Speaker line-up announced for 2023 TEDxPerth Flagship Event

A double digit line up of speakers has been announced for the flagship TEDxPerth event in 2023, marking the return of nation’s second biggest TEDx event after a three-year hiatus.

The expanded format event is being staged at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre for the first time on Saturday 1 April, with TEDxPerth General Manager Nicole Riksman expecting the quality speaker line-up to attract a record attendance.

“Our speaker curation team has been working hard behind the scenes to identify 10 alluring speakers covering topics and subjects that have application to a broad audience,” she said.

“Given this is our first major WA event since 2019, we’re upping the ante to offer the people of Perth and Western Australia the chance to hear direct from some our State’s most interesting people and personalities, as well as some visiting speakers.”

Among the first release of speakers is highly respected Noongar elder and researcher Professor Leonard Collard who has spent a lifetime studying the meaning and importance of place names, WA Museum marine biologist Dr Nerida Wilson who uses facial recognition technology to research sea dragons, as well as renowned photographers Jarrad Seng and Lauren Crooke.

Astronomer Greg Quicke, affectionately known as Space Gandalf, will be sharing his stories from outer space, while the audience will hear from anaesthetist and former AMA WA president Andrew Miller about how caring for his elderly mother shaped his passion for improving aged care.

Coming in from the Eastern States is director and interviewer Kirk Docker from ABC’s You Can’t Ask That, who will help the audience rediscover the art of navigating awkward conversation, while The Chaser’s War on Everything funnyman and broadcaster Chris Taylor is MCing the event.

And from WA’s regions, Nyiyaparli/Yindijbarndi woman Jahna Cedar will share her experience of Indigenous culture intersecting business, while Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup’s Susie Delaporte is discussing her mission to improve driving accessibility for people living with disability.

Ms Riksman said additional speakers and a series of associated breakout events would be announced in coming weeks as anticipation and curiosity for the event grows.

“Ticket demand is already strong, so to secure your spot jump online and book now, and sign up to our mailing list to receive updates on new speakers and breakout events as they are announced.” Ticketing, partnership and event information can be found online at live.tedxperth.org