People from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world are welcome at TED.
Our success is in bringing together the most remarkable people across many fields. We’re joined by prominent researchers, philanthropists, technologists, educators, environmentalists, scientists, artists, activists and many more impactful people.
The Result?
Unexpected connections. Extraordinary insights. Powerful inspiration.
TED actively seeks new members who are leaders in their fields and who can make a strong contribution to the conference community and experience. If you’re interested in being part of the TED community and attending a conference, but not sure where to start, send us a note to find out more at conferences@ted.com.
Download the Ideas and Action report
TED's global stage and the support of our incredible community have empowered us to share bold ideas and drive real-world change. Download the Ideas and Action report for a glimpse into the remarkable initiatives TED has championed.
What's it like to be part of the TED community?
“Being in a community of people who so strongly share the values of learning, personal and professional development, making a positive impact and giving back. I value that even more now than I did at the time. A community that fully aligns to those values is incredibly hard to find.”
“I didn't expect the long-lasting international friendships that developed. When you experience a TED event together, you bond in some magical ways. Some of my closest, dearest friends now are folks I met at TED.”
“I met incredible people, learned a vast array of ideas and most of all felt like I was a part of an extraordinary community of humans from all over the world.”
“A sense of having found a powerfully connected and very optimistic global community.”
TED Fellows
The program
The TED Fellows program invites innovators from around the globe to become part of the TED community and amplifies the impact of their remarkable work by offering them tools to strengthen the power of their vision. The Fellows are an international community of brilliant thinkers and doers who have shown unusual accomplishment, exceptional courage, strength of character and potential to create positive change in their respective fields.
How are they involved in conferences?
Every year, a new cohort of TED Fellows is selected to join the program and invited to attend a TED Conference, with some even giving their own talks on the TED stage. Fellows are chosen based on their remarkable achievements, their interest in contributing to a growing community, their kindness and their innovative approach to studying and solving the world’s toughest problems.
Are you a future-shaper with an idea that could positively affect the world? Find out more about the TED Fellows program and how the application process works.
Speaking at TED
We search year-round for speakers who will inform and inspire, surprise and delight. TED isn't a typical conference, and the TED audience has high expectations for the speakers – amazing individuals who invent game-changing devices, run the world's most admired companies, design its best-loved products and create ground-breaking media. TED also seeks out emerging artists, scientists, thinkers and doers, introducing them to the TED community well before they hit the mainstream.
How are speakers selected? Conference speakers are selected by our curatorial team who identify and investigate ideas and innovations that matter. We invite prominent experts, artists, activists and many others to attend and present our signature TED Talks in their areas of research and expertise.
If you know someone who belongs on the TED stage, or if you belong there yourself, we want to hear from you! Learn more about speaking at TED, then use the speaker nomination form to tell us why this person would be well-matched to the TED stage.
Want to book a TED speaker?
The TED Speakers Bureau is your official resource for booking powerful, inspiring speakers. We represent some of the world's greatest thinkers, leaders, teachers and visionaries — people who are truly changing the world. For cutting-edge, engaging conversations that expand well beyond the original TED Talk, learn more or contact us.
Upcoming conferences
Find an upcoming conference near you.