Just one week ago Detroit entrepreneurs, musicians, comedians, nerds, artists and doers congregated at the Fox Theater for TEDxDetroit 2015 to share their new ideas, inventions and points-of-view. It was a day filled with explosions, standing ovations and tears.
I was lucky enough to get asked to help my fellow Franconians, Stephanie Casola and Marie Stawasz with the PR efforts the day-off the event. Picture backstage access, VIP seating and face time with speakers.
So to commemorate my first-ever TEDxDetroit, enjoy these moments from the show – crowd favorites, most-shocking and some inspiring. If you weren’t able to attend, or if you’d like to re-watch any talks, TEDxDetroit plans on posting links on their website sometime in November.
1. Charles Gibson aka “The Exploder” from the Michigan Science Center causally BLEW THINGS UP during his talk.
Charles Gibson just dropped the mic at #TEDxDetroit. pic.twitter.com/7AYF7W18zG
— Franco PR Group (@FrancoPRGroup) October 8, 2015
2. Detroit Director, Stephen McGee showed off some of his new toys.
Director @stephenmcgee showing #Detroit the real meaning of the “T” in @TEDx. #drone pic.twitter.com/MX7EgkBgKG — Franco PR Group (@FrancoPRGroup) October 8, 2015
3. Organization for Bat Conservation‘s, Rob Miles surprised us with a different kind of flying object.
Bats on stage. This might be a @TEDx first. #TEDxDetroit pic.twitter.com/KxdyEU1px1
— Franco PR Group (@FrancoPRGroup) October 8, 2015
4. Music performances by Alicia Michilli, Tunde Olaniran and Ahya Simone and Shelby 5 kept the TEDxDetroit crowd pumped up.
The lovely @AliciaMichilli at #TEDxDetroit. pic.twitter.com/K4tiC7HdTy — Franco PR Group (@FrancoPRGroup) October 8, 2015
.@tundeolaniran and @goddessahya performing “Everyone’s Missing” at #TEDXDetroit. pic.twitter.com/L00EHtDqsW — Franco PR Group (@FrancoPRGroup) October 8, 2015
Shelby 5 rockin’ @TheFoxTheatre. #TEDxDetroit pic.twitter.com/6HFIcUf8J4 — Franco PR Group (@FrancoPRGroup) October 8, 2015
5. Detroit native, Aaron Foley made some great points about old Detroit vs. the new Detroit and how we need to come together as one.
Let’s get back to just being Detroit. @AaronKFoley #truth #TEDxDetroit pic.twitter.com/EQRYyLUYXD — Rev. John Miller (@RevJohnMiller) October 8, 2015
6. Speed painting pair, Dave Santia and Sarah Kay created a Beatles portrait, in front of the TEDxDetroit live audience in just SEVEN MINUTES.
Created in 7 minutes on stage. Incredible #tedxdetroit pic.twitter.com/EilWMbWYmo — Valerie (@Valerie322) October 8, 2015
7. Sixteen-year-old high school senior and inventor of the “Wheelchair Stroller”, Alden Kane had the crowd on their feet during his on-stage interview with TEDxDetroit board member, Charlie Wollborg.
“Detroit is a city of people who care.” – @alden_kane #TEDxDetroit #truth — TEDxDetroit (@TEDxDetroit) October 8, 2015
8. Comedian, writer and professor Amer Zahr did a bit about what it’s like to be an Arab American.
Powerful words. “I love America, I really do. I just wish she would love me back.” – @AmerZahr, on being an Arab American. #TEDxDetroit — TEDxDetroit (@TEDxDetroit) October 8, 2015
9. Franco Account Manager, Stephanie Casola was recognized on stage for her PR work surrounding TEDxDetroit, but was too busy coordinating media interviews to hear any of it!
Our own @StephCasola got a shout out at #TEDxDetroit for her excellent #PR work! Too bad she was nowhere to be found… #PRLife — Franco PR Group (@FrancoPRGroup) October 8, 2015
Overall, you could say I was “over the moon” with the TEDxDetroit experience.
Franco’s Alexandria Fulbright and Stephanie Casola explore the TEDxDetroit labs at Hockeytown Cafe.
Did I leave out your favorite TEDxDetroit moment? Call me out in the comments!
Alex Fulbright is a digital marketing specialist at Franco Public Relations Group. You can reach her at 313-567-5085 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @AlexandriaFul and connect on LinkedIn.
