The 10th annual TEDxDayton signature event will take place Friday, October 14, in downtown Dayton. Applications are now open as organizers seek local speakers and performers with big ideas to share. TEDxDayton’s mission is to bring the spirit of “ideas worth spreading” to foster deep conversation and connections within the community.
”We’re thrilled to return to a live, in-person show for 2022 after two years of virtual events,” said event co-chair Lizz Mahar. “This one will be extra special as we celebrate 10 years of TEDxDayton speakers, and look forward to what comes next.” This independently organized event will feature TED’s signature format of brief talks, demonstrations and performances.
In search of this year’s presenters, the organizers have issued a “Call for Speakers” on TEDxDayton.com. Anyone with a big idea they want to share, both with the live audience at the event and with the thousands of digital viewers who watch the talks online later, is invited to apply through the website by May 27.
The set from TEDx last year.
Applicants do not need to be professional speakers, and TEDxDayton is looking for a wide range of topics from diverse speakers who can deliver a focused, thought-provoking message in about ten minutes.
“We look for speakers who can teach and inspire, and who will still have people talking as they leave the theater,” said event co-chair Cory Owen. “Over the years, we’ve heard remarkable talks on everything from technology to education, design to psychology, economics, social justice, healthcare, the environment…the list of possible topics is almost endless.”
The all-volunteer organizing team will review the applications and invite selected candidates to audition in person. Participants will be notified within a few weeks of auditions if they have been selected to be a TEDxDayton 2022 speaker.
Once selected, speakers will be paired with a mentor who will help them craft their message, refine their script, and practice their performance in the months leading up to the big day. Talks are professionally recorded during the show and released on YouTube a few months later.
“These videos have a long online life beyond the actual event, so we want all of our speakers to give the talk of their lives,” said event co-chair Luther Palmer. “As a former TEDxDayton speaker myself, I know how valuable mentor support and rehearsal feedback is during this process, and we hope to guide this year’s speakers toward talks that they can be proud of for years to come.”
The organizers will host information sessions for prospective speakers throughout the application window, with details to be announced on the TEDxDayton social media channels.
