Submit an Idea — TEDxArlington Heights

Submit a Speaker Idea

Speaker applications for 2025 open March 26th and close mid-May. Have a big idea worth spreading? We want to hear it!

2025 Theme: Under the Surface

We DIG DEEP to UPROOT the:

Hidden truths

Assumptions

Biases

Barriers

To disrupt the norm.

Connect your big idea to our 2025 conference theme:

We are looking for 8-15 minute talks.

Things to consider when submitting your talk idea:

Avoid motivational talks or personal narratives.
Review TED guidelines HERE.
Speakers and performers are not paid.
Speakers are not allowed to promote themselves, products, or their company from the stage.
Speakers are not allowed to speak to fundraising asks for causes.
Avoid motivational talks or personal narratives.
Avoid religion and political agendas.
Avoid bad science and unproven research.

Speakers selected to speak at TEDxArlington Heights are REQUIRED to:

Work closely with our curation team (4 months) to develop your talk to be ready for the stage.
Be responsive and submit all requested talk information, files, outlines, and presentations on time.
Attend the dress rehearsal
Attend the entire conference
Preferably, attend the speaker/partner event.

Submit Your Idea Worth Spreading

2025 Applications OPEN 3/26/25 and CLOSE mid-May. PLEASE REVIEW the speaker requirements and considerations above BEFORE applying.

CONFERENCE: Saturday, October, 4th, 2025

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email

Are you available for dress rehearsal on 10/3/25 and the conference on 10/4/25? Only speakers with availability for BOTH days will be considered.

Title

Company/Organization

What city and state do you live in?

Please share your bio.

In 100 words or less.

Tell us about your ONE idea. *Pleae consider we typically do not move forward with ideas that are focused on personal stories, promoting your business or book, purely inspirational or motivational, or don't adhere to TEDx standards stated above. *

What category best describes your idea?

Examples: Science, Technology, Education, Leadership

How does your talk idea relate to our TEDxArlington Heights 2025 conference theme of "Under the Surface"?

What makes you an expert or the person to share this talk idea?

In short, tell us how your talk is evidence-based.

Please share any links that showcase your idea or work (websites, videos, social media accounts).

Please share a 2 minute video of you explaining your big idea.

Provide a video link using sharing platforms (Google Drive, YouTube, etc.). Links must have "public" access. Video does not need to be professionally taped.

Nominate a Speaker

2025 Applications OPEN 3/26/25 and CLOSE mid-May. PLEASE REVIEW the speaker requirements and considerations above BEFORE applying.

CONFERENCE: Saturday, October, 4th, 2025

Your Name

First Name

Last Name

Your Email

Nominee Name

First Name

Last Name

Nominee Email

Nominee Title

Nominee Company/Organization

What city and state do you live in?

Please share a short bio on the nominee.

In 100 words or less.

Tell us about the nominee's ONE idea.

How does the nominee's talk idea relate to our TEDxArlington Heights 2025 conference theme of "Under the Surface"?

What makes the nominee an expert or the person to share this talk idea?

Please share any links that showcase the nominee's idea or work (websites, videos, social media accounts).