TEDxBatonRouge Announces Inaugural Event

Independently organized TED-like experience coming to Baton Rouge this fa

Baton Rouge, La. – TEDxBatonRouge announced its inaugural event to be held this fall, September 14, at Manship Theatre. An event focused on bringing Baton Rouge ideas to the local stage is themed “Think Again,” where participants will be asked to challenge assumptions, consider possibilities, and cultivate curiosity. More information regarding the event can be found at tedxbatonrouge.com.

TEDxBatonRouge is an independently organized event led by Baton Rouge residents Melissa Thompson and Morgan Almeida. The event will elevate ideas via a staged event that will be recorded live and made available, free, to the public to spark further conversations around the ideas presented.

"When we come together to share our ideas, we ignite a spark that can transform our community,” said Melissa Thompson, TEDxBatonRouge organizer. “TEDxBatonRouge is a platform for this kind of transformative exchange, and we can't wait to see the amazing ideas that will be shared and the positive impact they will have on our community."

TEDxBatonRouge seeks to elevate ideas from various topics, including TED’s founding three topics - technology, entertainment, and design - plus others, including, but not limited to, business, science, global issues, history, and more. Event organizers will conduct a speaker selection and coaching process, ultimately choosing five to six ideas to feature.

“We want attendees to leave TEDxBatonRouge with a new idea, a challenge to their preconceived notions, and maybe even a new friend along the way,” said Morgan Almeida, TEDxBatonRouge organizer. “The event should celebrate homegrown ideas and an incubator for community collaboration and discussion, so we are seeking speakers, volunteers and partners that believe in those same ideals.”

The event is made possible by Baton Rouge volunteers and organizations dedicated to the TED mission of spreading ideas that spark imagination, embrace possibility and catalyze impact. TEDxBatonRouge seeks individuals with various skill sets, including communications, graphic design, event logistics, and more, to serve as event volunteers. Interested individuals can submit a volunteer application at tedxbatonrouge.com.

Event partners include Neighbors Federal Credit Union, Success Labs, Gatorworks, 4thFLR, WRKF Baton Rouge Public Radio, Baton Rouge Gallery, and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. Additional partnership opportunities are still available and can be viewed at tedxbatonrouge.com/partneropps. TEDxBatonRouge seeks financial and in-kind partners. Organizations interested in partnering can reach out to Partnerships Manager Michelle LeJeune at michelle@tedxbatonrouge.com.

Registration is expected to open in the coming months. Individuals interested in attending the event can sign up for event notifications at tedxbatonrouge.com. Event updates will also be shared on social media via the TEDxBatonRouge Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts.