TEDxThirdWard Finalists! We’re thrilled to introduce the next class of changemakers, storytellers, and visionaries who will take the stage at TEDxThirdWard 2026 on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Houston, Texas. This year’s event will be a full day of ideas worth spreading, featuring five dynamic sections filled with talks that challenge, inspire, and ignite new ways of thinking. From personal transformation to social innovation, each speaker brings a powerful story and a unique perspective to the red dot. 🎟️ Tickets are now available! Don’t miss your chance to be in the room for one of Houston’s most inspiring events. ➡️ https://matchouston.org/events/2026/tedx-third-ward And if you’re already counting down to what’s next — mark your calendar! The next TEDxThirdWard Salon will take place in April 2026, continuing our mission to build a year-round platform for big ideas and bold voices. Please join me in congratulating this incredible new group of speakers who are ready to Dream. Dare. Do. #TEDxThirdWard #DreamDareDo #IdeasWorthSpreading #Houston

Hey Folks, I wanted to share some updates and invite you to get more involved as we continue building this growing network of speakers, storytellers, and doers. Volunteer Opportunities We’ve opened the volunteer sign-up for those who want to play a hands-on role in what we’re building. There are opportunities to help with event production, speaker coordination, logistics, creative storytelling, communications, and on-site experience for our upcoming TEDx events. If you’d like to contribute your time and skills while getting a virtual/in-person behind-the-scenes view of things, sign up here: https://forms.gle/MGBPKxFfwZvooty6A Speaker Notifications All speaker emails have been sent. Please check your inbox and your spam folder to see whether you were selected for this round. Every speaker also received a personal call. Even if you weren’t selected for this cycle, stay close. We’re already planning the April event rollout and there will be more opportunities to take the stage in 2025. What’s Next While the speaker lineup for the January 10 TEDxThirdWard event in Houston is set, planning has already started for the April cycle. Next year, there will be four total TEDxThirdWard events: one full-scale event and three smaller Salon events built around specific themes. This community will continue to be our home base, not just for TEDxThirdWard but for the larger speaker ecosystem we’re building together. The Dream to Speaker Stage community is where you can learn, connect, and collaborate with others who share your passion for communication, storytelling, and impact. A Second, Curated Space In addition to this public-facing space, we’re developing a second, curated community for those who want to go deeper. It will include TEDx speakers, curators, and organizers from around the world. The goal is to strengthen your speaker muscle, sharpen your delivery, and connect you with opportunities to grow through collaboration and mentorship.

No matter where you stand right now, the next step, even the smallest one, holds incredible power. Progress doesn’t come from knowing every answer; it comes from choosing to move. The courage to take that next step, especially when shared with others, transforms uncertainty into momentum. When you talk things through, when you lean on support, when you let others walk beside you, your next move stops being just yours and becomes part of something greater. Growth happens in motion, and transformation happens in connection. So take that next step. Speak your thoughts out loud. Trust that forward, however small or unsure, is always a powerful direction.

TEDxThirdWard Speaker Selection Update Hey! I wanted to take a minute to share where we are in the selection process and what I’m seeing so far... And, I wanted to try out the "Live" feature here on the Skool platform. We’ve had an incredible mix of ideas this year. People from everywhere with stories that genuinely make you pause and think. I’m proud of every single person who took the step to apply. As I’ve gone through the talks, I keep seeing three main groups emerge: Group 1: You’re ready for the stage. Your idea is clear, unique, and well-communicated. There’s nothing else quite like it. Group 2: You’re almost there — your idea is strong, but maybe others are touching similar topics, or you’re one “aha” away from full clarity. With a bit more refining and practice, you’re going to shine. Group 3: You’re still in the early part of the journey. That’s not a bad thing — it just means there’s more space to grow. Some folks here need more structure, clarity, or help bringing the message to life. You’ve already done the hardest part: starting. There will be 25 speakers total, divided into five groups throughout the day — 9 AM, 10:30, 1, 2:30, and 4. Once we finalize the list, we’ll start sending confirmations and callbacks. We’re also planning Media Day on 11/15 in Houston so finalists can capture rollouts and promo content for their announcements the following week. And as for this Skool community — it’s here to stay. Feel free to invite others. We’re building out this free community in a more intentional way. If you check the calendar, you’ll see we’re hosting a virtual Speaker Lounge every Thursday at 7 PM CT — a relaxed space to connect, share ideas, and talk about what it really takes to get stage-ready. Some weeks we’ll break down great TEDx talks, other weeks we’ll do live feedback sessions or invite past speakers to share how they shaped their big idea. We’re also developing a paid coaching circle for those who want weekly accountability and deeper skill-building. And even if you don’t make it to the January stage, there’s another opportunity — TEDxThirdWard Salon is coming in April 2026 — so stay engaged, keep refining, and use this community to get sharper every week.

Some people make it on their first try. Others apply five, six, ten--- dozens of times before they finally land the red dot. For those who’ve made it further, refined your idea, or feel closer than ever — what’s one piece of advice you’d give your former self? And for the first-timers, what’s something that’s surprised you most about the process so far? It’s often a numbers game — every “not yet” is shaping your next “yes.”