Speaker Submissions

APPLY
TO SPEAK.

TEDxRockford is not looking for the most polished person in the room. We are looking for the person with the most powerful idea in the room. If that is you — this stage was built for you.

"The idea is the qualification. Not the resume."

We are not looking for polished speakers. We are looking for people with powerful ideas.

Rockford doesn't need a highlight reel. It needs honest voices — people doing real work, living real lives, sitting on ideas that deserve a bigger room. You can submit for yourself or nominate someone you believe in.

What a strong submission looks like

One clear, specific idea — not a topic, not a theme. One idea that only you can share, rooted in what you have built, studied, lived, or discovered.
Something new. Our audience must learn something they have never heard before. Original insight over familiar wisdom.
Grounded in evidence, data, research, or deep lived experience that goes beyond your own story.
A fresh perspective on something Rockford — and the world — needs to think about differently.
A talk that fits naturally into 7 to 15 minutes. Focused. Not sprawling.
A speaker willing to be coached, challenged, and shaped. Coachability is not optional — it is part of the process.
An idea of Rockford and for the world. You must be from the Rockford region.

What we are not looking for

Motivational speeches or personal success stories without a transferable idea at the center.
Talks that promote your business, product, service, or organization.
Fundraising asks or cause-based pitches.
Content rooted in politics, religion, or claims that cannot be verified.
A talk you have already given at another event.
A personal narrative that does not lead to a new, surprising idea or insight for the audience.

What to Expect if Selected

THIS IS A COMMITMENT.

Being selected as a TEDxRockford speaker is an honor — and a real responsibility. Here is what we ask of you.

You will work with a TEDxRockford speaker coach through a structured preparation process from selection to event day.
Plan for 1 to 2 hours per week between selection and the event.
You must be present for the full event including dress rehearsal.
Speakers are not paid. This is a community stage.
Your talk will be recorded and may be published on the TEDx YouTube channel.
Only complete, thoughtful submissions will be reviewed.

"In Rockford, ideas are not simply imagined. They are forged through experience, strengthened through community, and brought to life by people willing to build what comes next."

Rebecca Francis, Curator — TEDxRockford

Our curation team reviews every complete submission. Due to volume we may not respond to all inquiries — but we read every one. We will reach out if we want to learn more.

The Selection Journey

WHAT HAPPENS
AFTER YOU APPLY.

We review every complete submission. Here is what the process looks like from application to stage.

You Submit

Complete the application fully and honestly. A thoughtful submission tells us as much as the idea itself.

We Review

Our curation team reads every complete submission. We evaluate the idea, your connection to it, and its potential impact on a Rockford audience.

We Reach Out

If we want to learn more, we will contact you. Due to volume we cannot respond to every submission — but we read them all.

You Get Coached

Selected speakers work with our speaker coach through a structured process — developing, refining, and rehearsing your talk from selection to event day.

You Take the Stage

Your talk is recorded and published under the TED brand — joining a permanent library of ideas watched by millions around the world.

Important Timeline Notes

→Candidates can be submitted throughout the year
→Only submissions within the review window are considered for this event
→Speakers must be available for the full event day and dress rehearsal

"One of the most important aspects of a great talk is a willingness to be vulnerable and be coachable."

TEDxRockford Curation Values

Speaker Application

Tell Us Your Idea.

Take your time. Be specific. Only complete submissions are reviewed — and a thoughtful answer here tells us a great deal about how you will approach the stage.

About You

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Phone Number

City / Town (must be Rockford region)

Profession / Role

Speaker Category

LinkedIn or Website (optional)

Are you submitting for yourself or nominating someone?

Nominee Information

Nominee First Name

Nominee Last Name

Nominee Email (if known)

Your Relationship to the Nominee

Why are you nominating them?

Your Idea

Talk Title (working title is fine)

Your Idea in One Sentence

Example: "For Rockford to build the next generation of skilled workers, we must redesign how we talk about trades education — starting with the language we use in middle school hallways."

A topic is "workforce development." An idea is the sentence above. We want the idea.

What makes this idea new and original?

Why are YOU the right person to give this talk?

What will the audience walk away with?

Is your idea grounded in data, research, or evidence?

Estimated Talk Length

Your Background

Speaking Experience

Have you given this talk or a version of it before?

Link to video of you speaking (optional but helpful)

Does not need to be a formal talk. A classroom lecture, community presentation, or even a strong video works.

Commitment

I understand speakers are not paid and must commit 1 to 2 hours per week to coaching and preparation

I am willing to work with a speaker coach and modify my talk based on their feedback

I can be present for the full event day and dress rehearsal in Fall 2026

Anything else you want us to know? (optional)

Our curation team reviews every complete submission. We may not respond to every inquiry — but we read every one. If we want to learn more, we will reach out. TEDxRockford, Fall 2026. Rockford, Illinois.

APPLYTO SPEAK.

THIS IS A COMMITMENT.

WHAT HAPPENSAFTER YOU APPLY.

Tell Us Your Idea.

APPLY
TO SPEAK.

WHAT HAPPENS
AFTER YOU APPLY.