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

State of Oregon Registry

Number: 747610-90

EIN: 27-4884880

Jean Duffett and Jim Lakehomer 2023 Volunteers of the Year

Dr. Yuan-Po Tu 2023

• TEDxPortland at the Keller Auditorium takes 9 months to organize

• We work with 75+ volunteers

• We collaborate with 60+ local Portland partners

Did You Know? Fun Facts

• Every year, Core Team members are sent to greater TED conferences outside of Oregon to strengthen our relationship with HQ in NYC, learn from other events, and build a deeper bench with our volunteers

• Every fall, our Core Team holds a strategy retreat at Timberline Lodge to reenergize, plan, and drive innovation for the year to come

In true pioneering spirit, TEDxPortland has trail-blazed many exciting initiatives for our city and beyond.

• Award-winning Event Book

• The Ideas Booth

• Regional workshops to support TEDxBend, TEDxSalem, TEDxMtHood, TEDxMcMinnville, TEDxUOregon, TEDxSeattle, and TEDxVancouver (we are excited to re-engage and build the PNW!)

• Citywide Scavenger Hunt

• 6K “Paint the Town TED” fun run, now an annual experience 4 times running

• Annual Salon series

• High School TEDxYouth programming

• Citywide billboard campaigns

• A citywide art show, twice (featuring 74 local artists!)

• Interstitial creative short films

• Annual Speaker Dinner celebrating our current speaker class and alumni every year

• More incredible custom collaborations than we can count, from custom beer (Rogue) and wine (Stoller) to shoes (Nike)

Checkmate in the Park

Flashback to May 20, 2023. We’re all huddled in a planning meeting, brewing up the magic for Year 11. One of our brilliant volunteers pops the question:

“Hey, why don’t we pluck someone from the Keller Auditorium audience to challenge GZA to a chess match after his gig? But here’s the kicker — we use life-size pieces in the park.”

Minds were blown. The room’s vibe?

“Heck yeah, let’s do it!”

GZA isn’t just a lyrical wizard; the man’s also a master chess player. So, after rocking the stage and earning an epic standing ovation (classic Wu-Tang Clan style), we spotted Vincent. This young man from Roosevelt High is all about the game, dreaming big chess-master dreams.

The stage was set for a stunning spring day in the park, during our lunch break, with a crowd ready for action. GZA vs. Vincent in a showdown with giant chess pieces. Pure magic.

That moment was unforgettable. Legendary. The kind of story you tell over and over.

This whole crazy, awesome idea? All thanks to our volunteers’ wild creativity, making the park pop and gifting Portland with moments that stick.

Because Portland is what we make it.

Have an idea to enhance the TEDxPortland event day in years to come? We would love to hear from you: ideas@tedxportland.com

Community

108 112 116 TEDxPortland Alumni Be Well Our Team

TEDxPortland Alumni

Over the past 12 years, almost 200+ speakers and performers have graced the TEDxPortland stage. We cherish our relationship with our alumni, working year-round to keep in touch with them and support them. Their ideas have shaped this city and our world!

2011

Greg Bell

Jim Riswold

Brian Druker, M.D.

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

2012

Thomas Brown

Jessica Green, Ph.D.

Gavin Davison

David Terry

Portland Youth

Philharmonic

Bassima Mroue

Hideshi Hamaguchi

John Waller &

Ben Canales

Joe Whitworth

Kate Davis

Sahar Alnouri

Ward Cunningham

Rose City Trombones

Gene Sandoval

Aithan Shapira, Ph.D.

Jeb Corliss

Sam Adams

2013

Asia Greene

Brian Grant

Mike Thelin

Jonathan Krisel

Tom Brokaw

Naomi Pomeroy

Kate Bingaman-Burt

The Royal Blues

Laurie Marker, Ph.D.

Ben Huh

Guido Rahr

Kimberly Howard

Brian Faherty

Di-Ann Eisnor

Denver

2014

Aaron Draplin

Andrew Revkin

G Cody QJ 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

Renny Gleeson

Sarah Edmondson 2023 Speaker

TEDxPortland Alumni

2015

Jon Wexler

Vidya Spandana

Karen Gaffney

The von Trapps

G Douglas Bundy

Linda Smith

Fawn Weaver

Jacob Miller & The Bridge City

Crooners

Benji Wagner

Gregory Gourdet

Con Bro Chill

Dr. Cameron Smith

Jenna Nicholas

Kent Thornburg, M.D.

Regina Ellis

Amber Starks

Daniel Wilson, Ph.D.

Speech

Renny Gleeson

2019

Rachel Knox, M.D.

Steve Oldham

Paloma Medina

David Peyton, Ph.D.

Carine Kanimba

Rebecca Jordan Smith

Tyler Malek

Anna Debenham

JD Hooge

Julia Niiro

Nandini

Ranganathan, Ph.D.

Kary Youman

Xiomara Torres

Duncan Campbell

Portland Cello Project

NW Dance Project

Piano. Push. Play.

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

Bobbi MacKenzie

Portland Gay

Men’s Chorus

Tylor Neist & Bridgetown Orchestra

Rose City Trombones

Renny Gleeson

2022

Asia Greene-Rhodes

Jelani Memory

Amy Wolff

Eric Tran, Ph.D.

