How to Attend TED Talks

Applying to Attend a TED Talk Conference

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   Sign up for a TED.com profile. To apply to attend a TED Talk Conference, you will need to first create a TED.com profile on their website: https://auth.ted.com/users/new. You will need to provide your first and last name, your email, and a password for your account.^[1]
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   Select the TED Talk you wish to attend. TED releases a list of upcoming talks on their website: https://www.ted.com/attend/conferences/ted-conference. Read the description of each TED Talk and choose one that feels relevant to your interests and goals.

   1. TED Talks tend to fill up several months in advance so consider picking a talk that is several months away. You can then apply early and increase your chances of landing a spot on the attendance list.
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   Choose your membership option. TED offers four levels of membership for attendees: Vanguard, Standard, Donor, and Patron. If you have never attended a TED Talk Conference, you should choose the Vanguard option, as it is made for first time attendees. It is also the most affordable of the four options in terms of price, at $5,000 USD.^[2]

   1. The other three options go up in price, and perks, ranging from $10,000-$250,000 USD.
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   Set aside at least 2 hours for the application. The application consists of 6 short essay questions that you will need to answer in detail. Focusing on the application for 2 hours will ensure you put enough thought and effort into each question. You will need to provide a bio as well as answer questions about your goals, accomplishments, and professional work.^[3]

   1. You may break up the application, working on it a little at a time, as you save and return to your application through your TED.com account.
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   Discuss 1-3 professional goals. Tell the reviewers what you hope to achieve professionally in your career, listing your short-term and long-term goals. Keep the goals specific and relevant to your professional work.^[4]

   1. For example, you may note short-term goals like, 'Building an app that tracks the effects of human activity on ocean coral' and long-term goals like, 'Connecting human activity with human responsibility for the ocean.'
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   List at least 1-3 professional awards and accomplishments. Include any grants, fellowships, and other recognition you've received in your field. This will show the reviewers that you are ambitious and engaged in your work. You can also note any fellowships or grants that you hope to receive in the near future to help you achieve your goals.^[5]

   1. For example, you may write, 'As the lead of my research team, I received a $15,000 USD grant to fund work on ocean sustainability in local communities.'
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   Explain how you will contribute to the TED community. Tell the reviewers what you can bring to the TED talk as an audience member. Explain how the theme of the TED talk you are applying for relates to your professional work and interests. This will show the reviewer that you will be a valuable participant at the talk.^[6]

   1. For example, you may write, 'My work on an app about ocean sustainability relates to several aspects of the upcoming TED Talk, 'The Future You,' combining activism, science, and social media engagement in a unique way.'
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   Include links to your social media accounts. If you have Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, include your social media handles for these accounts in your application. Make sure your social media accounts paint a positive, engaged picture of your professional work, as the reviewers will likely look at these accounts closely.^[7]

   1. You may go through your social media accounts before you submit your application to ensure they are a good representation of your professional work, interests, and goals.
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   Provide a personable, interesting bio. A key section of the application is your biography, where you introduce yourself and provide details about your background, your interests, and your work. Avoid simply copy and pasting an existing bio on your website or your social media pages. Make your bio personable and detailed so you stand out, using a professional, friendly tone. Your bio should be at least 200-500 words.^[8]

   1. For example, rather than write, 'My name is Jane Flowers and I am a microbiologist,' you may write, 'As a microbiologist studying the impact of human activity on the ocean, I am all about examining the hidden details, the creatures of the deep.'
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    List 2-3 professional references who can speak to your goals and interests. Use references that you worked directly with or for in your field, such as a professor, a peer, a boss, or a mentor. Avoid using family members or a spouse as a reference, as this may not come across as very professional.^[9]

    1. If you have a reference who has attended a TED Talk Conference in the past or is affiliated in some way to TED, make sure you mention them in your application.
    2. You will be prompted to list the names and contact information of your references in the application.
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    Submit your application online. It is free to apply to attend a TED Talk Conference.^[10]