TEDxUWMilwaukee is excited to open its application process for our 2026 annual event!
We are seeking audacious ideas and compelling stories from the students, entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders who make up the vibrant Milwaukee community.
Theme: The Unseen Ripple
Every great change starts small. It begins with a single conversation, an unexpected failure, or a moment of clarity that shifts one person’s perspective. Our theme for the 2026 conference, “The Unseen Ripple,” explores the profound, long-term impact of minor decisions and quiet acts of courage.
We want to uncover the stories of influence that are rarely celebrated but fundamentally change the course of our community.
- The Scientist who solved a persistent local issue using a seemingly unrelated technology.
- The Educator who found that one small, consistent change in their classroom structure multiplied into massive student success.
- The Activist who proved that vulnerability in leadership creates far more progress than confrontation.
- The Artist whose small, deeply personal work triggered a massive cultural shift in public perception.
We are looking for ideas that showcase how meaningful transformation operates below the surface—how the quiet, steady forces of intention, resilience, and curiosity ultimately reshape the world we inhabit.
Who Should Apply?
If you have an “idea worth spreading” that connects to positive disruption, local innovation, or shifting the cultural narrative of Milwaukee, we encourage you to apply.
The best TEDx talks are not biographies; they are arguments. They take a familiar concept and turn it on its head, using personal experience only to support a universal idea.
We seek speakers who can deliver a concise, powerful talk (typically 10-15 minutes) that leaves the audience viewing the world—or at least Milwaukee—in a fundamentally new way. Whether you are a UWM alumnus, a current student, or a dedicated Milwaukee resident, this is your stage.
Important Dates and Application Details
The process is highly selective, but the experience offers intensive coaching, mentorship, and a platform that reaches a global audience through the official TEDx YouTube channel.