Jordan Dinwiddie

Digable Planets

Tatiana Mac

Atticus

Vince Kadlubek

Regan Parker

Tyrone Hendrix

Death Cab for Cutie

Emily Nestor

Vitor Bastos

Taylor Stewart

Portugal. The Man

Viva Las Vegas

Broke Gravy

Rukaiyah Adams

Renny Gleeson

Pink Martini

2017

Emma Mcilroy

Stephen Green

Dave Sanders, M.D.

Annie Choo

Thor Drake Redray Frazier

Luis Vargas

Renu Malhotra, Ph.D.

Benjamin

Dehen-Artaiz

Marla Smith-Nilson

Adam Garcia

Ragini Dindukurthi

Colin O’Brady

Ben Kaiser

BodyVox

Renny Gleeson

2023

Kim Scott

Toby Barnes

Dr. Yuan-Po Tu

Sarah Edmondson

Megan Diana

Aarthi Ananthanarayanan

Trevor Beaman

Kee Nelson

GZA

Reyna Tropical

Kyle Thornton

Sam Diaz

Emily Stutzman

David Lucas

Thunderstorm Artis

Renny Gleeson

2018

Ann Curry

Albert Chi, M.D.

Tami Lynn Kent

Tom Sachs

Chief Danielle Outlaw

Peter Cho

Kevin Cavenaugh

Tyrone Poole

Colleen Yeager

The Gay Beards

Mira Kaddoura

Rick Turoczy

Christopher Nichols, Ph.D.

Kristine Napper

Steven Eberlein

Hunter Noack & Thomas Lauderdale

Edna Vazquez

Ron Artis II

Oregon Symphony

Renny Gleeson

Over the past two years, we, as an organization, found it essential and so impactful to prioritize mental, emotional, and physical health.

We created what we call the Be Well Initiative as our intention and commitment for TEDxPortland as an organization to cultivate more resilience, balance, and well-being within our internal culture and community at large.

Here’s how we brought it to life…

Our Be Well Goals

• Support our speakers to feel grounded, empowered, and mentally strong as they prepare for their talk

• Help our core team and volunteers alleviate burnout and enhance their overall well-being

• Most importantly, cultivate community, camaraderie, and joy centered on the value of learning how to thrive and take better care of ourselves

What We’ve Done

Over the past two years, we have worked diligently with our partners to bring Be Well to life. We are proud to say we’ve accomplished the following:

• Hosted 25 private wellness-centered events for our core team, volunteers, and speakers

• Held two team retreats at Timberline Lodge with a strong focus on health and wellness

• Supported 3,500+ people with these events collectively

• Enhanced our speakers’ experience by creating more support to help them cultivate greater mental and emotional wellbeing while preparing for their big day

• Offered dedicated coaching and mentorship support to our core team and speakers

So What’s Next for Be Well?

Our vision for the future of Be Well is to have a greater impact and build an even larger community centered around health, wellness, and being the best versions of ourselves. That being said, we will have some offerings and events coming to you soon!

Join our newsletter or follow us on socials to be first to know.

We Are Looking for Volunteers + Sponsors!

Are you passionate about wellness and want to get involved as a Be Well volunteer? Does your organization share a mutual value of wellness and want to underwrite our initiative?

Then please email us directly at bewell@tedxportland.com with all your ideas. Our team will get back to you immediately.

Lastly, a special thank you to our founding partners and core volunteers with this initiative. Knot Springs, Modo Yoga, Timberline Lodge, Jordan Aftanas and Johny Hernandiez, thank you — we could never have done this without you. Thank you for helping us all be well.

Be Well Tent Details

During our big day we want to help you BE as WELL as possible and connect to new people! Enjoy some incredible activities at our Be Well tent during our lunch and happy hour. See below for all we have to offer you.

Silent Disco

Hosted by Heartbreak Silent Disco + Charlie Henderson

We will be hosting a silent disco party during our lunch hour! Find our dance tent and enjoy a short groove with your fellow attendees. You will be guided through some fun movement and a joyful break. Work with our volunteers on how to get set up with your turn.

Mini Massages Hosted By Knot Springs

One of our incredible sponsors, Knot Springs, will be offering a relaxation corner where you can sign up for a mini massage. Find our massage chairs and sign-up page to receive your massage from some incredible licensed massage therapists. Gratuity is not required but highly encouraged.

Stretch + Breathe Hosted by Modo Yoga

Enjoy a lovely stretch and mindfulness break by our favorite yoga studio, Modo Yoga. Find our wellness tent where amazing instructors from Modo will be guiding a drop-in stretch session. Stay as long as you like to help you feel grounded and centered for the second half of our day.

Enter Our Be Well Raffle

Step One - Find a new friend and ask them the questions below (fill out on page).

Step Two - Come to the Be Well tent to show your answers in exchange for a raffle entry.

Step Three - For a bonus raffle entry, take a photo with your new friend and post on Instagram with the hashtag. #BeWellTEDxPDX

What is your favorite self-care/wellness practice?

What accomplishment in life are you most proud of?

What is a dream you are working toward right now?

3 Winners will receive the Be Well Raffle Package

• 1 Year All Access Membership to Modo Yoga

• A brand new Manduka Yoga mat

• $50 gift card to Modo’s new restaurant O’Vive

• One Full Body Massage from Knot Springs

• Five Soak Passes from Knot Springs

• A Knot Springs Sweatshirt + Candle

Our Team

Co-Founders

Mark Starkey

David Rae

Board of Directors

David Paull

Luis Vargas

Rachel Knox, M.D.

