Atlanta has always been a city of reinvention.
It’s a place shaped by resilience and the belief that what exists today does not have to define what comes next. Across business, culture, technology, civic life, education and the arts, Atlanta continues to show what is possible when people are willing to challenge convention and build something stronger.
That spirit is at the heart of TEDxAtlanta 2026.
This year’s theme, Bold. Brave. Unbreakable, celebrates the ideas and people helping us imagine stronger futures in a rapidly changing world.
To be bold is to see possibility before everyone else does. To be brave is to keep moving when the path is uncertain. To be unbreakable is not to be untouched by challenge–it’s to keep building anyway.
Bold speaks to the power of imagination.
Bold ideas challenge what people assume is fixed. They question old systems and invite us to see a different future before it fully exists. In a city known for reinvention, boldness is part of Atlanta’s DNA. It shows up in entrepreneurs building new models, artists reshaping culture, scientists asking better questions, organizers strengthening communities and leaders willing to do things differently.
Brave speaks to the courage required to act.
It’s one thing to imagine a stronger future. It’s another to move toward it. Brave ideas often ask us to confront complexity, uncertainty or disagreement. They ask us to speak more honestly and take responsibility for what comes next. Bravery is not the absence of fear. It is the decision to keep showing up with purpose, even when the work is difficult.
Unbreakable speaks to the strength that comes from adaptation.
To be unbreakable is not to be untouched by change, pressure or loss. It is to keep learning and building anyway. It is the resilience of people who turn experience into wisdom. It’s the strength of communities that become stronger through connection. It’s the power of ideas that continue to evolve because they are rooted in something real.
Together, these words point to the kind of future TEDxAtlanta exists to explore—one shaped by courage, creativity and connection.
TEDxAtlanta is designed to be more than a conference. It is a chance to pause.
In the middle of full calendars, constant headlines and the pressure to keep up, TEDxAtlanta offers something different: a place to take a beat, find inspiration, make connections and learn something new.
Our annual conference features the famous TEDx Talk format, complemented by Explore Sessions that invite curiosity and spark discussion. Together, these experiences create the conditions for deeper connection and meaningful action.
It’s part respite and part invitation to rediscover what is possible.
The world is changing quickly. Technology is reshaping how we work and live. Communities are asking harder questions about equity, opportunity and belonging. Climate, health, education, creativity and civic life all demand new thinking.
In moments like this, it can be tempting to move faster without pausing to think more deeply. TEDxAtlanta creates space for the opposite.
It’s a place to step away from the noise. To listen to people outside your industry, your discipline or your usual circle. To find inspiration in unexpected places. To make connections that sharpen your thinking and deepen your sense of what is possible.
That is why this year’s theme matters. Bold. Brave. Unbreakable. is not only about individual grit. It’s about the ideas, relationships, and communities that help us meet complexity with imagination rather than resignation.
This year also marks an exciting expansion: the addition of TEDxAtlanta Youth.
Immediately following the mainstage conference, TEDxAtlanta Youth will feature changemakers ages 16 to 23 whose ideas, questions and lived experiences deserve the stage.
Their presence matters. Young people are inheriting a world with much to build on and much to repair. They are coming of age in a time of possibility, uncertainty and pressure. Their ideas are not simply “next-generation” ideas. They are ideas for right now, shaped by urgency and a willingness to imagine futures that work better.
By bringing TEDxAtlanta Youth into this year’s conference experience, TEDxAtlanta is making room for bold questions and brave voices across generations.
TEDxAtlanta 2026 is an invitation to pause and consider what this moment asks of us.
What does it mean to be bold when the future feels uncertain? What does bravery look like when change is no longer abstract? And what makes people, communities and ideas unbreakable when the world keeps shifting?
There is no single answer. That’s the point.
Across the conference, we’ll hear from people whose ideas challenge assumptions and open new ways of seeing what is possible. We will make room for curiosity, conversation and connection. We will gather not to escape the complexity of the world, but to meet it with more imagination.
So come ready to take a beat.
Come ready to learn something new.
Come ready to leave with a question worth holding onto:
What makes you unbreakable?
Be the first to know when registration opens for TEDxAtlanta 2026. Sign up for updates at TEDxAtlanta.com and have them delivered directly to your inbox.
Becky Spieth is a powerhouse of leadership development and business strategy, dedicated to helping high-impact leaders step up, stand out, and make an impact that actually lasts. As the CEO of Leaders Empowered, a Maxwell Leadership faculty member, and a TEDx Speaker Coach, she works with executives and multi-generational teams to elevate their influence, boost performance, and create leadership cultures that people actually want to be part of. She’s the secret weapon for turning complex leadership challenges into clear, actionable strategies—whether she’s coaching top executives, mentoring next-gen leaders, or helping thought leaders craft messages that hit home. When she’s not shaping high-performance teams, you’ll find her pouring into leaders worldwide, speaking on leadership strategy, and fueling mission-driven initiatives that spark transformation. Read on to learn more about Becky’s volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta.
