(Closed) TEDxSavannah 2026 is Open!
Theme: Shaping the Future
If you’re local to Savannah (or can share how your idea is connected to the Southeast region), this is a strong opportunity to look at.
TEDxSavannah is now accepting speaker applications for 2026, and this is a well-run, coach-forward event with clear expectations and real support for speakers.
But the deadline is quick! Submit before Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET
Who this is for
This call is a good fit if you:
Have one clear idea connected to how we shape the future
Have a connection to the greater Savannah region
Are open to feedback and coaching
Care about impact more than promotion
They are intentionally highlighting voices from Savannah and the broader Southeast.
Event snapshot
Event date: Friday, May 15, 2026
Location: Fine Arts Auditorium, Georgia Southern University (Armstrong Campus)
Experience: Talks, performances, lunch, and a speaker meet-and-greet
Theme: Shaping the Future
Required availability (non-negotiable)
You must be able to say yes to all of the following:
In-person pitch session:
Friday, Jan 30 (4–7 pm) or Saturday, Jan 31 (9 am–1 pm)Speaker Orientation:
Thursday, Feb 26 at 6 pmScript Review (30 min):
Friday, Mar 6 (4–7 pm) or Saturday, Mar 7 (9 am–1 pm)Coaching Session #1 (30 min):
Friday, Apr 10 (4–7 pm) or Saturday, Apr 11 (9 am–1 pm)Coaching Session #2 (30 min):
Friday, May 1 (4–7 pm) or Saturday, May 2 (9 am–1 pm)Dress rehearsal:
Thursday, May 14 (time TBD)Event day:
Friday, May 15 (9 am–2 pm)Post-event reception:
Friday, May 15 (2–3 pm)
If your schedule can’t support this level of involvement, this may not be the right TEDx event.
If it can, this is a very supportive structure.
Topic categories you’ll choose from
You’ll select one category that best fits your idea:
Science, Medicine, or Health
Environment or Sustainability
Social Justice
Technology
Design
Culture
Inspiration
History
Art
Other
Choose based on the idea, not your job title.
What the written application asks for
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:
Your connection to the greater Savannah region
A proposed title (optional, but helpful)
A one-sentence summary of how your idea is shaping the future
Your connection to the topic
A 3–5 sentence explanation of your idea and what makes it remarkable
A call-to-action for the audience (Think impact, not promotion.)
A 1–2 sentence explanation of how your idea fits the theme
Your preferred talk length (4–12 minutes, all talks are under 12)
A speaker bio (1,000 characters max)
Video links of past talks (groups of 10+ preferred)
If you don’t have video footage, you’ll describe a previous speaking experience for an audience of 25+ people.
You’ll also answer:
A short reflection on a recent accomplishment that shows curiosity, discovery, or impact (100 words max)
How you heard about the TEDxSavannah call (you can share Speaker Accelerator :))
Application link
Application Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfn4Bo7Aveh9S7-AIo5sqJkOoqcEBHMLUTdADiMUzZ7wQ0YBw/formResponse
Additional Details: https://tedxsavannah.com/
Want help with this application?
If you’re reading these questions and thinking, I know my idea but I’m stuck on how to say it, you’re not alone. This is where a lot of strong speakers stall.
Since the deadline is coming up quick, I offer 1:1 strategy sessions or pitch reviews.
We’ll tighten:
Your core idea
Your one-sentence “shaping the future” pitch
Your application answers so they stay TEDx-appropriate and sound like you
If you apply to TEDxSavannah, reply and tell me. I’m excited to cheer you on!
See you in the next drop,
Geleen Antonio
P.S. As a thank-you for being here, I’ve opened up a New Year’s sale for the Speaker Accelerator January 24-25 cohort. If you’ve been on the fence, this is your nudge.