What is TED?

TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world's leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes or less. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman. The annual TED Conference takes place each spring in Vancouver, British Columbia. TED's media initiatives include TED.com, where new TED Talks are posted daily; the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed. TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional individuals with a wish to change the world get help translating their wishes into action; TEDx, which supports individuals or groups in hosting local, self- organized TED-style events around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.

What is TEDx?

x = independently organized TED event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. Learn more about the TEDx program here.

When and where will TEDxCUNY take place this year?

TEDxCUNY 2020: Worth Searching For is taking place on March 20, 2020, at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater. Learn more here.

Where do I get a ticket to attend TEDxCUNY, and how much does it cost?

Tickets to TEDxCUNY 2020: Worth Searching For are now available! Tickets available here. TEDxCUNY is proud to offer its tickets at low rates - we want to make sure everyone can enjoy a day of idea-sharing and everyone can get access to the TED community.

I am a member of the media. How do I obtain a media pass?

For any inquiries, please email tedxcuny@gmail.com.

How can my company get involved as a sponsor or partner of TEDxCUNY?

We're so excited to connect with you! Please email tedxcuny@gmail.com to learn more.

Who runs TEDxCUNY?

TEDxCUNY is run by current CUNY students dedicated to spreading TED/TEDx's mission! Meet our team here.

How can I join TEDxCUNY?

TEDxCUNY is organized by a passionate team of CUNY students who commit their extracurricular time during their academic careers to sharing ideas worth spreading. We are not currently accepting new applications for our team. Team selection for current students will begin in the late Spring semester. Team applications for entering + current students will reopen in the Fall semester.

What do I need to bring for registration?

You must present an ID. There will be designated registration areas for general/student admission and VIP/speaker/sponsor admission.

Where can I view the conference schedule?

The conference-day schedule will be updated in the coming weeks. Tune in here or our social media.

Where can I get food and drink at TEDxCUNY?

A selection of snacks and refreshments will be available throughout the day. John Jay College has an available cafe, and there are numerous food options nearby the venue.

Can I take photos or videos during the talks and performances?

During talks and performances, we request that all cell phones are silent or turned off. Absolutely no recording devices or flash photography will be permitted. All talks and performances will be available online after the conference.

What should I wear?

Anything you are comfortable in and expresses who you are! We do not have a dress code.

I would like to speak at TEDxCUNY - how can I apply?

Please read about and fill out our speaker application here.

I know someone who could give a great TEDxCUNY talk! How can I nominate them?

Great! Please fill out the application here.

Will it help if I submit multiple nominations, or have others nominate me several times?

No. One submission is enough.

Who are you looking to have speak? What should I know before applying?

We are looking for: never-before-seen presentations, scientifically sound research, and people who have changed the world. We love people who are committed to the process, display an understanding of TEDxCUNY, and have something to offer our community. We are not looking for: advice or "coaching," or professional or semi-pro “public speakers” who have given the same talk many times. Before submitting, take a minute to think about the following:

• What is my idea?
• Why is this idea important?
• What uniquely qualifies me to talk about this?

Is there a deadline for nominating a speaker?

Our application is available year-round. Speakers are selected for our Spring conferences by the end of CUNY's Fall semester. Applicants submitting nominations in the Spring will be considered for the following conference.

When will I hear back about my nomination?

TEDxCUNY is only able to contact those invited to further explore their talk idea.