TEDxBroadway Sets Young Professional & Student Programs for 2015

When the fourth annual TEDxBroadway returns Monday, February 23, 2015 to New World Stages in New York City, it will include some very special attendees in "The Loft." The organizers of the one-day event that asks "What is the Best Broadway Can Be?" are inviting the next generation to participate in shaping the future of Broadway with the TEDxBroadway Young Professional and Student Programs.

"Some of today's most influential people in the Broadway ecosystem come to TEDxBroadway, but we want to make sure that some of tomorrow's most influential are there too," says Damian Bazadona, founder of Situation Interactive and TEDxBroadway Co-organizer.

The TEDxBroadway Loft is a space for the 54 members of the Young Professional and Student Programs to exchange ideas and information with their peers. The Loft will create an environment in which the young professionals and students can network, voice their opinions, insights, and build relationships for later initiatives. The TEDxBroadway Loft and Young Professional Program are being underwritten by The Nederlander Organization and The Shubert Foundation.

"It might get a little raucous up there, but in a good way," adds Jim McCarthy, CEO, Goldstar and Co-organizer, TEDxBroadway. "Don't worry though. Just because you're not in the Young Professional Program or a Student, that doesn't mean you're not allowed to go up there."

Applications are now being accepted for the program. Each selected participant gets one free ticket to TEDxBroadway. They will also be invited into a private social group with opportunities to engage with other young professionals, as well as opportunities to interact with professionals and leaders in the Broadway community before, during, and after the conference.

To apply to attend TEDxBroadway 2015 as a Young Professional:

· Submit an application by Wednesday, December 31st, 2014. http://www.tedxbroadway.com/young-professionals-opportunity-tedxbroadway-2015/

· Be under 30-years-old as of February 23, 2015.

· Work in a field that touches the Broadway ecosystem.

Select graduate students from area schools including Yale, Brooklyn College, Columbia and NYU will be nominated by their professors to receive a free ticket to TEDxBroadway. They will be invited to also attend meeting and events with the Young Professionals, industry professionals and established leaders in the community surrounding the conference. Their tickets have been underwritten by Disney Theatricals.

Previously announced speakers at this year's event include (additional speakers will be announced later): Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Tony-nominated songwriters), Sree Sreenivasan (Chief Digital Officer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art), Dr. Laurie Santos (Associate Professor of Psychology at Yale University), Kirsten Sabia (Vice President of Marketing Services for the PGA TOUR), Osh Ghanimah, (Founder and CEO of Broadway For All), Elliott Masie (expert in learning), and Emily Simoness (Executive Director of SPACE on Ryder Farm).