Improv is comedy without a net. There are always some guidelines, but never a script. Rather than explain the process, which can often be as simple as making things up as one goes along, Off-Center Improv troupe, Jennifer Hargis is going to actually give a PechaKucha presentation based on photos they’ve never seen before.

Dennis Gore talks about his inspiration for and the artistry of brewing Czech-style beer.

Jennifer Briggs speaks on how her new role as Creative Manager at the School of Innovation (I-School) allowed her to rediscover her creativity and how it helped shape the trajectory of the I-School.

Brady Grimes questions the fact that children and young adults spend an ever increasing amount of time lost in the narratives of video games, movies, and television. But is that all bad? How imagination and creativity played a defining role in my own life and thoughts on how we leverage the fantastic for good.

It is impossible to have lived in Tanzania for 4+ years without hearing some of their many methali, or proverbs, often. It is also impossible to not land on a favorite: haba na haba hujaza kibaba, which translates most succinctly to: little by little, the pot is filled. There is so much that this methali could be applied to, but for this talk, Marisa Grimes is going to speak about the incredible power of making small donations. If we each directed just a few bucks to the right organizations every month, the drastic ripple effects we'd create could change the trajectory of people and communities around the globe. 

One of our most popular past presenters, Janet Vincent, returns to talk about creating the Costa Rican Roller Derby team and the experience they had at the world cup.

Molly Hagan-Ward knows from experience, that once you start wondering about what all the wild plants around you have to offer, you never stop! Let her encourage you to learn about the abundance that the earth is constantly providing. Whether outside your own front door, at work, or at your local park, there is green magic around every corner!

Jorge Goyco sees himself as a “revealer” of relatable truths through his colorfully simple drawings. Pulling from life experiences, deep thoughts, movie and music quotes, and unknowing remarks from friends and strangers, Jorge’s art taps into the confusion, devastation and inspiration that is life at this moment. In this talk, he presents a little bit of his own history, and then goes in to the back stories of some of his favorite drawings.

Beginning in Santa Monica, CA in early October of 2016, Lou Tassinary, and his wife, Melanie, (and their two dogs) began their attempt to walk across the USA, following to the greatest degree possible the path of the first intercontinental foot race across the country, one that was organized to promote the opening of Route 66. This presentation will chronicle their journey.

The magnificence in truth-telling and the healing power it offers the community. Speaking authentically can be one of the greatest gifts and challenges we face. Learn what happens when respectful listening meets acceptance in some of the toughest classrooms. Kate Fly believes that truth has the power to heal - it’s up to all of us whether we choose to make the courageous leap forward to make a change. 

How can Entrepreneurship in a region of Conflict, limited Connectivity, and Conservation concern (EC3) help people and protect the environment? Leslie Ruyle is testing this idea in Beni, North Kivu close to the border of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This location provides an excellent example of Entrepreneurship in the 3C context. Virunga is a World Heritage Site (Conservation), the electricity comes primarily from generators and there are no paved roads in the province (Connectivity), and the region has been in conflict for over 20 years (Conflict).

Laurie Lisonbee shows artworks of the human figure in yoga postures as metaphors for states of being. Depictions of bodily contortions and mudras of the hand are crafted into relic-like objects.  From art historical sources, junk piles, and yoga practice, Lisonbee derives a painting process akin to devotional meditation.