Thank you for your interest in applying to become a TEDxAkron speaker for our 2025 “Shaking The Rules” event this fall!

Please fill out the application below so we can learn more about you and your TEDx Talk idea(s) for this year’s event and theme. We will be accepting applications through Sunday, May 4, 2025. And while we assume you have thoroughly read the Learn More page, here are a few quick key reminders before you begin:

The best TED talks are about sharing BIG IDEAS. Sharing a big idea is about informing, inspiring, and creating surprise and delight with our audience.
Your idea should be unique and have the potential to spark conversations and make a positive impact. Do your research. Watch other TEDx and TED talks. You are being asked to share something innovative, a new take, a fresh perspective on something that is well known or entirely new.
We ask that you think critically about this year’s theme when pitching us your idea. You might have a dozen amazing TED Talk ideas, but if they don’t fit this year’s theme, that might just mean you need to wait until we have a theme during a year that does match your idea and apply then.
YOU MUST LIVE OR WORK IN AKRON, OHIO. There are no exceptions. Please read the Learn More page to understand more about this if you have not already. Any applications from folks who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

What do we mean by “Shaking The Rules” this year?

This year’s TEDxAkron event is seeking speakers who have questioned the status quo, redefined boundaries, or seen the world through a different lens. A play on the idea of “breaking the rules”, the theme of “Shaking The Rules” isn’t just about the classic idea or actions of rebellion—it’s about presenting a vision, offering an exploration, and having the courage to ask, What if? From exploring bold innovations to calling for quiet revolutions, from rethinking our shared history to redesigning the future of Akron, we are seeking speaker topics that will explore the gray spaces where transformation happens. Because sometimes, progress isn’t about breaking the rules—it’s about shaking them.

Are you seeing the vision? Are you excited? Is this the right year to have you on stage? Then let’s get started….

SPEAKER APPLICATION | TEDxAkron 2025 Shaking The Rules

Name

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Please provide the best number to reach you - cell or landline

(###)

###

####

Which best describes you?

Check all that apply. *IF YOU DO NOT LIVE OR WORK IN AKRON, YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO SPEAK AT A TEDxAkron EVENT AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

I live in greater Akron

I don't live in Akron, but I live in Summit County

I work in Akron

Tell us about you!

Tell us anything you'd like us to know but also feel free to tell us about your relationship to Akron. What do you do for a living? What led you to want to take the TEDxAkron stage?

What is your "Shaking The Rules" TEDxAkron Talk idea(s)?

When telling us your idea(s), we're not as interested in you "writing out your talk" and would instead love to learn things like: What is the central problem or issue your TED Talk addresses? Why is this topic important to you, and why should an Akron audience care? How does your perspective on this issue differ from others? What is the key takeaway you want the audience to leave with? Can you describe a compelling story or example that illustrates your idea? What are the potential positive outcomes if your idea is widely adopted? How do you plan to make your talk engaging and memorable? etc.

Now, only using ONE SENTENCE tell us about your Talk pitch

TED and TEDx Talks are about delivering a "big idea" not selling or promoting your brand, company, or project. What is the "big idea" in your pitch? Tell us using one sentence.

LinkedIn or Personal Website

You are under no obligation, but feel free to share a link to your LinkedIn profile or a personal website if you were interested in sharing more about yourself.

http://

Is there anything more you'd like to share?

You many not have anything more to share, but if you did, here is space to do so!

Shaking The Rules: Speaker Application

Thank you for your interest in applying to become a TEDxAkron speaker for our 2025 “Shaking The Rules” event this fall!

What do we mean by “Shaking The Rules” this year?

Are you seeing the vision? Are you excited? Is this the right year to have you on stage? Then let’s get started….

SPEAKER APPLICATION | TEDxAkron 2025 Shaking The Rules