This post is our opportunity to pull back the curtain, share the profound commitment of our organizing team, and clarify the vital role we play in bringing “ideas worth spreading” to the Northland.

Part I: What is TEDx, and Why Duluth?

We’ve all been inspired by the iconic talks on TED.com—those short, powerful speeches that change the way we see the world. But TEDxDuluth is something beautifully different; it’s local, independent, and deeply personal.

The “x” Factor: Independently Organized, Community-Driven

The “x” in TEDx stands for “independently organized TED event.” This is the key difference that makes our event unique:

• A Local Lens on Global Ideas: While the global organization curates TED Conferences, TEDx events are run by local volunteers, licensed by TED, and built from the ground up to reflect the unique spirit, challenges, and brilliance of their specific communities. We are not bringing a pre-packaged event to Duluth; we are curating a stage from Duluth, for Duluth.
• The Power of Proximity: The ideas discussed on our stage are directly relevant to life in the Northland, from our economy and environment to our culture and challenges. When a speaker shares a profound idea, the person sitting next to you might be the innovator who can help you implement it in your business or neighborhood.
• A Gathering, Not Just a Viewing: A standard TED Talk is a digital experience; TEDxDuluth is a live, shared experience. We create the space for deep, in-person discussions, networking, and the spontaneous collision of ideas that truly sparks change.

Our Mission: Ideas Worth Spreading, Locally Sourced

At the event’s core, the mission of TEDxDuluth is to create a platform that elevates the innovators, thinkers, and change-makers of our region. We are committed to fostering a culture of curiosity and intellectual generosity by:

1. Challenging the Status Quo: Presenting new and provocative ideas to push our community beyond conventional thinking.
2. Connecting Disciplines: Bringing together speakers from technology, art, science, business, and social activism to show how different fields can collaborate to solve complex problems.
3. Inspiring Action: Moving the audience beyond mere inspiration to feeling equipped and motivated to apply these ideas in their own professional and personal lives.

Part II: Our Theme, Our Values, and The Personal Journey

The organizing team didn’t choose our theme casually. The theme is a guiding star which shapes every speaker’s choice and event detail.

The Guiding Theme: Igniting Personal Growth

Our theme dives into the personal engine. We believe that lasting professional success is impossible without intentional personal growth.

• The Link Between Self and Success: Our speakers will share ideas that redefine everything from productivity and resilience to ethical leadership and creativity. The ultimate purpose is to equip you with the mental frameworks and courage needed to tackle both your career goals and your life goals.
• More Than a Seminar: We are not simply offering career advice. We are presenting ideas that challenge your core beliefs, refine your decision-making processes, and re-energize your commitment to your personal well-being—all of which are necessary for high-level professional achievement.

Our Core Values: The TEDxDuluth Mission

Our entire team is aligned around three core values:

1. Intellectual Generosity: The ideas shared must be freely given, unbiased, and focused purely on the benefit of the community. We strictly adhere to the TED rules: no commercial, religious, or political agendas. The focus is solely on the idea.
2. Local Authenticity: We celebrate the unique character, landscape, and people of Duluth (and the surrounding Minnesota community). Our event experience, from the stage design to the networking spaces, will be authentically Northland.
3. Inclusivity: Great ideas can come from anywhere. We are dedicated to building a stage that is genuinely diverse—in ethnicity, profession, background, and life experience—to ensure that the ideas presented reflect the full spectrum of our community’s brilliance.

Part III: What We Need From Our Community

TEDxDuluth is a reciprocal event. We are curating ideas for you, but we need your help to amplify the impact. This is where you move from an audience member to a co-creator of community change.

1. Participate: Invest in the Ideas (Ticket Sales)

This is our simplest and most immediate ask. Unlike standard conferences, TEDx is designed to be affordable and accessible. Purchasing a ticket is not just buying a seat; it is directly funding:

• The Venue & Experience: Creating a comfortable, inspiring environment that facilitates networking and deep conversation.
• Production Quality: High-quality video and audio recordings that meet TED’s standards and live on forever on YouTube, showcasing Duluth to the world.

2. Amplify: Spread the Word and the Mission

• Become an Advocate: Share our speaker announcements, blog posts, and ticket information on your professional networks. Tell your colleagues, friends, and local leaders why these ideas matter.
• Engage Online: Comment on our posts. Tell us which themes or topics you are most excited about. Your engagement helps us reach more people organically.
• Join the Ambassador Program: Inspired by the work we’re doing? We are always looking for passionate volunteers who can dedicate a few hours to simple outreach tasks, from posting flyers to sharing event details within their clubs or organizations. Contact the event Organizer, Star via star@twinportsrotaract.org for more details.

3. Reflect: Carry the Ideas Forward

The true measure of a TEDx event’s success is not the applause on the day of the event, but the action taken in the weeks and months afterward. We invite you to come prepared not just to listen, but to reflect on which idea you will take home and put into practice—whether it transforms your career, your volunteer work, or your community.

Join us on February 6th, 2026. This event is for you, and its success is dependent on you. Let’s make TEDxDuluth a testament to the power of a single, well-formed idea to truly change the Northland.