Theme: What Got Us Here, Won't Get Us There

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Pembina County Historical Museum
13572 ND-5
Cavalier, North Dakota, 58220
United States

Bill Svoboda

Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, Co-Founder of CloseSimple

Bill Svoboda believes creativity isn’t optional—it’s what separates good from unforgettable. He launched his first company from his college dorm room, quickly landing clients like Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Today, as co-founder of CloseSimple, he helps over 200 Title & Escrow companies simplify and secure the real estate closing process. Bill has spoken to thousands of business leaders on customer experience, marketing, and growth—always emphasizing the small, thoughtful details that make people feel something. He’s also the author of both business and children’s books, using storytelling to spark ideas and inspire action. Whether in business or life, Bill’s mission is simple: help people think differently, care more deeply, and create moments that stick.

Christine Trippi

Founder & CEO + Speaker

Christine Trippi is an award-winning hotelier, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of Yes Is the Answer. With over 35 years in the hospitality industry, she began her career as a van driver and laundry attendant, eventually holding senior roles at Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. Christine is the founder and CEO of The Wise Pineapple, where she empowers leaders to cultivate exceptional service cultures and achieve “Sweet Results.” Her “Yes Is the Answer” program has been recognized globally, ranking as the #2 best training program by Global Gurus and honored as one of the most influential figures in hospitality by the International Hospitality Institute. With boundless energy and a passion for leadership, Christine is on a relentless mission to change the world, one YES at a time.

Dr. Anna Thomas

Palliative care physician + leadership and resilience coach + author

Dr. Anna Thomas is a board-certified palliative care physician, leadership and resilience coach, and author. She helps professionals navigate the challenges of balancing work, life, and caregiving. As the founder of LifeCare LeadHership, she equips individuals and organizations with practical tools to prevent burnout, build resilience, and create supportive systems for caregivers. Through her coaching, workshops, and advocacy, Dr. Thomas empowers caregivers to step into leadership roles—at home, at work, and in their communities—so they can thrive, not just survive, in the Age of Caregiving.

Koren Willetts

Spiritual Care & Counseling + Wellness Coaching

Koren has spent her life listening to those who struggle to see their own worth and those who wonder if they matter. She is board-certified in Spiritual Care and Counseling and in Integrative Therapies and Wellness Coaching. For decades, she has sat with people in their most vulnerable moments—offering spiritual care, counseling, coaching, and mentoring. Her work has spanned prisons, hospitals, military service, hospices, overseas villages and orphanages, and everyday life. One person told her, “You helped change the whole course of my life.” That same shift happened in her own life when she let go of what was holding her back.

Lule Naas

Rural Advocate & Community Connector

Lule Naas is a small business owner and rural advocate with a passion for helping communities grow through connection, visibility, and collaboration. She has led regional efforts to promote rural tourism, supported entrepreneurs and small towns in building sustainable futures, and developed creative ways to bring people together across counties. With a background in safety leadership and project management, she brings a practical, grounded approach to community work. Lule also founded a women’s network, leads local events, and volunteers widely—always working to amplify rural voices and build places people are proud to call home.

Paul Hurckman

Non Profit Director, Human Rights Advocate

Paul is the Executive Director of Venture, a nonprofit organization that brings hope and justice to some of the most difficult places on the planet - focusing on Anti Trafficking, Refugee Care, and Church planting. Paul has experience as a professor, pastor, non-profit and community leader, combining these experiences to encourage others to engage in justice on behalf of others. He and his wife Candace, live in North Minneapolis with their 5 kids.