About TEDx – TEDxButler

About TEDx, x = independently organized event

In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

A TEDx event is a local gathering where live TED-like talks and performances are shared with the community. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis. The content and design of each TEDx event is unique and developed by each organizing team but all events share these common features:

TED's format

A suite of short, carefully prepared talks, demonstrations and performances that are idea-focused and cover a wide range of subjects to foster learning, inspiration and wonder – and provoke conversations that matter.

Diversity of topics

All TEDx events present multiple issues and a diversity of voices from many disciplines. After all, what’s the fun without a little variety?

Community-driven and bias-free content

A TEDx event is organized by volunteers from the local community, and just like TED events, it lacks any commercial, religious or political agenda. Its goal is to spark conversation, connection and community.

What a TEDx event is not:

A TEDx event isn’t an industry or marketing conference. It isn’t limited to one topic or field. It isn’t used to sell something.
A TEDx event is not organized by or for special-interest political, religious or commercial groups.
A TEDx event cannot be used to raise money, not even for a charity.
A TEDx event cannot partner with another conference or event.
A TEDx event can’t be co-branded with an institution except under specific license types – available to a college or university, or for internal events (for the employees of an organization).
A TEDx event is not a platform for professional or circuit speakers, such as motivational speakers and professional life coaches. Its purpose is to give a platform to those who often do not have one.
A TEDx event is not focused solely on entrepreneurship, business or technology. Diversity of topics is key!

About TED

TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.

TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, but today it spans a multitude of worldwide communities and initiatives exploring everything from science and business to education, arts and global issues. In addition to the TED Talks curated from our annual conferences and published on TED.com, we produce original podcasts, short video series, animated educational lessons (TED-Ed) and TV programs that are translated into more than 100 languages and distributed via partnerships around the world. Each year, thousands of independently run TEDx events bring people together to share ideas and bridge divides in communities on every continent. Through the Audacious Project, TED has helped catalyze more than $3 billion in funding for projects that seek to make the world more beautiful, sustainable and just. In 2020, TED launched Countdown, an initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis and mobilize a movement for a net-zero future, and in 2023 TED launched TED Democracy to spark a new kind of conversation focused on realistic pathways towards a more vibrant and equitable future. View a full list of TED’s many programs and initiatives.