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).

Hogg Memorial Auditorium
2300 Whitis Ave
Austin, Texas, 78705
United States

Bavu Blakes

Bavu Blakes is a Scholar Emcee at the forefront of merging Hip Hop, education, and spirituality. As an award-winning middle school Humanities instructor and founder of the Hip Hop Grew Up educational agency, he crafts keynote speeches, interactive learning sessions, and multimedia projects. Bavu advocates for a dynamic approach to education, aiming to revolutionize learning. Rejecting traditional notions of education, Bavu advocates for a more dynamic approach, aiming to revolutionize learning as part of what he calls the "Netflix of education." With a decade of experience designing and delivering professional learning experiences, Bavu is renowned for his innovative incorporation of theatrical, musical, and lyrical elements into teaching. His academic research on humanities instruction and student-driven assemblies has been recognized at national conferences and published by prestigious presses. Originally drawn to Austin, Texas, for journalism, Bavu found fame as a regional rap artist, making history as the first emcee in the city to have a song officially added to daytime commercial radio. His musical prowess, with collaborations with Grammy-winning producers like Adrian Quesada and Gary Clark Jr., earned him recognition, including "Bavu Blakes Day" declared by Austin Mayor Steve Adler in 2015. Blakes serves his wife, Dr. Tifani Jones Blakes, and their two children. He and his 12-year-old son co-authored El's Mirror, a picture book and reflective tool for families, parents, mentors, leaders, and educators of children.

Heather Morgan

Recently named one of the Top 50 Women in Global Cinema, Dr. Heather Morgan has spent her career putting the principles of Industrial-Organizational psychology to work within all facets of the entertainment industry. Having spent over a decade in executive roles with some of the industry’s most prominent theatrical exhibition companies, her expertise spans leadership development, operational excellence, content acquisition, strategic partnerships and business development. She has been featured in numerous publications and podcasts including Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Boxoffice Magazine, Celluloid Junkie, Ticket to Ride, Exploring Potential, and more. She is currently serving as Chief of Staff & Strategy with Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas as well as President of the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, making her the first female to hold the position in the charity’s 80-plus year history.

Kareem El-Ghayesh

Kareem El-Ghayesh, originally from Cairo, Egypt, cultivated his love for cooking from a young age, inspired by family gatherings and time spent in the kitchen with his mother. Despite pursuing a career in banking after graduating from Cairo University in 2009, his passion for food persisted. A transformative trip to Austin in 2012 fueled his obsession with barbecue, prompting him to experiment with smoking meats back home. This journey eventually led him to leave banking behind in 2016 and settle permanently in Austin, Texas, where he immersed himself in the city's vibrant culinary scene. Enrolling in culinary school at Austin Community College and gaining experience at various establishments including Kerlin BBQ, Valentina’s, Lamberts, and Salt & Time, El-Ghayesh honed his skills while infusing his Egyptian heritage into his cooking. After years of hosting private dinners and pop-ups, he realized his dream in October 2022 with the opening of KG BBQ, blending traditional Texas barbecue with Egyptian flavors in dishes like his signature brisket rice bowl.

Melody Afkami

Passionate about sharing the life-changing power of dance–– CEO and founder of Melody DanceFit, Melody Afkami has pioneered a new class experience that transcends traditional fitness and dance. Notorious for her humorous and inspirational message to focus on the mental release of dance, Melody's online community has now reached millions. Melody DanceFit was the first dance fitness brand in Austin to rent out local concert venues and bars in lieu of the traditional studio. What started out as a small ten person class quickly grew into events of a hundred plus people–– selling out venues all over town. From her disco-lit classes to flashmobs around the city, Melody has cultivated a following that is hooked to her message of self-acceptance, joy and transformation. With an emphasis on women empowerment and philanthropy, her company, since its founding, donates to the international nonprofit Dress For Success. Afkami has been named ClassPass "Instructor Of The Year" four consecutive years, has taught for international conferences and festivals, including SXSW and ACL, and she's also worked with companies such as Lululemon, Facebook, Bumble, and Google. Melody's life mission is to take the intimidation out of dance to help people unlock their power within, and her viral YouTube video 'Havana' boasting over 40 million views certainly proves that.

Merlin Tuttle

Merlin Tuttle is an ecologist, wildlife photographer, and conservationist who has studied bats and championed their preservation for more than 60 years and continues a full-time schedule. He is globally known through his scientific discoveries, media appearances, popular articles, and photographs of bats. Thanks to Merlin's life-long and continued dedication, Austin is a world leader in demonstrating that bats make invaluable and safe neighbors; bats are now a staple of Austin’s culture. His impact has been recognized by Mayor Steve Adler declaring Merlin’s birthday, August 26th, Merlin Tuttle Day. Merlin founded Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation (MTBC) in 2014, where he is currently active. Merlin also founded and led Bat Conservation International for nearly 30 years before leaving in 2009. Through MTBC, Merlin continues to provide the world's finest bat photo gallery and the most up-to-date responses to exaggerated disease speculation about bats. This is also the only place to access his unique expertise or support his work. At age 82, he is still passionately teaching the world to understand and appreciate the vital roles of bats. Merlin’s work has been featured in expositions from Harvard University to the British Museum and in numerous feature articles that include the Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, and National Geographic. Since founding MTBC, he has continued his worldwide efforts from Brunei, Bulgaria, and Cambodia, to Taiwan, and Thailand, and from Brazil, Chile, and the Vatican to South Africa and beyond. Like bats or not, we need them! And we bet you will like them after learning what Merlin has to share about these mysterious but invaluable animals. To learn more and support his work visit MerlinTuttle.org.