Friday, May 10th at THE MART
Join us to delve into the world of design and hear from exciting Chicago visionaries, architects, designers, and creatives shaping our future. Join speakers, artists, performers, and the design community, among many others for a thrilling, intimate, and immersive creative experience.
In-person tickets are sold out
The Experience
Every ticket is all-inclusive
EAT: Hosted snacks, desserts, and catered appetizers
DRINK: Hosted drinks, including beer, wine, coffee, and tea
THE STAGE: The intimate and exciting onstage experience, including 5 professionally coached TEDxChicago talks and 2 exhilarating live performances
THE EXPERIENCE: Immersive pop-up art galleries, engagements, and dynamic performances throughout Merchandise Mart’s Marshall’s Landing & conference center
Schedule
Friday, May 10th @
THE MART
12:00 - 2:30 PM | Design Excursions at the Design Museum of Chicago, Chicago Architecture Center, and Climate Action Museum & Workshops (Optional)
2:30 PM | Registration & Happy Hour
3:30 PM | Session 1 - Talks & Performance
4:30 PM | Intermission - Appetizers, Drinks, Arts, Performances, and Connection
5:15 PM | Session 2 - Talks & Performance
6:00 PM | Celebration
Exciting & Exclusive Opportunities
General Admission
Includes the all-inclusive experience: apps, drinks (beer, wine, coffee, tea), a seat in the intimate theater to enjoy TEDxChicago tasks and performances, and an immersive experience throughout the venue
Salon Patron Admission
A limited number of Salon Patron experiences are available. Learn more about this exclusive experience here.
Livestream Pass
Livestream passes are now availabe, learn more and get your Livestream Experience Pass here.
Exploring the World of Chicago Design:
Excursions & Workshops
Attendees will be given the opportunity register for a Design Excursion (offsite) or Workshop (at THE MART) prior to the start of registration, extending their TEDxChicago Salon: DESIGN experience.
More information coming in April.
The Lineup
Speakers
Portraits taken by Michele Marie
DESIGN NEUROSCIENTIST
Sally Augustin, PhD
Dr. Sally Augustin, a leading design neuroscientist, develops evidence-based strategies for fostering environments that support human flourishing. Dr. Sally has a diverse background in psychology, management, and economics. She blends rigorous study with real-world experience to empower organizations and individuals all around the world. She uses neuroscience as Principal of Design With Science to align in-use goals and achieve measurable outcomes. Sally's position as a thought leader at the intersection of science and design has been cemented by the widespread publishing and media coverage of her impactful work.
Design & the Brain, Creativity, Thriving
ARCHITECT AND URBANIST
Douglas Farr
Douglas Farr FAIA serves as the President of Farr Associates, a pioneering architecture and urban design firm based in Chicago, recognized by the New York Times for its leadership in ecologically sensitive architecture. Listed among Planetizen's 100 Most Influential Urbanists, Farr is a prominent architect, urbanist, and author, delivering keynote speeches across 37 states to inspire and shape sustainable urban practices. His contributions include founding Carbon Free Chicago, co-curating the ENERGY REVOLUTION exhibit, and establishing Chicago’s Climate Action Museum. Doug Farr's work in high-performance buildings and walkable urbanism solidifies his position as a driving force in the future of sustainable design and urban innovation.
X: @farrside ⏺ farrside.com
Climate Action, Sustainability, Design Your Life
FASHION FUTURIST
Maria Pinto
Maria Pinto, a trailblazing fashion futurist, is dedicated to redefining and democratizing fashion through her timeless, ready-to-wear collection. With a focus on empowering women to exude confidence and style from day to night, Pinto’s innovative "deconstructed couture" method combines luxury with comfort and functionality. With notable achievements such as dressing Michelle Obama in 2007, being awarded both an honorary doctorate and the Legends of Fashion award from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as launching M2057 by Maria Pinto, Pinto continues to shape the fashion landscape. Her craftsmanship continues to explore new boundaries every year while upholding her vision of helping women build smart, effortless style systems that allow their individuality to shine.
