13 speakers, live performances and ideas worth experiencing together take the stage at the Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, FL — [09/21/2026] — TEDxOrlando returns on Saturday, October 17th 2026, beginning at 11:00am at the Orange County Convention Center’s newly renovated Linda W. Chapin Theater.
This year’s event, themed The Space Between, will bring 13 speakers to the TEDxOrlando stage to explore ideas ranging from Orlando’s evolving identity and the power of awe to preserving history, finding laughter in adversity and reconsidering the ways we connect with one another.
The speaker lineup includes familiar names such as Orlando real estate leader Ken Pozek, comedian Ken Miller and wedding dress designer Hayley Paige, alongside exciting emerging voices selected from more than 630 applicants.
TEDxOrlando is designed to extend beyond the talks on the stage, bringing together hundreds of attendees from across Central Florida for a shared exchange of ideas and perspectives. The event creates a rare opportunity for people from different industries, backgrounds and areas of expertise to experience these conversations together in real time — and to carry them into the broader community.
Tickets are now on sale to the public at www.tedxorlando.live.
TEDxOrlando is independently organized by a volunteer team led by Liam Rogers and Nick Rogers, who bring a decade of experience producing TEDx events in London.
“Many people watch TEDx talks online,” said Liam Rogers, “but nothing beats the energy in the room during a full day of live talks. Our speakers really will make you laugh, cry, and think. But more importantly, they will make you look at the world in a different way. It will be Orlando’s biggest conversation.”
The 2026 Theme: The Space Between
A nod to Central Florida’s history with space exploration, The Space Between will explore the gaps between people, ideas, and perspectives – and what can happen when we cross them.
Across 13 talks and three live musical performances, audiences can expect moments of laughter and moments of stillness, familiar subjects seen differently and unexpected ideas that will spark conversation long after they leave the theater.
Media Contacts:
Nick Rogers, Co-Organizer and Event Host, TEDxOrlando
689-236-7800, info@tedxorlando.live
Angela Robbins, Director of PR & Marketing, TEDxOrlando
214-457-3885 angela@tedxorlando.live
List of Speakers:
- Ken Pozek
- Sylvia Longmire
- Sandra Fatmi-Hall
- Sharife Gacel
- Richard Hickam
- Benjamin Mack-Jackson
- Jason T. Mendelsohn
- Ken Miller
- Hayley Paige
- Carin Rae
- Jimmy Waldron
- Jose Vazquez
- Dr. Esther Zeledon
Performances:
- The Humdingers
- AdventHealth Orchestra
- Puerto Rico es Bomba
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
About TED TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. TED champions curiosity, reason and wonder in the pursuit of knowledge.
What began in 1984 as a conference focused on Technology, Entertainment and Design has evolved into a global community that welcomes people across disciplines and cultures to connect and engage with ideas exploring science, business, education, art, current affairs and more. Each year, thousands of independently run TEDx events bring people together on every continent. TED drives global impact by sparking ideas and action on the world’s most urgent issues—accelerating climate solutions through TED Countdown, advancing self-determination through TED Democracy and supporting early stage innovators through TED Fellows.
In addition to the TED Talks curated from its conferences, TED produces podcasts, video series and educational lessons (TED-Ed) that are translated into more than 100 languages. Through The Audacious Project, TED has helped catalyze billions in funding for projects that support bold solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges. View a full list of TED’s programs and initiatives.
