TEDxArkansasStateUniversity Speaker Applications Are Now Open!
Deadline: August 1
TEDx is returning to Arkansas State University for the first time in nine years. The last TEDxArkansasStateUniversity event was held in 2017, and September 2026 will mark the relaunch of the stage for a new generation of speakers and ideas.
Dive into the details of the application below…
Key Event Details
TEDxArkansasStateUniversity
📍 Fowler Center, Jonesboro, Arkansas
📅 September 18, 2026
⏳ Application Deadline: August 1, 2026
🎯 Theme
No official theme has been announced. - Instead, organizers are seeking ideas that inspire others, challenge assumptions, spark meaningful conversations, and contribute to positive change within the community and beyond.
Who Is This For
TEDxArkansasStateUniversity is casting a wide net.
TEDxArkansasStateUniversity is seeking speakers from a wide range of backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences. Whether your passion lies in education, business, technology, healthcare, leadership, community development, creativity, personal growth, or another field entirely, they encourage you to apply.
They are also offering multiple talk lengths:
Short Talk (3 minutes)
Standard TEDx Talk (7 minutes)
Featured TEDx Talk (13 minutes)
This is great news if you have a strong idea but aren’t sure whether it fits a full 18-minute TEDx format. Not every idea needs a long talk to make an impact.
About the Organizers and Community
One of the most interesting aspects of this opportunity is that it is a relaunch.
Organizers recently announced that they received approval from TED to bring TEDx back to Arkansas State University after a nine-year hiatus.
They shared that the goal is to create a platform where students, faculty, researchers, alumni, and community members can share ideas worth spreading and contribute to meaningful conversations across disciplines.
Arkansas State University serves a diverse community across Northeast Arkansas and is home to work happening in Research, Education, Science, Art, Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, and Public Service.
For applicants, this suggests the organizers are looking for a broad range of perspectives rather than a narrow speaker profile.
Another positive sign is that the application asks whether you are a student, faculty member, employee, or alumni, but does not state that affiliation with Arkansas State University is required. That may indicate openness to community voices beyond campus as well.
How to Apply
This is what you’ll need to submit:
Name and contact information
Your proposed TEDx topic
PDF version of your talk script (Don’t let this one deter you, you don’t need a final script and many times a rough draft or outline is acceptable)
Video link of your proposed talk or past speaking experience (optional but recommended)
Three possible date and time windows for an online interview between May and July
Apply Here: https://forms.gle/xCLiKCyj2gj5veJh9
Social Media for Updates for Updates: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/19033048/
Need Help?
You can absolutely figure this out on your own using what I share here, but I know the process can feel a lot faster and less overwhelming when you have someone in your corner.
That’s why I offer different ways to support you depending on where you are:
Just getting started → Join the Live masterclass on June 9 to understand how TEDx works and what to do next
Refining your idea → Book a 1:1 Idea Session to turn your topic into a clear, TEDx-worthy idea
Ready to apply → Book a 1:1 Strategy + application Session to submit strong, well-positioned applications
🔴 See all your options: Choose Your Path
Whether you’re here just for the open calls or you want more hands-on support, I’ve got you.
And if there’s something you want me to break down or a location you’re looking for, just hit reply or email me at geleen@travelnottoescape.com.
I’m rooting for you!
Geleen Antonio
Let’s Connect on Linkedin | Watch my TEDx Talk |
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