Where is TED Talk located?

TED isn't in one single place; it's a global organization with its main office in New York City, but its large annual conferences, like the flagship TED Conference, are often held in Vancouver, Canada, with other smaller events and independent TEDx talks happening worldwide. The original TED conference started in California, and events also pop up in places like Edinburgh, Philadelphia, or Vienna.

Where are TED Talks usually held?

The main TED conference has been held annually in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, at the Vancouver Convention Centre since 2014. The first conferences from 1984 (TED1) through 2008 (TED2008) were held at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, California.

What does TED stand for?

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, the three broad fields that originally brought the conference's founders together in 1984, though the organization now covers ideas from virtually all disciplines, sharing them under the slogan "Ideas Worth Spreading". 

How much does it cost to attend a Ted talk?

Attending a main TED conference costs thousands of dollars (e.g., $12,500 for TED2026 Standard), as it's an invitation-only event for members, but watching talks online at TED.com, on YouTube, or via TED Live (starting around $50-$500) is free or affordable, while local, independently organized TEDx events have much cheaper tickets, often under $150. 

Can anyone attend a Ted talk?

If you'd like to attend a TED conference, you'll need to apply first. We read every application, and actively seek out leading thinkers and doers across a wide range of fields.

TED & TEDx Explained

Do TED talkers get paid?

No, you do not get paid to give a TED talk or a TEDx talk (the independent, local versions); both TED and TEDx strictly prohibit paying speakers, who instead share their ideas for free, though some TEDx events cover travel or accommodation. Speakers receive exposure and branding, not money, while the platform itself is a non-profit. 

What is TED short for?

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, the three broad fields that originally brought the conference's founders together in 1984, though the organization now covers ideas from virtually all disciplines, sharing them under the slogan "Ideas Worth Spreading". 

How long does a TED Talk typically last?

While 18 minutes is the traditional limit for TED and TEDx Talks, many talks are even shorter — some of the most impactful TED Talks have been just 5 minutes long. That said, the ideal length can vary based on the format.

Who owns TED?

In mid 2019, the TED Foundation was created and ownership of TED moved from the Sapling Foundation to the TED Foundation.

How does someone get invited to do a TED Talk?

At TED, we search year-round for presenters who will inform and inspire, surprise and delight. If you know someone who belongs on the TED stage, or if you belong there yourself, we want to hear from you! Please use our speaker recommendation form to tell us why this person would be well-suited to speak at TED.

What are some criticisms of TED?

Previous criticisms of TED have focused on their alleged elitism. The program is closely associated with mega-rich venture capitalists and Silicon Valley futurists.

Who invented TED Talks?

TED, series of conferences that promote new ideas and work in a wide variety of human endeavour. TED was founded in 1983 by architect Richard Saul Wurman and television executive Harry Marks, and the first conference was held in February 1984 in Monterey, California.

What is the number one most watched TED Talk?

The number one most-watched TED Talk is "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" by Sir Ken Robinson, which argues that education systems stifle creativity and has garnered tens of millions of views, making it the most popular talk of all time.
 

Who finances TED Talks?

The TED Foundation is funded by conference fees, licensing, sponsorship, book sales, and grants.

Who usually attends TED Talks?

We're joined by prominent academics, educators, researchers, philanthropists, environmentalists, scientists, technologists, artists, activists and more. If you'd like to come to a conference, you may need to apply to attend. We read every application, and actively seek out new members.

Do TED speakers get paid?

No, you do not get paid to give a TED talk or a TEDx talk (the independent, local versions); both TED and TEDx strictly prohibit paying speakers, who instead share their ideas for free, though some TEDx events cover travel or accommodation. Speakers receive exposure and branding, not money, while the platform itself is a non-profit. 

Are Bob and Paul really friends in real life?

About the book. Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse have been friends for 30 years, but when life intervened, what was once a joyous and spontaneous friendship dwindled to the odd phone call or occasional catch-up.

What breed if a dog is TED?

Ted, the Patterdale is best known for his cheeky underbite and his heartwarming presence alongside hosts Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse in the BBC series Gone Fishing.

Can anybody do a TED talk?

Yes, absolutely! Anyone with an "idea worth spreading" can give a TED Talk, though getting selected for the main TED conference is highly competitive, while TEDx events offer more accessible opportunities for local speakers from diverse backgrounds like students, tradespeople, and community leaders. Success hinges on a powerful idea, clear communication, and the ability to connect with event organizers, often through demonstrating passion and a unique perspective. 

What are the best TED Talks of all time?

The best TED Talks of all time, based on popularity and impact, include Sir Ken Robinson's "Do schools kill creativity?", Brené Brown's "The power of vulnerability," Amy Cuddy's "Your body language may shape who you are," Tim Urban's "Inside the mind of a master procrastinator," and Simon Sinek's "How great leaders inspire action," often cited for their insights on education, personal growth, leadership, and psychology. Other highly acclaimed talks cover happiness (Robert Waldinger), science (Jill Bolte Taylor, Hans Rosling), and social issues (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie). 

What are common TEDx talk mistakes?

THE MISTAKE: DISTRACTING MOVEMENT

One of the biggest mistakes even the most experienced speakers make is using unfocused or wishy-washy movement on stage. Repetitive movement, especially hand gestures, distract your audience and undermine your powerful message.

Are TED Talks free to watch?

TED.com and our mobile apps allow great ideas to be easily accessible anywhere in the world, for free. The TED Fellows program supports extraordinary new voices as they develop their careers in science, the arts, social justice and more.

Is the name TED in the Bible?

Though not a Biblical name, Theodore became popular among early Christians of the Eastern Orthodox Church. In the 17th century, the name Theodore dropped in status among English Puritans due to its association with Roman Catholicism. Origin: The name Theodore is of Greek origin meaning “gift of God.”

Why is Margaret called Peggy?

Peggy became a nickname for Margaret through a medieval rhyming nickname trend: Margaret first became Meg/Meggy, and then the initial 'M' sound was swapped for a 'P' sound (like in Polly from Molly, Patty from Martha), evolving into Peggy, a common affectionate diminutive for the longer name. This linguistic shift, where similar sounds were substituted in nicknames, explains the seemingly unrelated connection.