TEDx talks discuss technology, entertainment, science

Are you craving insightful conversation? What about some thought-provoking deep discussion about technology, entertainment, design, science and art?

For those in search a day of learning, you're in luck.

The second annual TEDxSalem is finally here, with an entire day chock-full of fascinating topics discussed by 14 different innovators and leaders from around the Northwest.

Topics of the event will include brain science, music therapy, the autistic mind, bitcoins, augmented reality storytelling, memes, aquaponics, synaesthesia, darknets and the future of wearable computers.

This year's theme is "Moxie," which is defined in the Meriam Webster Dictionary as the ability to be active; courage or determination.

Carlee Wright, entertainment reporter at the Statesman Journal is a co-curator for TEDxSalem. She and a team of other volunteers have been working to put the event together for more than six months and is eager to see how it all comes together.

"I am excited about all aspects of the event, the speakers, recess activities, and entertainment, but even more so, to see what happens after TEDxSalem," Wright said. "To see the impact the event has on the attendees and the community as a whole. TEDxSalem aims to spark conversations and make connections. I experienced it through TEDxSalem last year, as well as other TED and TEDx events I have attended. These events have caused me to think, challenged my beliefs and expanded my horizons, but most of all inspired me to be actively involved in my — our — community."

TED, which stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design is a nonprofit organization devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of powerful talks that last for 18 minutes or less. TED started as a conference in California 30 years ago and has grown to support those world-changing ideas with many initiatives.

TEDxSalem

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Doors open at 8 a.m.

Where: Historic Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE

Cost: $50, includes lunch and snacks

Tickets: Available at the Elsinore Theatre box office, tedxsalem.us or Ticketswest.com. Tickets will be available at the door until 8:45 a.m. Saturday.

Information:tedxsalem.us

Speakers for the event

• Jessica Amos, storyteller and yoga instructor

• Roger Anunsen, brain science pioneer

• Jonathan Chase, mentor and advocate for those on the autism spectrum

• Mark Frohnmayer, game developer turned clean-tech entrepreneur

• Travis Jank, computer consultant

• Devon Lyon, film producer, director and editor

• Catherine Miller, blind artist

• Andrew Senner, aquaponics innovator

• Jefferson Smith, radio host of "Thank You Democracy"

• Danne Stayskal, synaesthesiac

• Richard Surroz, instructor and computer consultant

• Simon Tam, writer, public speaker and founder and bassist for Asian American band The Slants

• Kyle Terry, computer programmer and historian

• Jodi Winnwalker, clinical social worker and board certified music therapist