FAQs - TEDxCMU

What is TEDxCMU?

TEDxCMU is a locally organized TEDx event at Carnegie Mellon University. In the spirit of TED's mission of "ideas worth spreading," TEDxCMU brings together speakers, performers, and attendees to share transformative ideas and foster meaningful conversations within our community.

How can I attend a TEDxCMU event?

Event tickets are typically released a few weeks before each conference or salon. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, or sign up for our newsletter to be notified when tickets become available. Check our Events page for upcoming dates.

Can I speak at TEDxCMU?

Yes! We're always looking for compelling speakers with ideas worth sharing. You can nominate yourself or someone else through our speaker nomination form. Our speaker curation team reviews all submissions and reaches out to selected speakers well in advance of each event.

How can I get involved with the TEDxCMU team?

We recruit new team members at the beginning of each academic year. Team positions include speaker curation, marketing, finance, operations, and more. Follow our social media accounts for announcements about recruitment, or email us at tedxcmu@andrew.cmu.edu to express your interest.

What's the difference between main events and salon events?

Our main events are large-scale conferences held annually, featuring 8-12 speakers and performers over several hours. Salon events are smaller, more intimate gatherings focused on specific themes, typically featuring 3-5 speakers in a more conversational setting. Both formats aim to inspire and connect our community through powerful ideas.

Are TEDxCMU events only for CMU students?

While we're based at Carnegie Mellon University, our events are open to the broader Pittsburgh community. We welcome attendees from all backgrounds who are curious about ideas and eager to engage in thoughtful discourse.

How can I share my story with TEDxCMU?

We have an ongoing stories initiative where community members can share short video stories about their experiences, insights, and perspectives. Visit our Stories page and submit your story through our form. Stories can be about anything that has shaped your worldview or taught you something valuable.

Where can I watch past TEDxCMU talks?

Many of our past talks are available on our YouTube channel and featured on our website homepage. We're continuously working to make more content available online so that these ideas can reach a wider audience.

How is TEDxCMU funded?

TEDxCMU is primarily funded through university support, ticket sales, and sponsorships. We operate as a non-profit organization, and all proceeds go toward creating high-quality events and supporting our speakers. If you're interested in sponsoring TEDxCMU, please contact us at tedxcmu@andrew.cmu.edu.

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