Edge of Possible

WHAT IS EDGE OF POSSIBLE?

Innovation rarely announces itself politely.
It disrupts. It questions. It redefines.

Edge of Possible explores what happens when researchers, builders, and thinkers push beyond conventional limits and what that means for how we live, heal, design, and think.

In alignment with our mission to showcase St. Louis’ profound impact locally and globally, this event highlights ideas rooted in our region that resonate far beyond it.

THE EXPERIENCE

On Stage

Five speakers, one interview, and two featured entertainment performances.
Each talk is under 15 minutes — precise, powerful, and prepared in accordance with TEDx guidelines.

You’ll hear from:

• A physician-scientist getting comfortable with discomfort
• A psychiatrist exploring sleep as treatment
• A disability innovator reshaping accessibility systems
• A scientist examining microplastics
• A leading voice in skeptical inquiry
• A photographer of presence – and absence
• An award winning spoken word artist
• A collective using movement to build a brighter world

These are not motivational speeches. They are ideas that challenge, inform, and expand what’s possible.

The Evening Flow

• 6:00 PM – Lobby doors open
  • Complimentary happy hour featuring beverages from 4 Hands, Chandler Hill Vineyards, Excel Bottling
  • DJ Kimmy NU
  • Museum exhibit access
  • Amighetti’s treats available for purchase
• 7:00–8:30 PM – Mainstage program
• 8:30–9:00 PM – Casual speaker hangout

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This evening is designed for:

• Founders and innovators building what’s next
• Healthcare professionals and researchers
• Designers, technologists, and engineers
• Civic leaders shaping the region
• Educators and lifelong learners
• Students asking bigger questions
• Anyone who believes ideas matter
  

SPEAKERS

• Alison Huckenpahler | Sleep as Treatment: Rethinking Depression Through Brain State
• Erica Barnell | Four Letters Between You and Cancer
• Stephen Hupp | Why We Should Explore Strange Claims – Carefully
• John Ahn | Too Small to See, Too Dangerous to Ignore: Micro- and Nanoplastics
• Lou Bopp | INTERVIEW: Using Photography to Reveal What Words Cannot
• Pierre Paul | Good Intentions Aren’t Enough: Designing Real Accessibility
• KMoney the Poet | Custom Spoken Word Poetry
• Collective Motion | Choreography, Storytelling, and Artistic Expression