Redray Frazier

Renny Gleeson

Susan Hoffman

David Rae

Licensee

Dustin Fernandes

Advisory Team

China Forbes

G Cody QJ Goldberg

Gene Sandoval

Jamey Hampton

Karen Brooks

Leon Anderson

Megan Diana

Mike Thelin

Regan Parker

Regina Ellis

Stephen Green

Tinker Hatfield

Wilson Smith III

Zalika Gardner

Marcus Harvey

Curator

David Rae

Hosts

David Rae

Luis Vargas

Closer

Renny Gleeson

Producer

Johny Hernandez

Leadership Team

David Paull

Dustin Fernandes

Johny Hernandez

Jordan Aftanas

Justin Albano

Molly McCluskey

Peter Achterman

Mike Thelin

Andrew Wallner

Henry Cromett

Zie Zie Senzaki

Risk Management & Oversight Committee

David Paull

Dustin Fernandes

Regan Parker

Speaker Curation & Coaching

Amy Wolff

Cathey Armillas

David Paull

David Rae

Dustin Fernandes

Johny Hernandez

Jordan Aftanas

Karen Brooks

Leon Anderson

Michael Doherty

Pete Achterman

Pete Lewis

Renny Gleeson

Ryan Buchanan

Sarah Schiffman

Vince LaVecchia

Zie Zie Senzaki

Luis Vargas

Megan Mosley

Zack Brandsen

Agency of Record

Thesis

Thesis Core Team

Amanda LaMarco

Alison Pond

Dani Mrkvička

Evan Corpuz

Faulkner Allocco

Ginger Lee Kretschmer

Griffen Snow

Joe Carolino

John Gaskin

Phuc Hong Phan

Marina Valentina

Mary Yajko

Ryan Flitcroft

Sara Suttles

Sarah Morgan

Suny Stanfield

Veronica Gomez

Thesis Support Team

Alex Cho

Jim Nowierski

Keely York

Michael Barrett

Ned Lannamann

Sara Cocco

Steph Shalz

Introductory

Event Video

Thesis

Partner Content / Community Impact Features

Nikolaus Popp & Puurple World

Kesshann Cortez

Johny Hernandez

Event Production, Management & AV

Meyer Pro with a very special thanks to: Gayle and Steve Meyer & Conrad Burmester

Lighting Outlaw Lighting

Stage Design

Brad Hogan and the wonderful team at Pinnacle Exhibits

Rosemary Stafford

Floral Design

Livestream KGW+

Meyer Pro

Videography & YouTube PostProduction

Raen Creative Photography

Andrew Wallner

Henry Cromett

Zack Dean

Teagann Hill

Thesis

Social Media & Interactive

Johny Hernandez

David Paull

Dustin Fernandes

Thesis

Public Relations WE

Legal

Lane Powell

Keller Park Activation

Fuller Events

Volunteer Management

Dustin Fernandes

Molly McCluskey

Justin Albano

Partnerships & Grants

David Rae

Johny Hernandez

Megan Mosely

Zie Zie Senzaki

Performance

Direction & Support

Redray Frazier

Dave Finkel

Tim Cowan

Studio Design Team

Daniel Westling

Annatova Neches

J Yun

Jon Hill

Joseph Wells

Victoria Wells

Team Uniforms

Dehen 1920

Knot Springs

Portland Gear

Be Well Initiative

Jordan Aftanas

Johny Hernandez

Karyn Erickson

Alli Lurie

Amber Reed

Jen Reed

SALON W+K

Jinnina Chiles

Jason White

Claudia Valderrama

Rebecca Groff

Susan Hoffman

Priscilla

Bernard Wieden

Partner Appreciation Night

Ritz Carlton Residences

Terry Sprague

Speaker Dinner

Pam Lloyd

Sarah Lewis

Tess Darrow

Olympia Provisions

Keller Park Happy Hour

Rogue Ales, Stoller

Family Estate, Beam

Spirits & Wilderton

Botanical Non-Alcoholic Spirits with special thanks to:

Steven Garrett, Caitlin

Hopkins, James Falvey, Amira Makansi, Austin

Raz, George Mann & Brad Whiting

Hotel Partner

Woodlark Hotel

After Party

Hopscotch &

Nicole Jensen

DJ

Benny Christiansen

Mascot

Teddy

Controller

Jaime Diedrich

Humble Hero

Pete Achterman

“Glue” Emeritus

Carson Brewer

Ticketing

Carson Brewer

Brenda Bartlett

Carissa Barry

For First Believing In Us

Michael Doherty

We are very grateful to the staff of Portland’5 and Keller Auditorium. Your precision and professionalism continue to take us to new heights.

Partners & Collaborations

The University of Oregon, specifically the School of Journalism and Communication in Portland, was one of our first partners in 2011 and helped get TEDxPortland off the ground. In 2012, the University of Oregon became our presenting partner and has continued their support ever since. We are so thankful for their support, not only with our main event at Keller Auditorium but also with past TEDx SALONS and TEDxYouth@Portland events. With heartfelt appreciation we thank Jane Gordon, Matt Roberts, Larissa Ennis, and Justin Fisher — your team has been with us from the very beginning and we are forever grateful.

