Which TEDx Event Is Right For You?
It probably won’t come as a surprise, but I love TEDx events. Something magical happens when courageous thought leaders are willing to step onto the stage, stand confidently on the red dot, and speak their big idea into existence. Every time, I feel a surge of inspiration wash over me, and I leave with a deeper sense of awe, clarity, and desire to make a difference in the spaces I live, work, and serve.
That energy is the heartbeat of every TEDx event. For thought leaders, change-makers, and entrepreneurs with a social purpose, TEDx offers a powerful and unique platform to share your vision and catalyze positive change.
But did you know that TEDx events come in various forms, each catering to different audiences and themes? This week we’re going to dive into the diverse landscape of TEDx events.
Before we get started though, I think it’s helpful to have a little context. In 2009, as the popularity of the TED conference increased, the concept of TEDx was conceived. Organizers were looking for a way to extend the TED experience to local communities worldwide.
Today, TEDx events are independently organized gatherings licensed by TED. The “x” in TEDx signifies an independently organized event, with “TED” at its core. TEDx events are often driven by passionate individuals who are looking to engage in conversations and share ideas within their own communities. As a result, TEDx has grown into a global movement, with thousands of events taking place in cities, universities, and communities around the world.
With that foundation in place, let’s dig into the different types of events, so you can think about which event type might be the best fit for you and your big idea.
TEDx Standard
The classic and most common TEDx event is also known as the TEDx Standard. These events are rooted in local communities, and typically offer a little bit of everything for everyone – technology experts, innovators, educators, artists, and more, sharing big ideas on a local scale.
These events vary in size, style, and flow, and that’s one of the things I love about them. Thousands of cities - big and small - around the world host TEDx Standard events annually. I’ve had the joy of supporting a number of these events as an attendee, speaker coach, and head speaker coach over the last few years. If you’ve never been to one, jump on TED.com and find one near you.
TEDxWomen
TEDxWomen events are dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of women from around the world. These gatherings celebrate female leadership, resilience, and innovation, addressing pressing issues such as gender equality, women's rights, and empowerment.
For female thought leaders and change-makers, TEDxWomen events are the perfect place to showcase your big ideas, network, and collaborate.
In November, I had the privilege of attending TEDxCherryCreekWomen in support of one of my clients, Lisa Smith. She, and a whole host of other women, took the stage and boldly and powerfully shared their big ideas. Click here to listen to Lisa’s talk on how we can use a process of parallel recovery to tackle the addiction epidemic.
TEDxYouth
TEDxYouth events are often geared towards and organized by teenagers and young adults. Speakers of all ages tackle issues that are relevant to and popular among the younger generation, such as education, technology, social justice, and mental health. Youth events create a great space for cross-generational dialogue and collaboration.
Up until late last year, I hadn’t had much connection to TEDxYouth events, but in the mid-fall, I was approached by TEDxWarmSpringsAvenueYouth about supporting three youth speakers for their event. The three young women I had the privilege to meet and coach were passionate about their topics and brought such a unique and rich perspective to the conversation around Maximizing Our Collective Potential.
Their talks just went live! I’m super proud of Lucy, Kendal, and Emma!
TEDxUniversity
TEDxUniversity events typically cater to a university’s academic community, bringing together students, professors, researchers, alumni, and citizens from the surrounding area to explore cutting-edge ideas and research findings.
I love these events because they showcase the intersection of academia and real-world impact, while also providing a platform for young thought leaders to share their insights and discoveries.
Like Youth events, these are often organized by university students with the support of faculty.
TEDx Salon
TEDxSalon is among my favorite of the TEDx events. They offer a more intimate setting for in-depth discussions and interactive experiences centered around specific themes or topics. Salon events dive deep into niche subjects, open the door for speakers to share personal stories, and engage in thought-provoking conversations with a focused audience.
Many of the cities that hold Standard events have started offering Salon and Salon-style events. So, make sure you check out what’s happening in your local area.
Beyond the standard events…
In addition to the event types listed above, there are loads more that I haven’t covered. TEDx events are happening in correctional facilities, inside corporations, in libraries, as well as events that focus on STEM, Climate, Tech, AI… and the list goes on.
TEDx events, in all their myriad forms, all have one thing in common - the big idea. That central element serves as a catalyst for inspiration, innovation, and impact.
There’s a TEDx stage waiting for you to share your big idea. Which one are you going to apply to?
*Jessica Sato Consulting is not affiliated with TED or TEDx organizations, however, we have supported multiple TEDx events as a speaker coach in both a paid and volunteer capacity.
