TEDxChattanooga is taking submissions for people interested in speaking at the city’s version of the famous lecture series. The upcoming TEDx event – the ‘x’ standing for independently organized TED event – is scheduled for Feb. 27, 2016, in the Roland W. Hayes Concert Hall.
Lecture topics last year ranged from orangutan sign language to chestnut trees and why Microsoft Excel is boring.
“It’s diversity across the board,” said Linda Frost, dean of the Honors College at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Potential speakers have to film a two- or three-minute video describing the topic of their lecture, and a committee will pick between 12 and 15 speakers. Submissions are due Sept. 14 on the event’s website, tedxchattanooga.com.
Speakers cannot be paid for their talks, but if they’re traveling from another city they can be reimbursed for their travel, Frost said.
“It’s Chattanooga celebrated, but it’s not Chattanooga exclusive,” Frost said, adding she’s hoping for a diverse set of speakers. Internationals, locals, even people under age 18 are welcome to apply.
A news release about the event mentioned that the Tennessee Aquarium was considered a crazy idea 23 years ago but has become a favorite destination among tourists and locals. Through giving a lecture at this TEDx event, the committee is hoping to hear more big ideas for the city.
“This gives an idea of what people are interested in talking about,” Frost said.
Early bird tickets are on sale for $40 each at tedxchattanooga.com. For those wishing to attend the event and the after-party at the Tennessee Aquarium, tickets are $65.
Contact staff writer Evan Hoopfer at ehoopfer@ timesfreepress.com or @EvanHoopfer or 423-757-6731.