TEDxJacksonville, Florida is looking for speakers!
Deadline: July 15
This one is a great stage for you all to apply to! TEDxJacksonville islooking for speakers for their January 16, 2027 event!
They’ve been hosting talks dating back to 2012, which already tells me this is a well-established event with experience curating ideas over time. If you’re looking for a TEDx with a real track record, strong visibility, and a team that seems invested in thoughtful curation, this is absolutely one to consider.
The deadline to apply is July 15, but get those applications in early!
Key Event Details
TEDxJacksonville
📍 Jacksonville, Florida, USA
📅 Event Date: January 16, 2027
⏳ Deadline: July 15, 2026
Talks will be 5-15 minutes in length.
Theme
No official public theme has been announced, but their application language gives a very clear sense of what they value.
They are looking for ideas that:
Are radically new
Showcase fresh approaches to enduring problems
Challenge our conceptions about what’s possible
Expose us to cutting-edge research, technology or design
Energetically redefine the human experience
The call out specifically that they will reject ideas that are vague or underdeveloped, based on pseudoscience rather than quantifiable and specific data, purely personal or motivational in nature, already ubiquitious, solely about overcoming adversity or obstacles, or motivated by or seek to promote corporate, political, or religious agendas
This feels like a stage that leans heavily toward strong idea architecture and thoughtful evidence-backed perspectives over purely inspirational storytelling.
Who Is This For
This could be a great fit for:
Researchers, founders, educators, creatives, healthcare professionals, technologists, designers, and community leaders with a clear central idea
Speakers with a strong personal lens connected to a broader societal takeaway
People who can challenge a common belief in a thoughtful, grounded way
Applicants comfortable with coaching and revision
Also important: they mention that fewer than 20% of applicants are contacted for interviews, so this is probably a more competitive stage.
Selected speakers must be willing to:
Participate in one-on-one and group coaching
Attend rehearsals virtually and in person
Collaborate with the curation team to refine the talk
Follow TEDx content guidelines carefully
Avoid promotional, political, or religious agendas
The event will take place at Lazzara Performance Hall on the campus of the University of North Florida.
About the Organizers and Community
They created this platform for ideas that can create positive change in Jacksonville and beyond.
Their mission is centered around opening minds with inspiring ideas and helping amplify voices across industries and communities. Jacksonville itself is described as a crossroads of innovation spanning medicine, aviation, banking, manufacturing, design, transportation, technology, and the arts.
They explicitly emphasize showcasing diverse voices and creating dialogue around issues that matter to the local community.
This is likely a stage where local connection matters. Even though they do not state speakers must live in Jacksonville, they do ask directly about your connection to the city in the application. If you apply, I would absolutely spend time thoughtfully answering that section and connecting your idea to why it matters to this audience specifically.
How to Apply
This is what you’ll need to submit on the application form:
Personal/contact information
A one-sentence core idea (150 characters max)
A written explanation of a common belief your idea disrupts
A 1–2 minute video explaining why your idea matters now
Why you are the right person to share this idea
Whether you’ve presented the idea publicly before
TED/TEDx talks related to your topic
One recent accomplishment
Your connection to Jacksonville
Optional supporting materials including:
Bio
Resume/CV
Previous speaking video
Headshot
Application Form: https://tedxjacksonville.com/apply-to-speak/
Website for More Info: https://tedxjacksonville.com/
Social Media for Updates: https://www.instagram.com/tedxjacksonville/
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!
Don’t stress, you got this!
Geleen Antonio
Let’s Connect on Linkedin | Watch my TEDx Talk |
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