(Raleigh, N.C.) TEDx Raleigh, the local affiliate of the globally acclaimed TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) speaker series, has announced yet another world-class roster of presenters for its annual day-long event on Saturday, Oct. 13 at Lincoln Theater in downtown Raleigh. Riding the buzz of successful programs in 2010 and 2011, and powered by the local availability of internationally credentialed thought leaders residing in the Triangle, TEDx Raleigh has gained attention as one of the most dynamic and influential TEDx productions in the U.S. 

This year’s speaker lineup will once again place TEDx Raleigh on area must-attend lists for October. The Lincoln Theater event will feature, among others, Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst; Durham architecture legend Phil Freelon; Aaron Syrett, director of the North Carolina Film Office and Stephen Burke, president of the Biofuels Center of North Carolina. 15 presenters will take the stage throughout the program, which will include performances from local musicians.

TEDx Raleigh, curated by director Matt Murray, is an independently produced extension of TED, the international nonprofit launched in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from the worlds of technology, entertainment and design. TED now encompasses a global community of thought leadership that includes annual conferences in the U.S. and U.K., the $1 million TED prize, the local TEDx event series and the groundbreaking TED website, which houses more than 1,325 live talks on video presented by the world’s most inspired thinkers.

The goal of TEDx Raleigh organizers is no less ambitious: to share ideas and insights designed to inspire, enlighten and change attitudes – and ultimately change the world.

“It may not be surprising that we have a remarkable array of brilliant individuals here in the Triangle whose leadership and influence is widespread,” said Murray. “This is an opportunity to hear them present their most compelling ideas in an intimate setting, and engage directly with some of the most accomplished and highly respected individuals in their chosen professions.”

TEDx Raleigh is a day-long program that begins at 9 a.m., breaking mid-morning, for lunch, and again mid-afternoon before concluding at 4:30 p.m. There is also an evening hospitality event at Babylon Resturant & Bar giving attendees, speakers, sponsors and organizers a chance to socialize.

Ticket information and an updated itinerary are available at www.tedxraleigh.com.