We are excited to support your communitybuilding efforts as you embark on your new campus endeavors in North Portland with the Ballmer Institute and your commitment to mental health services and equitable access.

Lastly, it is important to note that this University of Oregon inspirational phrase has been proudly adopted by our volunteer team to inspire our year round planning efforts:

“SOMETIMES

Go Ducks!

Megan Diana 2023 Performer

Year 12 for TEDxPortland and year two with Thesis by our side — feels like we’ve been running with the bulls and dancing with the stars, all wrapped into one. It’s been a true journey of alchemy, not with the mystical potions and ancient chants, but with the real magic that happens when creativity and strategy collide. Together we’ve been at the anvil, hammering away at the raw, unshaped ideas, turning them into the kind of gold that doesn’t just glint in the sun but lights the way forward.

Thesis operates on a belief that creativity is the pulse of human progress. Their approach to creative work mixes rigorous strategy with unfettered imagination, treating each project as a new frontier to be explored. They’re not just about making things look good—they’re about making them resonate, tapping into the collective heartbeat of humanity. At their core, Thesis is driven by a greater purpose—to create work that not only stands out but also stands for something.

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 Juli Cordill, Eric Farrara, Laura Mazy, and Jean Kelleher for being models of professionalism and generosity. And we will never forget the legacy left by the remarkable, Andy Gordon.

Please visit the “Event Book Experience” in the lobby of Keller Auditorium on the break. It is a testament to what true collaboration can look like.

We are proud to showcase this exhibit because no other TEDx in the world produces an Event Book like this for its attendees.

We are so lucky and grateful to have this legacy partner supporting our community building efforts!

If you are looking for a thoughtful creative partner for your brand collateral print needs, we could not recommend this wonderful group of people highly enough. To learn more, scan the QR code below.

Toby Barnes 2023 Speaker

Trevor Beaman 2023 Speaker

We never thought TEDxPortland would grow into what it is today. It was 700+ people at the Armory in Year One in 2011. We grew to the Keller Auditorium in 2014 and it was then the largest TEDx in North America with 3,300+ attendees. In 2022 for Year 10 in the Moda Center / Theater of the Clouds, we had over 8,000 attendees — a global TEDx first as the largest indoor event ever held. It was not without its challenges to come out of Covid-19 after a three-year hiatus and three reschedules. It was “audacious” in every sense of the word!

Thank you to the stoic 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 501c3 non-profit incorporation, we are eternally grateful to the legal counsel (and friendship) of Jeff Wolfstone, Lisa Poplawski, and Carter Mann for their thoughtfulness and stewardship.

We love and appreciate you.

We marvel at Hampton Lumber and their deep commitment to people, community, and sustainability. Rooted in fourth-generation timber legacy, this family-owned company was founded in Oregon in 1942. Since then, they’ve grown alongside demand for sustainable building materials. Hampton’s 1,700 employees now manage Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)-certified forests and manufacture lumber in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, serving customers across North America, Europe and Asia. The Hampton family takes great pride in manufacturing carbon-friendly building materials sourced in the Pacific Northwest from some of the most sustainably managed forest resources on the planet. Since its founding, Hampton has endeavored to be a good steward, a good neighbor, and an engaged member of the communities in which it operates.

That legacy continues today through its community-giving programs, scholarships for employees and their families, lumber donations, and spirit of volunteerism. They champion wellbeing, inclusiveness, and opportunity for all in their workplace, industry, and communities.

The Hampton family is also a well-known supporter of the arts. Music and dance are particularly close to their hearts.

Jamey is co-Artistic Director at the Portlandbased dance company BodyVox, which he founded with his wife Ashley Roland in 1997. BodyVox Performed on the TEDxPortland stage in 2017, and it is still regarded as one of the best performances we have ever seen, titled: “In the Garden of Synesthesia.”

The Hampton brothers Jamey and David also regularly perform together in the Portland metro area with their band, the Brothers Jam. Formed in the 70’s, the Brothers Jam is a rootsy mashup of Grateful Dead, rock, jazz, and exuberant jamming.

Hampton Lumber, we thank you for your support and partnership. It plays a key role in the success of our event. With deep gratitude we appreciate what you do for our city and state.

Aarthi Ananthanarayanan

Kee Nelson 2023 Speaker

Thank you to the incredible team at MeyerPro. The production and execution that you see here today with our stage and AV is a result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.

We first started working with Meyer Pro when we pulled off the Moda Center / Theater of the Clouds for Year 10. It was a historical feat never seen before in the history of global TEDx events. We are forever grateful for your guidance and mentorship with this past experience. We now have two Keller Auditorium events under our belt, Year 11 & 12. Thank you!

When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. MeyerPro personifies this and we cannot recommend them highly enough in the production space in Portland. With special thanks to the leadership, grace, and unconditional support of Gayle & Steve Meyer and Conrad Burmester.

We would like to recognize the indelible legacy of Peter Christian Schmidtke.

Known to everyone as “Punch,” he was a legend in the Portland production community renowned for his genius in the stage lighting world. He was also color-blind with a witty sense of humor, which made him one-ofa-kind. Punch kept everyone backstage at ease and on their toes. He worked on several TEDxPortland experiences over the years.