What first sparked your interest in TEDx?
TEDx is a launchpad for bold ideas and transformative leadership. There’s something incredible about seeing a speaker step onto that stage and deliver a message that doesn’t just land—it shifts perspectives, sparks
action, and reshapes industries. TEDx isn’t just about talking; it’s about leading, inspiring, and making a real impact, which aligns perfectly with my passion for developing high-performance leaders and multi- generational teams. Helping speakers craft messages that connect, inspire, and create lasting change? That’s exactly why I’m here!
What’s your favorite TED Talk or TEDx Talk?
The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown is one of my all-time favorites because it gets to the heart of real leadership—trust, connection, and authenticity. High-performance teams don’t thrive on strategy alone. The real difference-maker is when leaders create a culture where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to bring their best. Brené nails it: leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating space for others to shine and building a team where people actually want to give their all.
If you could describe your volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta in three words, what would they be?
Inspiring, transformative, and energizing.
What is your favorite memory from your time working with TEDxAtlanta?
Coaching speakers through those pivotal moments when they realize the power of their message and step into their confidence is an absolute thrill. It’s exhilarating when everything clicks—the nerves turn into energy, the message lands, and the audience is captivated. Watching that transformation unfold and knowing their message will create a ripple effect far beyond that moment is something I’ll never get tired of. There’s nothing like it!
What is something that may surprise people about TEDx?
Most people don’t realize how much work goes into crafting a TEDx talk—it’s not just about having a great idea. There’s a deep process of refining, rehearsing, and structuring to make it unforgettable. It’s about creating an experience that changes the way people think, lead, and innovate. Behind the scenes, a passionate team of volunteers works tirelessly to ensure every detail is aligned to deliver an experience that challenges perspectives, ignites leadership, and drives innovation. The real reward? Seeing someone bring their bold idea to life and watching it create transformation. I love being part of a community that champions the speaker, their passion, and the life-changing impact their message can have.
How has TEDx helped you grow professionally and/or personally?
TEDx has challenged me to think even deeper about how leaders communicate and given me insights into helping my clients simplify complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. On a personal level, it’s been incredible to be part of a community of changemakers who are just as passionate about leadership development as I am. Being surrounded by people committed to elevating ideas that matter has been both inspiring and energizing. TEDx has been a great reminder that communication isn’t just a skill—it’s
a superpower! The right message, delivered with confidence and clarity, builds trust, sparks action, and creates the kind of impact that lasts. Working with TEDx has made me even more fired up about helping leaders harness their voice, inspire across generations, and shape cultures where people thrive.
Why should others volunteer with TEDx?
TEDx is so much more than an event—it’s a movement. If you love being part of something bigger than yourself, working with inspiring people, and seeing ideas come to life in real time, then you’ll love being part of this community. Whether you’re coaching speakers, running logistics, or connecting with the audience, you’re playing a role in shaping conversations that can change the world and beyond.
To connect with Becky, check out her LinkedIn.
Atembe Giles is a communications professional with 15 years of experience crafting brand messages and communications strategies for various organizations and industries around the world, including education, healthcare, fashion, travel & tourism, and AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction). A former educator in the US, France, and South Korea, she loves learning and teaching about multicultural experiences and storytelling in all forms, from history to dance to television. She is passionate about using the power of words and expression to help people become better connected with themselves, each other, and the world around them. Read more to learn about Atembe’s volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta.
I’ve always been a fan of TED Talks and TEDx experiences. I experienced my first TEDx event as a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, and my most recent TEDx experience was a few years ago in Seoul, South Korea. I really appreciated that no matter where in the world you are, you can find a place with other people who are also interested in sharing ideas, self-improvement, and learning more about the world and making it a better place. I’m new to Atlanta, so I wanted to find a space where I could meet new people and connect with others, but also learn more about what’s brewing in Atlanta and play a role in giving back to the community.
“The Power of Introverts” by Susan Cain. She verbalized so many of my lived experiences and feelings about myself that I never knew how to express, and made me feel more comfortable and empowered about who I am.
Welcoming, educational, and collaborative.
Besides finally working my first TEDx conference, I’d say it was my first time meeting the team in person. It was at a storage facility to move all the TEDxAtlanta props and decorations to another location. It may seem like an insignificant experience, but it was my first exposure to seeing how these different personalities got along, worked together, considered each other and other people, and really cared about what we’re doing with TEDx. We met at another volunteer’s house after to have dinner and some social time, and I enjoyed the genuine conversations we had about our cultures, life experiences, and plans for the future. It made me excited about continuing to work with everyone on future TEDxAtlanta events.
