Racing pioneer Lyn St. James will headline the first TEDxWatkinsGlen on Aug. 19 at Watkins Glen International. The daylong event will be held in The Glen Club and feature speakers focused on innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship and new ideas, according to the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce.
St. James is a former race car driver, entrepreneur and author whose career has included efforts to expand opportunities for future generations in motorsports. Organizers said her history at Watkins Glen International and her work on and off the track made her a fitting choice to launch the local TEDx event.
"Lyn St. James has spent her career redefining what is possible, making her the ideal speaker to launch TEDxWatkinsGlen," Chamber Executive Director Nigar Hale said in the announcement.
Watkins Glen International President Dawn Burlew said the event's focus on innovation aligns with the track's road-racing history. She described St. James as a pioneering racer and advocate for the next generation of leaders.
The event is intended to bring together innovators, creators, entrepreneurs, community leaders and others for a series of talks and discussions. Tickets are available to the public, but organizers said seating will be limited to maintain an intimate format.
Additional speakers and event details will be announced in the coming weeks. The chamber is organizing the event with support from Watkins Glen International and local economic development leaders.
TEDx events are independently organized under guidance from the TED Conference and combine live speakers with recorded TED Talks. The Watkins Glen gathering will be the community's first event under the TEDx banner.
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