Truman TEDx Seeks Presenters and Host

Applications are currently being accepted for speakers and host for Truman’s inaugural TEDx conference, Nov. 4.

TED is a non-profit organization that sponsors independent conferences all over the world. These conferences strive to spread new ideas through short, powerful talks that can cover a wide range of topics. TEDxTrumanStateUniversity, sponsored by Student Government, will feature students, faculty and staff as the majority of the speakers. Throughout the conference, audience members should be able to recognize the breadth of new ideas in the community and draw connections between ideas they once thought disparate.

Speaking at a TEDx conference is an excellent opportunity for students to build upon their resume by presenting their research through an internationally acclaimed organization. Truman’s Student Government encourages presenters to represent a liberal arts perspective: for example, ideas that challenge thinking, showcase scientific discoveries, explain the artistic process or develop connections between different subject matters.

Applicants who are accepted will be filmed and featured on the TEDx website that reaches thousands of people, allowing for presenters to have an international platform. Student Government hopes students, faculty and staff will shine light on old ideas to showcase the conference theme, “The Web of Thought.”

Additionally, an engaging host is essential for a successful TEDx conference. Applicants who wish to host should be able to effectively introduce speakers with a variety of backgrounds and topics and make clear and compelling transitions between completely unique talks.

Speaker and host applications are due Sept. 15. Any further questions can be directed to the committee chair, Katie Alexander. More specific details can be found on the speaker application, available at senate.truman.edu/applications.