This year’s Alchemy stage lighting, with 12 different colorways for 12 different speakers, is dedicated to Punch’s creativity.

Thank you to our friends at Outlaw Lighting for making this possible.

Rest In Peace, Punch. 12.18.67 - 12.23.23

Last November, a 36-person TEDxPortland organizing team traveled up to Timberline Lodge for an offsite retreat to dream about and create “Year 12.” We were once again inspired at 7,000 feet to create the foundational elements for our “Alchemy” campaign. We’d like to extend special thanks to Sally Kohnstamm and the remarkable staff at Timberline Lodge for making this trip possible. This Oregon treasure is such a special place. The magic found there touches everyone who enters the Lodge.

At TEDxPortland, we firmly believe that elevating mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual connections is paramount to living our best lives. Through tangible tools and resources to support our individual and shared wellness goals, we are better equipped to weave wellness into all that we do.

Knot Springs has always shown up for our TEDx community through a dedicated strategic partnership for our speaker and staff community. For Year 12, we have expanded this partnership to a yearlong collaboration rooted in the Be Well initiative.

Knot Springs’ wellness social club focuses on cultivating community and camaraderie centered on wellness and good times. The tools they offer the community to enhance individual wellness through shared connections allow all of us to habitualize our health and self-care.

Unlike traditional spas, Knot Springs’ wellness social club is a place to connect and share experiences with old and new friends. Their Springs area includes soaking pools, steam, and sauna that allow you to rejuvenate, relax, and recover all while taking in the best views of the Portland skyline. Move from tepid, to cold, to hot and back again for the full Knot Springs experience.

Knot Springs’ treatment program is unparalleled to the rest. With several unique modalities for full body massages, customized foot rubs, and high-end facials, experience a deep reset while boosting overall physical and mental well-being.

Attention to how you’re moving in the world changes your experience. With a multitude of options ranging from HIIT to yoga to meditation, our personal training and group fitness classes offer something for every body.

Kim

When a TEDxPortland Speaker or Volunteer needs to fly, we choose to fly with Alaska.

Why? For many reasons.

They have taken wonderful care of our travel needs.

They believe in Portland and they work with intention to build community.

They have a 90+ year history proudly rooted in the Pacific Northwest.

They are a leading carrier in the PDX Next Airport vision. We cannot wait to welcome travelers to the greatest airport in the world!

Furthermore, we have found that their organizational culture is guided by integrity, ingenuity, professionalism, and a unique spirit — a spirit that has grown out of our geographical roots.

Thankfully for us, Alaska and their regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico.

With very special thanks to Harry Cheema and Contesa Diaz-Nicolaidis for their leadership, kindness, and caring demeanor.

“At Caldera, I learned that the unknown isn’t bad at all — it can be rewarding. Especially for Latino kids who are often hushed down because of their race.”—Caldera Alumni

TEDxPortland shares a common values system with another community-impact organization. This remarkable place is called Caldera. Founded by Dan Wieden and his family 27 years ago, Caldera has grown into a space and place where young people come to unlock the explosive power of their own creativity, unleashing it on the world.

Together, TEDxPortland and Caldera believe creativity is a delightful chaotic force that changes the world of the people who use it, and changes the people of the world who are open to it.

We are honored to be a part of the Caldera ecosystem where every young person has the opportunity to become a creative thinker, maker, and doer.

2013 TEDxPortland Alumni and Caldera’s Executive Director, Kimberly Howard Wade, is a visionary leader whom we are proud to partner with and support. We encourage our TEDster audience to learn more and lean in if you can.

Creativity + Voice + Ideas Worth Spreading = Community Impact

Priscilla Bernard Wieden

TEDxPortland Salon

On January 25, 2024, we held our fifth TEDxPortland Salon at Wieden+Kennedy. In this beautiful, creative cathedral, we explored a topic that touches us all — mortality. It was a profound evening that featured three brave speakers and two moving performances. Thank you to John Waller, who delivered a talk on “facing mortality,” to Beth Cavenaugh, who spoke to “in the moment of mystery,” a Redray Frazier performance, the PSU Chamber Choir, and the unshakable, Priscilla Bernard Wieden, who spoke about Dan for the first time publicly since his passing, with a talk on “after death.”

The feedback was so overwhelmingly positive, we plan to lean into more honest, raw topics like this in the future. Stay tuned…

With special thanks to the incredible Team at W+K for hosting us with such grace and kindness: Jinnina Chiles, Rebecca Groff, Claudia Valderrama, Jason White, and Susan Hoffman.

What if the “Whitest City in America” led the way in bridging the support and amplification of Black-owned businesses? What if the capital talks shift from simply being about money and moved toward the importance of social capital as well? PitchBlack, the country’s largest pitch event for Black entrepreneurs, connects ecosystems across the country with the talented founders in their community.

Founded in 2015 by TEDxPortland alum Stephen Green, more than 120 founders have pitched to 3,000 audience members with more than $420,000 going to winning companies and ideas.

In Stephen’s own words, “What started as a party to celebrate some founders has grown into a beacon for how cities around the country can unearth, connect and lift up the talent that already exists in their midst.”

We honor Stephen, PitchBlack, and all of the Black owned business that thankfully call Portland home.

