What started in 2011 with a few students and a big idea has quickly become one of the largest student-organized TEDx events in the United States and around the world. Each year, TEDxFoggyBottom is brought to life by over 50 undergraduate students at The George Washington University in Washington, DC and aims to bring together some of the world’s most incredible innovators, thinkers, and doers to inspire and collaborate with the Foggy Bottom community. TEDxFoggyBottom attendance has more than quadrupled since its beginning and our talks have been featured on TEDx Editor’s Picks, Upworthy, and have gathered more than 3 million views on YouTube.
About TEDx
x = independently organized TED event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.
Learn more about the TEDx program here.
About TED
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world’s leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes or less. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman.
The annual TED Conference takes place each spring in Vancouver, British Columbia. TED’s media initiatives include TED.com, where new TED Talks are posted daily; the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed. TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional individuals with a wish to change the world get help translating their wishes into action; TEDx, which supports individuals or groups in hosting local, self- organized TED-style events around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.
FAQ
How do I attend TEDxFoggyBottom?
Tickets can be purchased online, as well as in person through team members, and are generally available January through April. That said, our event sells out every year, so we recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time. Tickets are not available at the event door.
Are tickets transferrable or refundable?
No, tickets are non-transferrable and non-refundable. As such, all purchases are final. If you have any questions or concerns about attending our event, please contact our Experience Director, Gwendolyn Loeber: contact@tedxfoggybottom.com.
Can I come during the middle of a session?
As a courtesy to our speakers and performers, as well as the other attendees, we ask that attendees enter and leave the auditorium during the short breaks between each Talk. Check-in will be available throughout the entire event directly outside the auditorium doors. Ushers will also be stationed at the auditorium doors to show you to your seat during the breaks.
I am interested in joining the TEDxFoggyBottom team. How can I get involved?
TEDxFoggyBottom is organized by a passionate team of GWU undergraduate students. If you are interested, please complete the application here. Please note that team selection begins and ends in the Fall of every year. As such, we are not currently accepting new applications for our team. Stay tuned by following us on social media for updates regarding team applications.
I know someone who could give a great TEDxFoggyBottom talk! How can I nominate them?
TEDxFoggyBottom seeks the world’s movers, shakers, and innovators. Each year, many of our speakers, performers, and presenters come to us through nominations from the public. If you know of an individual or group who should share their story on the TEDxFoggyBottom stage, you can submit a nomination here. This form is available year round and every nomination is reviewed carefully by our Content Team. If you have any questions about our speaker lineup or nominating speakers, please contact our Content Director, Julia Nguyen: contact@tedxfoggybottom.com
How much are tickets for the annual TEDxFoggyBottom conference?
All tickets are General Admission and start at $20 each. We accept all major US credits cards as well as Venmo and cash through a team member.
I am unable to stay the full day.
That’s alright! We recognize that our attendees may have scheduling conflicts throughout the day. Thus, for your convenience, your ticket and name badge will grant you access to the event all day. You are welcome to come and go throughout the entire day, as needed. Check-in is also available throughout the day directly outside of the auditorium doors.
I am interested in volunteering at TEDxFoggyBottom. How can I get involved?
Every year, TEDxFoggyBottom is made possible thanks to our passionate and dedicated volunteers. While we are not currently accepting volunteer applications, the application page will be back up in Spring 2019 to GWU undergraduate students.
I am interested in partnering with TEDxFoggyBottom. How can I get involved?
TEDxFoggyBottom would not be possible without our generous partners every year. If you are interested in partnering with us, please fill out our partnership form here. If you have any questions about partnership opportunities, responsibilities, or benefits, please contact our Community Director, Corryn Barter: contact@tedxfoggybottom.com.