The University of South Carolina announced Thursday (May 3) that it will host its inaugural TEDxUofSC Tuesday, Oct. 9. Licensed by TED, known for its popular “ideas worth spreading” concept, the university’s event will feature an array of short, powerful live talks and performances for the community and campus.
 
“We’re excited to showcase the innovative and impactful work being done by members of the USC community as they seek to solve problems and inspire a better way of life,” says Wes Hickman, the university’s chief spokesperson. “TEDx presentations are viewed by millions so this partnership provides an excellent opportunity to share our story with the world. We look forward to presenting an array of high-energy TEDxUofSC speakers whose talks will spark imagination and spur learning and collaboration for our campus and community.”
 
TEDxUofSC will take place 1-7 p.m. in the university’s Alumni Center, located at 900 Senate St. Speaker nominations are being accepted through May 24 on the event website. Speaker selection will be based on the strength of the potential TED talk idea and its fit within the collection of talks. While UofSC is the host, a university affiliation is not required.
 
The theme for TEDxUofSC 2018 is “Create,” selected to inspire imagination in a complex and changing world. The event coincides with a yearlong university celebration that will include a series of offerings around a theme of creativity during the 2018-2019 academic year.
 
Tickets for TEDxUofSC are expected to sell quickly. They will go on sale to the public and campus community in late July when speakers are announced.
 
TEDxUofSC builds on a strong history of TEDx programming in the Midlands. In addition to four sold-out TEDxColumbiaSC events from 2012 to 2015, more than 50 South Carolina schools participate annually in the thriving program TEDxYouth@Columbia.
 
The nonprofit organization TED began in 1984 as a way to spread ideas in the form of free, short talks that are no longer than 18 minutes. The organization hosts an annual TED conference and features a network of licensed, locally organized TEDx events around the world.
 
For more information about TEDxUofSC, visit sc.edu/TEDxUofSC.