TEDxAsheville is Looking for Speakers

Do you have an idea that challenges the status quo, a story born from struggle, or a perspective that can shift the way we see the world?

If you have an idea worth spreading and want to take your speaking credibility to the next level, then participating in a TEDx event can be an invaluable opportunity.

Criteria for speaker applications:

• Your idea needs to fit the theme
• Live within a four hour drive to Asheville
• Be available for specific events and rehearsals
• Willingness to work with a coach and receive feedback

Apply and view past speakers at www.tedxasheville.com/speak. The speaker portal closes September 21, 2025. Final speaker selections will be announced in December.

Red Rug Roundtable

TEDxAsheville will host a salon, the Red Rug Roundtable, designed for intimate dialogue and connection. The next gathering is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 309 College Street, Asheville.

TEDxAsheville 2026

Asheville’s premier TEDx event will return to the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts on March 20, 2026. The all-day gathering will showcase dynamic local voices through TED talks, performances, and demonstrations around the theme “Embrace the Mess.”

Life is beautifully chaotic, and growth often emerges from disorder. This year’s theme invites audiences to celebrate imperfection, lean into vulnerability, and discover creativity and strength in life’s unpredictability.

Western North Carolina knows this spirit well. In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, communities found resilience, compassion, and connection. That same spirit of unity in the face of chaos will resonate on the TEDxAsheville stage.

Expect thought leaders, visionaries, and storytellers who have turned turbulence into transformation. Through powerful talks and shared experiences, they’ll reveal how navigating life’s complexities can spark breakthroughs—personal and collective. Come ready to challenge assumptions, spark fresh ideas, and uncover beauty in the chaos. Let’s embrace the mess—together.

“Life rarely unfolds neatly—and that’s where the most powerful ideas are born. We invite our community to lean into life’s mess, discover new perspectives, and celebrate the creativity and resilience that emerge when we embrace uncertainty together.” ~ Barrie Barton, Lead Coordinator

TEDxAsheville is proudly supported by Western Carolina University, Asheville/Buncombe Chamber of Commerce, Mountain BizWorks, Focal Point Co-Working, and Amy Climer. If you’re interested in sponsoring TEDxAsheville, contact [email protected].

To sign up for event and ticketing updates, go to www.TEDxAsheville.com.