TEDxSavannah announces speakers for 15th annual event; more to DO
TEDxSavannah announces speakers for 15th annual event; more to DO
Destini Ambus, Savannah Morning NewsTue, May 5, 2026 at 9:10 AM UTC
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TEDxSavannah 2025 will take place on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Fine Arts Auditorium on Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus. Tickets and additional information are available at tedxsavannah.com.
TedxSavannah has announced its full line-up of speakers, live music and youth poetry for the 15th annual event taking place on Friday, May 15. The theme for the event is Shaping the Future, and speakers will address this theme from a range of perspectives designed to resonate with the Savannah community.
“From the impact of AI to the importance of collaborative leadership, TEDxSavannah 2026 speakers will explore a wide range of topics as a way to understand, prepare for and affect the future,” said TEDxSavannah organizing committee member and former TEDxSavannah speaker Mickie McNamara in a press release. “We can’t wait for our speakers and live entertainers to take the stage and spark discussion at our 15th annual event on May 15.”
In between speakers, live music will be provided by Matt Deal, an alternative singer and multi-instrumentalist who has released three albums and has entertained audiences for 20 years. Local students from the Deep Center, a local nonprofit that uses creative writing and art to empower marginalized youth, have also been invited to share their original poetry on stage.
General admission tickets are currently on sale for $70, which includes seating, parking, lunch, snacks, coffee and admission to the speaker meet-and-greet immediately following the event. There are special discounts offered for educators, students, nonprofits, active-duty military and first responders.
2026 TEDxSavannah speakers include:
Kate Blair — Executive Director, Brightside Child & Family Advocacy
Dr. Maxine Bryant — Award-winning journalist and educator
Tyler Cobbs — Founder, GoAssistantly
Steve Curran — CEO, Khaki Consulting
Jamey Espina — Vice President of Development and Community Services, Hospice Savannah
Gracen Garceau — Savannah Country Day School student
Dr. SallyAnn Gray — Transition Specialist, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System
Wade Herring — Partner, HunterMaclean
Jason Marshall — President and CEO, Goodwill Southeast Georgia
Kareem McMichael — Award-winning filmmaker, writer and media professional
Olga Seredyuk — Executive Director, The Whitefield Center
Dominique Treadwell — Founder and Chief Flavor Maker, Spoonlight Ice Cream
Kimberly Waller — President and CEO, United Way of the Coastal Empire
9 a.m. May 15, 11935 Abercorn St https://tedxsavannah.com
A historical maker about the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1820 at Colonial Park Cemetery in Savannah, Ga on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.National Historic Preservation Month
The leading nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to saving buildings, places and stories that define Savannah will have a full slate of events throughout the month of May to celebrate National Preservation Month. All of the events hosted by the Historic Savannah Foundation throughout May are open to the public.
Below is a list of the remaining events that are not currently sold out. The link to all events is here. https://www.myhsf.org/events/preservation-month/
“Seven Ladies” Exhibition – Opening ReceptionThe opening reception kicks off a new exhibition celebrating the seven women who founded Historic Savannah Foundation in 1955. The free exhibit explores their lives and legacy and will remain on display through December 2026.
5:30 p.m., May 14, 323 E. Broughton Street.
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“Exploring HSF’s Early Saves” Walking TourThis guided walking tour highlights some of Historic Savannah Foundation’s earliest preservation successes. Participants will learn about Savannah’s preservation history and the organization’s nationally acclaimed Revolving Fund.
10 a.m., May 16, Washington Square
Lecture: Revolving Funds & the National Preservation Partners NetworkNational Preservation Partners Network CEO Kim Trent will discuss revolving fund models used nationwide to save historic properties. A reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the lecture at 6 p.m.
5:30 p.m., May 21, 323 E. Broughton Street
Ardsley Park & Chatham Crescent Walking TourSCAD architectural historian Robin B. Williams will lead an in-depth walking tour of homes in Ardsley Park and Chatham Crescent. The tour explores early 20th-century architecture, urban planning and neighborhood design. Tickets are $30 per person and $15 for Historic Savannah Foundation members.
9 a.m., May 30 Location provided upon registration
Catch these events this weekend:THURSDAY, MAY 7
Sunken Shrimp Boat, Valona, 2025Jack Leigh & Parker Stewart: In Place
Laney Contemporary presents Jack Leigh & Parker Stewart: In Place, a photography exhibition pairing the late Savannah photographer Jack Leigh with contemporary photographer Parker Stewart, whose work explores coastal Georgia and South Carolina landscapes across generations. The exhibition opens May 1 and runs through Aug. 1, with a public reception on Thursday, May 7, from 6–9 p.m., preceded by a VIP preview from 5–6 p.m.
6 p.m. to 9 p.m., May 7, 1810 Mills B. Lane Blvd https://www.laneycontemporary.com/
FRIDAY, MAY 8Rancher Hat Bar Opening
Rancher Hat Bar will celebrate the grand opening of its new Savannah storefront at 223 W. Broughton St. on May 8 from 4–7 p.m., inviting guests to shop, sip, and design custom rancher hats. The opening features 30% off all hats, snacks and drinks, and complimentary gift bags for the first 10 purchasers.
4 p.m., May 8, 223 W. Broughton St., https://www.rancherhatbar.com/
SATURDAY, MAY 9The Comedy Lounge at Billy's Place
Savannah’s stand‑up comedy scene takes over Billy’s Place Hideaway, on Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m. The 75‑minute show is hosted by Shaylyn Mackey, winner of Savannah’s March Madness Comedy competition, and features a lineup of well‑known local comedians including Stephanie Kaple, Terrace Miller, Evie Richards, AJ Gray, B.O.B., and Sam Siamwala. Expect a night of humor, storytelling, and absurd comedy. Seating is first‑come, first‑served.
9 p.m., May 9, at 20 E. Perry St
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: DO Sav: TEDxSavannah announces speakers for May 15 event
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