TEDxRENO NEWS RELEASE
TEDxReno, an independently organized TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) event, kicks up its second annual daylong program of inspirational talks themed around the “Biggest Little Citizen” with a new location and roster of local and world-renowned speakers. The event kicks off another year of impressive momentum in the Biggest Little City on Friday, June 6, at the Lear Theater (528 W. 1st St.) in The Reno Riverwalk District.
In the spirit of inspiring big ideas and catalyzing change in Reno, the TEDxReno team chose the Lear Theater as a way to help citizens reimagine what the revived space could mean for the community. Curators for the event are working with Artown, the City of Reno, TEDxReno sponsors, partners and volunteers to clear out the Lear and prepare it for the event.
“The whole TEDxReno team is pleased to be able to hold our event inside such an iconic part of Reno’s history,” said Doug Erwin, TEDxReno curator and vice president of entrepreneurial development at the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN). “The theater’s revitalization is crucial for the rebirth of downtown Reno and will also play an important role in our continued economic recovery. The buy-in and cooperation community-wide has been inspiring, as it’s been a pleasure to work with partners such as Artown, the City of Reno and Red Carpet Events & Design to turn our vision for a perfect venue into a reality.”
The space will only be open for the event on June 6 and a separate Maker Faire event on June 7 before closing again to the public. Those interested in volunteering and/or sponsorship opportunities should contact Meghan Pescio at [email protected].
“Artown is excited to have the residents of Reno see the vision for this building come to life,” said Beth Macmillan, executive director of Artown. “We strongly believe this was Moya Lear’s original intention and we are proud to continue to fight to have her vision come true. TEDxReno is one example of an event that fits perfectly with the Lear Theater community venue.”
Core to the TEDxReno event is the dynamic and diverse speaker lineup. While event coordinators are currently taking applications for speakers, three talented individuals have already confirmed:
- Matt Schultz | Executive Director of The Reno Generator and contributing member to The Pier Group at Burning Man
- Dr. David Burns | Adjunct Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine
- K-Von | Comedian, Actor and Host of popular TV show “Disaster Date”
“A speaker for a TEDx event is one who brings something bigger to the table, something that will make our attendees sit up, think and feel empowered to make a difference in their own world,” said Rory O’Brien, TEDxReno co-founder. “The goal here is to showcase hidden talent within Reno while motivating our fellow citizens to achieve greatness. It’s important for everyone to realize they are a functioning part of society, and can make a difference just by taking action.”
TEDxReno is one of three TEDx events in the Reno area including TEDxUniversity of Nevada and TEDxDavidson Academy. Ticket sales for the event will be announced in early spring. For more information visit www.tedxreno.com or contact [email protected].
About TED
TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. Along with two annual conferences — the TED Conference on the West Coast each spring, and the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh UK each summer — TED includes the award-winning TED Talks video site, the Open Translation Project and TED Conversations, the inspiring TED Fellows and TEDx programs, and the annual TED Prize.
