Welcome to TEDxKU

Welcome to our website!

Executive applications are live at the tab above.

We are excited to host our event in the Spring of 2026 at the University of Kansas campus!

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About

TEDxKU

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxKU, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxKU event, event organizers and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized. We are currently planning the Spring 2026 talk!

Learn More About TEDx

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Event Details

Date: April 18, 2025
Location: The Forum at Marvin Hall

2025 Speakers

The amazing people with amazing ideas to share with the world!
To learn more about each speaker, click on their headshot.

Kathy Ball-Toncic

We need to stop letting our fear of saying the wrong thing keep us from supporting others in crisis, and start taking concrete action. Real empathy comes from showing up, not from finding perfect words.

Nilou Vakil

What if our built environment engaged all our senses, not just sight? Imagine a world where spaces were designed to be fully inclusive where architecture didn’t just serve the visually abled but embraced the needs of the visually impaired as well.

Zachary Schroeder

At just 21, a cancer diagnosis profoundly reshaped my perspective on life. Over the coming years, it also deepened my understanding of healthcare and the unique value of healthcare to rural communities.

Alejandro Sabillón

This talk explores the concept of music as a universal experience, extending beyond human expression to encompass the sounds and potential musicality of flora, fauna, and future synthetic consciousnesses.

Sara Moses

We need to stop viewing trauma as simply--or only--destructive and start recognizing it as a catalyst for growth. By building an emotional first aid kit and learning to be the boss of our thoughts, we can proactively shape our response to any setback or tragedy we encounter.

Stephanie Swanson

The Inevitability of Disability. We will all eventually face disability, whether it comes from illness, injury, or age, and absolutely none of us are ready.

Barron Peper

What if architecture held the key to solving disconnection and loneliness? By aligning our values with how we design our homes and spaces, we can effortlessly invite the connection we’ve been longing for.

Apply to Speak

Applications for our 2025 event are now closed. Be sure to check back in Fall 2025 for updates on next year’s opportunities.

Tickets

Ticket sales for the event of 2026 will open in early winter!

Volunteer

Please click the button below to let us know if you would like to volunteer!

Volunteer

Our Team

Our Executive Team is made up of students and a wonderful member of faculty from the University of Kansas. We are super pumped to plan this event for Spring of 2026!