In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Figge Museum of Art - John Deere Auditorium
225 W 2nd St
Davenport, Iowa, 52801
United States

Altease Ramsey

Altease Ramsey, also know as alteasethepoet, Is a 22 year old writer and poet. He was born in Chicago and lived there until he was 8, months before his 9th birthday he and his family moved to Moline, Illinois. Growing up without a father and being the youngest of the siblings he had a great responsibility as being a care giver to the one who gave him life. On the third day of September in 2016, he lost his mother. Afterwards he fell in a major depression, where he seen days turned into weeks of barely eating and sleeping. He experienced months of not leaving the house and sulking in guilt and drowning in depression. After picking up a journal from the local dollar store he began pouring his heart out into the pages and began rhyming sentences he developed a love for song writing and poetry. Poetry became a coping mechanism for his pain and hurt. He now uses poetry to shine light on the darkest days he faced and inspires the people who lend an ear to listen.

Chrissy Weems

Origami Owl co-founder, visionary, speaker, entrepreneur, wife of 25 years, and mother of five children. Chrissy Weems graduated at the top of her class at Arizona State University, while she worked as an interior designer and artist. Following a suggestion by her 14-year old daughter, they turned a shared passion of making jewelry into a business, building a community of 30,000 designers. She was also named one of “The Most Influential Women in Direct Selling” by Direct Selling News.

Christopher Britton

Christopher Britton is the Director of YouthHope’s M.A.D. Skills outreach program. He has inspired hundreds of youth by engaging them in a relevant model of creative expression. Utilizing the elements of hip-hop and poetry, Chris teaches creative writing at Thurgood Marshall Learning Center. His approach provides academic enrichment and promotes social- emotional learning.

Dan Bush

Dan Bush is a serial entrepreneur from Davenport, Iowa who has created two arcade bars, a barbecue restaurant, a small music venue/whiskey bar, a grilled cheese food truck, a t-shirt that pokes fun at his hometown, and a comedy/music/pro wrestling festival that took place in a barn. But before any of that, he cut his teeth in the exciting world of fast food.

Jeff Wallace

Jeff Wallace spent a large part of his life studying the effects of the criminal justice system and procedures on at-risk youth. First, as one of them, and then, through his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Criminal Justice, along with his current pursuit of a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Administration. Jeff is driven to change the way youth offenders are sentenced, and enable them to find their true path.

John Merikoski

John Merikoski has been playing drums since he was nine years old. From this early age, he knew he loved making music and performing. John attended the University of Illinois on a full-ride jazz percussion scholarship, and joined an Americana band called The Way Down Wanderers, where he began playing the spoons. He tours all across America, Canada, and the U.K.

Lindsay O'Brien

Artist called LO (Lindsay O’Brien) is a storyteller who uses color and lines to bond with other humans. Turning her love of art into a career, her work has been featured on The Tonight Show, TeenVouge and more. She sees her art as a form of therapy and a way to connect with others.

Lisa Heaton

Lisa Heaton is a woman on a mission to keep our planet’s breathtaking views untarnished. As a self-proclaimed nature advocate, Lisa attempts to spread awareness to anyone willing to listen. She has founded an organization, QC Pollution Solution, focused on traveling to all 50 states to free the planet of litter.

Mark Salisbury

Mark holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education, and served in various roles at five universities. He has written for the Chronicle of Higher Education and been featured on NPR. After stints as a musician and an improvisational comic, Mark is now an entrepreneur and the CEO of TuitionFit.

Matt Stutzman

Matt’s original interest in marksmanship began when he learned to shoot a gun, and then taught himself to shoot a penny at 50 yards away. He took a bow and arrow so as to join his father while hunting. Eventually, it became his passion and evolved into his dream to become the world’s best archer. His remarkable story has captured the attention of the media around the world.

Sarah Stevens

Sarah Stevens left a career in corporate healthcare in 2016, and two years later launched The Beautiful Project. Using the power of collective storytelling, the Project invites women to challenge body and beauty expectations, and hopes to create a world where women are free to move with substance and strength.

Steve Sinner

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Steve’s early interest in woodworking led to a degree in Industrial Education from Iowa State University, followed by a 33-year career in industry and social services facilities management. After reading a woodturning publication, he turned a woodworking hobby into a woodturning career in 1998. He now works out of his home studio in Bettendorf, Iowa.