When speaker applications close, we don’t just get a list of proposals – we get a snapshot of what people believe the world needs to hear right now.

This cycle, TEDxOrlando received an amazing 636 applications. That’s hundreds of talk titles, thousands of words, and a huge amount of courage from people willing to put an idea forward for the stage.

As Nick Rogers shared in our curation-process update, respect, democracy, and transparency are core values in how we approach speaker selection – and those values also shape how we look at the themes that emerge from applications.

So, for everyone who applied (and for anyone considering applying in a future cycle), here’s what we noticed in the big picture – and what it might teach you about the kinds of ideas people are hungry for in 2026 and beyond.

An open call creates a real picture of a community

We’ve always believed in an open call for speakers. Even when a small portion of our lineup may be handpicked, the heart of TEDx is opening the opportunity to the doers, thinkers, and innovators in the local community.

That’s exactly what happened here in Orlando – and the volume of applications reflects something important:

There is no shortage of ideas in Central Florida.

The challenge is curating a lineup that fits the scale of the stage.

For the flagship event, our goal is to select 12 speakers, while also building a strong pool of speakers for future salon events. That reality makes the process selective – not because ideas lack value, but because the stage has constraints.

The recurring themes: what people are most compelled to talk about

Many applications naturally touched more than one theme. That’s normal – real life doesn’t arrive in neat categories. But across titles and outlines, several clusters showed up again and again.

Connection, communication, and relationships

A huge portion of proposals centered on how we speak, listen, repair, and connect – in families, friendships, workplaces, and communities.

Purpose, meaning, and how we live

Many talks explored meaning-making, values, identity, legacy, and the choices that shape a life.

Resilience, healing, and transformation

We saw a strong wave of proposals shaped by lived experience – grief, recovery, hardship, reinvention – turned into insight others could use.

Leadership, culture, and burnout

From team dynamics to workplace systems, a lot of applicants want to address the pressure people feel – and what healthier, higher-trust cultures can look like.

Change, transitions, and “what’s next”

This theme showed up constantly: uncertainty, new chapters, pivots, and how people navigate the space between where they’ve been and where they’re going.

Learning, creativity, and human potential

Many proposals focused on how we learn, how we teach, how we develop talent, and how creativity fuels problem-solving.

Technology – especially AI – through a human lens

A notable segment of applicants proposed talks about AI and the future, often grounded in a very human question: what do we keep, protect, or strengthen as systems accelerate?

What this tells us: even in a world of noise and novelty, applicants are drawn to ideas that help people live better, connect better, and lead better – especially under pressure.

Where applicants came from

Because this is a community-rooted stage, we were curious to see where applications came from – and the data tells a clear story: most applicants were U.S.-based, with a strong concentration in Florida and Central Florida.

Country breakdown

• United States: 607 applicants (95.4%)
• Canada: 16 (2.5%)
• Other international: 13 (2.0%) across 11 places (including the UK, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, UAE, Portugal, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Puerto Rico)

U.S. applicants by state (top)

Within the U.S., the largest groups came from:

• Florida: 386 (60.7% of all applicants)
• California: 39
  
• Texas: 30
  
• Georgia: 16
  
• Virginia: 13
  
• New York: 13
  

Central Florida stood out

Within Florida, the single largest city group was Orlando with 93 applicants (14.6% of total).

And when you look at the broader Greater Orlando / Central Florida area (Orlando + nearby cities), we saw a strong local cluster of 227 applicants — roughly 59% of Florida applicants and 36% of all applications.

What this tells us: the local appetite to share ideas is real – and it reinforces why we’re committed to foregrounding voices from within our community, while still staying open to outstanding perspectives from beyond it.

How people found the application

This was one of the clearest indicators that community sharing is working. We asked applicants how they found the speaker application, and the top sources were:

• Friend or colleague: 243
  
• Social media: 235
  
• TED / TEDx website: 164
  
• Word of mouth: 66
  
• TEDxOrlando email newsletter: 61
  
• Community group/organization: 25
  

What this tells us: the speaker pipeline is built through relationships and visibility. People apply because someone shared the link, tagged them, forwarded a post, or said, “This is for you.”

Flagship vs. Salon interest

We also asked which event format applicants were open to:

• Flagship + Salon: 482 (75.8%)
• Flagship only: 143 (22.5%)
• Salon only: 11 (1.7%)

Most applicants wanted to be considered for both, which we appreciate. And it’s worth saying clearly: salon events are a real TEDx stage and a key part of our speaker community-building, not a “second tier.” The scale we’re aiming for means our Salon stages are bigger than many TEDx event ‘flagship’ events.

A quick note on application completeness

One of the most encouraging stats: 621 applicants (97.6%) included a short intro video link (YouTube/Vimeo). That matters, because TED-style talks are not only about an idea on paper – they’re also about how clearly and compellingly that idea can be communicated out loud.

