Application tips

Before you organize a TEDx event, you must obtain a TEDx license from TED. Before you begin the process, be prepared to make a few decisions to determine the kind of experience you’d like your event to be.

Pick your event type

There are different event types available, and you have to select yours before reaching the form. Learn more about all the different event types

Find a name for your event

Your event name should reflect the community or educational institution your event will serve. Learn more about naming your event

Apply early

Suggest an event date months away. You’ll need a minimum of three months to organize your event after your license is approved to give your speakers enough time to develop and rehearse their talks. TEDx event applications can take up to eight weeks to review -- great events aren't built in a day! Remember, you will have 12 months to organize the event once you are licensed.
Be realistic about time. Does your proposed date provide enough time to plan the event? Does it give your speakers enough time to construct and rehearse their talks? Is it too close to other TEDx events nearby? You can find out by searching for TEDx events in your area.

Create a hypothetical program for your event

In the application, we ask for at least 3 examples of ideas for talks that you would like to see presented. We understand that plans for your event are tentative and subject to change, but by doing this exercise and describing examples of the type of talk ideas you will seek, you will help us understand your proposal, and speed up the licensing process.

Look for ideas
We don't expect you to have speakers yet, but what ideas have you found that might lead you to a speaker? What incredible ideas or perspectives do you think the world should discover from your community? Is there amazing work being done -- research, discoveries, insights, theories, solutions, etc. -- which is largely unrecognized? These can be ideas you have heard about or local issues that have not yet been addressed in a TED or TEDx Talk. Learn more about brainstorming talk ideas for your application.

Show diversity
Include variety! Every talk at your event should be different from the other talks in subject matter and tone. Though “Social entrepreneurship” or “Sustainability” seem broad, TEDx events should not be limited to one area. Any connection between talks should not be obvious. If you decide to have a theme for your event it should be abstract, connecting the talks in clever, playful ways. Learn more about creating a theme for your event

Save an offline copy

We recommend you look at the application form first, then spend time offline composing your answers in Google Docs, Microsoft Word or a similar word-processing program. Please remember to keep an offline copy. You can save your draft application and complete it later.