When Should You Apply for a TEDx Talk?
Sooner Than You Think.
If speaking at TEDx is on your mind for 2026, here’s the truth most people don’t realize:
You can’t wait until applications open.
You have to prepare months in advance.
The TEDx process is not last-minute.
It’s not very intuitive.
And it’s definitely not something you want to start when you’re already stressed or rushing.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me years ago.
Start Looking 9 Months Before You Want to Be on Stage
Most TEDx events begin planning far earlier than people think.
If you want to speak in Fall 2026, start doing your research now.
Review the TEDx events list here:
👉 https://www.ted.com/tedx/events
But full transparency: This map is overwhelming and not applications are not all in one place. Events appear, disappear, go quiet, and then pop back up once the team finalizes logistics.
It’s tedious to manually sift through all of this, which is why this Substack exists.
Every week, I send you:
Upcoming open calls for speakers
Application deadlines
Event themes
Direct application links
Notes on who each event tends to pick
It’s the resource I wish I had during my five-year TEDx journey.
If you haven’t already, hit subscribe so you don’t miss these.
Research the Events Before You Apply
Once you find an event that interests you, dig deeper:
Search past events
Type “TEDx + [CityName] + 2022/2023/2024” into Google.
Look up their YouTube channel.
Scroll their Instagram.
Study the speakers
Were they inspirational? Academic? Tech-focused? Community-driven?
Did they bring people in from out of town, or were they hyper-local?
See if they accept outside speakers
Some events only choose speakers from within a 90-mile radius.
Others love bringing in outside voices.
Check if they had an open call for speakers
Scroll down their website or social pages to see if they posted a form last year.
This research alone saves you hours of applying to events you’re not aligned with.
Connect with the Organizers Early
TEDx organizers are volunteers, not corporate employees, and they care deeply about their themes and mission.
A simple, thoughtful message on LinkedIn can go a long way.
Introduce yourself.
Say you’re exploring ideas for 2026.
Ask when their speaker call usually opens.
A conversation in January can lead to a stage spot in October.
Think About Where You’re Actually Willing to Travel
There are already more than 1,300 TEDx events listed for 2026, and that doesn’t include new ones that will appear in the coming months.
You have options everywhere.
But don’t apply to 100 events blindly.
Apply to the 10–20 where:
your idea is aligned,
your story fits the theme,
and you’re willing to show up in person.
TEDx isn’t just about being chosen, it’s about choosing the right stage for your message.
TEDx Is a Numbers + Alignment Game
You may have a big, meaningful idea.
But if you don’t get through the application stage, you won’t be able to share it.
TEDx success doesn’t come from:
luck
fame
or having the “perfect idea”
It comes from:
→ applying early
→ applying strategically
→ applying consistently
→ and tailoring your pitch to each event
That’s exactly what we are here to help you with.
Want to Accelerate the Process Instead of Figuring It Out Alone?
I also run the Speaker Accelerator, a weekend intensive where we:
clarify your idea
craft your pitch
build your TEDx-ready bio
map your personalized application plan
review aligned events for 2026
and connect you with a mastermind group to refine your message
It condenses everything I learned in five years into one weekend, so you don’t lose months trying to guess or Google the right approach.
You can join the waitlist here:
👉 tinyurl.com/tedxaccelerator
If You Want TEDx in 2026, Start Now
Look early and do your research.
I’ll keep sharing the open calls as they drop, along with clear steps to help you craft your idea and get closer to the stage.
If you’re not subscribed yet, now is the moment, you don’t want to miss the windows when events finally open.
Subscribe to get weekly speaker opportunities, deadlines, and application links straight to your inbox.
See you in the next issue,
Geleen Antonio
Not affiliated with or endorsed by TED.