About this Event
SURPRISE YOURSELF.
Life gives us plenty to think about. Here's a day to think differently. To lighten your load.
On December 1, take your curiosity out for a day - to TEDxBethesdaPlay.
Eight remarkable voices. Eight unexpected takes on PLAY. One extraordinary day.
Inspired by the world-renowned TED talks, TEDx brings bold ideas and compelling talent to independently organized local events. And there's nothing quite like experiencing those ideas together at The Writers Center!
Here's What Awaits You
Seasoned Talent. Award-winning artists, authors and original thinkers who know how to captivate an audience.
Fresh Perspectives. Bold ideas that challenge assumptions, spark new questions and open new doors.
Delightful Surprises. Moments that make you smile, wonder and see something familiar in a whole new light.
Stimulating Company. Curious minds, lively exchanges and connections that inspire you.
The Thrill of Being There. Good company, shared discoveries and the pleasure of mixing it up in real time.
TEDxBethesdaPlay
December 1, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Writers Center | Bethesda, Maryland
Tickets: $125
Meet Three of Our Eight Speakers
Eric Byrd - Internationally acclaimed jazz pianist and composer. Improvisation is his art. Expect a fresh riff on possibility.
Sam Horn - Bestselling author and celebrated speaker. A master of making ideas intriguing and curiosity contagious.
Melanie Choukas-Bradley - Award-winning nature author and Smithsonian guide that makes the wild a best friend.
Plus five more amazing voices, including Kelly Donahue, PhD, John Windmueller, PhD, Chris Combs, Irene Alby and Lysa Ratliff - with fresh takes on PLAY (see bios and links in the SPEAKERS section below).
The talks will ripple out on the TEDx YouTube channel in early 2027. But the delights of the day belong to those in the room.
BE A SPARK. Suprise yourself. See what happens!
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 04:00 PM
TEDxBethesdaPlay
Info: COME ON IN - Arrive. Settle in. Meet the room. Notice what catches your eye. OPENING SET - Fresh voices. Big ideas. Plenty to explore. MIX IT UP - Lunch. New faces. Good talk. Follow the thread. SECOND SET - More voices. New angles. Widen the view. SWEET FINISH - Dessert. Conversation. What stays with you? YOU'RE PART OF THE MIX. The talks may bring you here. But being here is part of the story! This is a shared, in-person experience. Listen. Wonder. Meet someone new. Follow a thread over lunch. Pick it up again over something sweet.
Event venue & nearby stays
The Writers Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda, United States
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