If you have a moment, please watch Stephen’s TEDx talk from our 2017 event on #CheatMore.

Collaborations

Dehen 1920

104+ years into the family-owned business, the Dehen Knitting Company continues a tradition of heavy duty, quality manufacturing that is proudly produced in NE Portland.

Founded by William Peter Dehen in 1920, the Team creates classic and traditional U.S. heavyweight apparel that began with varsity and collegiate sweaters for student athletes. Keeping true to their humble yet pioneering beginnings, they are known for long-lasting durability, workmanship, and rugged styling.

In 2017, TEDxPortland became incredibly inspired after Benjamin Dehen-Artaiz graced our stage for our “Spectrum” theme. His TED talk was about “Resurrecting the American Dream.” We have since collaborated and partnered to outfit all of our TEDxPortland alumni speakers, performers, core volunteers, and legacy partners in a custom Dehen varsity sweater.

It is a gesture to show our people how much we cherish them, their ideas, and their continued involvement in our community-building efforts.

There are three stripes on the sleeve to symbolize TED: Technology, Entertainment, Design.

We are very proud to outfit our TEDxPortland family in these one-of-a-kind sweaters and share with you the “Heavy Duty Old School Truth” that is Dehen 1920.

With special thanks to Jim Artaiz and Peter Lee for their steadfast support, incredible professionalism, and kindness.

Benjamin Dehen-Artaiz 2017 Speaker

Visit their HQ and new retail store at 1040 NE 44th. They are open Tuesday through Saturday, hours 11:00am - 5:00pm.

Lastly, scan this QR code and enjoy 15% off in the Dehen online store with code “TEDxPortland.”

Collaborations

Portland Gear

From citywide scavenger hunts, cascade backpacks, tote bags, to iconic custom “TED Red” and “TED Trailblazer” hats, Portland Gear has provided creative collaborations for our volunteer team and attendees for 10+ years. Their infamous VW bus made its debut in 2014 on 3rd Avenue and we have never looked back.

We salute the leadership of Portland Gear for opening their brand-new store in the West End at 403 SW 10th Ave.

Next time you visit downtown, be sure to pop in. They are open 7 days a week, hours 11:00am - 7:00pm.

Special thanks to Marcus Harvey, Eli Abramovitz, Zack Dean, Sean Oulashin, and Wookie Bae.

Lastly, scan this QR code and enjoy 20% in the PG online store with code “TEDxPortland.”

Collaborations

We are honored to partner with Stoller Family Estate for the 6th straight year to raise a glass to our community-building efforts.

Cheers to ideas worth spreading as we commemorate the Year 12 Class!

The Stoller family established the property in 1943 and the vineyard 50 years later. Over the last 30 years, they have patiently transformed the 400-acre property into the largest contiguous vineyard in Oregon’s Dundee Hills. They control every step of the wine-growing and winemaking process, from pruning to bottling and everything in between. The result is award-winning wines that are balanced, complex, and consistently exceptional.

Their winery was the first in the world to receive LEED Gold certification, attesting that their winery is sustainably built and environmentally friendly. They have been ranked on the USA Today 10 Best Tasting Rooms Reader’s Choice poll in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 2021, 2022, and 2023, Oregon’s Most Admired

Our collaborative Alchemy wine three-pack:

• 2019 Oregon Pinot

• 2019 Chardonnay

• 2019 Rosé

Winery by the Portland Business Journal for eight consecutive years, and a 2023 Top Workplaces winner by The Oregonian.

We think their iconic oak tree and tire swing is pretty cool too.

Special thanks to Gary Mortensen, James Falvey, Amira Makansi and Austin Raz for your partnership.

Collaborations

We are honored to partner with Rogue Ales for the sixth straight year to raise a glass to our community-building efforts.

Cheers to our “Alchemy Pilsner” and to ideas worth spreading as we commemorate the Year 12 Class!

For over 30 years, Rogue has been at the forefront of Oregon’s booming beer industry. By offering an ever-changing product lineup, Rogue has developed a fan base that never knows what to expect other than the unexpected.

TEDxPortland is continually inspired by their mantra:

Dare. Risk. Dream. Dare more than others think is wise. Risk more than others think is safe. Dream more than others think is practical.

With special thanks to Steven Garrett and Caitlin Hopkins for this wonderful partnership.

Stroll into the Eastside Pub & Distillery location at 928 SE 9th Ave., Portland, OR 97214 and say hello to our friends.

Media

Thank you to the partners who have helped lift our organizational voice and raise awareness for community organizing efforts.

Special thanks to our friends Paul Kenney, Steve Carter, Rick Jacobs, Ellen Boynton, David Molko, Chynna Greene, Lacey Evans, Greg Retsinas, Anna Zusman, Chris Hammond, Sean Sterling, Chris Finks, and Andrew Longeteig.

Sam Diaz 2023 Speaker

Activities

Coloring Page

Sketch Contest

Put Alchemy into action for the chance to win custom TEDxPortland swag and one-of-kind prizes.

The rules are simple: Create a sketch inspired by Portland and this year’s theme of Alchemy. Then, post the image to your social media with the hashtags #Alchemy12 / #TEDxPortland / #TEDxPortland and tag @tedxportland. Good luck, and happy creating! Incorporate vibrant colors!

What’s your alchemy?

