When we explore our world, a lot of what we find could be considered absurd. Let’s seek out the absurdity around us and see what we learn, together.

What do I need to know about you?​
Eric Karlan, Educator / Author​

College admissions officers want to learn the answers to this question when high school students submit their college application essays. Furthermore, embracing and expressing your answers to “What do I need to know about you?” is invaluable for people of all ages, not just for interviews and applications, or even personal and professional relationships, but for happiness and well-being. Eric has published articles on sports, wildlife, Lyme disease, and the Holocaust. He co-founded a global education company and has spent the past decade guiding students and families through the college preparation process. 
How to rethink age as a benefit not a barrier​.
Gillian Larson, RN/Speaker / Event Planner​

What holds you back from reaching your true potential: your age or your attitude and the expectations you believe the world demands? Instead of seeing age as a barrier, what if we viewed age and experiences as building blocks to create our future? This guiding belief has opened worlds of possibilities for Gillian Larson, including the opportunity to star in the Reality TV show Survivor at the age of 61. It also gave her the outlook she needed to reinvent her life after she was kicked off the show six days later. On stage, Gillian shares her insatiable appetite for challenge and adventure, inspiring and challenging audiences of all ages never to let age keep you from what you want to achieve. In fact, age might be the very factor that catapults you to new opportunities. Gillian Larson was born and raised in South Africa and now lives in California. She is married and has 3 married daughters and seven grandchildren. She worked as an RN for 38 years and is very involved in her community and taps into her many life experiences creating ongoing new chapters in her life to make a difference in the lives of others. One of Gillian’s significant achievements was being selected for the TV Show Survivor at the age of 61 in 2008, which she has parlayed into many opportunities, such as creating Reality Rally a 3-day fundraising event for a cancer resource center raising thousands of dollars every year.​
What high school taught me about suicide, acceptance, and community.
Isaac Rosenbaum, Social Activist / Author​

Isaac Rosenbaum shares his experience in high school, and what he learned about the effects of community and inclusivity in the lives of his peers who were bullied, mistreated, or struggled with mental health.  Isaac has organized several large events encouraging social change and human connection. He has authored a book about doing things outside our comfort zones.
Taming Conversation
Jack Park, Computer Scientist

We believe it is possible to tame online conversations which go off the rails, in order to solve complex problems, both local and global. Jack has spent the last 30 years exploring applications of artificial intelligence to assisting humans in problem solving. Since 2010, he has been engaged in the evolution of the non-profit TopicQuests Foundation to facilitate serious online conversations about matters that matter, a process called Knowledge Gardening. ​
Beautiful Cancer / How to Overcome a Cancer Diagnosis
Jami Buchanan McNees, Author / Cancer Survivor​

There is something beautiful to be found in every situation. You just need to look for it. For Jami, receiving a Cancer diagnosis was no different. She knew there would be something amazing to experience through her diagnosis. Jami shares her story and discovery that there was something beautiful about her Cancer Journey every day. Jami Buchanan McNees is a Health Insurance Agent and BEAUTIFUL CANCER Author. She values the privilege to share conversation and hope with new Cancer Patients, Survivors and Thrivers. No one should face Cancer alone. She considers herself to be the most fortunate woman in the world.
Have you Found Your Superhero Power?
Jarred Vermillion, Child Advocate​

What if I told you, the most powerful therapeutic intervention known to humankind was sitting right next to you? An average, everyday, next-door neighbor can be someone's superhero. Changing communities through a Wraparound informed lens leader and expert, Jarred Vermillion, will take you on a journey of discovery, showcasing how everyday superheroes can change the world around us using authentic engagement, individualized and needs-driven planning and creating teams for children, youth, families and communities. This concept can reach and help those in the toughest circumstances across the world. "Jarred Vermillion is a transformation champion, educator and keynote speaker. Leading by his heart and motivation for change in the child welfare system and qualified by experience (QBE) for successful navigation of multiple systems, he has fueled many avenues for community impact. Currently at UC Davis Resource Center for Family Focused Practice, he is President and Founder of Vermillion Life Circle Consulting (VLCC) and is currently building a Wraparound informed diversion program for Temecula Valley youth called VIBE (Victory in Behavior Education). His knowledge and recognition as a California Wraparound Champion shines as he is a leader in shifting and innovating practice across Human Services to tomorrow's innovation. 
The Power of Knowing Who Made Your Clothes
Kohl Crecelius, Social Entrepreneur​

It has been proven time and again that fast fashion is harmful to our planet and the people who are a part of the manufacturing process, but there is an even larger issue at stake.  Social entrepreneur Kohl Crecelius argues that the negative consequences of fast fashion are only a symptom to an even greater humanitarian crisis we face: our own lack on humanity.

Though it serves as an example of this problem, fashion and apparel are also uniquely positioned to be part of the solution for building a shared sense of humanity and better connecting our world.  Kohl and his company KNOWN SUPPLY have worked for over a decade to use technology and production partnerships to celebrate the makers of the clothes they sell. Every shirt or apparel item they sell is hand-signed by the person who made it and by visiting the KNOWN SUPPLY website shoppers can learn more about the specific person who made their product.

