FAQs —

For those of you with inquiring minds, here are a few things to know about us!

Is TEDxSanDiego really an all-volunteer organization?

We are indeed, as it’s a TED rule. Everyone listed on the TEDxSanDiego Team page is a volunteer.
TEDxSanDiego also operates as a 501(c)(3) California not-for-profit corporation.

Do you pay your speakers or performers to appear on stage?

We never pay our speakers or performers – this is another TED rule – but we do cover cost of travel.

How much does it cost to register for a TEDxSanDiego event?

The standard cost to register for TEDxSanDiego is $100, but registration doesn’t cover our expenses.

Where does the rest of the money come from to put on your event?

We have generous Partners who contribute money, and/or goods and services to support our event.

Are partners who support the organization allowed to be on stage?

Per TED rules, partners are not allowed to be on stage, and may not influence the program’s content.

How are speakers selected to be part of each year’s program?

We begin by choosing a theme, then we select topics that support the exploration of that theme.
We’ll review hundreds of potential candidates in order to select the 12 speakers for our program.
The most important factor is whether they have an Idea Worth Spreading to share with attendees.
If you have an amazing idea, or know someone who does, fill out our Nominate a Speaker form.

Is there an age limit for attending a TEDxSanDiego event?

There is no strict age limit, but the content is most appropriate for high school students and above.

Are there topics that you don’t allow on the TEDxSanDiego stage?

We don’t feature topics which advocate political or religious agendas, nor do we allow hate speech.

So how can I become a TEDxSanDiego team member?

Complete this form on our website if you want to Join Our Team, but open positions are limited.

So how can I become a partner of TEDxSanDiego?

Complete the form on our website to Become Our Partner, we’re happy to discuss options.