Find and combine your symbols to create yours.

1. Start with the coresponding symbol for your birth month.

2. Add the coresponding symbol for your first initial on top of your first symbol.

3. Play with adding or removing shapes and lines to personalize even further!

Year 12 Trivia

Test your TED knowledge!

01.

Who was the original founder of TED?

A. Stephen Hawking

B. Chris Anderson

C. Richard Saul Wurman

D. Simon Sinek

02.

In what year was TED founded?

03.

What does TED stand for?

04.

Which of these TED talks was NOT one of the first shared online?

A. Brené Brown

B. Richard Branson

C. Sir Ken Robinson

D. David Pogue

05.

What is the most viewed TED talk of all time?

A. The Power of Vulnerability, Brené Brown

B. Do Schools Kill Creativity, Sir Ken Robinson

C. My Stroke of Insight, Jill Bolte Taylor

D. The Next Outbreak? We’re Not Ready, Bill Gates

06.

Which has NOT been a type of TED conference?

A. TED Summit

B. TED Women

C. TED Global

D. TED Climate

07.

Where is the annual TED conference held?

A. London, UK

B. Monterey, CA

C. Vancouver, BC

D. Sydney, AUS

08.

In what year was TEDx launched?

09.

How many TEDx events were held in 2023?

A. 2,153

B. 3,218

C. 975

D. 1,627

`

10.

What does the “x” in TEDx stand for?

A. Locally organized TED event

B. Community organized TED event

C. Independently organized TED event

D. Individually organized TED event

11.

What’s the maximum recommended length of TED and TEDx talks?

A. 18 minutes

B. 5 minutes

C. 13 minutes

D. 11 minutes

12.

Which has NOT been the location of a TEDx event?

A. On Mt. Everest

B. On a submarine

C. In a bowling alley

D. On a train

In Closing

Your Support i

Donate

TEDxPortland needs your help.

We are a charitable 501(c)3 non-profit.

It takes a village to curate and produce year-round programming for our city. If you have been inspired and have the means to donate, we would appreciate the support. Giving details are at TEDxPortland.com

If you have an interest in getting involved with our fundraising and development opportunities, please reach out.

We would love to hear from you. Email us at build@tedxportland.com.

If you would like to attend our FALL 2024 Gala with an intention to donate, we would love to host you. Please email gala@tedxportland.com.

Gala

Feedback

Now that you’ve experienced what we hope was the most inspirational, educational day of the year, we want to hear from you.

This is truly your event and we want it to exceed all expectations.

Please help us by completing a short survey by our friends at the Portlandbased insights agency Lillian Labs.

We read every response and use them to help make TEDxPortland better and better every year.

When you complete the survey you’ll be entered into a drawing for two tickets to next year’s TEDxPortland.

Thank you for your ongoing support! We can’t do this without you.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

—Margaret Mead

Emily Stutzman

Farewell & Happy Hour

Beer, Spirits, Non-Alcoholic & Ice Cream

Thank you to our friends at Stoller Family Estate, Rogue Ales, Beam Suntory, and Wilderton Botanical Non-Alcoholic Spirits for providing a hosted bar for 3,200+ guests!

Let’s celebrate and discuss what we just saw!

Sharing highlights, insights, and inspiration from the day gives us a chance to reflect and grow. We suggest you meet new people, raise a glass, and commit to doing something with the information and ideas you have learned today. Each guest can imbibe two complimentary drinks. Look on the back of your name tag for allotted drink concessions.

Please enjoy responsibly and plan a safe ride home.

Attendees age 21+ may enjoy a drink during the lunch hour and at the end of day. Wristbands are required and are provided with ID check.

There is no limit to non-alcoholic beverages for people under age. While supplies last.

Volunteer Spotlight

Pam Lloyd

Meet Pam — she has been with us from day-one. Literally, day-one. She is one of our longest tenured volunteers with 15+ years experience in our organization.

We gathered in a living room as strangers in Fall 2009 to explore how to “bring TEDxPortland to the City of Roses” and we have grown to be loving family and trusted confidants ever since.

We deeply admire Pam for her calm, stoic leadership. She brings humor, quick wit, sensitivity, business acumen, and positive energy to every room she enters. When she’s not busy leading her coaching + consulting business, she has led our Speaker Dinner experience for 15 remarkable years. A private “wedding-rehearsal”-like dinner two nights before the main event to celebrate our Alumni, Current Speaker Class, Volunteers, and cherished Partners.

She loves adventures and travel and has competed in lacrosse, sailing, rowing crew, amongst other sports, and loves to ski. The metaphor of climbing is meaningful to her, having trekked to Everest Base Camp, and having summited both Mt. Rainier and the Grand Teton.

Pam appreciates design in all forms, including a reverence for artists. She also happens to be married to one. She is the proud mother to two incredible young men, Rufus & Jasper.

In a profound way, you have been a mother or big sister to us all, Pam.

Thank you for being such a caring, kind soul.

Volunteer Spotlight

David Paull

One of our incredible volunteers, David Paull, recently celebrated a birthday. He took the time to write down 52 reflections, symbolic of his 52nd year around the sun, and we were moved by his words and wanted to share them with you. We hope you enjoy this list of wise sentiments and maxims that were inspired experienced life lessons. Our 75+ volunteers appreciated this and we hope you do to!

