TEDxUF is now accepting speaker applications for its 2027 event at the University of Florida.
While TEDxUF is a university-hosted event, the official announcement does not state that applicants must be University of Florida students, faculty, employees, alumni, or Gainesville residents.
However, the application asks candidates to explain both their connection to Gainesville and the University of Florida and how their idea applies to this community. Even if you aren’t connected to Florida, make sure you are able to tie in your idea’s connection to their community.
Here are the key details…
TEDxUF
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Event date: Late March or early April 2027
Application deadline: September 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT
Applicant decisions announced by: September 18, 2026
Maximum talk length: 16 minutes
Theme: Not yet publicly announced
TEDxUF’s application is not explicitly restricted to University of Florida students, employees, faculty members, alumni, or Gainesville residents.
However, TEDxUF describes its purpose as connecting bold ideas from the University of Florida and the greater Gainesville community. The application also requires candidates to answer:
What is your connection to the Gainesville & University of Florida community?
Applicants should therefore have a genuine way to connect themselves or their idea to the community.
Selected speakers must be prepared to commit substantial time to developing their talks.
The application states that meeting deadlines is non-negotiable and that speakers may be removed from the lineup if they fail to meet the requirements without providing a reason.
Candidates selected to continue will be contacted by email to schedule a virtual interview. The interview will be recorded over Zoom for further review.
All applicants are expected to receive a decision regarding their application by September 18, 2026.
Outline of talk: October 18, 2026
First draft: November 15, 2026
Second draft: December 20, 2026
Third draft: January 17, 2027
Final draft: January 31, 2027
Talk memorized by: February 21, 2027
Conference: Late March or early April 2027
These dates are subject to change, and additional drafts may be required depending on the individual speaker.
TEDxUF is a student-led organization made up of more than 50 University of Florida undergraduate and graduate students, along with several UF faculty members.
The organization has been sharing ideas from the University of Florida and Gainesville communities since 2009.
TEDxUF describes its audience as a combination of UF’s academic and research community and Gainesville’s broader artistic, professional, cultural, and civic communities.
The current team includes a dedicated speaker department with a speaker director and multiple speaker coaches. Selected speakers will receive structured support throughout the development, writing, fact-checking, rehearsal, and memorization process.
Although the event is based at the University of Florida, previous TEDxUF stages have included speakers from inside and outside the university, including researchers, physicians, entrepreneurs, educators, advocates, artists, and other professionals.
This is what you’ll need to submit on the application form:
Name and contact information
Your connection to Gainesville & UofF
Your occupation
Any previous public speaking experience and any links to videos/audio
Any links to articles or web pages about you
Your resume or any other professional materials.
Describe your idea worth spreading in one sentence.
Your Talk Category
How is this idea applicable to the diverse Gainesville and University of Florida community?
Describe how your idea or the perspective you are taking of an idea is original.
A thirty second video giving a short synopsis about your idea.
Provide any additional materials about your idea that you see fitting (ex. abstract).
Why do you want to be a TEDxUF Speaker? What are your motivations and what do you hope to gain from this experience?
Why should you be a TEDxUF Speaker? Do you have any characteristics that make you a good candidate, other than your qualifications and idea?
What is your favorite TED or TEDx talk? Why?
Application Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfb-qqdDHTX_ocbRp4ij5RJCqExXGZdERMYxBYH4knVtWPzYg/viewform
Website for More Info: https://www.tedxuf.com/
Social Media for Updates: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
You can absolutely figure this out on your own using what I share here, but I know the process can feel a lot faster and less overwhelming when you have someone in your corner.
That’s why I offer different ways to support you depending on where you are:
Just getting started → Join the Live masterclass to understand how the process works and what to do next
Refining your idea → Book a 1:1 Idea Session to turn your topic into a clear idea
Ready to apply → Book a 1:1 Strategy + application Session to submit strong, well-positioned applications
🔴 See all your options: Choose Your Path
Whether you’re here just for the open calls or you want more hands-on support, I’ve got you.
And if there’s something you want me to break down or a location you’re looking for, just hit reply or email me at geleen@travelnottoescape.com.
I’m rooting for you!
Geleen Antonio
Let’s Connect on Linkedin | Get Support on Your Application
Speaker Accelerator provides independent educational analysis based on publicly available information. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by TED Conferences LLC or any independently organized TEDx event. Services and resources do not provide access to organizers or influence over speaker selection. “TED” and “TEDx” are registered trademarks of TED Conferences LLC.
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