(Closed) Apply for TEDxChattanooga 2026
Applications close Monday 3/23/26
TEDxChattanooga posted their 2026 theme just two weeks ago, which means this is still early in the cycle. Applications close March 23, 2026, and based on how detailed this form is, they are screening carefully.
Let’s break this down strategically.
The Theme
UNFINISHED
We celebrate the finished product. The polished performance. The success story with a bow on top.
But what about the mess in between? The draft that’s still being written? The idea that hasn’t landed yet? The dream you’re still chasing?
What if the most honest version of you is unfinished?
This year, we’re asking: what if we stopped pretending we’ve arrived? What if we showed up as we are? Still learning, still growing, still becoming?
Because the truth is, none of us are done. We’re all works in progress. And that’s not a weakness. That’s the whole point.
Application Requirements
The application states:
This stage is not for motivational or inspirational speakers.
Not for promoting a book, brand, or product.
Not for sharing your personal story alone.
You must agree to that before continuing.
They also disqualify applicants who:
Have spoken at another TEDx within 12 months
Are booked to speak at another TEDx within 6 months of this event
And as always, TEDx speakers are not paid.
Topics They Are Specifically Interested In
They are looking for ideas related to:
Advances and new discoveries in health
Inclusive technology for sustainable and resilient communities
Arts and activism
Empowerment of women and girls
Climate and environmental science
Design and engineering for social change
Ethics in science and technology
Gender and race equality research
LGBTQIA+ rights
Breakthrough interdisciplinary collaborations
If your idea fits one of these lanes, highlight that clearly.
The Application Components
You’ll need to provide:
A 4–5 sentence summary suitable for social media/website promo
3–4 clear learning objectives
Why the topic matters to a general audience
Discipline intersections (Technology, Education, Design, Philosophy, Sciences, Business, Psychology, Policy)
A bio (15 sentences max)
What TEDxChattanooga means to you
They ask about your connection as well. Those with ties to the community will be prioritized. If you select “no personal ties” to Chattanooga, please make sure you share why your idea is relevant to the Chattanooga community.
A 3–5 minute custom video about your proposed topic
Important:
They will not consider your application if you submit a recycled clip from another talk. The video must specifically address this idea.
Follow the instructions exactly. They explicitly say that failure to follow directions means automatic disqualification.
Application Link
Theme posted two weeks ago.
Applications close Monday 3/23/26.
That is not a long runway.
If you’re considering this one, I would aim to submit within the next 1–2 weeks rather than waiting until the deadline. Most stages start looking and selecting speakers on a rolling basis so the earlier you submit, the more open spots are available.
Website: https://www.tedxchatt.com/
Apply Now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFofkmfVsxewEET0SgbciAkcp4jaYaBJm648wwbrdvYTi-zw/viewform
Need Help With Your Application?
Book a 1:1 Application Strategy Session and we will do a deep dive into your specific idea and optimize your application before submission.
Don’t stress, you got this!
Geleen Antonio