Speaking at TEDxHiltonHead
TEDxHiltonHead is a community of thinkers, explorers, makers, doers, performers, and artists who believe passionately in the power of ideas as a catalyst for positive change in the Lowcountry and around the world. In the spirit of TED’s mission, we aim to gather people from every discipline and culture who cultivate a deeper understanding of the world and ourselves.
We strive to produce events that feature stimulating performances, discussions, entertainment, and art that sparks new ideas and fosters real dialog on issues that matter to our community.
We search year-round for speakers who will inform and inspire, surprise and delight. We welcome emerging thought leaders and aim to introduce them to the TEDxHiltonHead community before they hit the mainstream.
Suggest a Speaker
If you know someone who belongs on our stage, please use our speaker nomination form, and tell us why this person would be well-matched to the TEDxHiltonHead stage. Help us connect with them!
Speaking at TEDxHiltonHead
TEDxHiltonHead speakers are chosen by a select team through a highly curated process that considers ideas, speaker styles, and the flow of the event. We evaluate applications by the power of the idea, and whether the TEDxHiltonHead platform can help propel the idea forward.
What ideas are we looking for?
- Something that’s new and surprising; an idea or invention that our audience has never heard about.
- Ideas that deserve to be defended – not something self-evident, but an interesting argument, perhaps with an antagonist.
- A great basic idea that our audience has maybe already heard, presented with a compelling new argument that challenges beliefs and perspectives. (E.g., a scientific discovery that changes how we think about frogs, a philosophical argument that reshapes our notions of friendship.)
In other words, a TEDxHiltonHead talk isn’t just a story or a list of facts. It takes certain evidence or observations and draws a larger conclusion.
Things to Know
Much like TED, TEDxHiltonHead isn’t a typical conference. The TEDxHiltonHead audience has high expectations of the speakers. Presenting speakers need to have credibility in the space and be actively working on the idea. The majority of our speakers come from the Lowcountry area. We do invite speakers from around the world whose messages have special resonance or relevance to the Lowcountry.
The all-volunteer TEDxHiltonHead Programming Committee works with speakers well in advance of the event to help prepare and develop talks that will succeed on the TEDxHiltonHead stage. Speakers must be available for curation, group rehearsals and speaker receptions/press opportunities. Also, speakers attend the full event and dialog with attendees. Like all TEDx events, no speaker fees or stipends are permitted. Travel and lodging costs are the responsibility of the speaker, unless otherwise agreed to in advance.
Though we consider each application carefully, please note that only a small fraction of applicants can be selected for any event. Attend our events to share your ideas with the community!
More information:
Official TEDx speaker guidelines
Applications are currently closed
TEDxHiltonHead celebrates ideas worth spreading that highlight members of the Lowcountry community. Sign up to be notified when applications are open again.
