Scottsdale To Host TEDx Conference For Women In November

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Scottsdale is getting its very own TED Talk, with a conference for women coming to town in November.

The TEDx event for women will take place at Sneaky Big Studios on Nov. 20 and will be split up into two sessions: the first from 4 - 6 p.m. and the second from 7 - 9 p.m. Tickets are already on sale.

Jeanna Valenti, owner of LightBox Media, Kelly Sallaway and Tina Bakalis are the local businesswomen responsible for the event. They announced the news Thursday.

"We decided to coordinate this event for many reasons," Valenti said in a statement. "We want to inspire, motivate, educate, engage and entertain our audience during a time when the community wants and needs to come together."

TED conferences began in 1984 and are free events intended to spread different ideas and viewpoints. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design.

A portion of the proceeds from the TEDx Scottsdale Women event will go to local nonprofit Ryan House, which helps families through end-of-life care.

The event's theme is "Re-write Your Script," and several speakers will tell their stories of transformation, inspiration and self-discovery.

"One of our goals is to mentor girls and young women," Sallaway said. "We want to create a culture of excellence that shows them what's possible for women in our community."

Anyone interested in volunteering for the event or attending can do so on its website.