Become a Speaker
This year, TEDxBoulder is looking closer to home. We're interested in the ideas that haven't yet been surfaced. The questions people are asking, the things they're noticing, the work quietly taking shape, and the perspectives that might help the rest of us see something differently. Some ideas come from years of research. Others come from work, lived experience, or simply years of paying attention. A PhD, a huge platform, or a perfectly formed idea isn't necessary. What matters is that there's something here you're genuinely excited to explore.
Not sure your idea is "big enough" for TEDx? We still want to hear it. Your idea might not change the world, but it will change the way we see part of it.
Applications will be accepted through September 6, 2026. Speakers will participate in an intensive, in-person development process from late September through November 10th, leading up to the TEDxBoulder event on November 14th.
Ideas that make us curious. New perspectives. Something that challenges what we take for granted, or a way of looking at a familiar subject that we haven't considered before.
Bring us your idea, not your finished talk.
If you're selected, you'll spend the weeks leading up to TEDx Boulder developing it alongside your cohort and speaker team.
There will be plenty of questions, feedback, and revisions—as well as plenty of support. Expect your talk to change. That's part of the process.
Before you apply, we want you to know what you're saying yes to.
Once speakers are confirmed, the development process moves quickly and asks for a real commitment of time and energy.
Boulder is your home base. Applicants must live, work, or have a meaningful connection to Boulder County.
Ideas, not pitches. Your work, business, or organization can absolutely be part of your story, but the TEDx stage is a place to share the idea underneath it, not to sell a product, service, or brand.
The process happens in person. All speaker practices will take place in Boulder, with the location to be announced.
Every practice matters. Speakers are expected to attend every scheduled practice. So much of the development happens in the room together—rehearsing, getting feedback, learning from one another, and building relationships along the way.
Plan for work between practices. Speakers are often surprised by how much time they spend on their talks outside our weekly sessions. The writing, editing, memorizing, and continued refinement happen throughout the week. As the event gets closer, that can easily mean an hour a day or more. And you won't be figuring it all out by yourself. Coaches, mentors, collaborators, practice audiences, and your fellow speakers will all be part of the process as your talk takes shape.
Important dates
Please take a look at these dates before applying and tentatively hold them on your calendar. All speaker practices are in person, downtown Boulder.
• September 6: Applications close
• September 12–16: Speaker notification & confirmation
• September 22: Speaker training & kickoff (meet your coach), 5:00–9:00 pm
• Tuesday practices: 5:00–8:00 pm: Sept. 29 , Oct. 6, Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 10
• November 14: TEDxBoulder: Roots & Wings, 6:00–9:00 pm at eTown Hall
All speaker practices will take place in person in Boulder. We'll share the exact location with selected speakers. A quick note about the timeline: We know that applying means holding these dates while you wait to hear from us, and we really appreciate that flexibility. Because the window between selection and speaker development is so short, please make sure the required dates are unquestionably available before applying and continue to hold them through September 16. This helps us keep the confirmation process moving efficiently and respectfully for everyone involved. If these dates don't work for you this year, we'd love to hear from you in a future season.
One more thing: TEDx talks follow specific content guidelines. Please take a few minutes to review them before applying. Review the TEDx Content Guidelines.
Ready to apply?
We've intentionally kept the application short. We'll ask a few brief questions about what you want to share, why it matters to you, and what keeps bringing you back to it. You'll also submit a very brief video so we can get to know you a little beyond the written application. Don't worry about making it perfect. Clear, thoughtful, and genuinely excited is plenty. Applications close September 6. We can't wait to hear from you!