Speak at TEDxPittsburgh or TEDxPittsburghWomen

We hold a Call for Ideas twice per calendar year to help fuel our events. We admire anyone who is pursuing a better world and wants to share an idea with the TEDx community. Our speakers are curated in many ways, one of which is the application and nomination process. Due to the large ongoing volume we receive, we are not able to respond to each request. But know that we do review each submission and there are many examples when an application is referred to several months after the initial contact. 

Frequently asked questions

How do I become a speaker for TEDxPittsburgh or TEDxPittsburghWomen?

Our team is always looking for folks in our region pursuing big ideas across many discliplines. This speaker application form on this page is now available year round, we welcome submissions at any time.



When will I hear back about my application or nomination?

Due to the large number of applications we receive, you will only hear back if selected. Additionally, we host several events from year to year and sometimes applicants are contacted at a much later date.



What are some of the criteria the TEDxPittsburgh team uses in choosing speakers?

In curating our speaker lineup, we're looking to answer several questions, some of which are below:
- How does this idea affect Pittsburgh? - How does it scale to folks watching online around the world? - How does this idea relate to the existing library of talks on TED.com? - Is this speaker representing first party evidence? - How does this fit in with our past talks and current theme?



What are some dos and don'ts of applying?

Do: - Submit an application - Include an original video specifically for this process - Attend an event and introduce yourself - Consider what a simplified central idea that you have to share and how it can benefit both in person and online audiences - Be patient Do not: - Propose to give a talk that you already have made or have given. We are not interested in that. - Have marketing or PR people contact us on your behalf. We want to hear from the speakers themselves and often marketing language is so jargony that it rarely makes for a compelling application or nomination.



What if I am not selected?

We value everyone who is pursuing ideas that are aimed at bettering our world. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to apply or nominate while they are already busy enough pursuing progress. Of course we only have so many spots, but our story has ongoing chapters and there is always a chance that it can work out in the future.



What is the process for speakers?

All speakers will receive an official invitation email with content guidelines, coaching commitments and a time designation. From there the collaborative and supportive process is clearly laid out by the TEDxPittsburgh team. We often interview folks before considering an invitation to speak, an interview does not guarantee a talk, but it does guarantee a conversation.