Absolutely everything that you see is due to the work of volunteers: months of planning, dedicating weekend and evening hours outside your regular 9-5, scheduling meetings virtually and in-person, fundraising and sponsorships…it’s a lot of work. But everyone’s time is respected and appreciated, whether you can dedicate 10 hours a week or one hour. It’s cool to see how passionate people are about their work with TEDx.
It’s another outlet of creativity for me. I get to do work that I don’t normally get to do in my job, and it’s nice to activate those other parts of my brain throughout the week, which helps with mental health and feeling like I’m part of something bigger than myself. It’s given me an outlet to fine-tune skills I don’t use everyday in my current job, but are still valuable skills to have, such as photography, social media content creation, and sales. I’ve learned how effective partnerships work between organizations and between people. I’m seeing, through our speakers, how opportunities are limitless when it comes to using your passion and knowledge as a force to bring about positive change. And I’m growing more confident in sharing my ideas and opinions, especially when it comes to trying to make something better.
It’s a great way to be an active part of your community, gain exposure to new perspectives, and improve or learn new skills. Everyone’s contribution is significant, no matter the task, and it all goes towards a mission that’s about helping people and communities grow. The likely and unlikely connections you’ll make is definitely one of the best parts of volunteering with TEDx.
ATLANTA — TEDxAtlanta, Georgia’s largest TED affiliate, is pleased to announce its 2024 mainstage conference will be held at Center Stage Atlanta, the iconic performing arts, music, and live entertainment venue that has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s arts community since 1966.
The conference, themed “The Future We Create,” is Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. It promises to be a day thought-provoking conversations and ideas sharing by encouraging attendees to immerse themselves into a future world that they envision where technology and nature complement each other, where heritage and custom give rise to innovation, and where people, neighborhoods, or communities can find mutual understanding.
“Center Stage is such an important part of Atlanta’s rich cultural legacy and a commemoratory space to its arts community,” said said Jacqui Chew, TEDxAtlanta licensee and curator. “For nearly 60 years, Center Stage has served as the home for artists, musicians, and others who, through their art, brought us on journeys harnessed and expanded our imaginations. We’re honored to present our mainstage event here at such an historic venue.”
Center Stage, which opened in 1966, was originally called Theatre Atlanta. It was built by Frania Tye Lee and dedicated to the memory of her daughter, Helen Lee Cartledge, who was one of 103 Atlanta Art Association members who were killed when Air France Flight 007 crashed moments after takeoff at the Orly Airport in 1962.
The venue has been home to many iconic performers, artists, and musicians, including Sir Elton John, Jay-Z, and Lady Gaga.
Event Details
Date: Friday, Sept. 13, 2024
Time: 9 am – 6:15 pm
Location: Center Stage Atlanta, 1374 West Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309
Theme: The Future We Will Create
For more information about volunteer opportunities click here. Interested in supporting TEDxAtlanta 2024 as an in-kind or financial partner? Email hello@tedxatlanta.com.
About TEDxAtlanta
The TEDxAtlanta conference series is an initiative of Ideas into Action, a Georgia-registered nonprofit founded on the belief in the power of ideas to build stronger communities. Along with interactive experiences throughout the year, the TEDxAtlanta event series is planned by a team of volunteers led by Atlanta entrepreneur and TEDxAtlanta licensee Jacqui Chew. These community-led gatherings are part of TED’s TEDx program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Since the first TEDxAtlanta conference in 2009 more than 20 speakers have been featured by TED to be amplified globally from a catalog of 200,000 TEDx Talks. For more information, visit TEDxAtlanta.com.
About TEDx
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.)
About TED
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, often in the form of short talks delivered by leading thinkers and doers. Many of these talks are given at TED Conferences, intimate TED Salons, and thousands of independently organized TEDx events around the world. Videos of these talks are made available, free, on TED.com and other platforms. Audio versions of TED Talks are published to TED Talks Daily, available on all podcast platforms.
TED’s open and free initiatives for spreading ideas include TED.com, where new TED Talk videos are posted daily; TEDx, which licenses thousands of individuals and groups to host local, self-organized TED-style events around the world; the TED Fellows program, which selects innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities; The Audacious Project, which surfaces and funds critical ideas that have the potential to impact millions of lives; TED Translators Program, which crowdsources the subtitling of TED Talks so that big ideas can spread across languages and borders; and the educational initiative TED-Ed. TED also offers TED@Work a program that reimagines TED Talks for workplace learning. TED also has a growing library of original podcasts, including The TED Interview with Chris Anderson, WorkLife with Adam Grant, Far Flung with Saleem Reshamwala and How to Be a Better Human.
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