Tickets Now on Sale (buy now)

Early Bird Pricing $50 through September 30

October 21, 2023

Laurel Ridge Community College
Fauquier Campus

Welcome to TEDxWarrenton

TEDxWarrenton is a self-sustaining, volunteer-run, group with a license from TED to independently organize a local TED event. TEDxWarrenton was established in 2021 for spreading new ideas and connecting a community within Fauquier County eager to grow their impact on the world. We welcome and champion those who want to challenge the status quo and drive change. TEDx is a platform that amplifies the ideas of change makers; a forum to foster new perspectives, and a community committed to challenging its members to be better.

TEDx is a showcase for speakers presenting great, well-formed ideas in under 18 minutes. Why under 18 minutes? This short talk model works, since it only demands the audience’s attention for a short period of time, decreasing the chance of minds wandering or daydreaming about lunch.

TEDxWarrenton 2023 Event

The inaugural 2022 TEDxWarrenton was a great success. This event would not have been possible with out the great volunteer team, and the fabulous partners. We are happy to announce that we have been approved for TEDxWarrenton 2023. The event is scheduled for Saturday October 21 at Laurel Ridge Community College in Warrenton VA. Tickets will go on sale the second week of August.

2023 TEDxWarrenton Speaker Line-up

After reviewing 115 applications, we are proud to announce our 12 speakers for TEDxWarrenton 2023.We are delighted to have curated a diverse program that showcases a range of thought-provoking ideas and perspectives to play a significant role in shaping an enriching experience for our audience. It was our goal to select talks that will not only inspire but also leave a lasting impact on our attendees, who are eager to engage with “Ideas worth Spreading.”

Hover over a speaker’s picture and the topic of their talk will be displayed. Click on their picture and you see their bio.

Alex Kershaw

Journalist, Author, Speaker

Topic: Uniting Future Generations Through Inspirational History By telling stories of Americans in WWII we can foster pride, inspire and unite.

Alex Kershaw

Journalist, Author, Speaker

Topic: Uniting Future Generations Through Inspirational History By telling stories of Americans in WWII we can foster pride, inspire and unite.

Daphne Latimore

Human Capital Strategist

Topic: Humanizing AI - the role of PEOPLE in digital transformation

Daphne Latimore

Human Capital Strategist

Topic: Humanizing AI - the role of PEOPLE in digital transformation

Alexander Olesen

Climate Tech Entrepreneur and Vertical Farmer

Topic: Remotely managed Micro-Farms are the next frontier for urban agriculture

Alexander Olesen

Climate Tech Entrepreneur and Vertical Farmer

Topic: Remotely managed Micro-Farms are the next frontier for urban agriculture

Lisa David Olson

(Practically) World Famous Business Humorist & Interactive Speaker

Topic: Tips from the stage to enhance real life communication.

Lisa David Olson

(Practically) World Famous Business Humorist & Interactive Speaker

Topic: Tips from the stage to enhance real life communication.

Patricia Bartell

Visionary Igniter

Topic: Instead of taking a one side fits all “method” approach to musical education, teachers need to find ways to incorporate creativity and self-expression into a student’s initial engagement with their instrument.

Patricia Bartell

Visionary Igniter

Topic: Instead of taking a one side fits all “method” approach to musical education, teachers need to find ways to incorporate creativity and self-expression into a student’s initial engagement with their instrument.

Paul Perrone

Roboticist / Entrepreneur

Topic: By fusing GPT AI with autonomous vehicle software, we explore how we can unleash the power of adaptability, accelerate progress towards full autonomy, and reshape the future of transportation.

Paul Perrone

Roboticist / Entrepreneur

Topic: By fusing GPT AI with autonomous vehicle software, we explore how we can unleash the power of adaptability, accelerate progress towards full autonomy, and reshape the future of transportation.

