A sold-out crowd enjoyed 15 talks and a performance related to the topic of escape, all offered to expand perspectives and inspire discussion of ideas. At the conclusion of the event, Connie Ryan and Tom Bales, event co-founders and RE parents, presented the Hope Prize to Zack Giffin, host of the television show Tiny House Nation. Giffin offered a talk on escaping the trap of huge houses and too many possessions.

Ransom Everglades administrators, staff, faculty and students have assisted with TEDxCoconutGrove since 2012, and the school has provided the use of its facilities. Several members of the RE community served on the 2017 TEDxCoconutGrove Steering Committee, and others offered philanthropic support.

Malina engaged the audience by reflecting on robotics competitions and debate tournaments that illuminated her fear of failure and struggle with perfectionism. Stone passionately described the surprising connections made by students and prisoners who have corresponded through the Exchange for Change program. The interactions, he said, provided escape to those on both sides of the prison walls.

Other speakers included Willy Ferrer, an RE parent and former U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida; Amishi Jha, a University of Miami neuroscientist with expertise in mindfulness training; Kristin Connor, co-owner of Whisk Gourmet in South Miami; Daniel Fundora, a special needs advocate and Best Buddies Ambassador; Amy Padolf, the Director of Education at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden; and Steve Scholozman, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School.

At the end of the night, the attendees were treated to an array of edible delights from local restaurateurs under a tent after the event.

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