TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to ideas worth spreading.

TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization devoted to ideas worth spreading. TED events bring together a community that seeks to understand our diverse world more fully by making great ideas more accessible, therefore sparking deeper conversation. TED was founded in 1984 at a conference that brought a eclectic group of people together from three worlds—technology, entertainment, and design—to talk about innovative ideas within these respective fields. At a TED conference, the world’s leading thinkers and doers are asked to give the talk of their lives in 12 to 18 minutes. Several TED events are held each year. For information about TED’s upcoming conferences visit the TED Conferences page.

On TED.com, talks from TED conferences are shared with the world for free as TED Talk videos. A new TED Talk is posted every weekday, and they are shared on TV, radio, Netflix, and many other platforms.

TEDx events are organized independently by local teams.

The TEDx initiative grants free licenses to people worldwide to organize TED-style events with TED Talks and live speakers in their communities. More than 5,000 TEDx events have been held, and selected talks from these events are also turned into TED Talks videos. TEDx events are independently organized by local teams that spread the mission of TED within communities so that more people can have a TED-like experience. These local, independently organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance and specific requirements for the TEDx program. TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group at a TEDx event. The TED event and talk principles and characteristics are used through TEDx, connecting local organizers to an international network of resources and thinkers. TEDx plays a crucial role in engaging communities in global education. TEDx organizations worldwide introduce their local communities to fascinating, unique ideas that have sprung both from individuals within their community and also those well outside it. TEDxLakeJunaluska is operated as a not-for-profit event, as does the TED organization.

TEDxLakeJunaluska

TEDxLakeJunaluska began when a diverse, passionate group of TED enthusiasts came together to bring an educational and inspirational experience to WNC residents. The first annual conference launched on March 12, 2021. To get a feel for our past events, please browse TEDxTalks on YouTube where all the TEDxLakeJunaluska talks and performances are archived.

2022 is the SECOND year for the TEDxLakeJunaluska conference. The program is comprised of speakers and performers with the goal of sparking deep discussion and connection among attendees. There will be 10 live presenters, most with connections to the area, representing a vast range and breadth of experiences.