Applications to become a spring 2027 speaker for TEDxUConn are now open until Oct. 18.
According to the organization’s website, TEDx is a program of independently organized events that “bring[s] people together to share a TED-like experience.”
TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) is a nonprofit organization “devoted to ‘ideas worth spreading.’” Its annual conference provides a general guideline for the TEDx program; however, according to the organization’s website, TEDx conferences, including the University of Connecticut’s, are local, self-organized events.
“We are basically doing TED Talk, but here at UConn on a smaller scale,” said Maylis Pabon, the TEDxUConn president.
According to Pabon, there are three separate application processes available, each designed for different applicants: one for UConn students across all campuses, one for UConn faculty and alumni and one for individuals who are not affiliated with UConn.
The application process consists of a series of basic questions, a brief description of your talk and how it relates to the conference theme, as well as a two-minute video expanding on your talk idea. Pabon said select speakers may be called in for an interview.
This year’s chosen theme is “Down the Rabbit Hole,” which, according to the application’s theme description, encourages speakers to lean into curiosity and explore the unexpected.
“From science and technology to the arts, business, society and personal growth, we invite speakers to take us ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ and show us where their ideas, experiences, and curiosity have led them,” the organization wrote on the application’s theme description.
The application process is reviewed by the club’s entire membership, which consists of about seven people, Pabon said.
Final selections will be announced following Thanksgiving break, Pabon said.
Each spring, TEDxUConn holds a conference on campus to provide a platform for 10 to 12 selected speakers to share their ideas, Pabon said.
“At our TEDxUConn event, live speakers will share their ideas to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group,” the organization wrote on its website.
Pabon said that TEDxUConn strives to create a diverse program that showcases speakers from different backgrounds.
“We really want to build a place where the UConn community gets to share their ideas but also bring new ideas within the community of UConn.”
Pabon said the selection process does not prioritize specific qualities of a speaker, but instead, focuses on whether the applicants are comfortable within their topic, can support their arguments with research, and are able to meet deadlines.
TEDxUConn generally avoids talks centered on politics or religion, as well as presentations intended to promote products, Pabon said.
“This is not a place of promotion,” Pabon said. “This is a place of sharing ideas.”
TEDxUConn’s spring conference is tentatively scheduled for April 11, 2027. Those interested in more information about the organization or the application process can visit TEDxUConn’s website, Tik Tok or Instagram.