Glenn Quader

Conductor/Bassist

Topic: IMAGINE: Creating relevancy for the Symphony orchestra in a digital age

Glenn Quader

Conductor/Bassist

Topic: IMAGINE: Creating relevancy for the Symphony orchestra in a digital age

Harish and Himal Bikmal

Chief Empowerment Officer

Topic: Using the art of people impacted by autism in engaging ways to boost inclusive culture in the workplace and society and uplift the lives of the artists!

Harish and Himal Bikmal

Chief Empowerment Officer

Topic: Using the art of people impacted by autism in engaging ways to boost inclusive culture in the workplace and society and uplift the lives of the artists!

Courtney Sexton

Canine Scientist & Creative Writer

Topic: Dogs are People, Too.

Courtney Sexton

Canine Scientist & Creative Writer

Topic: Dogs are People, Too.

Ken Falke

Philanthropist

Topic: Transforming our nation’s mental health crisis with the proven science of Posttraumatic Growth on personal and societal levels.

Ken Falke

Philanthropist

Topic: Transforming our nation’s mental health crisis with the proven science of Posttraumatic Growth on personal and societal levels.

Lisa Alcindor

Founder / Astronaut Candidate

Topic: Science and Technology behind Living in Space

Lisa Alcindor

Founder / Astronaut Candidate

Topic: Science and Technology behind Living in Space

Ashleigh Clyde

Youth Advocate, Journalist, Award-Winning Public Speaker

Topic: "Willy Wonka's Worst Nightmare," explores the insidious tactics corporations use to target vulnerable children for profit, drawing parallels between the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and real-world corporate practices, and proposes solutions to combat this issue.

Ashleigh Clyde

Youth Advocate, Journalist, Award-Winning Public Speaker

Topic: "Willy Wonka's Worst Nightmare," explores the insidious tactics corporations use to target vulnerable children for profit, drawing parallels between the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and real-world corporate practices, and proposes solutions to combat this issue.

Steven Shepard

Author, Husband, Perpetually Tired Grandfather

Topic: The biggest company-killer on the planet is complacency. I know how to prevent it.

Steven Shepard

Author, Husband, Perpetually Tired Grandfather

Topic: The biggest company-killer on the planet is complacency. I know how to prevent it.

2023 TEDxWarrenton Alternate Speakers

In addition to our 12 speakers for TEDxWarrenton 2023, we selected three alternates. The alternates play a vital role in the event. In the case of any unforeseen circumstances where a confirmed speaker may not be able to participate, the alternate has to be ready to step in and share their talk on the TEDxWarrenton stage. The alternates go through the same preparation as the confirmed speakers.

Sharon Krasny

Author and Educator

Topic: When we let go of our preconceived ideas, we can begin to see the value in listening to each other.

Sharon Krasny

Author and Educator

Topic: When we let go of our preconceived ideas, we can begin to see the value in listening to each other.

Marianne Clyde

Leader/Inspirer of Women

Topic: Women are meant to shine like a Supernova, burning brighter as their lives draw near to the end

Marianne Clyde

Leader/Inspirer of Women

Topic: Women are meant to shine like a Supernova, burning brighter as their lives draw near to the end

2023 TEDxWarrenton Partners

TEDxWarrenton 2023, would not be possible without sponsorships. TEDx sponsorships looks very different from the traditional sponsorship you usually see at a conference or event. The diversity of the topics presented, and the diversity of the attendees creates a remarkable and engaging experience. The TEDxWarrenton event is a place in the community that inspires people to change their lives, futures and, ultimately, the world.

Boulder Crest Foundation

Platinum Sponsor

Boulder Crest understands trauma and stress. We know that traumatic stress is debilitating. Our mission is to help struggling veterans, first responders, and their families rediscover hope, purpose, and a belief in a future that is truly worth living.

Boulder Crest Foundation

Platinum Sponsor

Boulder Crest understands trauma and stress. We know that traumatic stress is debilitating. Our mission is to help struggling veterans, first responders, and their families rediscover hope, purpose, and a belief in a future that is truly worth living.

Virginia Business Magazine

Virginia Business Magazine