Stay Connected for Live Updates

While this newsletter is a great way to receive major updates, we’ll be posting more frequently on social media. Be sure to follow us for behind-the-scenes content, speaker announcements, deadlines, and more:

• Website: www.tedxcongareevista.com​
• Instagram: @tedxcongareevista​
• LinkedIn: TEDxCongareeVista​
• Facebook: TEDxCongareeVista​

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Speaker Applications Are Closing SOON!

Deadline to Apply: September 15th, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST

This year’s theme: ChangeMakers

Have an idea worth spreading? We want to hear from you.

You don’t need to be a professional speaker, just someone with a bold, authentic story and a powerful idea rooted in real experience.

Key Dates

• Deadline to Apply: September 15th, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST
• Interview Notifications: By September 22nd
• Virtual Interview Period: September 23nd – October 10th (~40 applicants selected)
• Final Speaker Selection: Notified by October 15th
• Speaker Coaching & Workshops: Fall 2025 – Winter 2026
• Event Date & Location: February 2026 -- Downtown Columbia, SC

Let’s celebrate local ideas with the power to inspire global change. We can’t wait to hear yours.

Please Note:

🚫 Commercial agendas – no promotion of personal/business products, books, or services.

🚫 Political or religious agendas – no divisive, inflammatory, or “us vs them” rhetoric.

🚫 Bad science – no pseudoscience, unsubstantiated claims, or misuse of scientific language.

🚫 Copyright violations – cannot use third-party content without written permission.

🚫 Speaker fees or conflicts – speakers cannot be paid or charged, sponsors cannot be speakers, and organizers cannot speak at their own event.

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​Apply Now!​

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Share the application link: https://forms.gle/gDhegYjwZhVTrwH49​
​Questions? Reach us at speaker@tedxcongareevista.com

Interested in supporting our event? Become a TEDxCongaree Vista Sponsor!

TEDxCongaree Vista is made possible by passionate community members and mission-aligned partners. We're actively seeking local businesses, corporations, organizations, and individuals who want to support bold ideas, community connection, and civic creativity in Columbia, SC.

As a sponsor, you'll receive:

• Brand visibility across marketing materials, social media, and event signage
• Exclusive access to networking opportunities and ticket bundles
• A chance to support thought leadership and innovation right here in the Midlands

If you or your organization are interested in partnering with us, email: sponsorships@tedxcongareevista.com​
We'll send over our official TEDxCongaree Vista Sponsorship Package with details on tiers, benefits, and how to get involved.

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Other Information

Want to Be a TEDxCongaree Vista Speaker Curation Panelist?

We’re assembling a team to help identify, review, and select speakers whose ideas will shape our event. The commitment includes attending regular meetings, reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and collaborating with the team to curate an inspiring lineup.

Interested? Reach out to speaker@tedxcongareevista.com to learn more.

Want to Attend?

• Tentative Event Date: Saturday, February 28th, 2026 (± 1 week)
• Location: Downtown Columbia, SC
• Tickets Go On Sale: November 1st, 2025
• Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and capacity is limited
• Virtual viewing will be available with no capacity limits
• Speakers, volunteers, and production team members will not need to purchase tickets
• This mailing list will receive priority ticket info -- please encourage others to join!