We also saw a number of entries that exceeded the recommended word limits in the application. That’s not a deal-breaker – but TEDx talks are built through editing, and brevity is one of the clearest indicators of talk readiness.

A quick note on what we’re curating for (and why it matters)

As Nick shared in the curation-process post, our volunteer curation team is intentionally diverse – bringing different backgrounds and perspectives to the table – and we recently met for a detailed discussion to decide which applications to move forward.

Our job isn’t just to select “great speakers.” It’s to curate a lineup of ideas that can stand alongside the very best TEDx events, and create an experience that helps the audience think differently and act differently.

That’s why, in reviewing applications, we’re consistently looking for factors like:

• Originality
  
• Credibility
  
• Understanding of TEDx format and guidelines
  
• Coachability
  
• Charisma and clarity
  
• Location and community relevance
  

After careful reflection, we identified 53 applicants to move forward to interviews.

The big takeaway for future applicants: specificity wins

Because so many applications orbit big human themes – purpose, resilience, identity, leadership, connection – the strongest proposals tend to do one thing especially well:

They take a broad theme and make it specific.

Not just: “My story of overcoming hardship.”

But: “Here’s the idea hardship taught me – and here’s how it changes the way you see (or do) something.”

If you want a simple test for your next application:

What is the one sentence your audience will repeat after hearing your talk?

If it’s clear, specific, and surprising – you’re on the right track.

To everyone who applied: thank you

Submitting an idea takes courage. The fact that we can only move forward with a small number of applicants reflects the constraints of our stage – not the quality of thinking in our community.

We’re excited for what comes next, and we’re grateful to everyone who raised their hand.

PS — Tickets are on sale now.

Hello to the amazing TEDxOrlando community!

This week, we reached a critical milestone in our curation process, and I thought supporters, applicants, and attendees would be interested in learning more about how we’re progressing with speaker selection and the approach we’re taking.

Respect, democracy, and transparency are the key values for me in this process.

Respect for those with the courage to put themselves forward for our stage, democracy in how we make decisions as a curation team, and transparency in how we explain our decision-making process.

My husband, Liam Rogers, and I bring a decade of experience organizing TEDx events in Kingston upon Thames, south west London. TEDxOrlando builds on the approach we developed there.

We have always had an open call for speakers. Even if one or two members of our lineup are handpicked, I believe in opening the opportunity to all those doers, thinkers, and innovators in the local community. In Orlando, that led to over 630 applications!

Every one of those applications deserves to be treated with respect, and I gave our curation team plenty of time to review them all.

Our team of volunteer curators is, by design, a diverse one, bringing different backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives to bear in our work. It includes Dr. Keita Joy, a coach, TEDx speaker, and entrepreneur; Lechon Kirb, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and brand specialist; Afreen Huq, a public speaker, entrepreneur and CEO of HERD Ventures; Erich Miner, an airline pilot; Michael Wong, a consultant; Marah Lago, an entrepreneur and founder of the Military Creator Conference; and Carol Cox and Alan Cohen, both experienced speaker coaches, with Alan also being a TEDx speaker. Liam and I run Story Circle, and I also bring my own experience as a TEDx speaker.

We recently met as a team to consider which applications to move forward to interviews, in a lengthy and detailed discussion. There were many strong contenders, but our task is to recruit just 12 speakers for the Flagship event and build a pool of speakers for 2026/27 Salon events.

This meant making some tough decisions.

It’s difficult to sum up exactly what we’re looking for in a potential TEDxOrlando speaker – so often, you simply know it when you see it – but some of the key factors are:

• Originality: Is this a new idea, or a new take on an existing idea?

• Credibility: Is this applicant the right person to speak on this topic?

• Understanding: Does the applicant understand how a TEDx talk is different from other types of talks? Are they willing and able to follow the TEDx content guidelines?

• Coachability: Regardless of speaking experience, is this applicant excited about participating in our coaching process?

• Charisma: Can the applicant communicate clearly, engagingly, and with presence?

• Location: While we will consider applicants from outside Central Florida when they bring a unique perspective, our mission is to foreground voices from within our community.

After careful reflection, we identified 53 of the 630+ applicants to move forward to interviews.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be conducting interviews with these applicants – an intensive and time-consuming, but exciting, process.

To everyone who applied: thank you. Submitting an idea takes courage, and the fact that we can only move forward with a small number of applicants reflects the constraints of our stage, not the quality of thinking in our community.

Our goal is to curate a lineup of speakers and ideas that stands alongside the very best TEDx events, and to create an experience that inspires our audience to think differently, take action, and create positive change in their own lives and in our community.

We’re excited for what comes next!

Nick Rogers

Director of Speaker Curation

TEDxOrlando

PS — Tickets are on sale now!