01.

Assume positive intent.

02.

Treat everyone with equal respect.

03.

Be consistent or you’ll lose credibility.

04.

Know who really has your back, no matter what.

05. Don’t be late.

06.

Details matter but little things often don’t. Know the difference.

07.

Nit-picking someone will ruin your relationship.

08.

When you mess up, apologize. Don’t make excuses or try to give reasons.

09.

Begin every apology with “I’m sorry,” not “I apologize.” Apologize is what you do, sorry is what you are. Be sorry.

10.

Just because it isn’t your way doesn’t make it wrong.

11.

Just because it’s not your fault doesn’t mean it’s not your responsibility.

12.

When you’re wrong, say “You’re right…”

13.

You’re not wrong just because others say so.

14.

You’re not right just because others say nothing.

15.

Facts are irrefutable. Otherwise they’re opinions.

16.

You can believe whatever you want, but that doesn’t make it so.

17.

Just because you have an opinion doesn’t mean you have to share it.

18.

If it’s important to you, stand your ground.

19.

Give unexpected small gifts.

20.

Make people laugh.

21.

Reach out to people when you don’t need something.

22.

Say “thank you” anytime someone does something nice for you, even if it seems common or mundane.

23.

Ask questions, listen more, and talk less.

24.

Take a minute, breathe, and think it through.

25.

If you wouldn’t say it in front of your kids or grandparents, you probably shouldn’t say it to anyone.

26.

Don’t talk down to kids. Get on their level and talk with them.

27.

Kids thrive within boundaries. They think they want free rein, but they don’t.

28.

Ensure your kids are always comfortable talking with you—that it’s a safe space.

29.

It’s not when your kids complain that you should worry (kids are supposed to complain), it’s when they become quiet.

30.

Embarrassment and shame are two of the most destructive emotions. Avoid causing them at all costs.

31.

Go way out of your way for the people you love.

32.

Anticipate someone’s wants/needs and deliver ahead of them asking or doing it themselves.

33.

Marriage goes through seasons but nothing lasts a lifetime without love and attention.

34.

Date your spouse/partner sometimes. Not “go on a date,” but rather treat them like you did when you were dating.

35.

Ask for what you want.

36.

Don’t feel guilty for taking time for yourself.

37. It’s perfectly okay to turn down an invitation.

38.

The words “no, thank you” are your friend. Use them liberally.

39. Learn how to make a decision and not be wishy-washy.

40.

Compliment the person not the thing. Instead of, “That’s a nice coat,” try, “You look like a boss in that coat.”

41.

Disagree with the thing, not the person. Instead of, “How can you vote for that person,” try, “I couldn’t vote for that person because…”

42. Know how to make a deal.

43. Experiences over things.

44. Travel as much as you can.

45. Understand the ins and outs of personal finance.

46. Start saving money early—from your first paycheck if possible—even if it’s just a little. Build the habit.

47. Live below your means.

48.

Determine your life’s financial goals, make a long-term plan to achieve them, check against your plan often, and adjust as needed.

49.

Money won’t buy happiness, but the ease it can cause will make you happier.

50.

When people show you who they really are, good or bad, believe them.

51.

Don’t expect someone to change. At best they may slightly adjust and even then it’s likely temporary.

52.

Each of us is a speck, on a rock, among countless rocks, in infinite space, existing for an incomprehensibly short period of time. Perspective above all.

Volunteer Spotlight

Andrew Wallner

Andrew is an award-winning visual storyteller, Portland native, and volunteer creative on the TEDxPortland core team.

He strives to find magic in the play between light and dark with visual storytelling and style that spans as wide and deep as his personal interests. Whether it’s a local band crushing at the Crystal, a fresh slice and drinks at the jazz club, or an intimate moment with a furry friend, Andrew takes pride in helping elevate the stories of the people, groups, and businesses that make Portland great. Portland is what we make it, after all.

To celebrate the most inspirational day in the City of Roses and honor Year 12, Andrew is sharing 12 art-quality tear-out visuals that underscore the beauty of our magical city.

The following 12 pages are perforated, making it easy for you to remove them, and place them directly in a frame, send them to a friend, or simply pin on your wall.

Find more of Andrew’s work, learn about Story to Spectacle, or get in touch:

Instagram: @and_rew_and_you

Web: storytospectacle.com

Email: Andrew@storytospectacle.com

Kyle Thornton 2023 Speaker

Letter to Your Future Self

Egg Press

What alchemy means to us: creativity, transformation, activation, inspiration.

What does alchemy mean to you?

Take a few minutes to reflect on what you heard today and how it made you feel. Using the notecard in this book, write a letter to yourself about what you’d like to remember from this experience. Don’t overthink it.

When you’re done, drop it off at the Egg Press tent outside during happy hour. One year from now, we’ll mail it back to you. Remembering is its own kind of alchemy.

You know Egg Press. Now, meet EP.MFG!

Since its founding by Tess Darrow in 1999, Egg Press has grown from a self-made letterpress card company to a high-volume letterpress manufacturer. EP.MFG, founded in 2020, prints and distributes greeting cards for a variety of illustrators and clients. We’re proud to share our transformation from a home-grown operation to a team of really nice people. Tap our 25 years of print expertise for cards, custom prints, and more.

eggpress.com

eggpressmfg.com