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TEDxURI 2024 seeks presenters to tell inspiring stories about innovation

Audition submission deadline is Feb. 6

URI student Jeremy Bergantini of Ashaway delivers his TEDxURI talk on creativity during last year’s event in Edwards Hall on URI’s Kingston Campus. (URI Photo)

KINGSTON, R.I. – Jan. 10, 2024 – Over the last six years, TEDxURI has brought to the stage and screen inspirational stories and big ideas around topics such as creativity, hope, climate change, and “changing up the conversation.”

For TEDxURI 2024, which will be held Sunday, April 7, at 2 p.m. in Edwards Hall on the University of Rhode Island’s Kingston Campus, the conversation turns to innovation. The presentations will also be streamed live, or recorded for later viewing.

URI is looking for a diverse group of presenters who can stand in the spotlight and share their perspective on innovation, telling inspirational, enlightening stories about how they engage in innovation, what it means to them and where it fits into their lives. The mission is to share big ideas to challenge others to think big.

“This year, the TEDxURI team is thrilled to offer an incredible opportunity for individuals brimming with passion and a desire to share their unique perspectives on innovation,” said Maling Ebrahimpour, professor in the College of Business and the organizer for TEDxURI. “Our team carefully chose the theme innovation to empower presenters with the utmost freedom to articulate their groundbreaking ideas, whatever they may be. Join us on this inspiring journey of creativity and discovery.”

Auditions to be a TEDxURI presenter are open to members of the URI community and the general public. To apply, simply submit a video audition of three minutes or less previewing your story, and fill out the application form by Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

The application form—available here—includes links to tips about making a video and other helpful information. Videos must be uploaded to YouTube and the link listed in your application. You can choose to set the YouTube link as “only those with the link can view.” But be careful not to select “private” because the TEDxURI judges will not be able to view it.

If you are selected, your full TEDxURI presentation will be between 5 and 7 minutes in length. URI coaches will help you develop and present your story in the weeks before the live performance. Coaching will start the week of Feb. 19.

For more information, contact Production Manager Paula McGlasson at paulam@uri.edu or Stage Manager Meghan Turner at meghant513@uri.edu.

To view previous TEDxURI talks, visit the event website.

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxURI, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxURI event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.