TEDx Detroit was a rousing success!

: Preparing for a great conference.

: The Main Screen at TEDx Detroit

: In order to move the PowerWheels into the building without lifting it up the stairs, we had to drive it into a crowded elevator and go through a handicapped entrance.

: Awesome!

: TEDx Detroit 2012 was opened by an incredible drumline performance.

: W. Scott Richardson had a great time connecting with TEDx Detroit 2012 Labs organizers!

: John Sugg talks about i3 Detroit to a TEDx Detroit 2012 attendee.

: The giant Connect 4 was a huge draw! Congratulations to all the winners!

: The centerpiece of the Labs was the Table Full Of Lego

: Exhibitors had the opportunity to take advantage of snacks and other treats during the day.

: Getting ready to tour the G.A.R. building

: A view of the city through one of the top-floor windows of the GAR building.

: A view of the city through one of the top-floor windows of the GAR building.

: Kristine Devine watches the city through a fifth-floor window of the GAR building like a silent and brooding superheroine.

: The Gem Theater is momentarily empty between sessions.

: Valerie Sobczak, one of the Labs organizers, wanted to have a chance to drive around before we finished tearing down: I said ‘ok’, but in retrospect, I should have remembered she doesn’t have her permit yet…

: W. Scott Richardson and John Sugg end an exciting day at TEDx Detroit 2012

: Maria was volunteering for TEDx Detroit 2012 and we had a chance to talk at length about hackerspaces and how they change the city.

: Ted dropped by to help with takedown… which somehow involved driving the PowerWheels through a crowded and very surprised historic theater…

: The End of TEDx Detroit 2012, but the Beginning of a New Kind of Change. This was the end of an exciting and entertaining day! Go Detroit!

We’d like to thank everyone who came out and supported TEDx Detroit. The attendance was phenomenal this year, the speakers were insprational and forward-thinking, and the networking and collaboration environment is providing lift to the rise of Detroit across the nation and around the world. In addition to the traditional TED-style talks, participants were also taken on tour to view the rework-in-progress on the Grand Army of the Republic building: one of Detroit’s oldest and most historically impactful structures. On display in the TEDx Labs this year were several hacker- and maker-spaces including i3 Detroit, many with interactive and exciting crafts and hands-on items.

We ended up having about 120 people stop by at various points throughout the day and talk with us about i3 Detroit and what makes it different from other hackerspaces around the Metro area. Interest in tours and membership was high, and we’re thrilled to have the possibility to show new visitors what the space is all about in person! Many of the projects we brought along were a great hit, including the ammo-can speakers, ChronoTune, Racing PowerWheels, and the Giant Connect 4.

In addition to spending time with the attendees, we also spent quite a bit of time talking with and getting to know the organizers, staff, and volunteers of TEDx Detroit. Contratulations on a great conference, and we are looking forward to next year!