Words & Photos Stephanie Staples
I’ve been a raving fan of TED Talks for longer than I can remember. But with in-person ticket prices for a Vancouver event hovering around the $7,000+ range, I happily settled for watching TED Talks online.
That is, until TEDx independent events hit the scene. Suddenly, a whole new world of inspiring, thought-provoking content opened up – more accessible, local, and just as powerful.
Now, after nearly a decade away, TEDxVictoria is back, thanks to licensee Marco Pimentel. The chance to be part of this potentially life-altering experience is something I believe everyone could benefit from.
There are multiple ways to get theTEDxperience right here on our lovely Island.
Apply to Be a Speaker or Entertainer
If you’ve got an “idea worth spreading,” head to TEDxVictoria.ca and hit “Apply.” With over 300 applicants in 2025 the curation team had their work cut out for them. Many people apply multiple times – and for multiple locations – before being chosen. So if you’re not picked the first time, don’t take it personally!
Most talks run between seven to 18 minutes, and trust me: as a professional speaker, I know it’s a lot harder to distill a great idea into a few tight minutes than it is to ramble on. While speakers aren’t paid, they receive expert coaching, a professionally-produced TEDx video of their talk, and bragging rights for life – whether they go viral or not.
Kicking off the 2025 speaker lineup was the Peninsula’s own Gael Hannan, whose talk “The Dirty Little Secret of Hearing Loss” was supported by an incredible team. “It was collaborative, creative, caring and exciting!” she said. Fun fact: Gael applied to 30 TEDx events to get there. Now that’s passion.
Be an Audience Member
The beautiful McPherson Playhouse is the perfect venue for TEDxVictoria. Whether you come solo, with a friend, a date or a whole crew, it’s a space that naturally invites connection. I even spotted one young woman wearing a T-shirt that read, “I’m single. Say hi!”
With ticket prices roughly $8,900 less than a traditional TED event, more than a dozen speakers and performers and even some tasty treats, it’s a steal of a deal. Anne, a last-minute guest, told me: “I appreciate yesterday’s me who decided to come.” Another attendee, Carolyn, said: “It was a wonderful connection to community – it inspired me to be a better human.” I couldn’t agree more.
Be a Volunteer
This is how I experienced TEDx 2025, and it was great. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the entire event was so well-run and welcoming that I didn’t feel like I worked hard enough to have earned my free ticket and great food.
Volunteer lead Reed McIlwain handled everything with warmth and grace, from brief “get to know you” interviews to training and day-of coordination. There are plenty of roles to choose from: behind-the-scenes production, front-of-house greeting, speaker liaison and more. Volunteers also get to watch at least one full block of speakers live in the theatre (and the others via the screens throughout the venue).
I was especially impressed by the young professionals who took the day off work to volunteer. One called it a “humanizing experience,” and it was that.
Between sessions, the leadership team created space for connection with activations and vendors like the Royal BC Museum, Munro’s Books and local food trucks. These thoughtful touches elevated the whole experience and turned TEDxVictoria into more than just a day of talks – it became a day of belonging.
So after my inspiring day at TEDxVictoria, I highly recommend you consider attending, volunteering, or even applying to speak at this empowering local event in 2026. (There’s also TEDxRoyalRoads, by the way.)
Get curious. Get connected. Open your heart and mind – you will be glad you did.
Just don’t dilly-dally; tickets do sell out!
www.tedxvictoria.ca
