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