WHAT WE KNOW NOW

Experience. Breakthrough. Insight.

TEDxAlabaster 2026 event theme will share ideas that demonstrate how knowledge transforms the way we live, work and connect with one another. This event will send a clear message: “We’ve lived it. We’ve learned from it. Here is what stands true now.”

Every discovery, lesson and story shapes how we see the world today. This year's theme focuses on the wisdom gained through experience, the breakthroughs changing our understanding and the insights that push us forward.

August 1, 2026
Shelby County Arts Center

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What is a TEDx talk?

A prepared talk designed to share one clear idea worth spreading. Unlike motivational speeches or sales pitches, a Tedx talk focuses on insight, learning and perspective shift. Speakers use storytelling, research, or lived experience to help audiences think differently while connecting ideas to ignite meaningful conversations that can influence individuals and communities long after the talk ends.

What a TEDx talk is not:

This is not a platform to promote personal, company or commercial interest. No selling, promoting politics or religion can be done during TEDx talks.

OUR ORGANIZATION

TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge, without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others to engage with ideas worth spreading.

In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.

TEDxAlabaster is an independently organized TED event. This annual main stage event consists of live speakers and performers combined to ignite deep discussion and a memorable experience. TED provides required guidelines for the local TEDx events that are volunteer led by a group of dedicated people.