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.

Who We're Looking For

Educators
Researchers
Artists
Healthcare Workers
Entrepreneurs
Community Leaders
Community Members
Innovators
Grassroots Organizers
People with Lived Experience

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.

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

Nominee Information

Your Idea

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.

Your Background

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

Commitment

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.