Speakers Announced &
Tickets Available for TEDxChicago 2025

Our future feels uncertain, yet we are resoundingly called to what matters most: You and me. Us. Humanity, itself. At TEDxChicago 2025, we believe the most powerful force shaping tomorrow is our collective agency, imagination, desire for connection and laughter, dignity, and generosity. This year, our speakers and artists arrive on Chicago’s stage to share their ideas, showcasing their fierce commitment to unify science, technology, and sustainability with the essential principles of compassion, justice, and care.

This is our love letter to Chicago.

Join us at TEDxChicago 2025: The Future is Human.

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Event Details

Friday, September 26, 2025

TEDxGlobal Search Idea Session at 12:30 PM
The Future is Human Session 2 at 3:00 PM, Session 3 ends at 7:30 PM

Your ticket includes all sessions. Registration is open prior to all sessions.
Attendees are highly encouraged to attend the TEDxGlobal Idea Search Session in addition
to the TEDxChicago: The Future is Human sessions.

Harris Theater, Millennium Park

205 East Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

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We’re excited to share that TEDxChicago is partnering with TED to co-host the TEDxGlobal Idea Search. TED is partnering with 9 TEDx events on 6 continents to hold idea searches with the goal of finding the most remarkable undiscovered ideas that could change minds, lives, or even the world. The first of these is happening at TEDxChicago, representing North America.

TED just opened applications, and we want YOU to apply! TED is looking for bold, creative ideas that challenge the status quo. Ten finalists will be selected to give their talks onstage at a special session at TEDxChicago, and the TED team will choose one winner to give their talk at the flagship TED conference in Vancouver in April 2026.

This application is for the TEDxGlobal Idea Search Session at TEDxChicago, and is not an application to speak as part of the already selected speakers for the Future is Human sessions. Speakers identified in August.

Applications are due August 1st

Learn more and apply for a chance to give your TED Talk

This Year’s TEDxChicago Speakers

Dr. David Awschalom

Quantum Scientist and Engineer

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Natasha Pearl Hansen

Comedian, Creator & Community Architect

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Dr. Hossein Zargartalebi

Scientific Innovator in Precision Medicine

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Dr. Hareder McDowell

Community Psychologist, Author, Sexual Activist and Researcher

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Dr. Heather Zheng

Computer Scientist

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Tony Menias

Photodocumentarian

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Professor Wendy Freedman

Astronomer, Observational Cosmologist

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Nisaini Rexach

Connectivity Conductor, AI Champion, Philanthropist

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Meg Whitty

Ecosystem Innovator

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The Experience

Every ticket is all-inclusive

Note: All tickets, no matter the “Round” or experience tier, offer you the full experience, including both speaker and performance sessions (including the TEDxGlobal Idea Search Session).

EAT: Hosted snacks, desserts, and appetizers
DRINK: Hosted drinks, including beer, wine, coffee, and tea
THE STAGE: The intimate and exciting onstage experience, including 9 professionally coached TEDxChicago talks and 3 exhilarating live performances, and 10 TEDxGlobal Idea Search speakers
THE EXPERIENCE: Immersive moments and a lively, connective experiences throughout the Harris Theater lobby spaces

Schedule

Friday, September 26th

11:30 AM | Registration

12:30 PM | TEDxGlobal Idea Search Speakers

2:00 PM | Registration & Social Hour

3:00 PM | Session 1 - Talks & Performances

Speakers: Natasha Pearl Hansen, Hossein Zargartalebi, Nisaini Rexach, Heather Zheng, Dr. Mac.

5:00 PM | Intermission Party - Appetizers, Drinks, Experiences, and Connection

6:00 PM | Session 2 - Talks & Performance

Speakers: Tony Menias, Meg Whitty, David Awschalom, Wendy Freedman

7:30 PM | Event Close

This Year’s Topics

Sustainable Travel / Aviation
The Art of Noticing, Intentional Travel, Photography
Future of Work, Quantum's Global Impact
Connection and Intimacy
Ethical AI, Protecting Our Privacy, Human Identity
Innovation in Health Tech
Humor in Hindsight, Connection, Life's Twists & Turns
Fostering Relationships Fuels Your Next Opportunity
Our Galaxy, Stargazing, Next Frontier

Exciting & Exclusive Opportunities

Premium Admission

Includes premium access seating to both sessions and invites to virtual meet and greets with speakers and TEDxChicago leadership.

Become a Patron

A limited number Patron experiences are available. Learn more about this exclusive experience here. Get a Patron pass here.

Get a Livestream Pass

Livestream passes are now availabe, learn more about the Livestream Experience Pass here, and purchase them here.

Venue Information

Our home at the Harris Theater is located in the cultural heart of downtown Chicago, against the spectacular backdrop of Millennium Park – the top tourist attraction in the Midwest. As the home venue of nearly 30 of Chicago’s not-for-profit arts organizations and a presenter of great artists from around the world, the Theater boasts some of the most diverse offerings of any multi-use venue in downtown Chicago.