Orlando, FL — Monday January 12th 2026 — TEDx has returned to Orlando. For the first time since 2018, the world’s most recognized platform for ideas and innovation is once again part of Central Florida’s cultural landscape, with its full-day, Flagship event scheduled for Saturday October 17th 2026 at the Orange County Convention Center’s newly-renovated Linda W. Chapin Theater.

The event will open with a talk by noted local commentator and real estate leader Ken Pozek. The event’s first announced sponsor is Orlando business owner Shara Pathak, of Brewlando and TapNGo.

Tickets are now on sale at www.tedxorlando.live.

TEDxOrlando will gather visionaries, thought leaders, and changemakers for a series of events exploring the 2026/27 season theme: The Space Between. This revival marks the beginning of a new chapter for TEDxOrlando, with the ambition of becoming a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar — delivering an annual program of events where ideas, creativity, and community converge to inspire Orlando’s future.

TEDxOrlando is led by Liam Rogers and Nick Rogers, who bring a decade of experience producing TEDxKingstonUponThames — a celebrated event series in London, UK, that has welcomed more than 3,000 attendees and produced over 70 TEDx Talks since 2016.

“Orlando is a growing city shaped by people brimming with energy and new ideas — and that’s exactly what makes this so exciting,” said Liam Rogers. “TEDx is about creating a space where those ideas collide, connect, and inspire action. Orlando is ready for that kind of spark and our experienced team brings a fresh perspective.”

TEDxOrlando 2026/27 will feature our full-day Flagship event followed by a series of smaller Salon events, giving the community multiple opportunities to engage with bold, original ideas. As with all TEDx events, the program will be built around a curated lineup of speakers delivering talks designed to inspire action — voices that reflect the creativity, ambition, and diversity of Central Florida and the Space Coast.

Ken Pozek announced as our opening speaker

Opening the 2026 Flagship event, TEDxOrlando is proud to announce its first speaker: Ken Pozek. Ken is CEO of Pozek Group, Founder of The Orlando Real, and one of the region’s most influential local commentators. His opening talk will set the tone for the day, exploring how Orlando can become the next great American city.

Ken said, “Orlando is at an inflection point. Growth is booming, but the choices we make now will determine what kind of city we become. I’m excited to open TEDxOrlando by reflecting on where we’ve come from, where we’re headed, and how we – as a community – can shape what comes next.”

First sponsor confirmed

TEDx events are 100% volunteer-driven and funded by community support. That means TEDxOrlando will only be possible if local businesses, organizations, and leaders step in as sponsors, vendors, and partners to help bring it to life. 

TEDxOrlando is delighted to announce its first sponsor: Orlando business owner Shara Pathak, of Brewlando and TapNGo. Brewlando is a home-grown brewery with four locations across Central Florida and provides the official beer of UCF Athletics, while TapNGo delivers innovative RFID solutions to events nationwide. Attendees at TEDxOrlando will have the opportunity to experience both brands during and after the event.

Shara said, “TEDx is about ideas, energy, and community – and that’s exactly what makes Orlando special. I’m proud to support TEDxOrlando as it creates a space for people to come together, share bold ideas, and celebrate what this city can become.”

Commenting on the importance of early community backing, Angela Robbins, Director of PR & Marketing for TEDxOrlando, added, “We are honored to have Shara’s support. We believe that when you bring the right voices into the spotlight, a community grows stronger. Central Florida is no longer just a tourism destination — it has emerged as a centre for tech, space exploration, and innovation. TEDxOrlando captures that momentum and gives our creative and business communities a powerful opportunity to help shape the city’s next chapter.”

The 2026 Theme: The Space Between

A nod to central Florida’s rich history with space exploration, the 2026/27 theme invites multiple interpretations — bridging disciplines, connecting communities, exploring the unknown, and amplifying the power of what happens in life’s intersections. The Space Between is the moment between a question and its answer, between stepping onto the stage and beginning to speak. It’s the space between an idea and reality. In that space, we will explore science, art, culture, technology, business – and the way we live, today and in the future. 

Call for Sponsors & Partners

To bring this ambitious event to life, TEDxOrlando depends on sponsors and partners and is currently identifying companies and groups who care to invest in the region’s cultural and intellectual future. Those interested in being a sponsor are invited to connect by emailing partnerships@tedxorlando.live

About TEDxOrlando

TEDxOrlando is an independently organized TEDx event licensed by TED. With the theme The Space Between, the 2026 event series will feature curated lineups of speakers, interactive sponsor activations, and community engagement opportunities. TEDxOrlando exists to transform the way our city sees itself — and how the world sees Orlando.

Media Contact:

Angela Robbins, Director of PR & Marketing, TEDxOrlando

214-457-3885 angela@tedxorlando.live or angela@moxiebrands.com