After receiving 786 applications to speak at TEDxThirdWard 2026 (June 14th in Houston), our team has officially selected this year’s 155 Semifinalists. HERE'S THE LINK: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q4-1AFI1i1tgZr4yXxv8AVM12hLOrJkgTfuKSD3bUO4/edit?usp=sharing All applicants received an email today, Monday, March 2nd at 5:00 PM Central Standard Time notifying you of your status. Check your spam. Here are a few interesting facts about this year’s semifinalist pool: • ~22% have previously attended a TEDxThirdWard event • ~8% have given a TEDx talk before • ~59% are based in Texas • ~41% are based outside of Texas • Representation from 15+ U.S. states • International semifinalists from 2+ countries Over 91% of this year’s semifinalists would be first-time TEDx speakers. Thank you again to everyone who applied.

I’ve been sitting with last Thursday’s virtual event, and I’m grateful for the ideas shared 🙌🏾 The biggest takeaway I’m still holding is this: clarity travels faster than effort ⚡️ — and the people who stand out aren’t doing more, they’re doing the right thing consistently 🎯 Special thanks to @Durrell Douglas for leading the conversation so effectively and keeping the space moving with intention 👏🏾🧠 Here’s what I’m implementing this week based on what I heard ✅: 1. Clarifying the one problem I solve 🧩 2. Tightening the one sentence I want people to remember ✍🏾 3. Taking one uncomfortable action that moves the needle 🚀 Now I’m curious 👀: what’s one idea from last Thursday that you’re implementing in the next 7 days? Drop it below ⬇️ so we can hold each other to it 🤝🏾

If you are applying to speak at TEDxThirdWard Salon on Sunday, June 14th, 2026 at MATCH Theater in Houston, this is where you introduce yourself. In the comments below, please share: • Your name • Where you’re from • Your big idea in one or two sentences This is how we begin building community beyond the application. We want to know who you are and what you hope to bring to the stage! Drop your intro below.

What's your inspiration behind the RED Dot if you're a speaker applicant?