Through these one-to-one connections and an intentional approach to collaboration within the industry, KNOWN SUPPLY is modeling how fashion can be leveraged to help humanity instead of simply taking advantage of it.  This is ethical fashion, not fast fashion.

Kohl Crecelius has over a decade of experience as a social entrepreneur in the fashion industry.  Through his work as CEO / Co-founder of KNOWN SUPPLY and Krochet Kids intl. he has worked to highlight the forgotten individuals behind the clothing we wear, as well as raise awareness to shoppers about the impacts of their purchases. Ultimately, he has a vision to humanize the fashion industry in order to make it fairer for all involved.  His brands are distributed internationally through their website and retail partners. Their partner-driven approach to apparel is even helping other companies use their clothing to share this positive message of transparency and impact. 
A new wireless sensor network for agriculture communities
Reinier Van der Lee, Inventor / Vineyard Owner​

This talk is about a new wireless sensor network, owned and operated by wineries in the Temecula Valley. It is a showcase example of how technology can improve sustainable agriculture under changing climate conditions.

"Reinier is a named inventor in 17 issued patents. He founded Vinduino, a company specializing in precision irrigation for agriculture.

It has won the Hackaday 2015 ""Best Product"" prize, the IoT Award 2016 ""Editors Choice”, and the City of Temecula “Innovator of the Year 2018” award." ​

Thanks to our 2018 Partners

Thanks to the City of Temecula for their ongoing support of TEDxTemecula. Investment in quality of life has helped Temecula retain and attract both residents and quality jobs to our community — setting the stage for an excellent quality of life for both residents and companies is our business. 
The Inland Valley Business and Community Foundation (IVBCF) is a California non-profit corporation that provides a platform for local business owners to engage, promote and support the development of each other's businesses while fostering goodwill in the local community.
E.A.T Marketplace forages seasonal ingredients from Small Batch Artisan Producers and California’s best farms, ranches and fisherman (this includes beverages, wines and craft beers)! Most ingredients are Organic and GMO free- Sustainable, ethical and responsible sourcing is the forefront of all we do. Help us keep small business thriving, VOTE with your fork or glass!
Every day and around the world, Abbott is discovering new ways to make life better – creating more possibilities for more people through the power of health.
JDS Video & Media Productions, Inc. is a multi award winning full service video production multimedia solutions company: providing green marketing and communication services. We provide solutions for businesses in video, multimedia, marketing, advertising, training, communications, documentation, and client services. 
Potamus Press offers a full suite of products and services to meet your printing needs. Whether you are shopping for business cards, postcards, fliers, booklets, or  a host of other print products, we have the experience and state of the art digital printing equipment to produce it. Potamus Press is your connection to the power of print!
An award-winning web design and marketing firm, Modmacro partners with select small businesses to strategically grow their companies.
Jana Farella helps both buyers and sellers meet their real estate objectives. Jana has extensive knowledge of the communities in Temecula and Murrieta Valley, and she will work tirelessly on your behalf to make your next home buying or home selling experience a pleasant and successful one.

Pacific Sotheby's International Realty, CalBRE#01843651.
60 Grit Studios is a collection of creative thinkers, craftsmen and designers. We offer an array of innovative design and manufacturing services. Specializing in retail displays, theme environments, exhibits and experiential projects. Ultimately, our main objective is to turn our client’s vision into reality by creating extraordinary displays and environments that develop brand awareness and interaction.
Heather J. Keys is an internationally published and award-winning photographer based out of beautiful Temecula, CA. She and her trusted team at Heather J. Keys Photography specialize in engagement and wedding photography. They are also available for those looking to have lifestyle maternity, births, family and graduate portraits taken. Inspired by raw and organic beauty, all photographers capture your special moments with you in mind.
Triple Line Solar installs solar electric systems on residential and commercial applications throughout Southern California. We pride ourselves with the craftsmanship of our installations, the trustworthiness of our uniformed crews, and the constant communication we provide during your project.
Opto 22 has over 40 years of  industrial automation experience, manufactures all their control hardware and software right here in Temecula and sells worldwide. Customers use their products to monitor, control, and get data from all the machines and devices that are essential to their business.
Zoelife Photography & Graphic Design brings life to your business through portraiture, event photography, promotional photos, branding, logos, packaging and layouts. Every day is a photoshoot, capture the moment!
Palumbo Family Vineyards is proud to be a second-year California Certified Sustainable Vineyard and Winery, which helps showcase our commitment to our community, the environment and our dedication to producing quality wines. The 13 acre, 2500 case per year family-run winery has often been described as “boutique” but favors the term “artisanal” to describe the involvement and passion that goes into the daily operations.
Dunkin' Donuts is the world's leading baked goods and coffee chain, serving more than 3 million customers each and every day. True to our name, we offer 50+ varieties of donuts, but you can also enjoy dozens of premium beverages, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and other baked goods.​
RXBAR is a protein bar made with a short list of high quality, whole food ingredients. Zero added sugar with 12 grams of protein in 210 calories or less. Egg whites for protein. Dates to bind. Nuts for texture. Gluten free, soy free and dairy free, our core ingredients are all there for a reason. No free rides. No fillers. No B.S. Just good, clean food with 100% natural flavors. What you see is what you eat.