The applications are in, the reviews are done, and we are proud to announce our semifinalists for TEDx Third Ward Salon 2026. If your name is on this list, congratulations. Your idea stood out and you've earned your spot in the next round. [Semifinalist List Here] 📩 Already a semifinalist? Check your email including spam. We sent you a direct email with your next steps, including how to join the private semifinalist hub and your final submission deadline of April 3rd. If you don't see it, check your spam folder or message Durrel Douglas directly here on Skool. If you weren't chosen, we plan to have two other Salon opportunities this year before our next Main event. Not being chosen wasn't necessarily because of the strength of your submission, other factors like the quantity of similar submissions often plays a role. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. 🎙️ Want to walk into your final submission with confidence? We're running the Virtual Speaker Lab, a 3-day live intensive designed to help you flesh out the foundation of your big idea before the final round. March 16 – 18 • 6:00 – 7:30 PM CST each evening • $397 This is open to semifinalists and anyone serious about developing a talk worth putting on a stage. You'll get daily lessons, exercises, feedback from a TEDx curator, and peer practice sessions. 👉 [Register for the Virtual Speaker Lab] Questions? Message Durrell Douglas here on Skool or email info@tedxthirdward.com

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.

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.