TEDsters –

The big day is almost here! TEDxDetroit 2018 kicks off bright and early 8am Wednesday morning at the historic Masonic Theatre in Detroit. Here are a few answers to the questions we've been receiving:

What time does this shindig start?  Get here at right at 8am. There's plenty to see, hear and do before the first speaker takes the stage at 9am. See the schedule below.

Is lunch included?  No. Lunch will NOT be provided. There are plenty of food options in walking distance – including a food truck rally featuring Detroit Taco Factory, Motor City Franks, Stockyard Detroit, Chicken Coupe, Comfort Café, Crepe Day Twah and the Heroes vs. Villains Van right across the street from the Masonic. Founders Brewery and Detroit Shipping Company are both just a block away. The Masonic concession stands will be open as well.

I can't find my ticket!  Check your spam folder. Receipts were sent automagically as you purchased them. If we charged your credit card, your name badge will be waiting for you at the door.

Parking?  There are several lots surrounding the Masonic. Pricing varies day-to-day. Plan on $10-$20 for parking.

Should I bring cash?  Yes. And a credit card. Bring money to pay for parking, snacks, lunch, t-shirts, the after party and a few optional surprises.

Can I buy extra tickets at the door or bring a friend?  Yes (until we sell out – just a few). Bring a credit card or cash (exact change is appreciated). Tickets at the door are $125.

What's the hashtag?  Plenty of folks will be sharing the action and ideas on social media. Please use and tag @TEDxDetroit (always capitalize TED lowercase x initial cap Detroit no spaces between) when mentioning the conference on social media. Use the #TEDx hashtag (people around the world follow this hashtag) and #Detroit hashtag if there's room (spread good news about Detroit).

WiFi  WiFi is available if we all play nice. Please, no streaming. Turn off our auto updates on Dropbox and iTunes. Bring a power strip and make a friend.

Will there be a livestream?  Yes. We'll link the stream from TEDxDetroit.com, but there's no substitute for experiencing the talks, performances, labs, and tours in person.

Can I get a t-shirt?  Yes. TEDxDetroit hats, t-shirts ($20) and hoodies ($40) will be available for sale at the event.

Is there an after party?  Yes. We'll be hanging out at Founders Brewery and Detroit Shipping Company after the show. They will be plenty of delicious food and drink available for purchase.

Who is putting this whole shebang together?  A big team of talented folks who love our city, our state, business, innovation, and art. You can meet the producers (http://www.tedxdetroit.com/producers/) and sponsors (http://www.tedxdetroit.com/sponsors/) on our website. Say thank you when you have a chance.

What's the schedule?  The day is packed. Come early with an open mind. Stay late with new friends and ideas.

Wednesday, September 26  Doors to the public open at 8am.  - Arrival experience with artists David Zinn, John Sauve, and Mark Sarmel creating live plus dancer Mehdi Arshed performing  Session One at 9am in the Masonic Theatre. Speakers & performers include:  - Roop Raj  - Mahmoud “Moody” Mattan  - Ravina Kullar  - Mikhaella Norwood  - Greg Gage  - Undra Mack II & Austin Mack  - Cyrus Mistry  - Musique Noire  - Stuart MacDonald  - Felicia Bowers, Bassie Shemtov & Anthony Marcellini  Break at 11am  - TEDxLabs exhibits in the Fountain Ballroom and Crystal Ballroom  - Food Truck Rally  Session Two at 1pm in the Masonic Theatre. Speakers & performers include:  - Mahogany Jones  - Alex Linebrink  - Kinetic Affect  - Alina Morse  - Kate Biberdorf  - Jemele Hill & Kelley Carter  - Libby DeCamp  - Grace Hsia  Break at 2:30  - TEDxLabs exhibits in the Fountain Ballroom and Crystal Ballroom  Session Three at 4pm in the Masonic Theatre. Speakers & performers include:  - Bob Waltenspiel & David Phillips  - Trevor Pawl  - Cheryl Angelelli & Tamerlan Gadirov  - Roula David  - Amer Zahr  - Nick Speed & The Cass Tech Marching Band  - Ali Dirul  - Chris & Jenny McCuiston  - John Dunivant & Theatre Bizzare  - Melissa Butler  - Shawn Lee  After Parties at 6pm  - Detroit Shipping Company (cash food and bar)  - Founders Brewing (cash food and bar)

Thanks again for being a part of TEDxDetroit 2018. It's going to be an inspiring day in Detroit. Looking forward to seeing you bright and early Wednesday morning.