Women, Fashion, Power, Sustainability, Community
URBAN DESIGNER
Paola Aguirre Serrano
Paola Aguirre Serrano, a native of the US-Mexico border region, urban designer and partner at Borderless Studio in Chicago and San Antonio, leads innovative and collaborative projects promoting spatial justice and equitable design. Recognized for her contributions, she received the Emerging Voices Award (2022) from The Architecture League of New York, the Perez Prize in Public Art and Civic Design by Americans for the Arts (2022), and the Creative Placemaking Award (2022) from the John and Catherine MacArthur Foundation. Paola, a civic design steward, previously served as Commissioner of Chicago Landmarks and currently advises the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Latino. She holds a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Civic Engagement, Urban Design, Spatial Justice, Social Infrastructure, Reimagining Abandoned Spaces
URBAN DESIGNER AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Ernie Wong
Ernie Wong, Founder and Principal of site design group, ltd., has been a leader in landscape architecture for over 33 years. Under his leadership, site design group, ltd. has become known for their creation of creative urban spaces, including Riverwalk East, Pioneer Court, Mary Bartelme Park and Henry Palmisano Park (Stearns Quarry). Wong, a Fellow of the ASLA and Chairman of the Chicago Landmarks Commission, seamlessly blends design excellence with a unique dedication to civic engagement. Through his innovative leadership at site design group, ltd. and numerous not-for-profit organizations, Wong continues to innovate, further shaping the landscape architecture profession while receiving recognition through awards such as the Chicago Tribune's “2010 Chicagoan of the Year”, the 2021 LAI Burnham Award, the 2021 Nat’l ASLA Community Service Award, and the 2022 March of Dimes Professional Services Award.
Landscape Architecture, Social Impact
Performances
SPOKEN WORLD POET, ENTREPRENEUR, & AWARD-WINNING MARKETER
Derrick L. Christian II
Derrick L. Christian II, a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and acclaimed spoken word poet, is known for inspiring audiences across the globe with his innovative contributions and mantra, ‘Move Forward In Style’. With performances ranging from intimate gatherings to full arenas, his spoken word artistry uplifts and empowers crowds of all sizes. As Director of Marketing & Brand Innovation at the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, and founder of a men's accessories line MR. SUITABLE, Christian combines his award-winning marketing strategies with intentional style to leave a positive, lasting mark on both the entertainment and fashion industries.
MAYAMBO DANCE ACADEMY
Del Dominguez & Samantha Guerrero
Del Dominguez and Samantha Guerrero, renowned Salsa performers, choreographers, and instructors, are the dynamic duo behind Mayambo Dance Academy. Located in the heart of Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, Mayambo connects Salsa lovers from all walks of life. Boasting over 40 years of combined expertise in dance, they are passionately committed to enriching the Afro-Latin dance scene in Chicago. By nurturing both aspiring social dancers and high-level performers, Dominguez and Guerrero offer a welcoming haven for the community to celebrate and delve into the beautiful art and design of Afro-Latin Dance.
mayambo.com ⏺ IG: @mayambodance ⏺ Facebook
Meet the exciting artists, collaborators, and performers you’ll experience during registration, intermission, and the celebration
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Patricia of Chicago
Curator of Global Sounds, Experience Artisan, and DJ
Tiktok: @patriciaofchicago -
Dwight White II
Multidisciplinary Creative and Artist
IG: @dwhite.originals
www.dwhiteart.com
Linkedin -
HAZE: Zac Hall & Adrian Stein
Installation Artist, Experiential Designer, and Digital Artists
IG: @art.haze.exe
TikTok: @art.haze.exe -
Jackson Jay Kidder, Doug Ferdinand, and Ryan Lehrman
Musician Trio: Bassist, Keys, and Drums
IG: @jacsonjkidder
jacksonjkidder.bandcamp.com -
Laura Cai
Singer, Keyboardist, Cellist, Guitarist, and Bassist
IG: @thelauracai
TikTok: @thelauracai
lauracai.com -
Sarah Whalen
Painter
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Sébastien Johnson
Painter
IG: @sflj_
TikTok: @sflj_
sebastienjohnson.com -
Windy indie
Classically Trained Violinist
IG: @windyindiemusic
YouTube: @WindyIndieMusic
windyindie.com
THE MART
Located in downtown Chicago: 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
The event will be held on Floor 2 of THE MART at Marshall’s Landing and the adjoining WorkLife Meetings Conference Space
HOW TO GET THERE & PARKING
Learn more about how to get to the Mart and parking information here. We’ll send out additional logistics and day-of event information the week of the event.
ACCESSIBILITY
TEDxChicago and The Mart are able to make accommodations. You can indicate any accessibility needs you may have when you purchase your ticket, and our team will work with you.
Experience Our Prior Events
Check out our prior event Archives from the menu above, including TEDxChicago 2023, browsing the photos below our our event gallery on Flickr, and by watching our event reels.
