Award-winning talent. Remarkable journeys. Discover where PLAY shows up - and where it leads.
SURPRISE YOURSELF.
Life gives us plenty to think about. Here's a day to think differently. To imagine. To discover. To network with wise and curious people. 7 talks by award-winning talent.
We will also honor The Writers Center (50th anniversary) and The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce (100th anniversary) all in one place!
On December 1, treat yourself (and your friends and colleagues) to TEDxBethesdaPlay.
Seven remarkable voices. Seven 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.TEDxBethesdaPlay offers this and more as we greet December with joy and creativity.
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 Seven Speakers
Eric Byrd - Internationally acclaimed jazz pianist and composer. Improvisation is his art. Expect a fresh riff on possibility.
Speakers
Eric Byrd
What happens as you let go?
Sam Horn
What makes you lean in?
Chris Combs
Can art play back?
Kelly Donahue, PhD
What if joy counts?
Irene Alby
The stage is set, so what's next?
John Windmueller, PhD
What if there is no next line?
Good to know
Highlights
- 6 hours 30 minutes
- In person
Refund Policy
Location
The Writers Center
4508 Walsh St.
Bethesda, MD 20815
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
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TEDxBethesdaPlay
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.